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Meet Our Therapists
Powers Ferry Psychological Associates is a private practice with 19 independent psychologists in Buckhead, Marietta, and Canton Georgia, specializing in anxiety disorders, eating disorders, depression,
ADD/ADHD, child and adolescent psychology, and couples and family counseling.

Search for a therapist by location:   Buckhead   Marietta   Canton
 
Susan Berel, Ph.D.
770-953-4744 ext. 40

Dr. Berel works with adults and adolescents and provides individual, couples, and family counseling. She specializes in women’s issues and eating disorders and has extensive training treating individuals struggling with anorexia, bulimia, compulsive eating, and body image concerns. While almost half of her clinical practice is comprised of adults and adolescents struggling with these issues, the majority of her clients are men, women, and couples facing other difficulties including anxiety, depression, and relationship problems. Dr. Berel sees both heterosexual as well as same-sex couples. She also enjoys working with adolescents with anxiety and mood issues.

Dr. Berel’s approach in working with clients is one that tends to de-emphasize psychological problems as illnesses. She views eating problems, for example, as generated in part, from our culture’s emphasis on appearance, and has published articles based on this perspective. Although recognizing that certain psychological problems have a biological basis, she assumes that people develop various ways of being in the world based on the context in which they live. Several schools of thought influence her approach to psychotherapy. Where appropriate, Dr. Berel focuses on family and interpersonal influences. With other clients, she emphasizes the development of life skills and solutions to problems. She often uses a combination of these approaches and/or adjusts her therapeutic approach with clients depending on their needs.

Dr. Berel received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Washington State University and completed a predoctoral clinical internship at the University of Chicago Medical Center. She completed a postdoctoral position at Northside Hospital (through the Women's Center) as well as at the Atlanta VA. She sees clients at the Buckhead office.

Jeffrey L. Binder, Ph.D., ABPP
770-953-4744 ext. 42


Dr. Binder has been practicing individual psychotherapy and couples therapy for thirty-five years. Over this period of time, he has worked with adolescents and adults of all ages. He has experience in private practice, medical school outpatient and inpatient settings, community mental health centers, and private psychiatric hospitals. Currently, he works with adults in all stages of the life cycle. He has treated a wide variety of symptoms (such as anxiety, tension, and depression) behavioral problems, and relationship issues. However, Dr. Binder always attempts to understand how each person’s difficulties are influenced by and, in turn, influence his or her most important interpersonal relationships. He believes that for a person to feel truly happy and fulfilled, that person must have satisfying human relationships, in which he or she feels accepted. Dr. Binder’s approach to treatment involves establishing a productive working relationship by identifying one or more central issues that the individual agrees should be the focus of therapeutic work. Then, through a detailed collaborative examination of the circumstances that contributed to the development and perpetuation of the problems, strategies for modifying or resolving them are developed. These strategies involve new ways of understanding, reacting to, and managing the previously confusing and distressing circumstances (whether involving symptoms, behaviors, relationships, or life realities).

Dr. Binder is an internationally recognized expert in time-limited psychotherapy, having trained psychotherapists at four universities and conducted research for a decade in psychotherapy process, outcome, and training. He has coauthored a classic text on brief psychotherapy, as well as authored an acclaimed new book on brief psychotherapy. He has published and presented extensively on the subjects of time-limited psychotherapy and psychotherapy training.

Currently, Dr. Binder is Professor of Psychology at the Georgia School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University/Atlanta. He received his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Michigan. He is boarded in clinical psychology as well as a Fellow of the American Academy of Clinical Psychology.

Cecilia Phillips-Binder, Ph.D.
770-953-4744 ext. 21

Dr. Cecilia Phillips-Binder works with adults in individual and couples therapy. She addresses problems commonly faced in today’s hectic and stress-ridden modern world, including relationship issues, self-image and body image concerns, women’s issues, life transitions, and personal growth. She also works with the common conditions of depression, anxiety, grief and loss, trauma, and stress management. Dr. Phillips-Binder has a special interest in helping women as they develop a career and manage romantic, marital, and parenting aspirations.

Dr. Phillips-Binder has extensive experience working with people who have chronic and serious physical illnesses, such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and pulmonary disease. She has a special interest in helping people manage the psychological difficulties of terminal illness.

Dr. Phillips-Binder believes that mood, thinking, and behavior are all affected by a sense of belonging and closeness in important relationships. “Very early in our lives we develop patterns in the ways we relate to people close to us. These patterns persist into adulthood and affect the quality of our relationships. We also construct a self-image based on interactions in our important early relationships, which affects how we feel, think, and behave in relationship to our self…how we take care of ourselves.” Coming from this perspective, Dr. Phillips Binder emphasizes that the primary goals of psychotherapy include identifying and changing problematic relationship patterns and improving self-image. “My experience suggests that as clients develop greater awareness of themselves and how they relate to others and greater acceptance of themselves, their symptoms tends to diminish and they tend to experience decreased stress and increased capacity for creativity, joy, and fulfillment in their lives.”

Dr. Phillips-Binder’s believes that psychotherapy is a collaborative process. Further, providing safety, acceptance, and honesty is an important part of the therapy since, “Clients can only explore the difficult and very personal issues that are important to their lives within a safe, collaborative environment.”

Dr. Phillips-Binder was inspired to become a psychotherapist while working as a research assistant on one of the major psychotherapy research projects conducted during the 1980’s. As a single mother of two teenagers, she received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Vanderbilt University in 1995. Dr. Phillips-Binder recently moved to Atlanta from Nashville, Tennessee, where she was in clinical practice for twelve years. For the past ten years, in her private practice she specialized in working with professionals in business, health care, entertainment, and academics, as well as their family members. She joined PFPA in the Spring, 2007 and has immediate openings for people seeking individual or couples therapy in the Buckhead and Marietta offices.

Gerald S. Drose, Ph.D.
770-953-4744 ext. 12

Dr. Drose has been in practice in Atlanta since 1989. He started PFPA with his wife, Dr. Dina Zeckhausen. His favorite part of clinical practice is watching people learn to live more complete lives in their family and at work. He works with adolescents and adults helping them with relationship problems. He has done research and published articles in professional journals on sexual therapy and has extensive training and experience in couples therapy. He uses experiential methods, including hypnosis and gestalt techniques, to help clients reduce anxiety and stress.

Dr. Drose is also interested in creative expression at work and in personal relationships. “One of the worst things about psychological problems,” he says, “is that they rob us of our creativity and ability to provide love to the most important people in our lives. Good psychotherapy, whether focused on reducing depression, anxiety, or other symptoms, unlocks natural creativity, allowing clients to let go of the heaviness of life and begin to truly enjoy experiences.”

Dr. Drose received his doctoral training at the University of South Carolina in Clinical Psychology. He sees clients at the Marietta and Buckhead offices.

Amanda Lorenz, PhD
(770) 953-4744 ext. 20

Dr. Lorenz specializes in the treatment of Trauma/PTSD, Addiction, Children, Couples, and Chronic Illnesses. While treating these disorders, Dr. Lorenz also addresses co-existing concerns including depression, anxiety, grief, divorce, ADD/ADHD, and interpersonal conflicts. Based on these experiences, Dr. Lorenz provides individual, couples, and family counseling for adults, adolescents, and children.

Treatment Methods

Drawing upon diverse and effective treatment methods, Dr. Lorenz utilizes psychodynamic and systems perspectives to increase self-understanding and then cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to strengthen personal skills. Her goal as a therapist is to help her clients gain insight and knowledge about themselves. With this knowledge, her clients strengthen their coping skills in dealing with their problems. “Therapy is a journey through difficult emotions and thoughts. I offer support and guidance in how to navigate through life’s challenging times.” At the discretion of her patients, Dr. Lorenz also supports a spiritual/religious understanding of their problems into the therapy process.

Education and Training

Amanda R. Lorenz, Ph.D. received her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Wisconsin at Madison. Her graduate research focused on the influence of emotion on a person’s thoughts and behavior. She has published several articles and book chapters examining this topic in psychopathic and borderline forensic populations.

Based on years of clinical and research experiences, Dr. Amanda R. Lorenz has a generalist training in the treatment of psychological disorders. She has conducted therapy with adults, children, and adolescents at in-patient psychiatric children /adolescent hospitals, veteran’s hospitals, private practices, schools, jails and prisons both in Wisconsin and Georgia. Dr Lorenz completed her residency at the VAMC-Atlanta and her post-doctoral training at private practices in the Atlanta area before joining Powers Ferry Psychological Associates. Dr. Lorenz sees clients in the Buckhead area of Atlanta.

Amy Redd, Psy.D.
770-953-4744 Ext. 27

Dr. Redd works with children, adolescents, and adults and provides individual, couples, and family therapy.  While her training focused extensively on child development and family systems therapy, Dr. Redd’s approach to psychotherapy is varied, including family systems, cognitive-behavioral, and psychodynamic theoretical models.  Her work with clients is highly collaborative, practical, and insight-oriented.  It is growth-oriented as well, a resilience-based approach which goes beyond coping, adaptation, or competence in managing difficulties.  This approach recognizes that seeking help is a sign of emotional health and seizes opportunities for transformation and growth that can emerge from crises. 

Dr. Redd works with clients who are struggling with depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, stress management, attention deficit, and behavior problems.  She conducts psychological evaluations for ADD/ADHD and learning disabilities, as well as mood and anxiety disorders. Dr. Redd received a masters degree in religious education and developmental psychology from Princeton University and enjoys helping clients understand their psychological life in the context of their religious/spiritual beliefs.

Originally from Alabama, Dr. Redd graduated from Samford University (Birmingham, AL) with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology.  She completed her doctorate in clinical psychology at the Georgia School of Professional Psychology (Atlanta, GA). 

She is available to see clients at the Canton and Buckhead offices.

Jennifer Swales, PhD
770-953-4744 ext. 41

Dr. Swales is a Licensed Psychologist who specializes in providing therapy and assessment services with children, adolescents and adults. Common reasons for seeking an assessment include problems with attention and concentration, learning difficulties and academic concerns, delays in attaining developmental milestones, emotional and behavioral problems, and relationship difficulties. Dr. Swales provides comprehensive evaluations specifically tailored to address an individual’s concerns and utilizes information from collateral sources, such as teachers, parents, and significant others. She provides the client with an assessment report that includes specific recommendations for improvement, and these reports are appropriate for application in academic, medical, and forensic settings.

In her therapy practice, Dr. Swales provides both individual and group services, as well as family-based interventions. Common reasons for seeking therapy include difficulty adjusting to life changes and transitions, coping with traumatic life experiences, and difficulty managing feelings, such as depression, stress, anxiety and anger. Other common issues include dissatisfaction in significant relationships, parenting challenges, and issues related to body image and unhealthy eating patterns. Dr. Swales focuses on increasing a client’s self-awareness and assists them in establishing new ways to cope with their difficulties that are consistent with the client’s personal values and beliefs. Dr. Swales also leads social skills and parenting groups, as well as workshops for individuals (children and adults) who have been diagnosed with attention problems.

Dr. Swales received her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Auburn University. She has been in private practice in Texas since 2004, and recently relocated to the Atlanta area. Dr. Swales is in the process of becoming a preferred provider for several insurance companies. In the interim, she is willing to provide services on a sliding-fee schedule, such that psychological services are more accessible and affordable for those seeking assistance. Dr. Swales is available to see clients in the Marietta, Buckhead, and Canton offices.

Monique Terrell, PhD
770-953-4744

Dr. Terrell works with children, adolescents, and adults. She describes her approach to her clients as “person-centered and culturally informed.” Whether working with individuals, couples or families she taps into their own resources of strength, believing that “long-lasting and effective change comes from within.” Respectful of individual responses to psychotherapy, Dr. Terrell consistently evaluates ongoing treatment in order to provide the most efficient and effective therapy of her clients

Dr. Terrell has conducted research in the area of cultural /racial identity and the experiences of biracial persons. A native New Yorker, her ongoing passion for exacting change has led her to the Atlanta area. In addition to her work at PFPA, she continues to be involved in community projects which seek to empower at- risk and underserved persons. She currently acts as an Executive Director at a well- respected non- profit in one of the most impoverished areas in Atlanta.

Dr. Terrell received her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Long Island University in New York. She is available to see clients in the Buckhead and Marietta offices. She does not take insurance but does offer a sliding fee scale.

Dina Zeckhausen, PhD
770-953-4744 ext. 13

Dr. Zeckhausen began practicing in Atlanta and co-founded PFPA in 1990. She also founded the Eating Disorder Information Network (EDIN) in 1996. She is currently EDIN’s Co-Director leading that organization in providing the greater Atlanta community with prevention and treatment services for Anorexia, Bulimia, and Obesity. Dina began writing and presenting treatment information on Eating Disorders when she was in graduate school and has helped raise awareness of eating disorders throughout the country. She has also written creatively to raise awareness of eating disorders including a play, What’s Eating Katie?, which has been performed by and for teens throughout Atlanta, and a children’s book, Full Mouse, Empty Mouse, which also has a curriculum that serves as part of a prevention package for grade school children.

Dr. Zeckhausen works with Adolescents and Adults, and specializes in Women’s issues, Eating Disorders, Anxiety, Depression, and couples therapy. “I enjoy helping clients to explore the issues from their early family life that may be contributing to their current struggles,” states Dr. Zeckhausen. “However, my goal is to help clients re-write the very limited and limiting stories that they tell themselves about themselves.  I am passionate about helping people discover their strengths and use those strengths to work through the internal blocks which prevent them from living life to their full potential.  Through my work with EDIN, I am able to address the wider cultural issues which contribute to eating disorders.  It is tremendously satisfying to empower people to resist pressures to be other than their authentic selves!” 

Dr. Zeckhausen received her PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of South Carolina in 1990. She sees clients in Marietta and Buckhead offices.

 

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1827 Powers Ferry Rd. Bldg 22, Ste. 200 / Atlanta, Ga. 30339 / 770-953-4744
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