Tandy Mackey

My name is Tandy Mackey and I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Atlanta, Georgia, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults and specialize in Family Systems, Emotional Family Couples Therapy, Gottman Method Therapy, Attachment Theory, anxiety, stress, depression, trauma, Supportive Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to assist my clients in being the better version of themselves so they can feel better.

My approach

I approach the therapeutic relationship with acute sensitivity and respect for multi/cross-cultural factors. My clinical experience includes working with a diverse population which includes race, youth, families, and adults given my firsthand experience in navigating generational and cultural differences. Representation for minority groups in the broader world of mental health is still very small, and my own professional goals include creating more intersection between my personal knowledge of Western cultures and professional experience in providing mental health support. My approach to therapy varies based on the needs of each client I work with. I most frequently use Emotional Focused Therapy, Gottman Method Therapy, Attachment Theory, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, these modalities help me and the client build a shared understanding of their reality, and allow us to work together to set goals so they can move forward in a healthy way.

My focus

I have found that my style and approach are a good fit for adults who may be dealing with the challenges of life circumstances, transitions, and social pressures. This often takes the form of feeling overwhelmed, anxiety, depression, stress, and trauma. I work to help my clients navigate these transition periods to gain tools, utilize resources, and build skills to allow them to feel better about themselves and develop a more positive outlook on life.

My communication style

My communication style is upbeat, encouraging, accommodating, and personable. I want my clients to feel comfortable expressing how they feel without being judged.

My journey to mental healthcare

I decided to become a therapist because I have always wanted to assist people in being a better version of themselves. Whether it was giving positive advice to friends and family members or encouraging others to be the best version of themselves. I have a gift for meeting others where they are and not past judgment on anyone. I love to see individuals succeed in reaching goals that they doubted before. I have always naturally been drawn to helping people through difficult times. I love to see individuals become the best versions of themselves. My experience is varied and across settings, as I have provided individual and family therapy in community mental health agencies, school settings and day treatment facilities. I believe that we are all products of our closest relationships, our environment, our family systems, and every moment that leads to the present us. I strive to treat the therapeutic relationship, and you, with compassion, respect, and warmth.

My goals for you

My approach to goal setting with clients is all about working collaboratively to define what you want to accomplish in our time together. This often starts by building trust between us and getting comfortable with what it means to be in therapy. Over time, we will work together to set goals and track your progress.

My first session with you

What you can expect from our first session together is for us to spend the majority of our time discussing how you have been feeling recently and how this has affected your life, and me asking questions to better understand some of why you may be feeling that way. The first session is about us building an initial connection, trust and helping me get a sense of what direction we should go from there. Each individual is different, and I like to get a sense of understanding so that I can assist you in moving forward,