We had the good fortune of connecting with Amanda Slater and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amanda, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
Mental health is an important component of a person’s well-being. Having access to mental health resources has proven to have a positive community and global impact; by reducing homelessness, suicide and negative influence.

As a therapist, my goal is to assist others with identifying their ability to cope with life’s stressors and build resilience skills. Therapy is a service that when utilized can assist a person with learning well, working well and thriving in their community. One of the common benefits of mental health awareness is a reduction in stigma. Other areas of impact are promotion of empathy, crisis preparedness, increased productivity, conflict resolution and overall mental and physical well-being.

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?
Slater Therapeutic Services is a private practice offering virtual mental health therapy to residents of Georgia. My solo practice was created with the goal of reaching the individual who’s viewed as the “strong friend” of their social group. This person is typically trusted by others, level-headed and offers sound advice and guidance, therefore they become the pillar of support for many. This role can be demanding and may result in the “strong friend” having little space to attend to their own struggles and vulnerabilities, thats where I come in. I provide a confidential, non-judgmental space for the “strong friend” to seek support. Slater Therapeutic was birthed from the viral slogan, “Check on your Strong Friends”. With the growing popularity of mental health awareness it’s important to me, to not just talk the talk but also walk the walk. I am most excited about changing the face of therapy. I have a modern approach to therapy and to my appearance. I often attend session with colorful nails, an exposed tattoo on my forearm and a cool coffee mug. I’ve found that coming to session completely as myself helps my clients to relate and feel comfortable. I enjoy using terms that represent everyday life and speaking to my clients in a friendly conversation manner versus a teacher; student manner. This has proven most effective for my clients and their overall progress.
The decision to practice psychology was easy, I’ve always been fascinated with the human mind and the explanation for our behaviors. Narrowing down my area of speciality and becoming a business owner was a bit more challenging. It took some self exploration to determine that clinical psychology was the appropriate fit for me. I struggled with stepping out into the world of entrepreneurship, as I had recently giving birth to my daughter. I’ve always dreamed of a lifestyle of stability and control, branching out made me feel as if I lacked both of those elements. I spoke with my personal therapist regarding anxiety, fears, and uncertainty. I did the therapeutic work and since then I’ve learn to take risk and bet on myself every time.
As I travel through this new journey I’ve learned to do it scared. I’m a huge advocate for practicing what I preach, therefore I refuse to allow anxiety to derail me from success. Utilizing my support system and therapist, was a huge factor in my confidence level and ability to take risks. One of my favorite coping skills is placing self affirmations on sticky notes and repeating them daily. A few affirmations that has helped me navigate my path are; “I am capable of conquering my wildest dreams” and “I don’t have to be perfect to start something new”.
I want the world to know that I’m one badass therapist! I am educated and experienced with assisting individuals with some of the toughest challenges in their lives. I am dedicated to providing a safe space for tears, laughter, pain, rejoicing and all the emotions in between. I offer a free 15minute phone consult to allow myself and the client a chance to meet and discuss items that will align with their goals.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Forever I Love Atlanta (FILA) Itinerary. First, I’m such the ultimate planner that the itinerary definitely has to have a name; FILA Itinerary. Next, I will create a digital itinerary equipped with hyperlinks and social media handles for easy guides. Last, I will strategically schedule the itinerary to be delivered via email at the flights arrival to Atlanta.

Wednesday Arrival- Because who wants to navigate through the busiest airport in the world during the weekend.
-Breakfast at the Dwarf House
– Snap a photo on the Jackson St. Bridge and the Outkast Mural
– Visit the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park and the Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church
– Grab an early dinner at Mary Macs Tea Room

Thursday
– Grab coffee at Dancing Goats Midtown
– Relax and unwind with a spa day at the 4 Season Hotel

FriYay (Friday)
– Explore The Battery Atlanta: The Escape Room and Punch Bowl Social
– Have Dinner and Drinks at Kimball House

Saturday
– Get an early start with a Hike at Stone Mountain Park
-Mid Day arrival to Atlanta Botanical Gardens
– Dinner at Sweet Georgia Juke Joint
– Cocktails at Glen’s Hotel Sky Lounge, rooftop bar

Sunday
– Pick Up a to-go order of lemon pepper wings from Magic City
-Skating at Cascade Skating Rink

Monday
– Have lunch at Slutty Vegan, which. is quickly becoming an ATL staple
– Shop and sightsee at Ponce City Market
– Walk to Krog Street Market to indulge in Jeni’s Ice Cream
– Complete the day with a walk on the Belt line

Tuesday
– Staycation at Serenbe Inn

Wednesday
– Atlanta Breakfast Club prior to heading to the airport for departure

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to shoutout Keisha Reaves of Push Thru @pushthrumom. Keisha, is the owner and clinical director of a therapeutic private practice specializing in maternal mental health. I have the privilege of being a member of Keisha’s mentorship program for clinicians building their private practices. Keisha has helped me develop tools to strengthen my brand and increased my confidence with taking risks.

Website: https://www.slatertherapeutic.com/

Instagram: @slater.therapy

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/amandanslater

Facebook: Slater Therapy

Image Credits
Photographer- Kelley Raye @kelleyrayephoto Make Up Artist- Kenya Haynie @kenyahaynie HairStylist- Nina Gonzalez @petaljoliesalon

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.