Meet Morgan Clary | Licensed Professional Counselor & Author

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

Hi Morgan, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
My favorite quote is by Maya Angelou. While she has a number of awesome quotes, my absolute favorite is ” My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor and some style.” This quote speaks to me because it encompasses everything I strive to be in my life. As a black woman, historically, many of us have felt as though we’ve had to just make it through each day doing what’s necessary to take care of their families. While I understand that, I’m grateful for the opportunity to live each element of my life in a way that’s not solely based on survival. I strive to live a life that prioritizes thriving, finding enjoyment in the things I do and creating a life that makes me happy. Being a therapist and encouraging mental and emotional awareness is something that I’m very passionate about. I’m grateful to be able to do something that I love on a daily basis. When I think about compassion and style; these were focal points that my grandmother embedded in me from an early age. She helped me realize the importance of not only looking good on the outside but being a kind and compassionate person on the inside. Lastly, humor! I mean what can I say, I LOVE to laugh and like to think I’m a pretty funny person too. As long as laughter continues to be a component in living longer, I’m going to keep humor as a big part of my life.

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?
Deciding to step out on a limb and start my own private practice has been something I have toyed with since thinking about my “what’s next” in graduate school. Instead of going after that goal, I took a safer route and started working at a hospital for a few years. While the knowledge and experience I gained during that time was invaluable; It wasn’t my dream. The idea of opening my own private practice re-emerged after experiencing the pandemic. During this time, my father inspired the birth of Clarity Bay. He always championed my dreams and helped me to believe I could accomplish everything I set out to achieve. Because of his impact on my life, I felt compelled to name my private practice, Clarity Bay, to pay homage to him. I chose Clarity as a derivative of our family name and its relationship to mental health. Bay isn’t only a calm body of water, it’s also my dad’s nickname. The combination of the two words totally represents everything I want my therapeutic style and my practice to embody.

The foundation Clarity Bay was created on is what sets it apart. I mentioned the impact my father had on my life but his impact on my business model has also been instrumental. Throughout my life, he set a stage for me to be seen and heard. Remembering that feeling encouraged me to create a nonjudgmental environment with my clients that also allows them to share a similar feeling of support and safety. Therapy is not me telling you want to do; it allows me to assist you in identifying how to make life work in a more effective way. If you’re looking for a guide to assist you on the journey, I am currently accepting new clients aged 18+ for individual and couples counseling. I specialize in women’s issues, relational struggles, domestic and intimate partner violence, grief and loss and life transitions. This year I am also incorporating a holistic approach to healing which includes the interaction of mind, body and spirit and the relationship that food has on our mental health.
While the challenges I encountered were difficult at times, I’m proud of myself for being resilient and persevering. Overcoming these challenges included therapy but also required me to do some work independently. I turned to journaling. Journaling allowed me to process my thoughts and emotions, set goals to accomplish and reflect on my achievements. I noticed both clients and friends often struggle with not knowing what to write and feeling the pressure and expectation of daily or timed journaling. I knew there was a solution and just like that, Evolving: The Evolution Journal Series was born. This guided journal was created with you in mind as a resource to your mental and emotional evolution. It is an opportunity to not only process your emotions but create affirmations, set goals and increase your emotional intelligence. Grab yours on Amazon.

If you are interested in starting your journey toward clarity, visit my website at www.claritybayservices.com and schedule a free 15 min consultation.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Wow. Such an awesome question! To know me is to know I love everything about food and living here in Atlanta.

Monday- After you arrive and successfully navigate Atlanta Hartfield- Jackson Airport head out to Decatur for the day

– First you have to stop by Revolution Donuts & Coffee on W. College Ave. After a donut or 6, take some time to check out the bookstores, local boutiques and enjoy the sounds and sights around Decatur Square.
– Ice cream at Butter & Cream is an absolute must and a bite at Chai Pani will not disappoint for lunch or dinner

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Tuesday- Westside of Atlanta

– Start at the Westside Beltline and immerse yourself into nature
– If you get thirsty grab a coffee at Costa, a kombucha at Cultured South or head straight for a beer at any of the breweries
– When you get hungry, check out the Food Hall at Lee & White for lunch then grab a seat in one of the cozy Adirondack chairs to people watch or read your favorite book.
– Then grab dinner at El Telsoro gives you a Tuesday Taco Special and Trivia

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Wednesday- East Atanta

– You will not be disappointed when you step into Bomb Biscuits for breakfast
– After biscuits, head over to the Georgia Aquarium to see the latest exhibits
– Visit Ponce City Market for shopping, drinks and food. LaRayia’s Bodega has an amazing blue soft serve you have to try. Then go upstairs to stop by Bar Vegan for happy hour drinks and vibes or head out of the market and stop by 3 Park Wine for a glass of something that tickles your fancy
– After you explore the eastside beltline ride back up to finish your night at Hotel Claremont. The rooftop should be your first stop which gives you great views and delicious drinks, then head down to Tiny Lou’s for dinner and don’t forget to try the crepe cake. If you are so inclined, check out the basement for a surprising Atlanta Staple

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Thursday- Kirkwood

– One of my favorite breakfast spots is Le’ Petit Marche where you have to get the beignets
– The Kirkwood Market offers some local bites to stock up on or order a fresh juice from Arden’s Garden before taking a walk around the neighborhood
– Grab lunch at Breaker Breaker where you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu
– For dinner you can head at another favorite of mine, Poor Hendricks which doesn’t EVER disappoint

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Friday- Midtown

– Grab the most delicious coffee and pastries at Little Tart on Memorial Dr.
– Visit Krog Street Market and enjoy the street art on the journey or enjoy The Botanical Gardens which is a quick walk from Piedmont Park
– Make a trip to La Semilla for a late lunch
– Then head to the High Museum for First Friday’s where you can enjoy live music and art exhibits
– Just across the street is Colony Square where you can have dinner at Rumi’s Kitchen and spend the rest of the evening at Jojo’s Beloved to get your dance on

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Saturday- Smryna & Inman Park

– Starting the weekend off at Cultivate for breakfast & mimosas
– Take a drive over to the Battery for an afternoon Braves baseball game
– Enjoy dinner at Delbar in Inman Park then stop by Haute Cookie. You won’t regret it
– Finish your night at El mano for a great music, a drink and all the vibes

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Sunday- Buckhead

– Grab a coffee and breakfast at Le Bon Nosh inside the Shoppes at Buckhead which also offers high end shopping. Don’t forget to swing by Saint Germain for the most mouthwatering and beautiful French desserts
– For a vacation in a vacation, try Tulum Atlanta on Roswell Rd for delicious food
– After you’re full, make a fast dash to the airport. Until next time

This list gives you an opportunity to experience a few different neighborhoods and areas of Metro Atlanta. There are so many great spots to try and I encourage you to explore as much as you can to get a feel for the history and energy Atlanta has to offer.

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 dedicate my shout out to my family and friends. I have such a great group of people in my life who support me in everything I do. They have encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and sometimes even see things in me that my blinders or let’s be real…. my anxieties, don’t always allow me to immediately see. They motivate me and help hold me accountable.

Lastly, I’d like to shout out my late father, James “Bay” Clary who passed away in 2023. He’s been a major part of encouraging me to be better while keeping a strong sense of exactly who I am. The best thing about my support system is that they want to see me win. For that and so much more, I appreciate you all.

Website: https://www.claritybayservices.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claritybaycounseling?igsh=cjBzaXp6ZDFsM3p5

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morgan-a-clary-lpc-ga

Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/1168308

Morgan Clary, LPC

Evolving: The Evolution Journal Series – https://a.co/d/gU65tgG

Image Credits
Photography: Antwan Smith