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

Hi Lauren, do you have any habits that you feel contribute to your effectiveness?
Daily Gratitude! I try to begin each day with “Today I get to…” instead of “Today I have to…”. I remind myself that I have the honor of guiding my clients to a place of healing. Practicing daily gratitude has been proven to “rewire” our brains to experience more joy. Give it a try!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My career began in working in foster care to now working in Special Education. I have been a School Social Worker since 2016. In both of these environments, I gained experience in working with an array of emotional and psychiatric disorders, as well as trauma. Although challenging at times, my experiences have translated to my becoming a more compassionate and knowledgeable therapist.

I began my virtual private practice during the pandemic when I saw a need for mental health professionals. Virtual therapy has made help more accessible for those who hate commuting or are struggling with depression.

The best lesson I’ve learned in my career is that every therapist needs a therapist, and humor goes a long way! I participate in therapy myself and always try to laugh at my own mistakes.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am a Georgia native and have lived in Atlanta for nearly ten years. First on my list would be the MLK, Jr. National Historic Park, because it’s a beautiful testament to Atlanta’s role in the Civil Rights movement. For fun, I would suggest checking out the Aquarium (it is the largest in the world, after all!), The High Museum, and Ponce City Market. Our Braves are coming back World Series Champs, so the Battery is a must!
We have no shortage of food in Atlanta. If you’re downtown, you’ve got to stop by famous The Varsity. For a nice dinner, I’d recommend the Sun Dial with a view of the skyline. If you’re in the mood for something fun, check out the BeltLine! New spots are popping up all the time.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have absolutely had a village around me along my professional journey! My mother, Dr. Terry Manning, LMFT is a retired therapist in Middle Georgia. She taught me a great deal about how to be not only an empathetic clinician, but person. I was also blessed to have two incredible clinical supervisors during my licensure process- Cameron Bishop, LCSW and Don Tillman, LCSW. They both taught me how to think critically and how to balance work with self-care. We can’t help others with our cups half-full!

Instagram: @lmanninglcsw

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