Family therapy and counseling in Gainesville, GA

My name is Benjamin. With over 25 years of experience, I help individuals and couples build stronger, more fulfilling relationships and improve emotional well-being. I work with adults, couples, and families navigating anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other life challenges.

My approach is personalized, collaborative, and focused on meaningful, lasting growth. I help clients better understand their emotions, strengthen connections, and develop practical tools for everyday life.

Therapy with me is real, down-to-earth, and engaging—I bring honesty, humor, and compassion to create a space where you can grow, heal, and be yourself. Book with me here or at https://evolvetothrive9.com.

I have over 20 years of experience serving others in some capacity. I am caring, understanding, and dedicated to help you make positive progress in your personal and professional live. I believe who you are makes a difference and you matter.

I work with adults who may be navigating anxiety, depression, grief, life stress, relationship challenges, and cultural or racial identity concerns. I aim to create a space where you feel genuinely seen, heard, and supported. Together, we can explore what feels heavy, identify patterns that may be keeping you stuck, and build practical tools that feel grounded, personalized, and sustainable in your everyday life.

I’ve spent years sitting with people at their lowest—through addiction, crisis, and the kind of pain that can make life feel unmanageable. That work taught me something I bring into every session now: nobody is “too much,” and no story is too messy. These days, I’m more focused on slower, steadier work. Whether you’re worn down by depression, gripping through stress, or finally ready to be honest about drinking or using, I’ll meet you where you are with steadiness, honesty, and compassion. You don’t need the right words yet; we’ll figure it out together.

I'm a licensed counselor and scholar-practitioner with more than 29 years of experience providing behavioral health care across a wide range of settings. In 2009 I founded BSmith Consulting Group, LLC, where I work with individuals navigating adjustment issues, mental health disorders, and co-occurring (dual diagnosis) concerns. Alongside my clinical work, I provide employee assistance support to individuals, professionals, and organizations, and I contribute to the field through clinical supervision, training of fellow mental health professionals, and presenting at local, state, and national platforms. My goal is always to meet you where you are and support your long-term wellness.

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.

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 have been married for 41 years and am a mother and grandmother. I have have an MSW degree and have been in private practice as a therapist for 27 years. I prefer serving adults and have a passion for individual and couples counseling.

Richard Hamilton is a licensed professional

counselor with over twenty-five years of experience

treating youth, adults, and families in outpatient, in-

home, and residential settings. He has over fifteen

years of supervisory experience providing guidance and leadership to therapists and other mental health professionals. In addition, he is a dynamic cognitive-behavioral therapist possessing three years of doctoral

training. Richard has served as an expert witness for the courts regarding trauma-related cases, provides mentoring/coaching, and is regarded as a true leader in the mental health profession. He has special interests in

therapy and supervisory model development with a concentration in continuing education requirements. He exhibits exemplary guidance to others and observes strict time management. His ultimate goal is to provide

top-quality person-centered services to those in need.

Richard's mother and late father have a history entrenched within the "caring for others" and "understanding mental health" world. That firm foundation has led Richard to be able to serve for the last 26 years in positions such as DFCS worker, licensed therapist, and ultimately business

owner. Because of his journey, Richard values and treasures the therapeutic process.