Christine Pound

My name is Christine Pound. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Ellijay, Georgia and currently working with clients statewide via telehealth. I am a compassionate and supportive therapist who is currently working with adults in all phases of life experiencing anxiety and depression, as well as those experiencing stress from current or past life challenges. I combine Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other evidenced based practices in a holistic, solution focused approach to help clients strengthen their sense of self–worth and their unique set of healthy coping strategies.

My approach

Because each client deserves an approach that is as unique as s/he is, therapy with me is not a “cookie cutter” approach. My focus is on enhancing self-awareness, self-compassion and intra/interpersonal skills using eclectic, complementary evidenced based modalities, including most frequently Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Compassion Focused Therapy, mind-body therapy and Solutions Focused Therapy. Through a strength-based and client-centered lens, we explore symptoms and customize a toolkit of skills and strategies for you to manage anxiety, depression and/or targeted behaviors and obtain positive outcomes.

My focus

Although I have many years of experience working with children and adults of all ages, I am currently focusing my practice on working with adults who are experiencing anxiety, depression and/or burn out, with a special focus on women’s issues, mindfulness-based self-care, and those experiencing stress related to life stage transitions, relationships, loss, parenting challenges, social interactions, or past trauma. Based on years of experience working with educators, parents and students in the education system, I specialize in parent education and support for developmental and behavioral challenges.

My communication style

I am a warm, supportive and responsive therapist who strives to listen and empower clients as experts in their own self-care. I enjoy “walking with” clients as they explore the therapy process, helping to guide them in their process of discovering and/or re-discovering their priorities, strengths and skills. I am open to client perspectives and feedback and place a high value on my ability to be non-judgmental. My goal is to create a safe and supportive space in which clients can feel comfortable to share and practice so that they can experience the rich rewards of acceptance, self-care and peace.

My journey to mental healthcare

My interest in a career as a mental health professional was sparked during my early teen years, after being motivated and supported by a middle school guidance counselor. Through participation in group and mentoring activities, I experienced hope in the ability of others to understand me and excitement about my role in being able to share my understanding with others. I have always been naturally drawn to helping others, and this led me to pursue a career in social work.

My goals for you

Therapy goals and the focus of our work together are client-driven and should remain reflective of your values and your changing needs and aspirations. Although we will set some goals in the first session to provide direction for our work together, we will continue to revisit and modify these regularly as we develop trust in our therapeutic relationship and as you accomplish milestones in the process.

My first session with you

During our first session together, we will focus on exploring the issues, symptoms and/or feelings that brought you to therapy at this time in your life and begin the process of building our therapeutic relationship. I will ask further questions to understand the nature of your concerns in the context of your unique history, as well as explore approaches and goals for our future work together. You will have time to ask questions to clarify guidelines and/or expectations about our work together.