Maranda Thornton
Pre-Licensed Professional
“Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light.” Brené Brown
Specializations
I am particularly passionate about working with individuals navigating trauma and complex trauma, life transitions, identity development, athlete mental health, and adolescent concerns. I also enjoy helping clients strengthen the connection between their mental and physical well-being by exploring healthy movement, stress reduction, lifestyle habits, and other holistic approaches that support healing. When meaningful to the client, I incorporate discussions surrounding faith and spirituality into the therapeutic process. My goal is to help individuals better understand themselves, build on their strengths, and move toward healing, resilience, and lasting change.
Connect with Maranda Thornton
Pre-Licensed Professional
I believe every person has a story worth understanding and a capacity for healing, even in the midst of life’s most difficult challenges. My goal as a counselor is to create a space where clients feel safe, supported, and empowered to explore their experiences with honesty, curiosity, and self-compassion.
I work with adolescents, young adults, and adults navigating trauma, life transitions, identity concerns, relationship challenges, and emotional distress. My approach is trauma-informed, relational, and grounded in the belief that healing occurs when individuals feel seen, understood, and connected—to themselves, to others, and to what gives their lives meaning.
Drawing from Somatic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS), I help clients understand how their experiences impact both the mind and body. I also value a holistic perspective on mental health, recognizing that emotional well-being is influenced by many interconnected factors, including physical activity, movement, sleep, nutrition, stress management, and other lifestyle habits. When appropriate, I enjoy helping clients explore evidence-informed wellness practices—including exercise, recreational movement, and complementary approaches such as herbal supports—in collaboration with their overall healthcare team. My background in athletics and health sciences allows me to integrate an understanding of performance, recovery, and the mind-body connection into the therapeutic process.
I am passionate about walking alongside individuals as they navigate life’s challenges and discover new possibilities for healing and growth. Whether you are working through past experiences, facing present difficulties, or seeking a deeper understanding of yourself, I aim to provide a compassionate and collaborative environment where meaningful change can occur. I believe every person possesses unique strengths, and I am committed to helping clients cultivate greater resilience, connection, and hope.
Education and Training
I completed a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Richmont Graduate University and a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences with a minor in Psychology from Clayton State University in 2021. I have specialized training in trauma-informed care and somatic approaches to healing, and my clinical work is rooted in understanding the interconnected relationship between thoughts, emotions, relationships, and the body.
In addition to my counseling training, my background in health sciences has deepened my appreciation for holistic wellness and the ways physical health, exercise, recovery, and lifestyle habits influence mental and emotional well-being. I enjoy integrating evidence-based knowledge of movement, athletic performance, stress physiology, and complementary wellness practices into therapy when they align with a client’s goals and values.
My areas of clinical interest include trauma and complex trauma, attachment and relational dynamics, athlete mental health, identity development, life transitions, holistic wellness, and faith integration.
About Maranda
My journey into counseling was shaped by both personal and professional experiences. As a former collegiate athlete, sports played a significant role in my life and identity. When an injury unexpectedly ended my athletic career, I experienced a season of grief, uncertainty, and questions about purpose and direction. While challenging, that experience ultimately deepened my understanding of resilience, healing, and personal growth, and inspired my desire to help others navigate life’s difficulties. Today, my experiences continue to shape my passion for helping athletes and non-athletes alike understand the connection between physical health, emotional wellness, identity, and recovery.
I also spent twelve years living overseas in Italy, Turkey, France, and Spain, experiences that broadened my perspective and fostered a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and life experiences. These experiences continue to influence the way I approach counseling—with curiosity, humility, and respect for each person’s unique story.
Whether you are processing trauma, navigating a life transition, or seeking a deeper understanding of yourself, I would be honored to walk alongside you in your journey toward healing and growth.
Now Accepting New Clients
Monday-Thursday
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM