ew 6 Photos

As a licensed professional counselor practicing in the state of Georgia, LaWanda has a master's degree in Counseling from Mercer University, Atlanta, Georgia, a bachelor's degree from Mercer University in Human Services and bachelor's degree in Business Management from the University of North Alabama, Florence, Alabama. 

LaWanda worked for eight years in community mental health providing services to clients in need of depression therapy for adults, anxiety counseling for college students, family therapy to address communication issues, and trauma therapy for men and women.  LaWanda is currently working as a psychotherapist aiding clients diagnosed with Mood Disorders, PTSD, Anxiety and Life Transition stress associated with employment burnout, divorce, grief, and retirement.  

LaWanda has a strong Christian faith and believes that therapy and one's faith can both be beneficial to a client's overall mental health.

LaWanda has published several guided journals with the purpose of helping others benefit from writing to process thoughts and feelings. LaWanda also believes that it is important to incorporate prayer, meditation, the use of affirmations, mindfulness, and scripture reading into one's daily routine for optimal health and wellness.

Our founder has attended several trainings towards continuing education in the mental health field of work; with the most recent 50 hour training in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and is now a Certified Professional Counselors Supervisor. 

Originally from Muscle Shoals, Alabama, LaWanda Owens, currently resides in Stockbridge, Georgia. When not providing therapy or writing, LaWanda enjoys spending time with her family, outdoor walking and volunteering in the community.

If you’re experiencing a crisis and need to chat with someone, please text HOME to 741741 in the US to chat with someone at the Crisis Text Line. 

Dallas Cobb Bates, a remarkable woman whose legacy continues to inspire those fortunate enough to have known her, especially her children and grandchildren. As a testament of her influence upon the lives of her family, many of Dallas' grandchildren have embraced professional careers in social work, the medical industry, and health and wellness services.  Her warmth, kindness, and unwavering strength left a mark on the hearts of family and friends that cannot be easily erased.  Whether through her comforting words or the love she poured into every gesture, Dallas embodied the essence of a matriarch. Her ability to stand diligently during the 50s as a single parent created a tapestry of cherished memories that will endure for generations. In celebrating her life, I honor not just a grandmother but a beacon of love and wisdom whose impact resonates far beyond the passing of time.  

The strength of the ivy lies in its tenacity to endure and thrive in various conditions just like Dallas. With resilient roots and a determined climb, the ivy symbolizes persistence and adaptability. Its ability to cling and grow, even in challenging environments, serves as a metaphor for resilience and unwavering strength. The ivy's intertwining vines reflect the interconnectedness of life, relationships, and sisterhood reminding us of the power found in service to all mankind. 

As you engage in the therapeutic process it is my hope that you will embrace and develop life long skills that improve your life for the better. It is our desire to bring strength from our higher power and wisdom from the elders to guide us as we attend to  those in our care. 

We therefore honor the life and legacy of Dallas Cobb Bates by the naming of our therapy practice, Dallas Ivy Therapy and Wellness Services.