Meet Lisa Cottrell | Psychotherapist, Meditation Teacher, Poet and Photographer

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

Hi Lisa, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Life work balance is so essential to well being. We are never in a permanent, steady state of balance but we need to work to perform a balancing act. We need time to just be or to play without all the doing and striving. Psychotherapy is my second career and a passion. When I was a corporate trainer and project manager, I overworked and eventually got quite burned out. After that, I said, “never again.” I had always been interested in psychology, so I went back to school at night to become a therapist — while working 50 hour weeks and being on call. Sometimes we have to do hard things to make important changes.

I now prioritize self-care and soul care. In my work, I coach clients to find their priorities and a healthy life balance. I also support many clients in healing from trauma, depression, anxiety, grief and stress. This work is so meaningful and fulfilling, and it can be challenging at times, so I need to make time for being with loved ones, walking in nature, meditating, exercising, and taking care of my home and business. I am also a mindful meditation teacher, so I try to savor life and to bring acceptance to life’s unavoidable challenges.

We need to do things on a regular basis that bring us joy and contentment. A balanced life is one where you live according to your values and have time for work, play, family and friends, service, life maintenance around home and money, and healthy care for your body and mind by eating well, moving/exercising, spending time in nature, time with loved ones, and continued learning, spiritual growth and personal development. If we learn to listen well to our feelings, longings and needs, we can respond in a way where self-care becomes more natural and loving and not another chore.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am proud to have built a thriving business in private practice as a psychotherapist. It’s scary to take the risk of working for yourself, but it is less stressful to me than working for an organization and, when you build your practice, it’s more profitable. Changing careers at midlife was also difficult, as I had to start over at a much lower salary and learn a lot of new things, but it was well worth it, as I am more content than ever. Don’t wait for others to endorse your heart’s longing. Life is short. Go for it!

I bring creativity, experience, compassion and intuition to my approach with clients. I’m very proud to be an experienced therapist who is constantly learning and integrating a wide variety of healing modalities in my work. I am trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Mindfulness Meditation, Non-Violent Communication, and the trauma protocols EMDR and Brain-spotting. I also train other therapists.

I have studied Buddhist psychology for most of my life. I integrate the wisdom of how to suffer less in life from that spiritual tradition into my work. I have a background in cultural anthropology, so I am very aware there are other ways of living and being in the world that vary by culture and subculture that are healthier than the way many of us live. I also know what it’s like to have corporate jobs and so can help clients in those types of careers. I am also a creative person, have published a book of my poetry and photography and love working with other creative people. I have an interest in helping others heal, become free of internal and external oppression, and to create lives they love.

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?
I’d take them hiking at Sweetwater Creek State Park. In Avondale Estates, walk around the lake, shop Garage Door Studio for art and jewelry, check out the latest art exhibit at the Avondale Arts Alliance, eat on the patio at Arepa Mia, and shop Finder’s Keeper’s furnishings. Do the town of Decatur: breakfast at Pastries a go go, shop for art at Wild Oats and Billy Goats, eat at Calle Latina, shop for books at the feminist bookstore Charis Books and More and hear an author reading. Another day: lunch at Sushi Avenue and dinner at Cafe Lily in Decatur. In Atlanta: go to the High Museum of Art, see a play at Horizon Theater; walk, eat at La Fonda; eat at Rina and people watch on the Beltline near Ponce City Market. Get all of our friends together and eat at a favorite spot, Thai Chili. Check out free concerts or arts and craft shows around town like the Dogwood Festival in Piedmont Park.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to thank the therapists who have helped me in my life. I had a difficult childhood and they helped me recover and to grow. I also want to thank all of my spiritual teachers and mentors, especially my teacher, Zen master, poet and peace activist, Thich Nhat Hanh, who taught me how to live life beautifully with mindful presence, gratitude, and an understanding of our interconnection with all of life. He emphasized taking action in the world to help relieve the suffering of others. And special thanks to my loving partner and friends.

Website: https://www.wellbeingpsychotherapy.net

Instagram: lisacottrellatl

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-cottrell-a62898b/

Facebook: Well Being Psychotherapy

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@bewellbehappybeyou2196

Image Credits
Lotus by Karen Maugans, Karen Maugans Gallery. Digital rights purchased by Well Being Psychotherapy, LLC
Photos of Lisa by Carol Calvert