Question 1

What is counseling or therapy?

Accepted Answer

Counseling is a collaborative process where you work with a trained professional to explore concerns, gain insight, and develop skills for emotional, mental, and relational well-being. It's a confidential, dedicated space to work through what's troubling you — whether that's grief, anxiety, relationship patterns, past trauma, or a general sense of feeling stuck. The goal isn't to tell you what to do; it's to help you gain insight, develop new tools, and move toward the life you actually want.

Question 2

How do I know if therapy is right for me?

Accepted Answer

If you've been feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or like you're just going through the motions — therapy is worth exploring. You don't need to be in crisis to benefit. Common reasons include anxiety, depression, complex grief, relationship struggles, narcissistic abuse recovery, life after diagnosis, or wanting healthier coping skills. Many clients come to Carmody Counseling simply wanting to understand themselves better, communicate more effectively, or finally stop repeating patterns that aren't serving them.

Question 3

I've tried therapy before and it didn't help. Why would this be different?

Accepted Answer

Therapeutic fit matters enormously — and so does who your therapist is. Laura brings both clinical training and personal experience with the issues she specializes in, which means she's not just applying theory. Her approach is collaborative and tailored to your specific needs, not a one-size-fits-all model. She also offers Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) for trauma, which can produce results much faster than traditional talk therapy. If something isn't working, she'll say so and adjust.

Question 4

What questions should I ask when looking for a therapist?

Accepted Answer

You might ask about their training, areas of specialty, approach to therapy, and experience with your specific concerns. A free consultation is a great way to get a feel for the fit before committing to a full session. Laura offers a free 15-minute consultation call for exactly this reason. If you're looking for a therapist in Atlanta, Marietta, or Sandy Springs GA, she'd love to connect.

Question 5

Is there a consultation call before I commit to a session?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Laura offers a free 15-minute consultation call so you can ask questions, get a feel for her approach, and make sure it's the right fit before scheduling your first full session.

Question 6

How do I schedule an appointment?

Accepted Answer

To set up an appointment, or if you have any questions, you can contact Laura several ways — by phone or text at (843) 410-3596, by email at Laura@CarmodyCounseling.com, or through the contact form on this website. She looks forward to hearing from you.

Question 7

What do I need before my first appointment?

Accepted Answer

To set up an appointment, or if you have any questions, you can contact Laura several ways — by phone at (843) 410-3596, by email at Laura@CarmodyCounseling.com, or through the contact form on this website. She offers individual counseling in Atlanta, Marietta, and Sandy Springs and virtually throughout Georgia. She looks forward to hearing from you.

Question 8

What is the first counseling session like?

Accepted Answer

Your first session is primarily a chance for Laura to get to know you — your background, your goals, and what brought you in. There's no pressure to share everything right away. Laura will ask questions to understand your situation and begin building a picture of how she can best support you. She’ll also talk about her style and approach to therapy. Whether you're seeking grief counseling, trauma therapy, anxiety support, or help with self-esteem, the first session is always tailored to you.

Question 9

Are you offering virtual or in-person sessions?

Accepted Answer

Laura offers in-person, virtual, and hybrid sessions. In-person sessions are available through her partnership with the Attached Counseling Collective, located at 2480 Windy Hill Road SE, Suite 210, Marietta, GA 30067, serving Atlanta, Marietta and surrounding neighborhoods. Virtual sessions are conducted through Doxy, an encrypted HIPAA-compliant platform, and are available to anyone in Georgia — including Marietta and beyond. A device with a camera and basic internet connection is all you need.

Question 10

I’m not sure about doing online therapy, is it effective?

Accepted Answer

Research shows that online therapy in Georgia is as effective as in-person therapy for most issues. It is not well-suited for acute psychiatric events or crisis intervention, but for grief counseling, anxiety therapy, trauma therapy, narcissistic abuse recovery, and self-esteem counseling it is equally as effective. Laura has been offering virtual sessions since 2021 and many clients prefer the flexibility it offers.

Question 11

How long are therapy sessions?

Accepted Answer

Standard sessions are 50 minutes. Laura also offers extended 80-minute sessions, which are particularly well-suited for Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) in Atlanta.

Question 12

How often should I come to therapy?

Accepted Answer

Session frequency is something you and Laura will determine together based on your goals, schedule, and clinical needs. Many clients seeking individual counseling in Atlanta begin with weekly sessions and adjust over time as they progress.

Question 13

How long will I be in therapy?

Accepted Answer

The length of therapy varies widely depending on what you're working through. Some clients — particularly those using ART for trauma therapy in Georgia — experience significant relief in just a few sessions. Others prefer ongoing support over many months, or even years. There's no set timeline — your therapy ends when you feel ready.

Question 14

How much do you charge per session?

Accepted Answer

Sessions are 50 minutes with a flat rate of $195. Extended 80-minute sessions are $292.50. Sliding scale appointments may be available based on financial need, upon request. Laura offers individual counseling in Atlanta, Marietta, and Sandy Springs at these rates, as well as virtual sessions throughout Georgia

Question 15

Do you accept insurance?

Accepted Answer

Laura does not directly contract with insurance companies — she is an out-of-network provider. As of May 2025, she has partnered with Mentaya, a HIPAA-compliant benefits checker that quickly and easily lets you know if your insurance plan reimburses for out-of-network therapy. Insurance companies often reimburse a percentage of the fee, usually after you meet an out-of-network deductible. If your insurance provides reimbursement, you can either file on your own using a Superbill Laura provides, or have Mentaya file for you for a 5% fee per claim. Mentaya guarantees claims are successfully submitted or provides a full refund of their fees.

Go here to learn more: https://mentaya.com/checkbenefits/nm5cVxpGgOea4uOAiiBH . 
Laura does not benefit in any way from your participation.

Question 16

What if I need to cancel my appointment?

Accepted Answer

Appointments canceled with more than 24 hours' notice will be canceled at no charge. If canceled with less than 24 hours' notice, you will be responsible for the full session fee. Emergencies are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Question 17

Is Laura an LGBTQIA+ affirming therapist?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Laura is a proud LGBTQIA+ ally and welcomes clients of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions. She offers LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy in Atlanta, Marietta, and virtually throughout Georgia.

Question 18

What does LCSW mean and what does it qualify Laura to do?

Accepted Answer

LCSW stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker — one of the most widely recognized mental health licensures in the United States. To earn an LCSW, Laura completed a Master of Social Work degree, accumulated thousands of hours of supervised clinical experience, and passed a national licensing exam. An LCSW is fully qualified to diagnose and treat mental health conditions, provide individual counseling, and offer crisis intervention. Laura also holds a certification in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) — an advanced trauma treatment modality available to clients in Atlanta and Sandy Springs and virtually throughout Georgia.

Question 19

What is Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)?

Accepted Answer

ART is a fast, evidence-based trauma therapy that uses guided eye movements to help the brain replace distressing memories and images with neutral or positive ones of your choosing. Unlike traditional talk therapy, ART doesn't require you to describe your trauma in detail. Many clients experience significant relief from PTSD symptoms, flashbacks, and nightmares within one to two sessions. Laura is a certified ART therapist in Atlanta, having earned her certification in September 2025. Accelerated Resolution Therapy is available in person in Atlanta, Marietta, and virtually throughout Georgia. It can also be done in conjunction with talk therapy; if you see a therapist for talk therapy already, Laura can meet with you for adjunct trauma therapy only if desired.

Question 20

Who is therapy at Carmody Counseling right for?

Accepted Answer

Laura works with adults 18 and older. She has a particular passion for working with women navigating grief counseling, trauma therapy, anxiety, narcissistic abuse recovery, and self-esteem counseling — though she welcomes clients of all genders and backgrounds. She also facilitates monthly support groups for cancer support patients and survivors through Northside's Cancer Support Community. Laura serves clients in Atlanta, Marietta, and surrounding neighborhoods – in person, and works virtually with clients throughout Georgia navigating complex grief, PTSD, life after diagnosis, and relationship recovery.

Question 21

Is therapy confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes. What you share in sessions is protected by strict confidentiality laws and professional ethics. There are limited legal exceptions — such as imminent risk of harm to yourself or others — which Laura will review with you during your intake process.

Question 22

How is my information stored and protected?

Accepted Answer

All client records and communications are handled through a HIPAA-compliant platform. Virtual sessions are conducted through an encrypted HIPAA-compliant video service. Your privacy is taken seriously at every level.

Question 23

What kinds of results can I expect from therapy?

Accepted Answer

Clients at Carmody Counseling often describe leaving sessions feeling less overwhelmed and more like themselves. Over time, common outcomes include relief from anxiety and depression, the ability to set and hold healthy boundaries, freedom from traumatic memories and flashbacks, a stronger sense of self-worth, healthier relationship patterns, and more joy in daily life. Whether you're seeking grief counseling in Atlanta, trauma therapy in Marietta, or online therapy throughout Georgia — real change is absolutely possible.

Question 24

What if I have more questions?

Accepted Answer

Laura would love to hear from you. Call (843) 410-3596, email Laura@CarmodyCounseling.com, or use the contact form on this website.

Frequently Asked Questions About Counseling and Therapy at Carmody Counseling

Starting therapy can feel like a big step — and it's natural to have questions.