Elaine Barron, LCSW, provides counseling for infertility, adoption, divorce recovery, abuse, as well as Christian counseling in areas surrounding Alpharetta, Roswell, Milton, Johns Creek, Cumming, and East Cobb
Infertility and Adoption
Many couples make the assumption that they will be able to have biological children, and experience a great deal of emotional turmoil when conception becomes difficult. They may find themselves in the midst of decisions that they feel unprepared to face. As one who's experienced both infertility and adoption, I can help you navigate those feelings and choices. If you make an adoption plan, I can assist you in some of the unique adoption parenting challenges that you may encounter.
Divorce Recovery
While assisting couples to develop healthy marriages is first priority, sometimes divorce is inevitable for reasons that vary widely. Divorce is the death of a dream and requires a season of grieving. This is a time when one needs the support and perspective that others can offer. I am available to help you process through the vast spectrum of your emotions, as well as discover who you are as an individual apart from the marriage relationship. It will be invaluable to you to evaluate your contribution to the unhealthy relationship and to grow so that you don't repeat the faulty patterns in future relationships.
Abuse
Abuse can take various forms--physical, verbal, emotional & mental, and spiritual. Safety is always highest priority in abusive situations. While physical abuse is the most obvious form, the other types of abuse can also cause much damage. Excellent books on the subject of abuse are Why Does He Do That by Lundy Bancroft, The Emotionally Destructive Marriage by Leslie Vernick, and The Verbally Abusive Relationship by Patricia Evans. Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend's Boundaries and sequels are very useful in learning communication tools in taking ownership of what is yours while recognizing your significant other's part . I am available to support you and provide perspective as you process through decisions regarding your circumstances.
Christian/Biblical Counseling
Human beings are made up of body, soul, and spirit. The three elements are interwoven and affect the individual as a whole. As a Christian, I believe that God longs for a relationship with us, and went to great lengths by the death and resurrection of His Son to make a way for us to become His children. That relationship is fed by prayer and internalizing and applying the Bible to our lives. When Scriptural principles guide our lives, we're able to live out God's purposes in this sliver of eternity we call life. The various psychological therapies I practice focus on the "soul"-the mind, will, and emotions--which contribute to the "how" and overcoming obstacles in the day to day walk of the believer. Having seen spiritual abuse by focusing on certain scriptures in lieu of others, I choose to focus on consistent biblical principles in context of the whole. There are many sound principles for living that the Bible offers that are just as relevant for non-believers as they are for Christians.
