A Celebration of Me!

It’s been 10 months since I posted on my blog and I have really missed it. The last year has been a whirlwind and I’m not one to give myself credit; in fact, I really don’t like having attention drawn to me, but I have to say that I am prouder of myself than I probably have ever been. Last week I completed my Master’s degree in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling and it was one of the most challenging tasks I have ever completed. There are times when I look back, and I wonder how I made my way through the last few years and how I kept going, but I did it. I fought tooth and nail, and for every grade I got, and I did it! So, I’m going to take a little time and share with you why I am celebrating ME!

I graduated with my Master’s in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling last week, and it has been overwhelming for me. This journey has been one of the most demanding tasks I have ever completed. I started working on this degree in the Fall of 2017, and I had to overcome a few obstacles to achieve it. In the Fall of 2018, we found out my daughter had a high-risk pregnancy. In October 2018, I had a stroke, and I finished that semester in February and made my one and only B. I have given myself grace for that B, and it is the ONLY B I made. In the spring of 2019, my granddaughter was born with complications and spent four months in NICU. I spent those months with my daughter at my mom’s and the Ronald McDonald House. At the same time my school closed and I had to find a new school. I spent the summer applying and interviewing and searching for a college that would take most of my credits.  West Georgia was two hours away, and I would spend the next year going from my office in Johns Creek and Stockbridge to Carrollton for classes. Thank you, Brooke Jones, for working with me. There were so many days I couldn’t bring myself to drive back, and I would stay with friends who were close to Carrollton. Thank you LeighAnn and BeBe. In 2020 I continued my courses via zoom during a pandemic and racial unrest. In 2021 I held down a full-time internship while still commuting to Carrollton for classes, working as a Lead Intern, helping with a buildout, selling our home, purging and selling/donating all of our furniture, moving to Newnan, and passed my CPCE. Thank you, to my husband and children who were always there to support me, through my late study nights. I also began my Play Therapy certification and my Expressive Art Certification, and I interviewed with multiple practices and supervisors and started my application for licensure. I was blessed to get an offer from my first choice, The Serenity Tree in Peachtree City!  I dug in for this degree, and I have fought harder than ever to complete it with a 3.98 GPA (Damn B). Not once did I ever think about quitting, not once did I think about giving up. It overwhelms me to look back at the challenges and obstacles I have overcome, and I am DAMN PROUD of myself.

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Author: Lei Rhyne, LPC, NCC, CHt.

Life can weigh you down, it can be overwhelming when you are juggling loved ones, children, work, parents, trauma, grief, loss, major life changes, etc. It can make you feel as if you are carrying the world on your shoulders and sometimes you need someone to help you unload it, explore it, and release it. My approach is one of guidance. My goal is to guide you through your struggles and pain and back to your true authentic self. I am an integrated therapist who believes in treating the mind, body, and soul using various theories and techniques. I help my clients explore their feelings, challenges, and behaviors and discover where they are stemming from. I guide my clients through acknowledging those feelings and reactions and work on changing the behaviors and bringing them to a place of acceptance. I use a variety of techniques including person-centered, solution-focused, cognitive behavior therapy, expressive art therapy, meditation, brainspotting, and psychodynamics. I have created a holistic and safe environment for you to unload your worries and fears. I believe that every person is worthy of acceptance and peace and I strive to help you meet your fullest protentional and embrace your uniqueness.

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