Mimi McDonald, LPC

FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR

Hello!  Thank you for visiting my site.  I believe that you are not here by accident.  

I believe we need HOPE in order to begin the change process. As your counselor, my goal is to help you rediscover your hope. 

Together we will find your hope in life by discovering your purpose, overcoming your fears that hold you back, believing you are valuable, lovable, and acceptable just the way you are; and utilizing your strengths in becoming the person you were created to be. I use concepts from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and Brief Solution Focused Therapy to support the process of change. I invite you to share your hopes and your fears knowing that they are important to me and will be used to shape your personal treatment.  It is my sincere hope that you will find a place to rest from the demands of life at Haven Counseling Center.

I provide individual, group, and family counseling to adults, adolescents, and middle school children; and have a wide range of experience working in private practice, special education, and hospital case management with a focus on mental and emotional well-being.  

Over the years, my experience has taught me that truly helping my clients involves a process of finding hope as we explore the impact of the past on the present and by creating a safe space for sharing feelings, identifying values, and setting goals that ultimately propel each client towards a brighter future.

Jessica Brown, LPC, NCC, CAADC

COUNSELOR

People generally begin seeing me because they are facing challenges such as relationship distress, addictive or compulsive behaviors, separation/ divorce, post-traumatic stress disorder, school difficulties, depression and/or anxiety. Much of my experience has been helping clients find balance in their lives and re-focus on values important to them. What I provide is a healing and non-judgmental space on your journey as you utilize your own strengths and insights about yourself building the momentum you need for healing and change. I will approach your problems in a way that works with how you think and what you believe. I use an integrative approach combining elements of Behavioral Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Narrative Therapy and Solution-focused Therapy to use evidence-based practices in our work together.

I provide individual, couple and family therapy for people who are facing challenges. I have worked in a multitude of settings such as: private practice, school-based, inpatient, residential, substance abuse (MAT), community mental health and managed care. I have worked extensively with individuals/families struggling with Substance Use and Trauma for the last ten years and have specialized training in working with Military Veterans.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Georgia. I also hold certifications as a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and as an Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC).

Marcus Golston-Thomas LPC, NCC

COUNSELOR

You have the impression that no one understands you, or, worse, that no one will listen no matter how hard you try to explain. You look around, and your circumstances have led you to believe that life couldn’t possibly be more, that it was a broken thing far beyond saving. You keep thinking about past disappointments, pain, or loss and decide it’s easier to keep everything bottled up inside. Yet, when you interact with your family, friends, and colleagues they appear to be happy, healthy, and living their best lives. You want a better life for yourself and believe it is possible, but you’re not sure how to get the ball rolling.

You want to strive for the greatness that exists within you. You desire a sense of belonging and connection to life, one that provides meaning and purpose. While you’re in therapy, you could be yourself. You get to be vulnerable and explore the anxieties and difficult emotions you’re afraid to share with the people you love. Together we will define your vision for change as you take steps to live a life of healing and growth. Your life is priceless and has enormous value in the eyes of the world. You are not alone.

Life can be extraordinarily demanding; however, you can take control of your life with the convenience of evening and weekend appointments. Please feel free to contact me by phone or email with any additional questions. All calls and emails are confidential.

Maria Ngangha, MAMFT

COUNSELOR

Have you ever felt as if you failed your child as a parent? Does your child no longer have that same bubbly smile and personality? You see the pain and emptiness in your child’s eyes, and you just want to help them heal emotionally. Your child’s behaviors often disrupt family events or the classroom. Often times, you wonder where is their joy? Why are they so angry? Do you feel like you have exhausted your options? Are your goals to restore calm in your home?

You want to find a breakthrough to restore the love within your family. Learn to support your child through their Traumas, A.D.H.D., Depression, Anxiety, and other social or psychological issues. Educate and equip yourself and your family with therapeutic techniques to help ease the numbness, emptiness, and pain within your loved one.

Allow me to join you in finding the answer to life’s roadblocks by getting to know yourself, your spouse, and/or your children. Become your authentic self and restore the calm in your life.

Kathy Darnell, LPC

COUNSELOR

Are you feeling broken or in need of fixing? We all need someone we can count on to help us sort through the challenges of life and who isn’t part of our daily mix. Sometimes you need additional resources to help you work through your problems. Other times you need help healing from the painful experiences of your past. Whatever your struggle, you should know there is hope for a better tomorrow.

Together, we will collaborate on your goals working to develop a life you love and enjoy. We will focus on building healthy coping skills, improving your relationships, increasing your mindfulness, and being able to enjoy the relationships and the world around you.

Focusing on your needs, we will work to unpack your unique narrative to better understand who you are. In a safe and nonjudgmental space come explore, challenge, heal, and nurture your authentic self. If you would like to see if I am a good fit for you, please reach out today with your questions.

Ja’Monica Dean MS Clinical Psychology,Clinical Counseling

COUNSELOR

You are more than what you’ve been through, and therapy can be a space where your story begins to feel empowering instead of heavy. You may not know exactly what’s wrong, only that something feels off. Maybe you feel stuck, disconnected, easily overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, or like you’re just trying to get through each day. If you’ve ever found yourself thinking “I should be fine, but I’m not,” you are not alone and you do not have to navigate that experience by yourself.

In our work, we can navigate feelings of overwhelm, emotional stuckness, anxiety, trauma, or life transitions. You deserve care that honors your voice, your identity, and your story.

My approach is grounded in Narrative Therapy, which means I believe you are not the problem, and the problem is the problem. Through our sessions, we explore the stories that have shaped your experiences and gently shift patterns connected to self-doubt, emotional overwhelm, or painful past events. Our work focuses on building healthier narratives rooted in your strengths, resilience, and values.

Healing does not require perfection, only willingness and support. If you are ready to begin or restart your journey toward clarity, confidence, and emotional balance, I would be honored to walk alongside you.

Tamara Frierson MS CMHC, NCC, APC

COUNSELOR

In life, it often feels as if your best is never enough. You may feel stuck, as though you are taking steps forward only to be pushed back, or as if you are screaming for help in a room where no one can hear you. It is common to feel unseen, misunderstood, or pressured to have everything figured out while others fail to recognize the depth of your struggle.

 As a compassionate therapist, I am dedicated to helping you navigate these complexities. I believe therapy is more than a profession; it is my calling. My approach is rooted in empathy, and I prioritize creating a safe, non-judgmental space where you can feel truly heard, understood, and valued.

 I utilize Person-Centered Therapy and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, adopting an eclectic approach to meet you wherever you are in each session. Whether you are addressing trauma, life transitions, identity, self-confidence, anxiety, or depression, my goal is to empower you to find your inner strength and achieve meaningful change.

 If you are looking for a warm, collaborative, and client-focused experience tailored to your unique needs, I welcome you to a therapeutic relationship dedicated to your self-awareness, emotional balance, and long-term personal growth.