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Welcome
Welcome
Dr. Shay Speaks, LLC, is a private practice offering therapy (individual/marital/couple/family sessions) and consulting services (presentations; staff training; workshops/seminars; writing/editing; fitness and wellness).
ABOUT "DR. SHAY"
Shatavia Alexander Thomas, DMFT, LMFT
I believe in the power of empathy, collaboration, and resilience. Trained as a systems thinker and passionate about holistic wellness, I am curious about how culture and context influence clients' self-concept, values and relationships. I highlight strengths and resources in order to help facilitate empowerment and meaningful change. Here's a little more about me:
Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy (DMFT), Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL
MS in Professional Counseling & BS in Psychology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA
10 years of experience in higher education (faculty and administration)
Medical family therapy experience
Athlete wellness (youth, collegiate, professional, post)/Sports family systems consultant
Nonprofit leadership experience
Juvenile justice system experience
School Guidance experience
Curriculum development experience
University Student Counseling/On-Campus Crisis Counseling experience
Mental health and outpatient substance abuse counseling experience
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Georgia since 2009
Out-of-State Telehealth Provider for Florida since 2020
Therapeutic approach informed by narrative, collaborative, Bowen family systems, and experiential therapies
Beginner mat pilates teacher (Core I Mat, Power Pilates) since 2023
THERAPY
THERAPY
Self-care/Work-life balance
Spirituality & Faith
Grief & Loss
Caregiver support
Family of Origin concerns
Pre-marital Preparation
Communication & Intimacy
Parenting & Childhood behavior concerns
Blended families
Clergy/Ministry leaders
Student Athletes (collegiate)
Youth sports
Family businesses
Entrepreneurs
Creatives
Sports & entertainment families
CONSULTING
CONSULTING
Workplace Wellbeing/Job Satisfaction
Teambuilding
Bullying
Stress management
Crisis response
Concierge individual and family services
Schools, Colleges & Universities
Churches & Religious Organizations
Cultural sensitivity, Diversity & Inclusion
Suicide screening
Mental Health & Holistic Wellness Panels & Keynotes
Continuing Education
Community Workshops/Seminars
Writing & Editing services
Appreciative Inquiry
Fitness/Pilates instructor
"Within the right environment and with just enough light, every seed can grow." ~drshay
MEDIA**SOCIAL MEDIA**PUBLICATIONS**EVENTS
Popular press publications and Recent Events:
2023 Relationships - Black Women's Holistic Wellness Retreat, A Life Lived on Purpose (co-presenter)
2022 Mental Health Awareness - Atlanta Suburban Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. - Mental Health Seminar (co-panelist)
2022 Holistic Wellness and Motherhood, Progressively Yours Health & Wellness Podcast ((presenter/speaker)
2022 The Psychology of Women & Money - MusiCares and the Recording Academy Chicago Chapter Event
2022 Signature Bride (featured in article on healthy marriages)
2021 Mental Health Moments with Biblical References
2021 Meaning of Money/Feelings, Finances & Family Seminar - MusiCares Recording Academy Event
2020 Rolling Out Pandemic Interview
2020 "Stress & Unrest" A Conversation w/Dr. Tiff
2020 Mental Health Fireside Chat (co-panelist) - Delta Sigma Theta Sorority & Omega Psi Phi Fraternity
2018 Best Self Atlanta Couples and goal-setting article
Entertainment Magazine Lifestyle Author Page Archives
Peer-reviewed publications:
Alexander, S., Shilts, L., Liscio, M., & Rambo, A. (2008). Return to sender: Letter writing to bring hope to both client and team. Journal of Systemic Therapies, 27(1), 59-66. LINK
Thomas, S. (2017). Faith-based therapy. In J. Carlson, & S. Dermer (Eds.), The SAGE encyclopedia of marriage, family, and couples counseling (Vol. 2, pp. 589-594). SAGE Publications, Inc. LINK
Thomas, S. (2017). Media in family therapy. In J. Carlson, & S. Dermer (Eds.), The SAGE encyclopedia of marriage, family, and couples counseling (Vol. 3, pp. 1049-1049). SAGE Publications, Inc. LINK
Thomas, S. A. (2020). Staying alone together. Families, Systems, & Health, 38(Suppl 1), 36-39. LINK
Thomas, S. A. (2020). That question again. Families, Systems, & Health, 38(Suppl 1), 26. LINK
Thomas, S., & Hokemeyer, P. (2024). The ethics of working with the media. In Brown, K.S. (Ed.). American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy Systemic Ethics Textbook. AAMFT.
Professional Association articles:
Thomas, S. A. (November/December 2012). Parents’ Choices and Children’s Voices: Systemic Perspectives on Custody Disputes Between Never-married Parents. Family Therapy Magazine, 11(6), 12-15.
Thomas, S. A. (July/August 2014). MFTs in the Media: Professional and Social Responsibility. Family Therapy Magazine, 13(4), 59-61.
Thomas, S. A. (May/June, 2016). MFTs as Systems Consultants. Family Therapy Magazine, 15(3), 18-21.
Thomas, S. A. (May/June, 2017). MFTs as Systems Consultants, Part 2. Family Therapy Magazine, 16(3), 20-23.
CONTACT
Feel free to reach out to me via phone or email for information about policies, fees/rates, and availability.
Dr. Shay Speaks, LLC
Dr. Shatavia Alexander Thomas, LMFT
P. O. Box 42198, Atlanta, Georgia 30311
(770) 317-8583
POLICIES AND DOCUMENTATION:
*Emails and direct messages (DMs) are not intended to be utilized to communicate sensitive information or mental health emergencies. Email is used for scheduling and resources only. Please use phone or email for questions about services, as there will be no response direct messages. *
**For mental health emergencies, please dial 911 or visit your nearest hospital emergency room. **
***Clients will receive intake and consent forms via email or client portal, including specific forms for telehealth and practice policies. All clients are screened to assess for telemental health fit/appropriateness prior to the initial session. In addition, clients receive written/electronic notification of privacy practices and Good Faith Estimate/No Surprises Act, an explanation of billing for self-pay practices. Under a new 2022 law, clients have the right to receive this estimate of the total expected costs on non-emergency services. This is intended to provide protection against balance or surprise billing. ***
CE EVENTS:
Stay tuned for future workshops/seminars!
***Therapist Profile Page (w/link to secure client webpage)***
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