Our counselors offer counseling for teens in Sandy Springs, GA

Hello, I'm Jessica Peterson, an Associate Professional Counselor (APC) at Thriveworks in Cumming, GA, supervised by Hannah Funderburk. I earned my M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Troy University and specialize in offering compassionate, evidence-based care to children, teens, and adults. I work with individuals facing anxiety, ADHD, OCD, depression, eating disorders, grief, and other life concerns. Whether you want to master practical self-regulation tools or simply need a safe space to be truly heard, I offer a warm, empathetic environment dedicated to helping you heal and move forward.

Therapy is a collaborative healing process—not a one-size-fits-all model. I draw from CBT, DBT, IFS, play therapy, sand tray therapy, and a variety of other therapies to meet you right where you are.  I help you uncover your strengths, develop realworld coping tools, and process past experiences so you can navigate life with better ease and clarity.

Reaching out for support takes immense courage, but you don't have to navigate this season by yourself. Whether you are seeking practical coping strategies or a compassionate place to process heavy moments, I am here to support you every step of the way. I invite you to take the first step toward regaining your footing and schedule your initial session.

Hi! My name is Michelle Flood and I am a multicredentialed, multi-degreed, and multi-disciplined mental health professional with 25 years in the healthcare field. I have a Bachelor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Studies from Miami University, a Master of Science in Art Therapy from Florida State University, and a Master of Business and Administration from Savannah State University. Although I have worked with clients of all ages, my specialty ages that I serve are the children/adolescent and geriatric populations. These populations often struggle expressing their feelings and it is my pleasure to assist!

As a therapist who has also been a client, I know the thought of trying therapy can be anxiety-provoking and stress-inducing, especially for my aforementioned specialty populations. Because of that, I specialize in making my clients feel comfortable with the therapy process so it feels like a safe space to express themselves without judgment.

Life can be so tough sometimes, making it difficult for us to engage in self-care. However, it can be so much easier to manage with a therapist's help. Being a therapy client myself has helped me so much throughout my life and I enjoy paying it forward. I would love the opportunity to work with you and assist with your self-care journey!

Sharday Watkins is a Licensed Master of Social Work with over 4 years of experience. She specializes in supporting individuals and families who have experienced trauma or are struggling with anxiety and depression. Sharday has worked in school-based and community-based therapy, giving her a broad scope of how mental health affects relationships and groups. Sharday works collaboratively with clients to provide the necessary tools and empowerment to improve their lives. She is a native of Baltimore, Maryland.

Sharday received her Master of Social Work from Liberty University. She utilizes approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, emotionally-focused therapy, art therapy, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness-based techniques.

Sharday is a compassionate and empathetic clinician ready to support you on your journey towards better mental health. If you are ready to take the first steps, she encourages you to reach out today!

Deanna Lababidi is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 5 years of experience in the mental health field. She is passionate about helping people with trauma find their strengths in their story. She enjoys helping people with intense emotions learn skills to tolerate distress, regulate their emotions, communicate more effectively, and become more mindful of joy in their lives. Deanna specializes in borderline personality disorder, depression, autism, and trauma.

Deanna utilizes multiple treatment approaches including dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, solution-focused therapy (SFT), strengths-based therapy (SBT), narrative therapy, and client-centered therapy (CCT).

What you may think are your greatest weaknesses may be harnessed and used as your greatest strengths. Deanna is confident that she will be able to provide a nonjudgmental space to explore any issues you bring to the table and give you the skills to cope with them and build a life worth living. If you are ready to do the work, schedule an appointment with her today!

Harold “Jay” Williams is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 9 years of experience in the mental health field. Jay is passionate about helping adolescents and adults address everyday stress, anxiety, and depression. He enjoys helping them learn to cope with these obstacles and walk alongside as clients overcome challenges. Jay has worked with a range of clients who have both mental and physical disabilities, he understands that everyone is unique with their own unique challenges and strengths. 

Jay completed his Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology with a minor in Family and Child Development at the University of Georgia and his Master of Education (MEd) in Professional Counseling at the University of West Georgia. He is a National Certified Counselor (NCC). Jay utilizes person-centered therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) along with whatever suits the client in their personal growth.

Since the pandemic, we have seen an increase in anxiety, depression, and stress. You are not alone in your struggle! Jay is confident that he will be able to help you work through any challenges you face. If you are ready to take the next step, schedule an appointment with him today.