Brainspotting Therapists in Columbus, GA

I’ve spent a lot of time developing expertise in the issues I work with; however, I rely equally on my heart and gut sense in working with each client uniquely. I have a straightforward, common-sense style and know the value of elbow grease in making life changes. Trauma in all its forms is the thread that connects the different life problems I specialize in working with. I don’t believe in having only one tool in my toolbox, any more than I believe in having only one trauma treatment available to help you. Let’s figure out what tools work best for you, whether that be EMDR, Accelerated Resolution Therapy, Somatic Experiencing, Brain Spotting, Deep Brain Reorienting, or the Safe and Sound Protocol. We currently have openings for intensives, men's and women's groups, and online workshops.

Do you feel stuck in the same painful cycle—arguing, shutting down, or clinging tighter, only to end up more disconnected? You may lie awake replaying conversations, wondering if you’re “too much” or “not enough,” or fearing a relationship won’t last. Even when you care deeply, old wounds and attachment injuries can quietly erode closeness. What you long for is safety, trust & the feeling of being understood, accepted & loved.

When we can live as our true, unapologetic selves we can experience fulfillment in our lives and connections with others. I believe every individual holds the power to change and evolve in all the ways they desire to discover and express their authentic self, and my role is to assist you in your discovery process and coming to understand all that this entails.

I’m Dr. Ilyssa Swartout, a licensed psychologist dedicated to helping adults and couples heal from past wounds and create meaningful change. My approach blends warmth, presence, and evidence-based therapy to help you move beyond old patterns and reconnect with your sense of worth and wholeness. My background includes over 20 years of mentorship with James Bugental, Ph.D., founder of Humanistic Psychotherapy, and advanced training in EMDR, Brainspotting, Gestalt Therapy, and Developmental Needs Meeting Strategy (DNMS). These approaches support healing from trauma, anxiety, depression, and relationship difficulties by addressing both emotional and body-based experiences. As an EMDR Consultant and Certified In-Depth Therapist, I guide clients and other professionals toward lasting transformation and self-understanding. Therapy is a courageous step toward healing and growth. Together, we’ll create a safe and supportive space for you to explore, recover, and thrive.

In a world that often values toughness, being a highly sensitive and soft-hearted person can feel like a burden. We might say “yes” when we really mean “no”. And we may feel like we have to act differently to fit in, even if it means putting others before ourselves. Sometimes it can feel tough to find our inner courage, speak up for what we want, and create positive boundaries. This can be especially true when we’re striving for success in our careers, supporting our loved ones emotionally, or navigating big life changes like pregnancy and the postpartum period.

Columbus, Georgia is home to Fort Moore (formerly Fort Benning) — one of the US Army's largest installations and the home of the Army Infantry — creating a therapy community substantially shaped by the needs of soldiers, veterans, and military families dealing with combat trauma, moral injury, PTSD, and the emotional complexity of service life. The city's African American population comprises a majority of the civilian community, and culturally affirming therapists who work with racial identity and intergenerational resilience alongside the predominantly military therapy demand are an important part of the local landscape. Martin Army Community Hospital serves the military population, while Piedmont Columbus Regional provides civilian institutional mental health resources. Columbus shares some of its therapy ecosystem with Phenix City, Alabama directly across the Chattahoochee River, giving the metro a bi-state character.

Gender ID

100%

Female

Session Type

	62%	In Person and Online
	38%	Online Only

Top Specialties

88%	Self Esteem
75%	Stress
75%	Anxiety or Fears
63%	Women's Issues
63%	Trauma and PTSD
63%	Loss or Grief
50%	Depression

Ages Served

100%	Adult
50%	Senior
50%	Young Adult
13%	Teen

Client Focus

50%	Women
38%	Men
25%	Black / African American
25%	Christian
13%	Hispanic / Latino

Brainspotting therapists in Columbus, Georgia GA

Dr Janice Caudill - Intensive Recovery Healing

Susan Liddy

Dr. Dana C. Avey

Ilyssa Swartout

Paigean Jones

Brainspotting therapists in Columbus, Georgia Statistics

Average years in practice

Average cost per session

Accept insurance

Offer sliding scale