We were lucky to catch up with Stephanie Robins recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Stephanie, thanks for joining us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

Entrepreneurship runs deep in my roots. My grandparents opened a jewelry store in Nashville, Tennessee, over 80 years ago—a business that has evolved through the generations. My parents ran it for years, and now my brother proudly carries on the family tradition. Growing up, I watched firsthand what it meant to build something meaningful and enduring from the ground up. But I also saw the challenges that come with owning a business—the long hours, the emotional investment, and the constant pressure. My family, knowing that reality all too well, actually encouraged me not to go into business for myself.

Still, the pull toward doing something purposeful—and eventually, building something of my own—was always there. I chose a different path: social work. I began my career as a medical social worker and later worked in the behavioral health division at UnitedHealthcare. It was during those years that I realized I wanted to connect with people on a deeper level. I wanted to walk alongside individuals, couples, and families as they healed, grew, and found their way forward.

That desire led me to open my private practice in Alpharetta, Georgia, where I’ve now been working as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over 25 years. My practice has since expanded to include not just therapy, but also Parent Coordination, mediation, parent education, and consulting in high-conflict family law cases. I’m also a founding member of the Amicable Divorce Network, where I help promote a healthier and more child-focused approach to divorce.

Despite my family’s initial hesitation about entrepreneurship, I’m so glad I followed my heart. What I love most about this work is witnessing transformation. It’s an incredible honor to see someone walk into therapy feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or broken—and gradually become more confident, connected, and whole. I’ve had the joy of seeing clients I first met as teenagers return years later as adults, now bringing in their own families. Being a part of those journeys is one of the greatest privileges of my life.

Family is incredibly important to me—not just my own, but the families I work with. I’m endlessly curious about family dynamics, and I find great fulfillment in helping families learn to communicate more effectively, set boundaries, heal generational wounds, and reconnect with one another. I believe that when a family system becomes healthier, it has a ripple effect on every individual in it.

Over the years, I’ve also expanded my work beyond the therapy room. I provide continuing education training for mental health and legal professionals on topics such as high-conflict co-parenting, parental alienation, and family systems therapy. I have written several guidebooks and professional articles aimed at helping families and practitioners navigate complex emotional terrain. Most recently, I was proud to serve as a contributing author to the new release, Divorce Amicably—a collaborative book written by professionals committed to helping families navigate divorce with integrity, empathy, and grace.

Though my entrepreneurial journey has had its challenges, it has also been deeply rewarding. I’ve been able to shape a practice grounded in compassion, integrity, and clinical excellence—one that helps people not just survive, but thrive. My story may have taken a different turn from my family’s traditional business legacy. Still, in many ways, I’ve carried it forward by building something of my own, rooted in service, heart, and resilience.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I help individuals and families find hope, healing, and healthy connection—especially during life’s most challenging chapters. I’m a therapist, Parent Coordinator, mediator, speaker, trainer, and writer based in Alpharetta, Georgia, with over 25 years of experience in the mental health field.

But deep down, I always knew I wanted to do work that mattered. I chose social work because I’ve always been drawn to understanding people and helping them through difficult seasons. I began my career as a medical social worker, later transitioned to behavioral health with UnitedHealthcare, and eventually realized I wanted more direct, meaningful connection with clients. That realization led me to open my own private practice—something that blended my desire to serve with my inherited entrepreneurial spirit.

What I Do & Who I Help
In my private practice, I work with:

Individuals, helping them navigate anxiety, grief, trauma, or life transitions

Couples, working on communication, rebuilding trust, or navigating separation

Families, including high-conflict parenting dynamics, reunification, and blended families

Co-parents, serving as a Parent Coordinator or mediator in complex custody cases

Attorneys, GALs, and courts, offering expert consultation on parent-child contact issues and relational trauma

In addition to therapy, I provide:

Continuing education training for mental health professionals, attorneys, and mediators

Guidebooks and written resources to help families and practitioners navigate divorce and co-parenting

Professional articles and contributions to family law and mental health publications

I’m a contributing author in the newly released book Divorce Amicably, offering practical insight into how families can navigate separation in a healthier, more child-focused way.

What Sets Me Apart
What makes my work different is that I sit at the intersection of clinical mental health, family law, and systemic healing. I’ve worked with families in both the therapy room and the courtroom. I understand not just emotional dynamics, but also the legal and relational systems that shape a person’s experience—especially during divorce, custody disputes, or co-parenting conflict.

I specialize in complex cases—the ones where children are caught in the middle, communication has completely broken down, and trust is non-existent. I help families slow down, stabilize, and start to rebuild. Whether it’s supporting a teen struggling with anxiety or helping co-parents find common ground, my focus is always on relational repair and long-term emotional wellness.

What I’m Most Proud Of
I’m proud of the longevity of my client relationships. Some of the young people I worked with as teens now return to me as adults, bringing their own spouses and children into therapy. That kind of trust and continuity is something I deeply treasure.

I’m also proud of the community I’ve helped build—through my writing, speaking, training, and especially through my role as a founding member of the Amicable Divorce Network. This organization reflects my core values: that families deserve dignity and compassion during divorce, and that children should never be casualties in adult conflict.

What I Want People to Know
If you’re considering working with me—or just exploring how therapy can help—I want you to know this: you don’t have to go through hard things alone. Whether you’re a parent in conflict, a young adult trying to find your path, or a family struggling to communicate, there is a way forward.

I bring empathy, clarity, and deep clinical insight to every case, and I work hard to create a space where people feel seen, supported, and understood. My brand isn’t just about providing a service—it’s about fostering transformation.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

One of the key factors that helped me build a strong reputation in my market has been my genuine passion for relationship-building and community connection. From the very beginning of my private practice journey, I embraced the marketing and networking side of being in business—not just as a necessity, but as an opportunity to learn, collaborate, and grow.

When I was first starting out, I made it a priority to meet with several seasoned mental health professionals. These generous colleagues shared their insights, lessons learned, and practical advice on how they had built successful practices. Their guidance allowed me to avoid common pitfalls and build on proven strategies rather than reinventing the wheel. That early mentorship laid the foundation for a more strategic and informed approach to launching my practice.

From there, I focused on building authentic connections with a wide range of professionals in my community—people I knew my clients might need in their lives. I reached out to doctors, school counselors, psychiatrists, family law attorneys, realtors, financial advisors, insurance agents, chiropractors, fitness coaches, nutritionists, wellness professionals, and others who served people navigating life transitions. My goal was twofold: first, to make sure the people in my community knew about my services, and second, to ensure I had a trusted referral network in place for my clients. I wanted to confidently refer my clients to professionals I had personally vetted—people who would provide them with the same level of care and attention I strive to offer in therapy.

This cross-referral network has been invaluable. Not only has it contributed to the growth of my practice, but it has allowed me to feel more connected as a solo practitioner. Being in private practice can be isolating—you’re often working independently, one-on-one with clients, without much day-to-day peer interaction. For me, getting out of the office to have coffee or lunch with colleagues, co-host a training, collaborate on a seminar, or contribute to a shared publication brings energy, creativity, and a much-needed sense of professional camaraderie.

Ultimately, what has helped me most in building a reputation is consistency, collaboration, and a genuine desire to serve both my clients and my professional community. I view every relationship—whether with a client or colleague—as part of a larger ecosystem of support. That mindset has made the marketing side of private practice not only successful but truly enjoyable.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

I’m a lifelong learner and an avid reader, and I often turn to books for both professional inspiration and practical tools. Several titles have had a significant impact on how I approach my work as a therapist and entrepreneur. These books not only help me grow as a business owner but also inform the way I guide and support my clients. Here are a few that have shaped my thinking:

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**1. *The Success Principles* by Jack Canfield**
This book offers a comprehensive roadmap for personal and professional success. Canfield’s focus on accountability, goal setting, and mindset aligns perfectly with how I help clients take ownership of their lives. It’s also helped me maintain clarity and momentum in building my own practice.

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**2. *Think and Grow Rich* by Napoleon Hill**
A classic on the power of belief, visualization, and intentional focus. Hill’s principles remind me that success begins in the mind—a lesson that applies equally to entrepreneurship and personal transformation. I often reference these ideas when working with clients on manifesting their goals.

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**3. *Make Your Bed* by Admiral William H. McRaven**
This short but powerful book reinforces the idea that small, consistent actions build resilience and discipline. It’s an inspiring reminder that change starts with structure—something I apply in both my business habits and the routines I encourage clients to build.

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**4. *The 5 Second Rule* by Mel Robbins**
Robbins’ concept of breaking through hesitation with a simple 5-second countdown is a game-changer for overcoming fear and procrastination. It’s helped me take bold steps in business and is a tool I often share with clients struggling with anxiety or self-doubt.

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**5. *Man’s Search for Meaning* by Viktor Frankl**
This profound book has deeply influenced my therapeutic approach. Frankl’s emphasis on meaning, even in suffering, is foundational in trauma work and existential therapy. It reminds me—and my clients—that we can find purpose, even in the most difficult circumstances.

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**6. *Never Split the Difference* by Chris Voss**
As both a mediator and Parent Coordinator, this book transformed how I view negotiation. Voss’s strategies for emotional intelligence, listening, and effective communication have enhanced my ability to help high-conflict families and navigate delicate professional discussions.

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**7. *Chill and Prosper* by Denise Duffield-Thomas**
This book speaks to creating success with ease and authenticity—especially for women entrepreneurs. It helped me reframe some of the limiting beliefs I had about money, value, and work-life balance, and I often recommend it to clients who are navigating their own professional journeys.

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**8. *Maybe You Should Talk to Someone* by Lori Gottlieb**
As a therapist, I loved how this book humanizes our profession while offering deep insight into the therapeutic process. It’s a powerful reminder that therapists are human too, and that vulnerability and reflection are part of what makes us effective.

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**9. *The Latte Factor* by David Bach**
A simple yet powerful book on financial empowerment and the idea that small changes can lead to big results. I’ve found it helpful both in managing my business finances and in guiding clients toward healthier money habits.

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**10. *You Are a Badass* by Jen Sincero**
This book is all about self-belief, boldness, and unapologetic growth. It’s a fun, motivational read that encourages people to stop playing small—a message I take to heart as a business owner and often share with clients who are ready to step into their potential.

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**11. *The Four Agreements* by Don Miguel Ruiz**
A spiritual and practical guide for living with integrity and emotional freedom. I use these agreements—Be impeccable with your word, Don’t take anything personally, Don’t make assumptions, Always do your best—as personal mantras and therapeutic tools.

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These books continue to inspire and inform how I run my business, support my clients, and manage my own mindset and goals. They’ve helped me become not just a better entrepreneur, but a more grounded, intentional, and effective therapist.

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Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.alpharettafamilytherapy.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephanierobinslcsw