Many people living in Black bodies, marginalized communities, and other intersecting identities are navigating two battles at the same time.
The first is internal: self-doubt, perfectionism, imposter syndrome, shame, and the inner critic.
The second is external: unhealthy relationships, workplace discrimination, community violence, chronic stress, racism, sexism, and other systems that repeatedly communicate that your worth must be earned.
When we mistake systemic stress for personal failure, healing becomes much harder.
My work helps you separate the two.
Rather than asking, "What's wrong with me?" we explore a different question:
What happened to me, what continues to happen around me, and how can I respond in ways that support my healing and liberation?
My Approach
I'm Gena Golden, LCSW, NBCFCH, a liberation-focused, culturally responsive psychotherapist, board-certified fellow in clinical hypnotherapy, and neuroscience-informed coach.
My approach integrates liberation psychology, anti-oppressive social work, interpersonal neurobiology, attachment science, somatic practices, and mind-body healing.This framework recognizes that emotional suffering rarely develops in isolation.
It is shaped by personal experiences, family patterns, historical trauma, culture, and the social conditions we live within.
Together we will:
Name the problem without shame.
Understand both personal and systemic influences.
Regulate the nervous system.
Challenge inherited beliefs.
Strengthen your inner wisdom.
Build practical skills that support lasting change.
Healing doesn't just ignore reality; it helps develop the capacity to respond to reality differently.
Individual, Couples & Family Therapy
Whether I work with individuals, couples, or families, my goal is to create emotional safety while helping you recognize patterns that no longer support your life purpose.
Together we examine relationship dynamics, attachment patterns, intergenerational experiences, cultural narratives, and the environments that continue to shape your emotional life.
For couples, we work toward healthier communication, emotional repair, accountability, and deeper connection—not by assigning blame, but by understanding the forces influencing both partners while building new ways of relating.
Education & Experience
I've worked in behavioral health and social work for more than 30 years.
My education includes a Bachelor of Social Work from Temple University and a Master of Social Work from Clark Atlanta University.
Advanced training includes:
• Clinical Hypnotherapy• Interpersonal Neurobiology• Attachment Theory• Brainspotting• Neuroscience• Solution-Focused Therapy• DBT-informed treatment• Emotional Freedom Techniques (Tapping)• Mindfulness• Somatic Abolitionism• Integrative Medicine• Race-Based and Transgenerational Trauma• Liberation Psychology
I continue integrating emerging research with culturally responsive practices that honor both scientific evidence and the lived experiences of the communities I serve.
Beyond Traditional Therapy
Healing is not only cognitive.
When clinically appropriate, I may incorporate complementary practices that support nervous system regulation and whole-person wellness, including mindfulness, guided imagery, energy-based practices, breathwork, hypnosis and other holistic approaches that align with your beliefs and goals.
I am also the creator of the Slay Your Inner Critic™ and Slay Your Inner Racist™ therapeutic card decks, designed to help people recognize and interrupt internalized beliefs while cultivating greater self-compassion and psychological freedom.
Is This the Right Fit?
My style is collaborative, empowering and action-oriented.
I offer compassion without removing accountability. If you're looking for someone who will simply agree with everything you say, I may not be the best fit.
If you're ready to examine difficult patterns, build new skills, and actively participate in your healing, we may work very well together.
Growth often feels uncomfortable before it feels freeing.
Areas I Serve
If you live in Georgia, Florida, Massachusetts, or Utah (and soon Tennessee) and believe I am a good fit for you, call me to schedule an alignment consultaiton today.
Consultation
Every service begins with a consultation.This conversation helps us determine whether we're the right fit, clarify your goals, establish expectations, and decide together whether my approach aligns with what you're seeking.
I believe meaningful therapeutic work begins with alignment—not simply availability.
Click here to get started https://gena-golden.clientsecure.me/