We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Amanda Nesbitt a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Amanda , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How’s you first get into your field – what was your first job in this field?

After graduating from grad school in the summer of 2015, I was eager to step into the world of mental health counseling. But securing a job as an unlicensed therapist in Georgia was far from easy—most positions required full licensure, and at the time, I had only received my Associate LPC. It felt like a never-ending cycle of applications and rejections, each one a reminder that I wasn’t quite where I needed to be yet.

Determined not to give up, I expanded my search and eventually landed a position at Georgia State University as an Academic Advisor. It wasn’t exactly in mental health, but it was still connected to the field, and more importantly, it allowed me to start accruing the supervised hours I needed for my full LPC. I told myself this was just a stepping stone—one that would eventually lead me to where I truly wanted to be.

A year passed, and though I was grateful for the opportunity at Georgia State, I knew I had to keep pushing forward. My dream was to work for the federal government, and that opportunity finally came when I was hired as a Guidance Counselor Intern with the Army in Oklahoma. It was a moment of both excitement and relief—I had finally secured a federal position, and even though it wasn’t directly in counseling, it allowed me to continue working toward my licensure.

For two years, I honored my service contract in Oklahoma, gaining invaluable experience and skills. But as my contract came to an end, I was eager to return home to Georgia and find a counseling role. To my surprise, the job hunt was just as challenging as it had been before. It felt impossible to find a position in or outside of the federal government. Just as I was starting to feel discouraged, an opportunity came through—I was chosen for a role as a Social Services Aid with the Atlanta VA Crisis Line.

This was the closest I had come to working directly in mental health, and while it still wasn’t exactly where I wanted to be, it allowed me to move back home and stay within the federal system. For two years, I worked grueling overnight and mid-shift hours, gaining firsthand experience in crisis intervention. But the demanding schedule took its toll, and I eventually realized I needed to shift my focus.

I achieved a major milestone when I officially became fully licensed on my birthday in 2019—the best gift I could have ever asked for. After that, I decided to let go of the idea of securing a VA counseling position and started applying for non-government roles. It was a leap of faith, but by the grace of God, three years later, I finally landed a counseling position at Grady Health System—my first true therapist role.

Looking back, my journey didn’t unfold the way I initially envisioned, but every step served a purpose. Each role—whether in higher education, with the Army, or at the VA—taught me something valuable, shaping me into the therapist I am today. My experience in academic advising, for example, has been incredibly helpful when working with college-aged clients. Every detour, every challenge, and every moment of uncertainty ultimately led me to where I was meant to be.

My story is proof that sometimes, the path to our dreams isn’t linear. But with perseverance, faith, and a willingness to adapt, we can still arrive exactly where we’re meant to be.

Amanda , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Therapy wasn’t my first career choice, but looking back, it was always meant to be. In college, I initially considered Physical Therapy, but after realizing the rigorous requirements and the uncertainty of finding a job in the Fashion Industry (another interest of mine), I had a moment of clarity—why not pursue what has always come naturally to me?

For as long as I can remember, people have confided in me. Since middle school, friends have shared their struggles, and I’ve always been the one to listen, observe, and offer support. Helping others navigate life’s challenges felt instinctive, so choosing therapy as a career was less of a decision and more of an acknowledgment of my true calling.

What I Offer

I provide virtual counseling sessions three days a week for self-pay clients. I’ve stepped away from insurance-based services to simplify the process and focus on client-centered care. My session rates are:

– $100 per individual session
– $110 for an initial intake session
– $120 for couples therapy

I work with clients aged 15 through geriatric, tailoring sessions to their unique needs. My approach blends various techniques, including:

– Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – helping clients reframe negative thought patterns
– Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) – emphasizing strengths and practical strategies for change
– Creative Therapeutic Techniques – integrating expressive methods for deeper healing

Beyond individual sessions, I also offer Psychoeducational group classes, structured as 4-week programs at $50 per person, with a minimum of 10 participants. These classes provide a supportive space for individuals to gain insight, learn coping strategies, and connect with others facing similar struggles.

My Specialties

I specialize in treating:

✔ Depression – helping clients regain hope and motivation
✔ Anxiety – providing strategies to manage overwhelming thoughts and emotions
✔ Self-Esteem Building – guiding individuals toward confidence and self-acceptance

What Sets Me Apart

What makes my practice unique is my holistic approach—I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all therapy. Instead, I adapt my methods to fit each client’s personality, challenges, and goals. My work is rooted in compassion, authenticity, and a deep understanding of human resilience.

Having worked in higher education, crisis intervention, and with military populations, I bring a well-rounded perspective to therapy. My experiences have shaped the way I connect with clients, especially young adults, professionals navigating career stress, and individuals coping with major life transitions.

What I’m Most Proud Of

One of my proudest accomplishments is becoming fully licensed on my birthday in 2019—a milestone that represented years of perseverance and dedication. Additionally, I take pride in knowing that my work genuinely impacts lives, whether through one-on-one therapy, group sessions, or simply providing a safe space for people to be heard.

What I Want You to Know

Therapy is an investment in yourself. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or self-doubt, I’m here to help you navigate life’s challenges with the tools and support you need. Healing is a journey, and I’m honored to walk alongside you.

If you’re ready to take the next step, let’s start the conversation. Your growth begins today.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start?

Funding My Practice: How I Made It Work

Starting my virtual counseling practice didn’t require a huge upfront investment, but there were still essential costs to cover—like liability insurance, professional licensing fees, a HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform, and marketing expenses.

Because I operate a small virtual practice, my overhead is relatively low compared to a traditional brick-and-mortar office. However, while my business is still growing, I’ve been funding it through my full-time job
ensuring that everything runs smoothly without financial strain.

For now, my goal is sustainability—to allow my practice to eventually finance itself and grow into something self-sufficient. Every session I take, every client I help, brings me one step closer to making this a fully independent business.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

Beyond Training: The Key to Success in Therapy

Aside from training and knowledge, the most valuable skill in therapy is the ability to listen without judgment. It’s an underrated but essential part of creating a safe and supportive space for clients.

My clients appreciate that I encourage them to show up as their most authentic selves in every session. I don’t just give them space to speak—I engage with their thoughts, asking clarifying questions to show that I’m actively listening and genuinely invested in their journey. I also ask thought-provoking questions that inspire new perspectives on their situation, helping them gain insight and clarity.

Ultimately, therapy isn’t just about offering solutions—it’s about making clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to navigate their challenges.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/breathe-listen-reflect-counseling-services-llc-decatur-ga/966308
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breathelistenreflect/?hl=en