Sophia Varnell

I am Southern, born and raised, but with a Global twist. I have lived and worked in 8 different States (South/Midwest/East Coast) and spent some time in my early adolescence living in Europe. I come from a very large extended family and have had pets most of my life. Currently, the proud "Pet Mom" to two fur-kids who like taking walks on the local hiking trail. I enjoy being out in nature as much as possible. My favorite dish to prepare: Dessert. I have a sweet-tooth like no other. I'm an HBCU graduate, Spelman College, where I received a BA-degree in Psychology. After graduating with my undergraduate degree, I worked in: Community Mental Health Resources, Hospital/In-patient settings, a Residential Addiction/Eating Disorder Treatment Center for Women, a Residential Institute for Children/Adolescents, a Juvenile Detention Center, a Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program, a Private Practice, Law Firm-EAP, and an LGBTQI+ Community Resource Center for Young Adults. After gaining some work experience, I received my Master's degree in Counseling Psychology from William Carey University. I am experienced with working with under-served communities, Adolescents, Adults, LGBTQI+, Military (Active/Veteran), and Geriatric populations. My treatment experience includes: Depression, Generalized Anxiety, PTSD, Substance Use Disorders, Grief, Adjustment to Life Transitions, Work-related stress, Relationship/Family issues, Gender/Sexual Identity issues, Late Life issues, and other Trauma related issues.

The foundational focus for me is building trust and creating an open-minded, honest, and empathetic space where you can explore and express the fullness of your identity, thoughts, and feelings. My approach is integrative, holistic, and collaborative. Blending various therapies and techniques to assist with addressing your individual needs and goals. You are the architect of your life and with humor, creativity, and participation together we can create the key that unlocks the many doors that lead to you discovering your empowered and affirmed Self.

The first session will be an opportunity for us to get to know each other, without expectations, and have an exchange similar to a casual conversation. We will explore and discuss your background history, coping strategies, any past therapy experiences, the current/past situation that brought you to therapy, and any goals or questions you may have. It's common to experience a level of anxiety or discomfort with sharing personal details about your life to someone new. Only share what you feel comfortable with sharing in the moment. The space we will be creating will be for you and we can design/define it to suit your individual needs and comfort. Later, we will discuss if we both think this would be a good fit as a working relationship. If we both decide, we will continue by establishing an initial treatment plan and schedule our next session. As we will be meeting remotely, please be aware that one or both of my dogs may make an appearance. Also, if you have any dietary or medical needs in the time we have together please feel free to communicate that with me. Your health and care will always be primary.