Meet Mariah Dantzler | Walk + Talk Psychotherapist

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

Hi Mariah, what matters most to you?
The value that matters most to me—both professionally and personally—is celebration.

As a therapist, I’m not what you’d call “typical.” My sessions might include spontaneous dance parties, slices of cake, or walks where we play a few rounds of “I Spy.” These moments aren’t just playful distractions—they’re intentional acts of celebration. I believe in honoring both the big wins and the tiny victories, especially with the teens I work with.

My goal is to create a space where we can hold the hard, messy parts of life and still make room for joy. Life can be challenging enough—I want my clients to leave my office feeling truly seen, deeply supported, and genuinely celebrated for who they are and the potential they carry within them.

In my personal life, that same principle guides me. Whether it’s cheering on a friend, marking small milestones with my loved ones, or finding joy in everyday rituals, I believe in celebrating often and meaningfully. Because when we take time to notice and honor the good—no matter how small—it builds resilience, connection, and hope.

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?
I’m a therapist and the author of “What’s Up, Middle Schooler?”—a book designed to bridge the gap between parents and their teens with honesty, empathy, and a little bit of humor. I’m deeply passionate about transforming relationships between parents and adolescents by helping families shift from control-based dynamics to curiosity-driven connections. One of my core missions is to teach parents how to discipline without all the drama, and to approach parenting in a way that builds trust, not tension.

In my practice, I use what I call “whimsical therapy”—a playful, light-hearted approach that embraces fun and celebration as powerful tools for healing, empowerment, and rapport-building. Therapy doesn’t have to be heavy all the time. I believe laughter, games, and creativity can open doors that traditional methods sometimes can’t.

What sets me apart is that I live what I teach. When my office burned down in a fire, I had to completely start over. It was devastating—but it also gave me a real-world opportunity to practice resilience and patience, the same tools I work to instill in my teen clients. That experience reminded me that even in the face of loss, we can choose to rebuild with purpose and hope.

I’m most excited about continuing to publish books that help parents and teens connect in meaningful ways—and I’m actively working toward future TED Talks where I can share this message with a wider audience. I want the world to know that healing doesn’t have to be rigid or clinical; it can be joyful, curious, and even a little whimsical.

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 would start off breakfast at little rey (killer breakfast tacos) then we would walk the beltline and end up in piedmont park for a picnic, then BYOB to Gios chicken and snag and outside table — gives you a taste of Italy, and lastly wrap up the night at Whole world improv (the best improv in the city)

special shout outs to: high frequency friday at the high and blind willies for jazz

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My own celebration team of friends and family who always show up and show out for all things big and little.

Website: https://www.mariahdantzler.com/

Instagram: mariahdantzlerlpc_