Benjamin Gatliff

Therapy isn’t just about sitting in a room and talking—it’s about transformation. And transformation requires more than just credentials. It requires a therapist who brings not only clinical expertise, but heart, grit, and a deep understanding of what healing actually takes.

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I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 22 years of hands-on experience in the mental health and addiction treatment field. My work has spanned nearly every type of environment—community mental health centers, prisons, jails, psychiatric hospitals, and beyond. And through it all, one truth has stood out:

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Healing happens when people feel seen, valued, and safe.

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A Strong Foundation—Clinically and Personally

My academic path began with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Georgia College and State University, followed by a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from Fort Valley State University. But education alone doesn’t prepare someone to sit with the pain, fear, or hope of another person. It’s the experience that refines a clinician—and I’ve spent over two decades doing exactly that.

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In addition to clinical practice, I’ve also been deeply involved in service work—volunteering my time in hospice settings, food banks, The Salvation Army, and community counseling programs. My commitment to helping others isn’t confined to an office. It’s a way of life.

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A Safe, Judgment-Free Zone for Growth and Change

Clients often come to me carrying not just their pain, but also a fear of being judged—or worse, misunderstood. That’s why I’ve built my practice around one central promise:

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You will be met with openness, authenticity, and unconditional respect.

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My therapy style is direct yet compassionate, rooted in deep listening, humor, and honesty. You don’t need to filter yourself here. This is your space to explore, unravel, rebuild—and ultimately, heal.

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Evidence-Based, Personalized Care

I take an integrative approach, drawing from powerful, research-supported modalities, including:

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – to help you examine and challenge unhelpful thinking patterns

Reality Therapy – to focus on what you can control and build a life that works for you

Motivational Interviewing (MI) – to strengthen your own motivation for meaningful, lasting change

My work is always guided by your goals, your strengths, and your pace. Therapy with me is collaborative—you set the direction, and I provide the support, structure, and tools to help you get where you want to go.

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Specialties That Reflect Real-Life Complexity

Over the years, I’ve supported clients facing a wide spectrum of challenges, including:

• Depression and Anxiety

• Anger Management and Emotional Regulation

• Trauma, PTSD, and Complex Grief

• Substance Use and Dual Diagnosis

• Psychosis and Severe Mental Illness

• Dysfunctional Relationship Patterns

• LGBTQ+ Issues and Identity Work

• Men’s Issues and Masculinity

• Life Transitions, Aging, and Purpose

• Stress, Burnout, and Existential Concerns

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Each client brings a different story, and every story deserves to be treated with care, nuance, and dignity.

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You Are Not Broken. You Are Human.

No matter where you’re starting from—or how stuck you might feel right now—there is a path forward. My role is to walk that path beside you, helping you make sense of what’s happened, what’s hurting, and what’s next.

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You don’t have to figure it all out alone.
You don’t have to have the perfect words.
You just have to be willing to show up.

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If you’re ready to take that step, I’m here—and I’m honored to support you.