Healing Hearts, Transforming Lives.

ALISON KELLY, LPC, MA, DBTC

SERENITY COACHING AND COUNSELING

Alison Kelly, LPC, MA, DBTC
404-386-6130
alisonkellylpc@gmail.com

OFFICE LOCATION:
Milton/Alpharetta near Cambridge High School & King’s Ridge Christian School
(address given upon booking an appointment)

Specialities Include:
Certified Dialectical Behavioral Therapist (DBTC)
Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP)
Certified Family Trauma Professional (CFTP)
Adolescent and Family Therapy (EFFT)
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction For Teens (MBSR-T)
Board Certified Telemental Health Professional (BC-TMH)
Certified Mental Health Integrative Medicine Provider (CMHIMP)

Hello and Welcome!

Everyone needs a little support from time to time to get through the difficulties life can throw. It can begin to feel frustrating, overwhelming and even hopeless.  Whether you are seeking support for yourself or your family, counseling can be very helpful in reconnecting us with ourselves, repairing relationships, managing stress, problem-solving, self growth, or learning coping skills for emotional overwhelm. My focus is on an integrative and individualized therapeutic approach to best address each individuals and families specific needs. My style can be described as warm, welcoming, & nonjudgmental with hope and humor.

Since each person is unique, I practice an integrative and individualized style of therapy to best address his or her specific needs. I know it can sometimes be a daunting task to find a therapist that feels right for you and your family.  I try to make this process less difficult by creating a warm and welcoming environment.

My areas of expertise are working with families and teen girls. Additional specialties include personal growth, depression or anxiety reduction, self-esteem, and parenting challenges. I am a Certified Dialectical Behavior Therapist (DBTC), Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP), Certified Family Trauma Professional (CFTP), and has extensive training in Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT), and Mindfulness Bases Stress Reduction for Teens (MBSR-T). 

As a Certified Mental Health Integrative Medicine Provider (CMHIMP), I also practice a whole body approach to mental health, integrating multiple disciplines of psychotherapy and nutritional sciences. Helping clients to decrease their depressive and anxiety symptoms naturally through the use of nutrition, supplementation, and physical fitness.

Starting or returning to therapy can be one of the most positive and rewarding decisions you make. It is also important to feel comfortable in the therapeutic relationship. I invite you to schedule a free consultation to discuss your areas of concern, explore your options, and ask any questions you may have. Thank you!

From Crunches to Courage: A Journey of Resilience
- My Spinal Cord Tumor story -

Hey there! Grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let me share my story with you. It’s one of those rollercoasters that not only tests your mettle but also teaches you a thing or two about resilience and the power of the human spirit.

Back in the 90s, when neon leotards were all the rage and kickboxing classes were considered an edgy workout, I was breaking barriers. As one of the first females to become certified as a personal trainer, I was on a mission to empower women to embrace fitness. I designed and implemented personal training programs at various nationwide fitness centers before taking the plunge to open my own gym, exclusively for women. I watched women transform, not just in how they looked but in how they felt about themselves. The empowerment was contagious! Suddenly, it wasn’t just about losing weight or toning up; it was about embracing strength and confidence, breaking barriers and stereotypes one squat at a time.

It was my little sanctuary, and I wanted it to be a place where women could come together to sweat it out, find community, and embrace their journeys toward health and wellness. We focused not just on fitness, but also on weight management, nutrition, and yes, life coaching. Because let’s be honest—life can get tricky, and a little guidance can go a long way.

But just when I thought I had life figured out, it threw me a curveball. After teaching one particularly energetic kickboxing class, I noticed something strange: my toes were numb. At first, I shrugged it off, thinking maybe my shoelaces were too tight. But as days passed, the tingling sensation spiraled into full-blown numbness creeping up my legs. I consulted my doctor, who, after an inconclusive lumbar MRI, simply attributed my symptoms to “stress.” Honestly, it was disheartening. I had always felt a strong sense of intuition, and deep down, I knew something was very wrong.

Pushing through the dismissal, I pleaded for a thoracic MRI, but my doctor waved it off. The frustration of being unheard was palpable, especially as a woman often relegated to the sidelines when it came to health issues. As the numbness progressed and my body began to deteriorate, I feared the worst—multiple sclerosis seemed like the only explanation.

Then came the day of my thorasic MRI. Laying there, tears streaming down my cheeks, I felt utterly powerless. But what happened next changed everything. The radiologist, whom I am forever grateful, broke protocol and broke the news: I had one of the largest spinal cord tumors she’d ever seen. My heart sank, but there was also a flicker of relief. Finally, I had clarity.

The next day, I met with a neurosurgeon. “You need surgery immediately,” he said. However, the wait for two more weeks felt like an eternity. Every day, I lost more muscle function, and the thought of leaving my young children—ages seven, four, and just one—was a crushing weight on my heart.

On the morning of the surgery, I kissed my family goodbye, fully aware of how precarious life can be. But here’s the thing about me: when someone tells me I can’t do something, I take it as a personal challenge. I was determined to walk out of that hospital.

The surgery lasted eight grueling hours, and I suffered a heart attack during the process. When I woke up, I was in the cardiac ICU, grappling with the reality of my situation. After a week, I was moved to Neuro ICU, surrounded by patients who were paralyzed, facing their own battles. My heart ached for them, but I was also inspired.

One day, I set a goal: I would walk around the nurses' station. Gripping the railing with all my might, I put one foot in front of the other. The room was filled with cheers from young men who were also fighting their own battles. “You can do it! Do it for us!” they shouted, and with each step, I felt the spark of hope igniting within me.

Relearning to walk was an uphill climb. I mean, here I was, a fitness instructor known for my enthusiasm and pep, suddenly finding myself in a world where walking felt like scaling a mountain. Some days were hurdles—literally. I would trip over the invisible ones, feeling the weight of my limitations. There were many days of frustration and tears, especially when I couldn’t even change my baby’s diaper. They had severed most of muscles in my back, which left me struggling to use my arms. Unfortunately, I had to make the heart-wrenching decision to step away from teaching fitness classes, as my strength and coordination just didn’t bounce back the way I had hoped. It was a bittersweet moment for me, but I continued to focus on healing and finding new ways to stay active.

Fast forward to 2014, and there I was, minding my own business, when—bam! I got rear-ended by a construction truck. I remember the jolt like it was yesterday; it was like someone pressed the pause button on my whole life. Suddenly, the familiar numbness crept back in, wrapping around my body like an unwelcome guest you can’t seem to shake off.

I went through the usual rigmarole: MRIs, countless doctor visits, and a whole lot of waiting around for answers that never seemed to come. You know how it is—you meet one doctor after another, all with their own theories, and you’re left feeling like a human guinea pig. But then, I found a doctor who actually wanted to dig deeper. His persistence paid off, and soon we discovered that a disc was pressing on my nerves. Cue the surgery lights!

I underwent an anterior lumbar fusion, which, let me tell you, felt like a miracle at first. The symptoms improved almost immediately, and for a brief, shining moment, I thought I’d finally turned a corner. But life had other plans; about 18 months later, the pesky pain crept back in. Ugh! Can you believe it? The fusion had failed. Here I was, thinking I’d found my happy ending, and instead, I was back on the merry-go-round of medical procedures.

Not one to back down, I sought out another doctor, this time for a posterior fusion. And guess what? Once again, I felt the sweet relief—until two years later when I realized I was back in the ring. This time, my arms, hands, and even feet joined the party with their own special brand of discomfort. Who knew my body had such a flair for drama?

So, off I went for a cervical fusion, and I could feel the improvements almost instantly. It was like that moment in a movie where the protagonist finally finds their groove. But just when I thought I was out of the woods, life threw me yet another curveball. A year later, I got the diagnosis of arthritis in both hips. Double hip replacement, here I come! I had really hoped to skate through a year without major surgery, but life, as it turns out, has a sense of humor that’s not always funny.

As I sit here now, typing with one hand and propping up my recovering hip with the other, I’ve come to realize something important: I’m resilient. Maybe stubborn is a better word, but I like to think of it as an unwavering spirit. This first hip replacement has proven to be tougher than I bargained for, but I’m determined to get through it.

Through all these trials, I’ve learned the importance of a strong mind-body connection. Healing isn’t just physical; it’s emotional and psychological too. I leaned into the skills I’d gained from my life coaching and counseling background, helping myself regain control and take back my life.

And now, I want to share everything I’ve learned with you. If you’re navigating chronic pain or need support, I’m here—let’s connect! Remember, having the right tools and support can make all the difference in not just surviving, but thriving.

So here’s to resilience, to laughter through the tears, and to the unwavering spirit within us all! Let’s keep moving forward together!

If you would like to set up a complimentary 15 min. phone consultation or schedule an appointment, call 404-386-6130 or email alisonkellylpc@gamil.com You can also fill out the form below. Please note that counseling services are for Georgia residents only. Thank you and let me know if I can be of any further assistance.

*Please note: This form is NOT encrypted or secure. Refrain from sending any personal or confidential information via this form.

OFFICE PICTURES

FEES AND FAQ’S:

COACHING:

• 55 min. - $210 per in-person or telehealth sessions

• Coaching session are available anywhere in the USA

• Please note that scheduled appointments must be canceled 48 hours in advance to avoid being billed the full session amount.

COUPLES COACHING:

• 55 min. - $250 per in-person or telehealth sessions

• Coaching session are available anywhere in the USA.

• Please note that scheduled appointments must be canceled 48 hours in advance to avoid being billed the full session amount.

COUNSELING:

• 55 min. - $210 per in-person or telehealth sessions

• Counseling sessions are available for Georgia residents only

• Please note that scheduled appointments must be canceled 48 hours in advance to avoid being billed the full session amount.

MISSED APPOINTMENTS & CANCELLATION POLICY

It is important that you regularly attend your scheduled appointments. When there are missed sessions, it can cause a lapse in our work which may result in delayed progress. I understand that there may be extenuating circumstances and I can certainly make exceptions for them, but please understand that your appointment time is reserved for you and our work together. For these reasons, I request 48 hours notice for cancelled appointments in order to avoid a cancellation fee. The cancellation fee for less than 48 hours notice is the full cost of the session.

DO YOU TAKE INSURANCE?

While I do not take insurance,  I am more than happy to provide you with a receipt that you can submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement. Since coverage varies widely from policy to policy, there is no guarantee that my services will be reimbursed in full or in partial by your insurance company. However, some of my clients do report receiving partial reimbursement. Counseling sessions do qualify as medical expenses for the purpose of lowering your taxable income. *Coaching services are not covered by insurance companies. 

Additionally, tax laws have created new programs that may help you pay for your therapy, even if you pay out of pocket. These include Medical Savings Accounts and Pre-Tax Flexible Spending Medical Accounts. You can also deduct the cost of therapy from your taxes if you itemize. It is a medical expense. Ask your Accountant or Compensation and Benefits Administrator if you qualify for either program. You can also pay me with a credit card.

DO I REALLY NEED COACHING OR COUNSELING?  I CAN USUALLY HANDLE MY PROBLEMS. 

Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you've faced, there's nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. In fact, therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you're at in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.

WHAT IS COUNSELING LIKE?  

Every therapy session is unique and caters to each individual and their specific goals. It is standard for therapists to discuss the primary issues and concerns in your life during therapy sessions. It is common to schedule a series of weekly sessions, where each session lasts around fifty minutes. Therapy can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth. There may be times when you are asked to take certain actions outside of the therapy sessions, such as reading a relevant book or keeping records to track certain behaviors. It is important to process what has been discussed and integrate it into your life between sessions. For therapy to be most effective you must be an active participant, both during and between the sessions. People seeking psychotherapy are willing to take responsibility for their actions, work towards self-change and create greater awareness in their lives. Here are some things you can expect out of therapy:

• Compassion, respect and understanding

• Perspectives to illuminate persistent patterns and negative feelings

• Real strategies for enacting positive change

• Effective and proven techniques along with practical guidance

HOW DO COACHING AND COUNSELING WORK?

Coaching and counseling begins by taking a look at your life, relationships, and general mood to evaluate areas that you may want to focus on or shift. Your first appointment will include a questionnaire about your history, which also may guide you in establishing your goals.

Coaching and counseling works on many levels. You may notice some relief by simply having a supportive space to explore your concerns, feelings, or needs. It also may lead to behavioral changes, such as improved communication or self-care. Finally, with deeper healing, old patterns evolve into new and healthier life choices and greater fulfillment.

Coaching and counseling provides a safe environment to share all your thoughts and feelings. The goal is that, as you identify your feelings and explore why you may feel the way you do, you and the counselor will gain clarity on your particular situation. The counselor will also teach you specific techniques and/or assign specific activities to help you overcome your presenting issue. Each counseling session is focused on you and what your needs are, so it is your responsibility to tell the counselor if there is something specific you do or do not want to work on in that session.

HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL IT TAKE UNTIL I FEEL BETTER?

Many people report that counseling can be helpful even after the first session. This may be because of the relief that comes from deciding to seek help, or an opportunity to speak about problems for the first time with someone who is impartial and nonjudgmental. Relief may also come from a variety of sources, including making changes in your thoughts, behaviors, relationships, and choices, and may take time to achieve.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE FIRST SESSION?

The initial session is the time for you to start to share your story, to talk about your goals and what you would like to change. Another important aspect of the first session is deciding if we are a good fit. Do I seem like someone you can trust? We are establishing a relationship that will become the foundation for working together. You will begin to figure out some goals; I will begin to figure out how to help you get there.

The first session will also be a process of getting to know you and what you are hoping to get out of counseling. You may share as much as you feel comfortable, I will mostly likely ask you questions to help the process and gather information. Towards the end of the first session we can make a plan to address your goals. It is normal that you may feel a little apprehensive about your first session if you have not been in therapy before. However most clients report that they feel a great deal of relief at the end of the session.

HOW OFTEN WILL WE MEET?

In general, approximately six counseling sessions is recommended to begin with, but on many occasions more or less are appropriate. Clients are encouraged to take an active role in determining how many sessions are needed, depending on their goals and level of distress. The length of treatment also depends on the issue(s) presented and the level of severity.

The first 1-3 sessions will focus on evaluating your strengths, mental health needs, and goals and developing an effective treatment plan to meet your needs. Most people meet with their therapist once a week for at least 6 to 8 weeks. After that, you may meet with your therapist less often for a couple more months before mutually agreeing to terminate treatment.

WILL I HAVE TO TAKE MEDICATION?

Being seen for psychotherapy by a counselor does not necessarily mean you will need to take medications. Many psychological problems can be successfully treated without the use of medications. If you and your counselor decide that medications should be considered as a adjunct to counseling, your counselor will discuss referral options with you.  You will need to see a physician (such as a psychiatrist) to be prescribed any medications. It is important to let your counselor know about any medications you have already been prescribed.

HOW DO I KNOW WHAT COACH OR COUNSELOR IS RIGHT FOR ME?

The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and feel heard and understood. It is important for you to ask if the therapist has experience working with the type of issues for which you are seeking assistance. The coach or counselor should be able to summarize their understanding of the issues you want help with and have a preliminary plan of action. If for any reason such as scheduling conflicts or not being able to meet your specific needs, then your coach or counselor can refer you someone who is a better fit. 

WHAT IF I FEEL LIKE COACHING OR COUNSELING ISN'T HELPING?

It is very important that you provide feedback to your coach or counselor about what is or is not helpful. Much like your academic lives, coaching and counseling gives back what you put into it. Your work will be most effective when you solve problems together, which means you will need to let your coach or counselor know when something is troubling you, even if the trouble is something about your counselor! Although this can be difficult to bring up, experience has shown that such direct conversations can lead to special insights, improved working relationships, and novel opportunities for personal growth.

IS WHAT I SAY CONFIDENTIAL?

Yes.  All conversations are private and confidential.  It is also confidential information that a person is meeting with a coach or counselor. No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the client. Only in rare exceptions when the safety of a client or other is at risk can disclosure of confidential information take place. However, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule. Exceptions include:

• Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse. The therapist is required to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.

• If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person. The therapist is required to notify the police.

• If a client intends to harm himself or herself. The therapist will make every effort to work with the individual to ensure their safety. However, if an individual does not cooperate, additional measures may need to be taken.

THE “NO SUPRISES” ACT

The No Surprises Act was passed in December 2020, under Section 2799B-6 of the Public Health Act, with the aim of protecting consumers from receiving unexpected medical bills.  

The Good Faith Estimate provision of the No Surprises Act federally mandates that healthcare providers must give clients an estimate of anticipated healthcare items and services, using what is called a “Good Faith Estimate.” This took effect on January 1, 2020.    

What is a Good Faith Estimate? 

A Good Faith Estimate is an estimate of the total expected costs of non-emergency healthcare items or services. 

• Intends to offer predictability & transparency in how much clients will be charged for healthcare services prior to their appointment. 

• Includes all regularly scheduled appointments (ie. therapy sessions). 

• Does NOT include no-shows, late cancellations, or other services related to crisis care, which by definition are unexpected and cannot be predicted for the purpose of compiling a Good Faith Estimate in advance. 

• May also include consultations with client collateral contacts, fees related to paperwork requests, and other legal administrative fees related to client care, when such items are scheduled in advance. 

In my practice, I offer Good Faith Estimates that project out 12 months in advance. Essentially, your estimate will give you a reasonable idea of what to expect in terms of therapy costs for one whole year, based on my current rate and the frequency of sessions that we mutually agree upon in advance.  

What are your rights as a client?

 I support each and every client knowing their rights as it pertains to the No Surprises Act. The Good Faith Estimate offers specific protections: 

• You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate even if you get superbills from me, since I am not in-network with insurance. 

• You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare service or items. 

• You have the right to receive your Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your scheduled healthcare service or item. If a service is scheduled at least 10 business days in advance, the Good Faith Estimate must be provided within 3 business days(of the scheduling, not of the appointment itself). If a service is scheduled at least 3 business days in advance, the Good Faith Estimate must be provided within 1 business day of scheduling. 

• You have the right to request a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a healthcare service or item. For services scheduled less than 3 business days in advance, please note that a Good Faith Estimate is not required by federal law, and will not be provided for you in written form except by request. 

• You have the right to receive a requested Good Faith Estimate within 3 business days. 

• You have the right to dispute a bill that exceeds your Good Faith Estimate. The federal government offers a dispute resolution process for this purpose. 

 Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions about the dispute process or for more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, please visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.   

 What considerations should clients keep in mind?

 DISCLAIMERS: 

• The information provided in the Good Faith Estimate is only that: an estimate. Actual healthcare items, services, or charges may differ or change throughout the year, even for the long-term established clients. For new clients, I may revise your estimate once we have met and discussed more details around your symptoms, likely diagnoses, severity, and treatment plan, which may not be reflected in the Good Faith Estimate you initially receive. However, I will never schedule healthcare services or items without client consent, and clients may request an updated Good Faith Estimate at any time. 

• The Good Faith Estimate is not a contract, and does not bind, obligate, or require any client to obtain healthcare services or items from me at any time. 

• There are no federal provisions allowing clients to waive their right to a Good Faith Estimate at this time. The regulation allows clients to waive some of the protections related to balance filling, but does not allow me as a therapist to bypass the Good Faith Estimate through a waiver. As such, I am required by law to send all ongoing clients new Good Faith Estimates every 12 months; clients cannot opt-out, and are required to acknowledge receipt and understanding of each new Good Faith Estimate in order to comply with federal law so that we may continue to work together.  

Still have questions about the Good Faith Estimate? Please visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises for more guidance.

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