Cecile Dunkley Layne, LPC

I am Cecile Dunkley Layne and I have worked in mental health and drug addiction for over 16 years. I have also worked with the Georgia Department of Corrections and encountered individuals that struggle with incarceration, mental illness, and drug addiction. This has propelled me to be more involved in consciously making a difference in the helping arena. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and I hold a Master of Art degree in counseling from Liberty University and a Bachelor of Art degree in Business Administration. I am a National Certified Counselor and a Medication Assisted Specialist. Entering into a counseling relationship is an important decision and should not be taken lightly. I believe in providing a very warm, supportive, and relaxed environment for my clients. My approach to therapy is eclectic, which is tailored to meet each client’s goals, needs, beliefs, cultural and personality style. I engage in conversation, discussion, and express my perspective without exhibiting fear or judgment. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to teach clients to control their emotions and behaviors through the connection and exploration of thought monitoring. I do not like to dwell too much on a problem; therefore, I also use a solution-focused approach to help clients get unstuck by exploring options. It is also helpful to explore areas of ourselves that make decisions or feel certain emotions. This awareness is helpful, and therefore, I employ Internal Family Systems within my approach. Sometimes we focus too much on what is wrong with us, forgetting that there is plenty of right within us, so I fundamentally approach clients with strength-based intervention. All of these approaches work together to help clients gain awareness of thoughts that trigger problematic emotions and behaviors while educating clients to focus on moving forward and heal past hurts at the same time. These approaches work with issues related to depression, anxiety, loss, anger, relationship issues, and job stress, to name a few. I believe in using humor, spirituality, relaxation training, and mindfulness techniques to help and empower clients as we work together to reach their goals. When you sit in for a session with me, you will receive respect, concern, and laughter, as we tackle the issues life has thrown at you. Come in and get comfortable.