Inside the mind of our post-incarceration and crime survival therapist, Carley.

When I think about therapy, I do not just think about treatment plans, diagnoses, or perfectly worded clinical interventions. I think about people—real people. People trying to make sense
of their lives— their emotions, their relationships, their past—and the very confusing experience
of being a human with a nervous system.

Which, let’s be honest, can be a lot. Especially if you’re a victim of crime seeking therapy, or you’re dealing with reentry after incarceration seeking therapy. Healing from any trauma is difficult, but these in particular require a certain kind of therapist.

The therapy world can sometimes feel very polished and clinical. Very “tell me more
about that” while someone sits under fluorescent lighting trying to explain the most vulnerable parts of their life in 60 minutes or less. And while I deeply respect the research, the ethics,
and the evidence-based practices, I also know healing is not always neat. Sometimes it is heavy, or awkward. Sometimes it is hilarious at the worst possible time. Sometimes
it is crying and laughing in the same breath because the nervous system simply said,
“Good luck, bestie” and left you on your own.

In my work, I create space for people navigating trauma, and everything that comes with that,
including the messy middle of trying to become a healthier version of themselves. Therapy with me is safe, grounded, collaborative, and human. These qualities work well when you need counseling after prison. This approach also works well with therapy for crime survivors. Therapy with me is never cold or intimidating. You will not feel like you are being studied under a microscope while trying to explain your pain.

I believe healing can include honesty, compassion, curiosity, and sometimes a much needed laugh. Sometimes therapy is deep breathing and nervous system work, or naming hard truths. Sometimes it is learning how to set boundaries, challenge old beliefs, or stop letting shame drive the car. And sometimes it is laughing because life is absurd, and your coping skills are hanging on by a paperclip and a prayer. All of it belongs!

I am especially passionate about helping people understand the “why” behind their patterns. Why certain situations feel so activating. Why rest can feel uncomfortable. Why vulnerability may feel unsafe. Why people-pleasing, shutting down, overthinking, or staying busy can become survival strategies. When we understand what helped us survive something like a traumatic crime or like a prison sentence, we can begin exploring what is still helping and what may be ready to change.

I also believe therapy does not have to look one specific way. Yes, we can talk about coping skills. Yes, we can explore trauma responses. We can discuss nervous system regulation, attachment, boundaries, and all the other therapy words that sound like they belong on a very expensive mug. But we can also laugh. We can be real. We can use creativity. We can find language that actually makes sense. We can build something together, sometimes literally, because I do love creative intervention.

The work I am doing is not about fixing people. It is about helping people reconnect with themselves. It is about creating a space where accountability and compassion can sit at the same table, and reminding you that you are not broken beyond repair, not too much, not behind, and not defined by the hardest parts of your story.

You are human.

And humans are complicated, resilient, contradictory, emotional, funny, tired, hopeful, guarded, brilliant, and sometimes one minor inconvenience away from needing a full body reset.

Therapy should make room for all of that: the pain, the growth, the awkwardness, the laughter, the rebuilding, and the possibility of becoming someone who feels a little more at home within themselves.

A note about Carley:

Carley’s specialties are post-incarceration, or reentry, counseling, counseling for crime victims, anxiety and depression therapy, and trauma therapy. She’s available for in-person or virtual sessions in Sandy Springs, or across the state of GA.