Deon L Sanders

Licensed Psychotherapist | Author | Life Coach | Teacher

"Many Titles But Only One Mission,
Healing My People With Love"

Deon L Sanders, MA, LPC

CEO/Licensed Psychotherapist

My name is Deon L Sanders and I am a Licensed Psychotherapist residing in the state of Georgia. I am also the Ower/CEO of Seek Wise Counsel and The Sanders Center for Recovery & Mental Wellness. I and my staff, specialize in African American psychology, CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) Psychodynamic Therapy, Existential, DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), Schema Therapy, Gestalt, Trauma Focused CBT and IFS. My specific training and education in African American Psychology has provided me knowledge, research, and a deeper subconscious understanding of how the residual effects of slavery, and religious trauma hinders African American families, relationship building, thoughts and feelings to help communities and people of color heal.

When helping my people, I utilize a culturally inclusive technique called Black Therapy. Black Therapy is my clinically & culturally competent approach to Therapy.

Slavery traumatized us as a people collectively in three ways:

Emotionally, Mentally, & Spiritually.

We in return traumatized our children and their children in those same three ways….

As a result we have developed unhealthy ways of connecting, unhealthy ways of parenting and unhealthy ways of loving..we suffer inwardly and lash out with anger, pettiness, shade, resentment , hatred, deceit and manipulation. But due to religious expectations, doctrines and respectability politics we have developed the chameleon ability to appear to be something we are actually not and that’s “good” “ok” “fine” outwardly we are molded in material perfection but inwardly dying from traumatic pain….

We battle with darkness, depression, anxiety, addictions, anger, suicidal thoughts, feelings of not being enough. We feel the trauma across the nation when we are murdered in the streets. We as a people are intertwined emotionally, mentally and spiritually.

That’s why what one feels we all feel..with this understanding I founded Seek Wise Counsel And developed a specialized approach to help my people Heal.

Here at SeekWiseCounsel I uniquely bring counseling, and therapeutic interventions to our culture through “black therapy.” Where I utilize our history, our religions, our heritage, our spirituality and psychotherapy to help break generational curses, to help break the psychological chains of slavery so that we can finally be free, be whole, be US!!!

Black people collectively have been emotionally and mentally oppressed by slavery, religion and lack of access to research and scholarly education. As a result we have developed trauma responses and unhealthy and counterproductive ways of connecting with the world and the people within it. It causes us to function from a position of pain vs a position of purpose. We suffer in silence while hyping up our success. We “I’m good” and “I’m ok” into depression, suicidal thoughts, addictions, self isolation and pain. Effecting how we love, how we build, how we heal, how we parent and how we communicate.

I also have a strong background in childhood trauma, addiction (substances, sex, porn, and gambling) treatment as well with depression, ADHD, Anxiety, schizophrenia, anger management, sexuality acceptance, self-acceptance, and spirituality. I also have experience with suicidal and homicidal ideations and attempts.

Meet the Team

Dedication. Expertise. Passion.

At Seek Wise Counsel, we're honored to introduce you to our dedicated team of black therapists, each bringing their unique blend of expertise, empathy, and cultural understanding to support your journey towards healing and growth.

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Quincy Gilliam

LPC,SUDRC

Quincy (Q.) Gilliam is a licensed professional counselor. He serves clients in the state of Georgia and California with clients with co-existing concerns. Before starting on his academic journey into counseling with Walden University completing his Masters in Mental Health.He attended the University of South Carolina.He is currently working on a doctoral degree in clinical psychology.

“I work with a diverse clientele and specialize in providing social justice oriented psychotherapy to Black people and other POC, as well as members of LGBTQIA+ communities. I provide culturally responsive therapy, which focuses on the strengths you already have. I tend to use a cognitive-behavioral theoretical approach (CBT), a person centered approach (PCT), while also paying attention to your environment and access to social support. I work with you to build a safe space where you can share your experiences without the fear of being judged, and where you can focus on becoming clear about what you want, and how you want to go about making that happen.”

I believe that all individuals are of significant worth and need to be valued in the therapeutic process of healing and change for emotional issues. My clinical specialties include depression, anger management, anxiety, dysfunctional relationships, trauma reaction/PTSD, ADHD, substance abuse, dual diagnosis, psychosis, LGBTQ+ issues, men's issues, aging, life purpose, and stress management plus many other issues.

Kae'Chauna Sinclair

MS, S/T

Fluent in three languages and enjoys giving confidence to the community.

Originating from Syracuse, New York, Kae’chauna is a versed therapist who has over 5 years of experience and specializes in individual, family, and group therapy for young children, adolescents, and adults. She has an expertise in play therapy for children, CBT, DBT, humanistic therapy, strength-based therapy, and trauma-based therapy.

Kae’chauna doesn’t just believe therapy works, she is living proof that THERAPY DOES WORK. Through effective accountability, non-judgmental, and motivational practices, she strives to help others recover and heal in their journey while meeting them where they are.

She is passionate about what she does and is always learning how to better serve her clientele. In her spare time, Kae’chauna enjoys numerology, crystal work, and watching crime documentaries.

Asia Davis

S/T

Meet Asia, a dedicated therapist with a profound commitment to guiding children, adults, and families on their transformative journey to healing. Equipped with a Bachelors in Psychology and a Masters in Counseling, she is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision, specializing in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling.

Her passion centers around providing an empathetic and unbiased professional listening ear, helping individuals navigate through the complexities of trauma, life transitions, and relationship challenges. She specialize in addressing a spectrum of mental health issues, including Major Depressive Disorder, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, and more.

She firmly believes in the power of turning pain into purpose, embracing a judgment-free approach to counseling. Proficient in therapeutic modalities such as Inner Child Healing, CBT, DBT, ACT, strength-based therapy, and trauma-based therapy, she bring a diverse set of skills to the team.

Her goal is to meet individuals exactly where they are in their healing journey and guide them toward becoming the best versions of themselves. If you're seeking a compassionate ally to support your growth and transformation, Asia is here to assist you on this empowering path.

Unique Allen

Registered Nurse, RN

Unique Allen, RN, brings over 14 years of dedicated experience in the healthcare industry, with a diverse background that includes positions in pulmonology, hematology, oncology, primary care, in-patient psychiatric facilities, long-term care, emergency community care, and home care. Having transitioned from a Licensed Practical Nurse to a Registered Nurse, Unique possesses comprehensive knowledge and hands-on expertise in delivering compassionate care to patients across all age groups - from children to adults.

Throughout her career, Unique has been committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care, while advocating for the physical and emotional well-being of those under her supervision. With a steadfast dedication to healing and helping others, she embodies a passion for making a positive impact on individual lives, one person at a time.

In her new role as a Registered Nurse, Unique is poised to continue her unwavering commitment to excellence in the field, leveraging her breadth of clinical experience and unwavering compassion to deliver exceptional healthcare to those in need.

Johnny Hayes

MA, CACII, CRC

Hello, I'm Johnny Hayes, a seasoned Rehabilitation Alcohol and Drug Counselor with over 23 years of experience. My journey began with a master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and Education from the University of Kentucky. Currently, I focus on alcohol and substance abuse prevention and treatment, addressing social issues within communities.

Outside of work, I prioritize family, faith, and community involvement. I'm particularly passionate about mentoring at-risk youth, guiding them toward a brighter future. Having overcome challenges in my own life, I'm dedicated to inspiring others to pursue personal growth and resilience.

In addition to my professional and personal commitments, I find joy in giving back to my community through volunteer work and outreach programs. Whether it's organizing community events, participating in charity drives, or lending a helping hand to those in need, I believe in the power of collective action to create positive change.

By fostering a spirit of unity and compassion, I strive to create a more supportive and inclusive environment for all members of my community.

Danielle Luckett

MS/ST

Typically, a therapist will start by conducting an assessment to understand the patient’s
severity of symptoms, history and what their goals are for therapy. This would include
discussing emotions, life events, and daily functioning routines. The appropriate
treatment plan, which might include therapy, medication, or a combination of both, can
then be developed based on the assessment.

Addressing childhood trauma involves a therapeutic process. As the therapist, I would
start with a thorough assessment to understand the nature and impact of the traumatic
experience. Establishing a trusting therapeutic relationship is essential. It allows the
client to explore and process their experiences. Collaboratively, the client and I would
develop a treatment plan that would include coping strategies and building resilience.
Trauma-focused therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Rational
Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT) can be effective.

As a person and a therapist, I conduct myself with compassion, empathy and making
sure to provide clients with individualized care that fits their needs. I have had the
opportunity to work with various populations including the LGBTQ+ community,
adolescents, the elderly, same sex and heterosexual couples. My most experienced
area of expertise is with clients who suffer from childhood trauma, anxiety, and
depression, combined and separately. I consider myself a professional who leans toward
client-centered therapy but will always use methodologies that fit best for each client. It
is most important for my clients to feel a comfortable and trusting connection with me as
their therapist.

One of the things I see most with the clients I have worked with, is the feeling that they
are alone in their experiences. For that reason, providing groups for individuals who are
similar in age, diagnosis, and experiences would be an area in which I would enjoy
facilitating a group experience. I find that teenagers tend to prosper and heal when they
have peer support. My availability for this type of group would be Saturday mornings
between the hours of 10am to 3pm. Most importantly, I would discuss agreeable times
with the groups member and choose a time that best suits them as a whole.

As a professional counselor, it’s essential to recognize the importance of incorporating
fun and self-care into your life. Amidst the demands of work and family, I finding time for
joy and relaxation is crucial for maintaining overall well-being. Engaging in activities like
swinging at the park, having picnics, listening to music, exploring new cultures through
travel, and experimenting with cooking are some of the wonderful ways I nurture my
mental and emotional health. Always remember to prioritize self-care and activities that
bring you happiness and fulfillment.

Dorian Giles

APC

My name is Dorian Giles, and I am an Associate Professional Counselor based in Atlanta, Georgia. I specialize in psychotherapy with a focus on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). My client-centered approach allows me to meet clients where they are, helping them improve their overall health. I serve a diverse range of clients, including those from underserved communities, members of LGBTQIA+ communities, and other marginalized groups.

I specialize in working with clients of all ages who are dealing with depression, anxiety, interpersonal relationship issues, stress management, and many more concerns. I believe that every person deserves to be heard, and I am dedicated to providing a non-judgmental environment where clients feel comfortable expressing themselves freely.

In addition to my professional life, I am a loving fiancé, father, and foster parent who values a balanced work-life. I enjoy offering my services to clients in need and am committed to ensuring full confidentiality for every client. I believe that everyone deserves to live a happy and fulfilling life, and I am here to help them navigate the challenges to achieve this. Understanding oneself and becoming more attuned to one's mental health is the beauty of life, and I am here to support my clients on this journey.

Halimah Barlow

LPC

One of the beautiful quotes I completely inner stand is “-"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” -Chinese Proverb. This quote provides clarity on we have to start somewhere in order to get through this long journey of life! Give yourself much love for taking this first step of embarking on your personal journey rather it’s, an journey of healing, self-awareness, self-love, transformation, spirituality , wellness, preparation, as the list can go on, because everyone journey is their own and it’s always this journey of life! Give yourself the grace you deserve as there will be many more steps along your journey. Rather your journey consist of trauma , childhood trauma , anxiety, stress, depression, low self-esteem & confidence, life transition, and lack of direction therapy can assist with navigating you along this path of life. I am here to meet you where you are and assist with navigating this path while stepping into your inner-strength and break through the obstacles along your path.

I follow a holistic approach to well-being, with therapeutic techniques that addresses healing the mind,body and soul. While I follow many modalities I ensure each align with that specific person because your journey is your own I tend to address issues based on core values of childhood experiences , self love, self-esteem, cultural and spiritual diversity, holistic wellness, and resilience.

I have experience in childhood trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, anger management, suicidal ideation, self-acceptance , life purposes and life transition. While I have an expertise in play therapy for children, Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) , Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) , Trauma -Focused Cognitive Therapy (TF-CBT).

I am passionate about what I do which is assisting with healing in our community . Above all, my goal is to empower clients to lead fulfilling lives and embrace their true higher selves. With kindness, warmth, and genuine care, I am here to support you on your journey towards healing, growth and wellness.

Seek Wise Counsel is community based non profit using cultural
specific workshops, retreats, groups, community based events to provide counseling, therapy and life coaching services to communities of color.

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