Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Athens, GA

Is your life stressful and overwhelming? Are you ready to break self-destructive patterns and addictions? If your answer is yes, then help is at hand. Goal Focus Counseling Services (GFPS) incorporates faith along with psychodynamic intervention to give you an effective plan of action. Individualized attention is given to address persistent personal, relationship and work concerns. You and your family can express your feelings privately with someone who is supportive and non-judgmental. Our objective is to focus on goals to maximize your therapeutic experience. With over 20 yers. experience, we now offer video/phone sessions.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC). I have worked in the mental health field for over 17 years. I worked with I have worked with various forms of therapy techniques. I have experience working with clients who have trauma, substance use, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and other mental health issues. I would love to assist you with your healing journey.

Seeking therapy can feel vulnerable, and choosing the right therapist is an important step. My goal is to create a space where you feel heard, respected, and supported — without judgment. I believe meaningful change happens through a strong therapeutic relationship built on trust, authenticity, and collaboration.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with a background in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. My experience in private practice and community mental health has allowed me to support individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, relationship challenges, and concerns related to identity and self-worth.

My therapeutic style is empowering, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based practices. I tailor treatment to each person because no two stories are the same. I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), trauma-informed care, Person-Centered Therapy, mindfulness-based strategies, and Solution-Focused Therapy. Together, we’ll identify patterns that may be keeping you stuck, build practical coping skills, and deepen self-awareness, while also exploring underlying emotions and past experiences that shape your present challenges.

I work with adults, couples, and families. My areas of focus include anxiety and chronic stress, depression and mood concerns, trauma and PTSD, relationship and attachment issues, life transitions, self-esteem, identity development, burnout, and compassion fatigue. I strive to provide an inclusive, affirming space for individuals of all backgrounds and lived experiences.

Clients often describe me as approachable, thoughtful, and grounded.

Outside of work, I value time with family, traveling, fitness, creativity, and continued personal growth. I believe in practicing the same self-awareness and balance that I encourage in my clients.

I believe everyone deserves a safe, supportive place to talk through life’s challenges. For the past 19 years, I have worked with individuals and families navigating difficult moments, helping them find clarity, healing, and renewed strength. I work with clients of all ages and backgrounds, and I have a special passion for supporting people through grief and major life transitions.

Life can bring unexpected changes such as the loss of a loved one, relationship shifts, career changes, or other transitions that leave you feeling overwhelmed or unsure of the next step. My goal is to provide a compassionate space where you can process your experiences, feel truly heard, and begin to move forward at your own pace.

Throughout my career, I have supported clients facing grief, anxiety, stress, and life adjustments. I strive to create a warm, non-judgmental environment where you can be yourself and feel supported as we work together toward healing and growth.

I believe therapy should be tailored to you, because no single approach works for everyone. My training and background allow me to draw from different methods based on your needs and goals. I pay close attention to the thoughts, stressors, and patterns disrupting your peace, while also helping you explore the deeper roots of anxiety, emotional distress, and the challenges that may be keeping you stuck.

Many high-performing adults are used to being the one others depend on. From the outside, life may look successful and put together, but internally you may feel overwhelmed, anxious, emotionally exhausted, or constantly questioning yourself despite your accomplishments.

I specialize in working with professionals, leaders, and high-achieving adults who are balancing demanding careers, relationships, parenting, and personal expectations while struggling with anxiety, burnout, imposter syndrome, trauma, ADHD, perfectionism, or stress that never fully seems to shut off. Many of my clients are successful professionally but find themselves struggling to feel fully present at home, connected in relationships, or able to truly slow their mind down.

I also work with adults navigating depression, major life transitions, work stress, relationship challenges, and the pressure of trying to manage everything while continuing to perform at a high level. Often, the same strengths that help people succeed professionally can also contribute to chronic stress, emotional exhaustion, people-pleasing, overthinking, difficulty relaxing, or feeling like they always need to stay in control.

Therapy with me is not about judgment or simply “talking about feelings.” It is a practical, supportive, and collaborative process focused on helping you better understand yourself, improve emotional awareness, manage stress more effectively, strengthen relationships, and feel more grounded and confident in both your personal and professional life.

I bring both clinical expertise and real-world experience into our work together. I understand that many people come to therapy feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, or unsure where to start and I meet clients with patience, respect, and honesty.

I believe therapy should feel collaborative, culturally responsive, and grounded in safety. I don’t rush the process or expect clients to have everything figured out. We move at a pace that feels sustainable, while still working toward meaningful change.

Clients should also know that I value direct communication and transparency. I will offer reflections and tools when helpful, but I will always honor your autonomy and lived experience. I do not believe in pathologizing survival responses, especially when they are shaped by trauma, systemic stress, or long-term caregiving roles.

Above all, my goal is to create a space where you feel seen, supported, and empowered, a space where you can breathe, reflect, and begin to shift from surviving to living with greater clarity and intention.

Hi, I’m Dr. Linda Wickens, a doctoral-level therapist and coach who works with individuals navigating stress, life transitions, relationship challenges, and patterns that keep them feeling stuck while preventing forward movement and growth. Many of my clients are high-functioning on the outside but feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or frustrated that change feels harder than it should.

Therapy and coaching with me are never one-size-fits-all. We work collaboratively to create a plan that is specific to you, your goals, and your capacity, adjusting pace and structure as your needs evolve. I focus on helping clients understand their patterns, build emotional awareness, and develop practical skills they can actually use in daily life.

I hold a Doctorate in Social Work and am a fully licensed clinical social worker, with over nine years of experience in the mental health field. My work integrates evidence-based therapy with a coaching-informed lens when appropriate, allowing sessions to be both supportive and goal-oriented while still making space to explore the past and its impact on the present.

Clients often describe my style as warm, direct, and collaborative. As part of my concierge model, clients work directly with me rather than an assistant, and I remain accessible to my clients outside of sessions through secure communication when needed. I believe growth happens through understanding, compassion, and honest conversation, and that progress is most sustainable when care feels personal, intentional, and consistent.

Please Note: I do not provide couples or marriage counseling. Additionally, I am not able to treat clients who are experiencing active suicidal ideation or self-harm behaviors. If these services are needed, I encourage seeking a provider who specializes in these areas or contacting appropriate crisis resources if immediate support is required.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, trauma, or struggling with substance use? You may feel stuck, emotionally drained, or unsure how to move forward. I work with individuals across Georgia who are navigating depression, anxiety, trauma/PTSD, and substance use challenges. Together, we create a safe, supportive space where you can better understand what you're experiencing, build coping skills, and begin moving toward a more stable, balanced, and fulfilling life.