Welcome to Elephant In The Room
Counseling Services

I am a Licensed Minister and I have a Master of Arts in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling. I have been counseling for over 20 years. My counseling theory is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. The goal is to change patterns of thinking or behavior that are behind people's difficulties, and so change the way they feel. I work to help adolescents and families discover their functional and faulty thinking, and how it affects their family unit for better or worse. I believe the foundation of a healthy family unit is God, love, and laughter. I have co-counseled with my wife for the past 5 years. I am happy you decided to let me help you reach your own unique family goals.

In life we go through changes. It is not uncommon to feel as if we are in disrepair. I have a passion for working with couples, and individuals getting through stressful and life-changing experiences. I am an encourager who enjoys humor, values, spirituality, and I love working outside the box. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 15 years of counseling experience. I utilize Solution-Focused Therapy to help couples and families discover the solution to their problems by utilizing their strengths to accomplish goals. The last 5 years I have enjoyed working as co-counsel with my husband. I am so happy you decided to let me help you reach your own unique marriage or family goals.

Alicia plays a vital role in the day-to-day operations and overall success of the organization. With over ten years of experience in the mental health field and eight years in human resources, Alicia brings a wealth of knowledge, dedication, and leadership to her work. Often referred to as “the glue that holds Elephant in the Room together,” she is known for her reliability, attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Alicia is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in business administration and project management at Capella University, further strengthening her skills and professional capabilities. She takes great pride in staying current with industry trends, continuously self-training, and expanding her knowledge to better serve clients and colleagues. Her passion for supporting others and driving organizational success makes her an invaluable asset to the Elephant in the Room team.

With 15 years of experience at Aetna Insurance Company and a robust background in mental and behavioral health, Cynthia brings a wealth of expertise to her role as Insurance Biller at Elephant in the Room Counseling Service. In this role, she excels at submitting claims, resolving billing issues, and running reports to ensure all claims- paid and unpaid- are meticulously tracked and processed. Cynthia’s career spans multiple state hospitals, where she worked in the field of mental and behavioral health, helping streamline operations and improve financial workflows. She holds a master’s degree from Brenau University, with a double major in Human Resource Management and Healthcare Management. Outside of work, Cynthia is inspired by her husband, daughter, and five grandchildren. She enjoys shopping, traveling, and cherishing quality time with her family.

Justin Woodard is a skilled anger management specialist and life coach who brings a rare mix of humor, honesty, and heart to his work with young adults. With a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and years of experience guiding clients through emotional growth and life transitions, Justin has a gift for connecting with people especially those between the ages of 16 and 25 who are figuring out life after high school. What truly sets Justin apart is his ability to keep things real while also keeping things light. He’s known for telling it like it is often beginning with, “The reality of the situation is this...”but he balances that directness with humor, energy, and an approachable style that makes even tough conversations feel safe and empowering. His sessions are engaging, dynamic, and often filled with moments of laughter, making real progress feel less like work and more like meaningful conversation. Justin specializes in helping clients understand and manage their anger, not just by calming down in the moment, but by learning what’s behind the emotion and how to respond differently. He’s deeply committed to helping young adults build confidence, take responsibility, and create lasting change. In his role as Admissions Coordinator, Justin is also the first point of contact for many clients. His natural warmth and clear communication help set a supportive tone right from the start.

With a master’s degree in counseling, I dedicate my work to inspiring children and adolescents, alongside individuals of all ages. I am deeply passionate about guiding people towards becoming the best versions of themselves.

I am a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (LAPC) and a graduate of Troy University, where I earned my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I utilize an integrative therapeutic approach, incorporating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Holistic Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy to support the unique needs of each client. I specialize in working with children, adolescents, and young adults, creating a safe and empowering space for healing, growth, and self-discovery.

Licensed Professional Counselor with over eight years of experience working closely with children, teens, young adults, and their families to create a supportive path toward healing and growth. With a warm, relatable approach, she helps clients navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions using proven techniques like CBT, DBT, and Holistic Counseling. Crystal also explores emerging therapies, including psychedelic-assisted therapy, to support deeper emotional breakthroughs when appropriate. In addition to her clinical work, she leads community workshops and speaks at schools and local events to raise awareness about mental health, emotional wellness, and the power of early intervention. She believes in the power of connection—whether it's helping a child express big feelings, guiding a teen through tough decisions, or strengthening family bonds—Crystal creates a safe space where every voice is heard and every step forward matters.

Quality Improvement Analyst for the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) for the State of Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities office. He also provides counseling services and supports with Elephant in the Room Counseling Services out of Augusta, Georgia. He has worked in various mental health settings such as hospitals, clinics, non-profit organizations, and mental health startups in both states of NC and GA. A major focus in his work has been on supporting veterans with PTSD, youth and families with various disorders. Clifton education includes two master’s degrees in psychology and professional counseling from Grand Canyon University. He is also a former veteran, serving a span of 10 years. His greatest love has been volunteering for over 7 years at the YMCA training and developing youth in sports. He is a proud husband to his wife for over 18 years with 4 kids. Clifton will be a great asset to your organization’s development if you are looking for a charismatic speaker who loves to train and develop leaders.

Tara is a compassionate and results-driven counseling professional with a strong foundation in mental health services, case management, and crisis intervention. With over a decade of experience serving diverse client populations, including individuals with behavioral health challenges, youth needing structured intervention, couples, families, and justice-involved individuals, Tara brings a holistic and client-centered approach to the therapeutic process. Tara holds a Master of Science in Counseling &
Psychology from Troy University and a Bachelor of Science in Human Services from Southern Wesleyan University. Her practice is grounded in evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Emotion-focused Therapy, focusing on trauma-informed care, crisis de-escalation, and empowerment through personalized treatment planning.

Amanda W. Burnett holds a Master of Science in Counseling and Psychology and is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Georgia and South Carolina, and a National Certified Counselor (NCC). With a compassionate and client-centered approach, Amanda specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, person-centered therapy, Gestalt techniques, and mindfulness-based interventions. She provides counseling to individuals navigating depression, anxiety, past trauma, and other psychological challenges. Amanda also facilitates grief support groups, offering a safe and empathetic space for individuals to process loss and connect with others who share similar experiences. Her practice is rooted in empathy, empowerment, and encouragement. Amanda is deeply committed to engaging clients during their most vulnerable moments and equipping them with practical tools to improve their emotional well-being and daily functioning. Amanda also has a special focus on supporting older adults and the elderly population, particularly individuals over the age of 40, helping them rediscover resilience, purpose, and a renewed sense of self. With a warm and professional presence, Amanda is honored to walk alongside her clients on their journey toward healing, growth, and transformation.

Hi, I’m JaMel Overton, a dedicated and compassionate therapist with a passion for helping women, men, couples, and teenage girls navigate life’s challenges and discover their inner strength. My work centers around empowerment, confidence building, and emotional healing, with a focus on fostering self-awareness, clarity, and resilience. With experience in areas such as grief, depression, communication issues, conflict resolution, and relationship dynamics, I offer a safe, supportive space for clients to explore their emotions and grow. I also enjoy working with teen girls who are learning to manage their identities, emotions, and relationships in today’s complex world. My approach to therapy draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered Therapy, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, tailoring each session to the unique needs and goals of my clients. Whether you're looking to strengthen your voice, heal from loss, improve communication, or find direction, I'm here to walk alongside you with empathy and encouragement. Let’s work together to help you move forward—stronger, more confident, and more connected to your authentic self.