Family therapy and counseling in Atlanta, GA

Is your life stressful and overwhelming? Are you ready to break self-destructive patterns and addictions? If your answer is yes, then help is at hand. Goal Focus Counseling Services (GFPS) incorporates faith along with psychodynamic intervention to give you an effective plan of action. Individualized attention is given to address persistent personal, relationship and work concerns. You and your family can express your feelings privately with someone who is supportive and non-judgmental. Our objective is to focus on goals to maximize your therapeutic experience. With over 20 yers. experience, we now offer video/phone sessions.

When someone you love is struggling with mental health or substance use, it can take over your entire life. You may feel anxious, constantly on edge, and unsure what to do next. You might be asking yourself: Am I helping, or making things worse? When do I step in? How do I set limits without pushing them away? If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself.

I specialize in working with family members of individuals in crisis. While many providers focus on the person struggling, I focus on you—the parent, partner, or loved one trying to hold everything together. With over 10 years of experience in dual diagnosis treatment and clinical leadership, I help families understand what’s happening, respond more effectively, and create clear, realistic boundaries.

I work with clients ages 13 and up, couples, and families navigating grief, loss, PTSD, men’s issues, trauma, substance use, relationship stress, and seasons where life feels heavier than usual. Some clients come in after a specific loss or painful experience. Others are trying to make sense of anxiety, depression, identity questions, family patterns, or the pressure to keep functioning when things do not feel okay inside.

My background spans addiction recovery, group facilitation, crisis work, and private practice, so I am comfortable sitting with both everyday stress and the harder things people often feel they have to hide. My style is direct, engaged, and real. I use humor when it fits, show up as a full person, and genuinely care about helping you sort through what feels heavy, confusing, or stuck.

I work with people who feel stuck and are ready for change. Whether you’re facing stress, relationship issues, past hurts, or life transitions, I’m here to help you navigate what feels overwhelming. I’ve provided counseling to adults, youth, and couples in both community mental health and private practice. I’m licensed in Georgia and Florida and bring over 20 years of experience to our work together.

Greetings!

I look forward to working with you and being that change agent you're looking for. I have a Doctorate Degree in Social Work and I'm a License Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Masters Addiction Counselor (MAC) with over 30 years of experience working with individuals (14 years old-up) who have challenges with addictions, depression, stress management, grief and loss, and relationship concerns, just to name a few.

I’m Richshawna Sims, a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 20 years of experience supporting individuals, families, and couples through life’s most challenging moments. My approach is grounded in compassion, practicality, and a deep understanding that meaningful change happens when people feel both supported and empowered.

Throughout my career, I have worked across a wide range of behavioral health settings—from community-based services and managed care to leadership roles within national organizations. This experience allows me to bring a well-rounded, real-world perspective to the counseling process, blending clinical expertise with practical strategies that clients can apply in their daily lives.

In addition to counseling, I have extensive experience in training, program development, and care management, which enhances my ability to support clients with complex needs and connect them to meaningful resources.

As a practice owner, I am committed to providing services that are not only effective but also responsive to the unique needs of each individual and family I serve.

My goal is simple: to help you move forward with clarity, confidence, and the tools you need to create lasting change

As a therapist, my approach is grounded in compassion, collaboration, and the belief that every person has the capacity for growth and healing. I create a space where you can show up exactly as you are and feel understood, supported, and valued. Together, we’ll explore what you’re carrying, build insight, and develop practical tools that fit your life. My goal is to help you feel empowered, encouraged, and equipped to move toward the version of yourself you want to become.

John Scott Maddox is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 30 years of experience in the field of mental health and addictive disease evaluation and treatment. He specializes in treating adult clients presenting with PTSD, anxiety, panic attacks, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Scott looks forward to helping you on your journey to peace and serenity.

Scott completed his Master's degree in Counseling at Georgia State University, where he had previously completed his Bachelor's degree in Mental Health. Scott has provided clinical supervision, training, and continuing education for many aspiring counselors. He has been extensively trained in critical incident and stress management techniques for trauma victims.

In conjunction with his education and experience, Scott combines his own experiences to enhance the best outcomes for his clients He's here—are you ready? Scott looks forward to getting started.

Maybe you can't quite name what's wrong. Things feel off, the worry won't settle, or a low mood has overstayed its welcome, and you haven't put a label on any of it. That's a perfectly good place to begin. I work with teens (16 and up), adults, and couples who sense something needs to change and are ready to look at it honestly. You'll find me direct and warm, willing to ask the questions that actually matter, and not afraid to bring some humor into the room, because the work doesn't have to feel heavy every single minute.