Therapist · MS, LPC, NCC, CCTP
Haylie Ann Yakrus, MS, LPC, NCC, CCTP
"Healing is formed through authentic human connection."
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
In-person in Atlanta, GA · Virtual across GA, SC & FL
Hello, I'm Haylie
Healing is formed through authentic human connection. My approach to the therapeutic process is primarily focused on creating an environment of authenticity, trust, and connection — allowing for the development of a working partnership through strategies that encourage you to address the root causes and build a meaningful, fulfilling life.
I provide long-term therapy to clients from diverse backgrounds, who are struggling with a wide range of challenges — anxiety, depression, life transitions, trauma, parenting, relationships and attachment, grief, and interpersonal conflict. I draw from a variety of therapeutic modalities and philosophies, all provided through an empathetic and individualistic style that inspires my clients to cultivate personal growth.
Much of my experience has been helping individuals, couples, and families find balance in their lives and re-focus their energies on what truly matters to them. I'm passionate about empowering people to find their inner strength — because through that channel, they reconnect with their truest self.
My Approach to Therapy
My work is rooted in the belief that no two people are the same — and no single therapeutic approach fits everyone. I integrate evidence-based modalities and philosophies to match what each client needs, when they need it.
Modalities I Draw From
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Relational Therapy
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Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT)
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Trauma-Based Narrative Therapy
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CPT (Cognitive Processing Therapy) / DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) / ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)
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Internal Family Systems (IFS) and IFIO (Intimacy From the Inside Out) for Couples
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Existential Therapy
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Psychodynamic Theory
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Solution-Focused Therapy
What this means for you: our work will look like your work. We'll move at your pace, follow the threads that matter to you, and use the tools that fit your story.
Who I Work With
Individual Therapy
One-on-one work for adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, attachment wounds, grief, or simply a desire to know themselves more deeply.
Couples Therapy
Using Intimacy From the Inside Out (IFIO) — a powerful, IFS-based approach to couples work — I help partners move beyond reactive patterns and into deeper connection, understanding, and repair.
Family Therapy
Family systems carry both wounds and wisdom. I support families navigating conflict, life changes, parenting challenges, and the complex dynamics that shape how we love one another.
Group Therapy
Group work offers something individual therapy can't: the experience of being witnessed and supported by others who get it. I lead groups focused on healing, growth, and community.
Areas I Specialize In
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Anxiety Therapy
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Depression Therapy
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Trauma & Attachment (IFS / IFIO)
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Motherhood & Perinatal Mental Health
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Life Transitions
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Self-Trust & Self-Esteem
Credentials, Training & Education
Licenses
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Georgia Licensed Professional Counselor — License #LPC013803
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Out-of-State Telehealth Provider for South Carolina — Registration #TLC1663 PC
Professional Memberships & Ethics
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Member of the Licensed Professional Counselors Association of Georgia (LPCA-GA)
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Adheres to the ACA Code of Ethics
Specialized Certifications
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CCTP — Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (US)
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IFS — Internal Family Systems: Level 1 Trained (IFS Institute)
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IFIO — Intimacy From the Inside Out for Couples
Additional Training
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Crisis Intervention — QPR for Suicide Prevention / CITI
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Psychodrama Therapy
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Theraplay / Play Therapy with Adults
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EFFT — Emotion Focused Family Therapy
Education
Master of Science in Clinical Counseling Psychology, with a special concentration in Play Therapy (TheraPLAY) — Brenau University. Bachelor of Science in Cell and Molecular Biology — Monterey, California.
Professional Experience
My career began in intensive treatment, focusing on adults with severe mental illness (SMI), complex trauma and PTSD, and complex family systems. Over the years, I've worked across a range of settings:
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Community Behavioral Health — Grady Behavioral Health
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Intensive In-Patient and Outpatient — Berman Center
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School Systems — Lionheart School
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Graduate-level instruction — Assistant Professor of Psychology
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Speaking events on maternal mental health and wellness
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Private Practice
A Personal Note
Beyond credentials and training, what I bring to the therapy room is a deep belief that you already hold the wisdom you're looking for. My job isn't to give you answers — it's to walk alongside you while you uncover them. The work we do together will be honest, sometimes uncomfortable, often surprising, and always rooted in respect for who you are.
Professional & Warm
Insights for Growth & Healing
Explore articles written by Haylie Yakrus on relationships, emotional well-being, personal growth, and mental health. These resources are designed to provide practical guidance, fresh perspectives, and support for your journey toward healing and connection.
We all cope with stress differently, so it might not be easy for you to identify when your partner is stressed or anxious right off the bat. For this reason, Haylie Yakrus, MS, LPC, NCC, in Atlanta, recommends keeping a close eye on the behaviors your partner engages in when they are stressed out or anxious. “What grounds them and brings them back when they are heightened?” she asks. “When you’re able to answer these questions, you can support them by making sure basic physical needs are being met.”
"We're all predisposed to understand trauma," explains Haylie Ann Yakrus, a mental health clinician in Atlanta. "It may be genetic, [environmental] (i.e., [whether or not you felt] safe and protected), or a traumatic experience when we were [children]."
The older generation “is used to having a sense of purpose,” Yakrus says. “Feeling a part of a true family and community again is fulfilling."
“Generalised anxiety disorders and those are feeding into other compulsive behaviours such as excessive cleaning, excessive fear around safety and secureness, as well as social anxiety.” Haylie encourages people to ask for help if struggling. “We’re seeing more people asking for help, and that’s a really unique and special thing for where we are in our world today,” she said.
“I think it’s really important to change your scenery,” said Yakrus. “I always say have a pad of paper and just take a deep breath and write your thoughts down. It could be a list of things you need to empty from your mind or it could be a list of what you’re feeling. You want to create that safety in your body so the body stops producing all of these stress hormones.”
“Because of the nature of this polarized election, a lot of people had to sacrifice parts of themselves that they weren't so comfortable with...”
Let's Begin
If something here resonates, Haylie would love to hear from you. Reaching out is the first step — and you don't need to have it all figured out before you do.