INNER ATLAS COUNSELING, LLC
Nichole Grimes, MA, LPC, LMHC
"The outer journey may contain a million steps; your inner journey only has one: the step you are taking right now."
Ekhart Tolle
Origin Story
After a really difficult year, I took some time off and went looking for peace and healing in nature. It was in the silence, while sitting on a rock in the middle of Avalanche Lake, that I could finally hear my inner voice and the knowledge it held for me about my next adventure, Inner Atlas Counseling. My own therapeutic work over the years has taught me that the most profound and life changing journeys are the ones I am courageous enough to take within myself. Inner Atlas Counseling is a reflection of my love for explorations (inside and out), my belief in the value of our internal wisdom, and a respect for the innate ability of our bodies and minds to heal.
I may look outside to ponder my path, yet the directions are always within.
Kate Filmer
ABOUT ME
Nichole Grimes, MA, LPC, LMHC
-
Masters degree in Mental Health Counseling from University of South Florida
-
Licensed to provide counseling in 3 states (LPC in GA and AL, LMHC in FL)
-
12 years of counseling experience with several therapeutic specialties
-
Certified Therapist in the Lifespan Integration modality
I am a Florida native who has spent 5 years in Birmingham, AL before moving to the Atlanta area. I love to travel and explore new places with my husband, family, and friends. Our favorite trips have included hiking in National Parks or any foodie destinations. In my daily life, you will find me reading, spending time with the people I love, playing with my rescue dog, trying out a new restaurant, or planning my next trip.
I first thought about becoming a therapist after seeing a counselor during high school. Future events in my life only increased my drive to become a counselor and to offer others the same opportunity for safety and healing that I continue to receive from my own therapy. I have now had the honor of supporting people struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, various life transitions, and substance abuse for over 10 years. I love to learn and I will never stop pursuing additional training that allows me to provide therapy that is knowledgeable, as well as, compassionate.
As every therapist will tell you, healing involves discomfort. But so is refusing to heal. And over time, refusing to heal is always more painful.
~Resmaa Menaken
PHILOSOPHY
I believe in the sacred nature of the counseling relationship and create a non judgmental therapeutic environment that honors the full range of human experiences and identities. I utilize the power of a genuine, compassionate, and affirming therapeutic relationship to cultivate the safety and trust needed for change and the healing process. At the core of my philosophy is a respect for the inner wisdom of every person and the belief that the wisdom can be heard and understood more clearly when we receive the proper support, guidance, and structure. I have confidence in the human mind-body system to recover from even the most significant traumas and losses when given the right conditions and nurturing
I have an overall person centered approach that compliments my Certification in Lifespan Integration and traditional talk therapy approaches. These modalities are evidence-based practices for addressing depression, anxiety, trauma (recent and childhood), grief/loss, attachment injury, substance abuse, and stressful life transitions. I get to know my client’s unique life stories and collaboratively map out a treatment plan that reflects any specific needs or goals. I feel honored by the opportunity to encourage clients in connecting with their own inner atlas and support them in what they discover about their personal path to healing and growth.
Trauma creates change you don’t choose. Healing is about creating change you do choose.
-Michelle Rosenthal
SERVICES
INDIVIDUAL COUNSELING
I offer individual counseling to adults (18+) and adolescents (14+) on a case by case basis. If you are under the age of 18 please contact me to schedule a free 15 minute consultation to discuss your specific therapeutic needs. All identities and life experiences are welcome at Inner Atlas Counseling, LGBTQIA+ affirming.
-Taking new clients
-Accepting BCBS and Self Pay
-Telehealth sessions only at this time
LIFESPAN INTEGRATION
Lifespan Integration (LI) relies on the innate ability of the body-mind to heal itself. It is a gentle method which works on a deep neural level to change outmoded patterns and defensive strategies. There are many different LI protocols. All protocols include repetitions of a Time Line of memories and images. Viewing repetitions of one’s ‘life review’ both integrates past experience and proves to the body-mind system that time has passed. This ‘proof’ occurs at a deeper level than is possible with commonly used cognitive behavioral [talk therapy] methods. Learn more about LI therapy here and the neuroscience behind it here.
EYE MOVEMENT, DESENSITIZATION, AND REPROCESSING (EMDR)
Shapiro (1995) developed the Accelerated Information Processing model to describe and predict the effects of EMDR therapy. The AIP model hypothesizes that if the information related to a distressing or traumatic experience is not fully processed, the initial perceptions, emotions, and distorted thoughts will be stored as they were experienced at the time of the event. Shapiro argues that such unprocessed experiences become the basis of current dysfunctional reactions and are the cause of many mental disorders. She proposes that EMDR therapy successfully alleviates mental disorders by processing the components of the distressing memory. Learn more here.
The place of true healing is a fierce place. It’s a giant place. It’s a place of monstrous beauty and endless dark and glimmering light. And you have to work really, really, really hard to get there, but you can do it.
-Cheryl Strayed
GET IN TOUCH
Currently accepting new clients for Telehealth appointments only.
Currently Telehealth Only
Mailing Address
1007 Mansell Rd. Suite A205
Roswell, GA 30076
678-756-2232
RESOURCES
If you are in crisis and need immediate assistance please use the following resources.