Deon L Sanders

Licensed Psychotherapist | Author | Life Coach | Teacher

"Many Titles But Only One Mission,
Healing My People With Love"

My name is Deon L Sanders and I am a Licensed Psychotherapist residing in the state of Georgia. I am also the Owner/CEO of Seek Wise Counsel and The Sanders Center for Recovery & Mental Wellness. I and my staff, specialize in African American psychology, CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) Psychodynamic Therapy, Existential, DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), Schema Therapy, Gestalt, Trauma Focused CBT and IFS. My specific training and education in African American Psychology has provided me knowledge, research, and a deeper subconscious understanding of how the residual effects of slavery, and religious trauma hinders African American families, relationship building, thoughts and feelings to help communities and people of color heal. I have 18 years of experience providing Individual, Couples, Marriage, Family and Group Therapy.

Individual/Family/Group Therapy Approach:

I specialize in African American psychology, Skills , CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) Psychodynamic, Existential , Gestalt and Trauma Informed Care Treatment Modalities
l also am knowledgeable of how the residual effects of slavery, and religious trauma hinders African American families, and relationship building, and I utilize this to help communities and people of color heal.
When helping my people I utilize a culturally inclusive technique called Black Therapy where I utilize theory based practices combined with cultural beliefs, practices and systems to identify, and assist clients with healing generational traumas and toxic thinking.

Couples/Marriage Therapy Approach:

I have been doing couples work for about 12 years now and I absolutely love it. I utilize a few modalities such as Gottman, Black Therapy (Cultural Based Clinical Interventions) Psychodynamic, DBT, TFCBT, and CBT.

My Approach:

My initial goal is to determine the Relationship History/Timeline and then discover the why behind the chaos, conflicts and barriers to intimacy, empathy, communication and partnership. I then give you skills, tools and interventions to work on individually and collectively to improve the relationship dynamics.

In my experience, with my approach, it takes about 6-8 months of weekly or biweekly sessions (depending on the types of conflicts/issues) for couples to feel some type of change in their dynamics or to determine that the relationship needs to be dissolved amicably and about 12-18 months for that change or end of relationship in to be solidified.

Main Areas of Focus of Alignment, Repair, and Reconciliation work for Couples:

Intimacy (Emotional and Sexual, Body Language, Body positioning when communicating, Removing distractions, Physical Presentation, Emotional Presentation)
Spiritual/Religious Beliefs (Forgiveness, Love, Morals, Values)
Finances (Saving Habits, Spending Habits, Knowledge, Goals)
Communication Styles/Conflict Resolution Skills
Boundaries (Family, Friends, Work, Grounds for Divorce)
Parenting (Style/Expectations/Education)
Family Vision (legacy, lifestyle, wealth, community involvement, partner expectations/responsibilities)

For some couples this will be a premarital framework if the couple is not legally married. This framework work is designed to help couples ensure they are aligned with parenting styles, gender roles/expectations and family/friend boundaries. This framework is also designed ensure they are emotionally, mentally, financially and spiritually aligned and ready for marriage.

For some couples this will be repair/reconciliation framework designed to help the couple heal from infidelity, poor communication, lack of empathy, lack of intimacy, lack of agreement in parenting styles, lack of balance in marriage/house responsibilities and a lack of boundaries with work, family and friends.

For some couples find themselves in toxic relationships that are filled with abuse. Multiple instances of betrayal, pain and hurt. For these couples we attempt to detoxify the relationship first, and if that fails, we then help couples separate to see if the individuals can do the work individually to make reconciliation & repair safe and possible. If not this will be where we utilize the dissolving framework where we help couple end the relationship/marriage with the least amount of harm as possible.

If you aligned with the above, let’s start your healing journey together. I look forward to walking with you, every step of the way…

-LivesOnPurpose-

My Team

Tricia Lopez

APC/NCC/CPMA/CPC

I am an associate level Professional Counselor that is a Certified Trauma Professional (CTP) as well as National Board Certification (NCC). I am passionate about working with adults, young adults and couples of diverse backgrounds and cultures with an authentic, individualized approach based on a spirit of mutuality.

I am a LGBTQIA+ affirming therapist and strongly believe that every person has the capacity to be the expert of their life and chosen path. My goal is to walk with you on this path and provide a safe space to discover your true potential.

I am experienced in working with people suffering with depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma, navigating obstacles in their life path, grief and those who find themselves struggling to re-define their self identity.

My approach is considered integrative because I feel strongly that there is not one set approach that will support each and every individual.

Summer Burns

APC, NCC

"Our wounds are often the opening into the best and most beautiful part of us." - David Richo

This powerful quote encapsulates the paradox of finding beauty in pain. Through our struggles, we often discover the capacity for growth, joy, and love. While life's ups and downs can challenge our mental health, experiencing and working through difficult emotions can lead to profound personal transformation.

My ideal clients are those who have faced significant trauma—whether from childhood adversity, recent life events, or ongoing stress. They often struggle with anxiety, depression, or PTSD, feeling disconnected from their emotions and finding it challenging to form trusting relationships. I recognize that seeking support can be a vulnerable step, and I strive to provide a compassionate environment where clients can explore their feelings at their own pace. My clinical experience spans diverse populations and settings, informing my empathetic approach to therapy..

I specialize in helping individuals navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, and addiction, employing evidence-based practices such as trauma-informed Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Brainspotting, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). My goal is to empower clients on their healing journeys, fostering resilience and growth. Together, we can navigate how your past shapes your present, allowing you to embrace your beautifully human experience. My person-centered approach ensures that each individual's unique experiences and values are respected, creating a safe space for healing and self-discovery.

Her goal is to meet individuals exactly where they are in their healing journey and guide them toward becoming the best versions of themselves. If you're seeking a compassionate ally to support your growth and transformation, Asia is here to assist you on this empowering path.

In addition to my therapeutic techniques, I embrace a spiritual approach that centers on love, grace, and compassion. I believe that healing is not just a psychological process but also a deeply spiritual journey. By fostering an environment filled with unconditional love and understanding, I aim to help clients reconnect with their inner selves and cultivate self-compassion. This holistic perspective encourages personal growth and resilience, allowing individuals to experience grace in their healing journey and develop a profound sense of peace and purpose. Together, we can explore the spiritual dimensions of your experiences, enriching your path to recovery.

Asia Davis

MS, S/T

Meet Asia, a dedicated therapist with a profound commitment to guiding children, adults, and families on their transformative journey to healing. Equipped with a Bachelors in Psychology and a Masters in Counseling, she is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision, specializing in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling.

Her passion centers around providing an empathetic and unbiased professional listening ear, helping individuals navigate through the complexities of trauma, life transitions, and relationship challenges. She specialize in addressing a spectrum of mental health issues, including Major Depressive Disorder, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, and more.

She firmly believes in the power of turning pain into purpose, embracing a judgment-free approach to counseling. Proficient in therapeutic modalities such as Inner Child Healing, CBT, DBT, ACT, strength-based therapy, and trauma-based therapy, she bring a diverse set of skills to the team.

Unique Allen

Unique Allen, RN, brings over 14 years of dedicated experience in the healthcare industry, with a diverse background that includes positions in pulmonology, hematology, oncology, primary care, in-patient psychiatric facilities, long-term care, emergency community care, and home care. Having transitioned from a Licensed Practical Nurse to a Registered Nurse, Unique possesses comprehensive knowledge and hands-on expertise in delivering compassionate care to patients across all age groups - from children to adults.

Throughout her career, Unique has been committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care, while advocating for the physical and emotional well-being of those under her supervision. With a steadfast dedication to healing and helping others, she embodies a passion for making a positive impact on individual lives, one person at a time.

In her new role as a Registered Nurse, Unique is poised to continue her unwavering commitment to excellence in the field, leveraging her breadth of clinical experience and unwavering compassion to deliver exceptional healthcare to those in need.

Danielle Luckett

MS/ST

Typically, a therapist will start by conducting an assessment to understand the patient’s
severity of symptoms, history and what their goals are for therapy. This would include
discussing emotions, life events, and daily functioning routines. The appropriate
treatment plan, which might include therapy, medication, or a combination of both, can
then be developed based on the assessment.

Addressing childhood trauma involves a therapeutic process. As the therapist, I would
start with a thorough assessment to understand the nature and impact of the traumatic
experience. Establishing a trusting therapeutic relationship is essential. It allows the
client to explore and process their experiences. Collaboratively, the client and I would
develop a treatment plan that would include coping strategies and building resilience.
Trauma-focused therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Rational
Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT) can be effective.

As a person and a therapist, I conduct myself with compassion, empathy and making
sure to provide clients with individualized care that fits their needs. I have had the
opportunity to work with various populations including the LGBTQ+ community,
adolescents, the elderly, same sex and heterosexual couples. My most experienced
area of expertise is with clients who suffer from childhood trauma, anxiety, and
depression, combined and separately. I consider myself a professional who leans toward
client-centered therapy but will always use methodologies that fit best for each client. It
is most important for my clients to feel a comfortable and trusting connection with me as
their therapist.

One of the things I see most with the clients I have worked with, is the feeling that they
are alone in their experiences. For that reason, providing groups for individuals who are
similar in age, diagnosis, and experiences would be an area in which I would enjoy
facilitating a group experience. I find that teenagers tend to prosper and heal when they
have peer support. My availability for this type of group would be Saturday mornings
between the hours of 10am to 3pm. Most importantly, I would discuss agreeable times
with the groups member and choose a time that best suits them as a whole.

As a professional counselor, it’s essential to recognize the importance of incorporating
fun and self-care into your life. Amidst the demands of work and family, I finding time for
joy and relaxation is crucial for maintaining overall well-being. Engaging in activities like
swinging at the park, having picnics, listening to music, exploring new cultures through
travel, and experimenting with cooking are some of the wonderful ways I nurture my
mental and emotional health. Always remember to prioritize self-care and activities that
bring you happiness and fulfillment.

Halimah Barlow

MS, S/T

One of the beautiful quotes I completely inner stand is “-"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” -Chinese Proverb. This quote provides clarity on we have to start somewhere in order to get through this long journey of life! Give yourself much love for taking this first step of embarking on your personal journey rather it’s, an journey of healing, self-awareness, self-love, transformation, spirituality , wellness, preparation, as the list can go on, because everyone journey is their own and it’s always this journey of life! Give yourself the grace you deserve as there will be many more steps along your journey. Rather your journey consist of trauma , childhood trauma , anxiety, stress, depression, low self-esteem & confidence, life transition, and lack of direction therapy can assist with navigating you along this path of life. I am here to meet you where you are and assist with navigating this path while stepping into your inner-strength and break through the obstacles along your path.

I follow a holistic approach to well-being, with therapeutic techniques that addresses healing the mind,body and soul. While I follow many modalities I ensure each align with that specific person because your journey is your own I tend to address issues based on core values of childhood experiences , self love, self-esteem, cultural and spiritual diversity, holistic wellness, and resilience.

I have experience in childhood trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, anger management, suicidal ideation, self-acceptance , life purposes and life transition. While I have an expertise in play therapy for children, Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) , Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) , Trauma -Focused Cognitive Therapy (TF-CBT).

I am passionate about what I do which is assisting with healing in our community . Above all, my goal is to empower clients to lead fulfilling lives and embrace their true higher selves. With kindness, warmth, and genuine care, I am here to support you on your journey towards healing, growth and wellness.

Trevor Francois

APC, NCC

As a therapist specializing in Adlerian, humanistic, and behavioral therapies, I am deeply committed to helping individuals unlock their full potential and live with greater purpose and confidence. My approach integrates the strengthening in your in the power of individual agency, social connection, and seeing you display your personal growth in its best light through mindfulness, balance, and inner harmony.

With an extensive background in adolescents who are navigating anxiety, trauma, and self-esteem challenges. I aim to guide you in understanding your unique strengths, overcoming past obstacles, and moving forward with clarity and confidence to foster a new and deeper understanding of your resilience. Being rooted in empathy and collaboration, my style is free-flowing, interactive, and based on building a strong therapeutic relationship; so, let’s work together to tackle life’s challenges with grace and pride!

Haya Devonish

MS, S/T

Tiffany "Haya" Devonish, is a compassionate, down to earth, and motivated graduate of Capella University, where she earned her Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy. Embarking on her second career, she is passionate about helping individuals, couples, and families navigate challenges, grow, and strengthen their relationships. With a deep commitment to personal and professional development, she strives to make a meaningful impact as a therapist by creating a safe, supportive space for her clients to thrive.

Tiffany Haya completed her BA degree at Georgia State University. Prior to pursuing her career in therapy, Tiffany Haya spent over 10 years excelling in property management, including home associations and mixed-use property management. This extensive experience honed her organizational, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills-qualities she now brings to her therapeutic practice.

Originally from the Midwest, Tiffany Haya has called Atlanta, Georgia, home for the past 23 years. Outside of her professional life, she is an enthusiast of the arts, an avid reader, a lover of travel, and a connoisseur of delicious coffee. She also enjoys music and values quality time with her family, which includes her husband and children.

As she continues to grow and evolve in her career as a therapist, Tiffany "Haya" Devonish is dedicated to lifelong learning and honing her skills to best serve her clients. She is driven by a desire to make a positive, lasting impact, especially by contributing to the well-being of BIPOC communities and enhancing the quality of family relationships.

Seek Wise Counsel is community based non profit using cultural
specific workshops, retreats, groups, community based events to provide counseling, therapy and life coaching services to communities of color.

INSURANCES ACCEPTED

Deon L Sanders

Licensed Psychotherapist | Author | Life Coach | Teacher

"Many Titles But Only One Mission, Healing My People With Love"

My Team

Seek Wise Counsel is community based non profit using cultural specific workshops, retreats, groups, community based events to provide counseling, therapy and life coaching services to communities of color.

INSURANCES ACCEPTED

"Many Titles But Only One Mission,
Healing My People With Love"

Seek Wise Counsel is community based non profit using cultural
specific workshops, retreats, groups, community based events to provide counseling, therapy and life coaching services to communities of color.