About Chaz Ripley
Hi, I'm Chaz!If you're considering counseling, it likely means something in your life feels stuck or out of balance. That is a difficult place to be, and a brave place to start. As a counselor, I feel deeply grateful to support clients as they face challenges head-on, practice new habits, and show up resiliently week after week.
How I Approach Therapy:
There are three primary tenets of my counseling approach:
1. Empathy: Sometimes, what we dig up and explore in counseling can be overwhelming and downright scary. My hope is that you are not alone in those moments - I want to feel what you feel.
2. Non-judgment: I won’t judge you. Furthermore, I want to help you not judge you. Self-criticism, which often results in feelings of shame and guilt, is demotivating. My hope is to replace judgment with curiosity, which generates increased awareness and creativity in the face of difficult issues.
3. Authenticity: Study after study shows that counseling experiences are only as good as the relationship between counselor and client. Therefore, I make a conscious effort to show up as myself while building a strong therapeutic relationship with each of my clients.
In addition to Person-Centered counseling, I utilize several other modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Therapy, and Existential Therapy.
When working with ADHD clients, I implement a solution-based approach that focuses on building a “dashboard” of levers, tools, and strategies that can be used to manage ADHD on a moment-by-moment basis.
My work with couples is centered around helping them connect empathically. Oftentimes, couples are stuck repeating the same conversations. Couples are usually aware of this, but don’t know how to get out. By connecting emotionally through empathy, both partners can “feel felt,” which leads to relational healing. Additionally, by taking on the feelings of the other, both partners become more motivated toward creative solutions to relational issues.
Who I Work With:
I work with a diverse set of clients, including college students, adults, children, adolescents, families, and couples. I enjoy collaborating with individuals and families seeking support in a variety of areas, including:
- ADHD management
- Depression
- Anxiety & stress management
- Grief
- Self-harm/Suicidal thoughts and urges
- Family and marriage conflict
- Child development
- ASD support
- Sexuality
- Strengthening self-esteem
- Premarital and pre-engagement counseling
- Exploring questions of spirituality
Background and Experience:
Prior to counseling, I worked in non-profits and education. I earned a Master's in Mental Health Counseling from the University of the Cumberlands and hold a license as an Associate Professional Counselor in Georgia. I am also a member of the American Counseling Association. I practice under the clinical supervision of Joe Bucha.
Let's Work Together!
Regardless of what you are up against, I believe things can get better. When you are ready to take the next step in your journey, I'd love to connect with you. You can reach me at 706.521.4356 or email me at chaz@oconeecounseling.com.