Meet Dr. Dionne Bates: Licensed Psychotherapist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Dionne Bates and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Dionne, alright, let’s jump in with a deep one – what’s you’re definition for success?
For me, success is tied to having an understanding of my value system. What do I value? For me, in every dimension of my identity, I value stability and peace of mind. When those two things are present, I feel successful.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My practice is Self-SOULstice, LLC. I am licensed as a professional counselor and I do therapy with individuals (18 and over) and couples. I also do consultations with organizations regarding various mental health issues.

Self-SOULstice, LLC, has a very diverse clientele, for which I am probably most proud. I assist clients with issues ranging from depression, anxiety, mood disturbance, grief, life transitions, LGBT issues, trauma, etc. My specialty lies in identity development. I utilize the Self-SOULstice Model of Affirmation to guide clients through self-exploration, self-healing, self-affirmation, and self-externalization, in order to help them learn to affirm themselves and others and integrate more consistently their authentic selves into various dimensions of their identities. This is the foundation of my work and my brand and I give thanks for the clients who trust me to guide them through their healing process.

Was it easy? No. Is it easy? Not always. As with any business, there are ebbs and flows. But, I have come to embrace and be thankful for the ebbs just as much as the flows. Together, they bring a sense of balance, which brings stability. And well, we’ve already discussed how I feel about stability (laughing). But seriously, as with any job, there are stressful periods, but I’ve learned that there are certain stressors that are worth it when doing something that you’re passionate about.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
(laughing) Well, first of all, I’m a homebody. So when my friends want to come visit, it’s usually because they want some down time free of expectations that there has to be an itinerary. We’re also still in the middle of a pandemic. The ‘Roni ain’t playin’ with us! But, these days, I hang out a lot in nature. I hike several times per week. So I would probably take them to the Chattahoochee River for hiking or maybe Cascade Springs Nature Preserve. In terms of food, definitely Whole Foods, Thumbs Up (on Edgewood, of course), Poor Calvin’s, and for paella, Barcelona Wine Bar. Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many who have assisted me in this journey, with their love, encouragement, guidance, and sometimes a swift kick in the pants. Olodumare (for mercy and grace); my ancestors (who continue to strengthen and guide me); my mother and father (for their love and guidance); my godbrother and his wife, Dr. and Mrs. Bernard/Valerie Hardy (for their unconditional love and holding me when I couldn’t hold myself); my first cousin, Emma Lorraine Harper (for giving me my right mind – and a piece of hers too – when I need to be redirected); Mr. and Mrs. Glenn/Darlene Curtis (for giving me my first “stable” job in Atlanta); Dr. David Rush (for teaching me the business of private practice); my college mentor, Dr. Norma Downs Carson (for her compassion and confidence in me); and so many others.

Website: www.drdbates.com

Twitter: @SelfSOULstice

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SelfSoulstice

Image Credits
Headshots – Hakim Wilson (Photo Brothers Media)