Lyla Mills, LMSW
Licensed Master Social Worker
Adoption Competent Counselor
Populations: Teens, Adults, Couples, Adoptive Families
Specialty Services: Adoption Competent Family Counseling, Trauma - PTSD, C-PTSD; Relational Issues for Individuals + Couples; Anxiety; Body Image/Self-Esteem
Theory Models: Attachment Based Therapy, ACT, CBT, DBT, EFT, Family Therapy, Gottman Method, Imago Relationship Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Person Centered Therapy, 7 Core Issues of Adoption
Locations:
Online Counseling in Georgia
In Person at our Alpharetta Office
Availability: Wednesdays, Fridays, bi-weekly Saturdays, and Sundays.
Accepting New Clients - Click here for a consult
Teen Therapy:
Being a teenager can feel overwhelming, confusing, and lonely, especially when you are trying to figure out who you are in a world that often feels demanding or uncertain. I work with teens who are navigating identity, including adoption and foster care, which I have a personal connection to, as well as anxiety, major life changes, self esteem struggles, and body image concerns. I also have experience supporting teens at the outpatient level for eating disorders. In addition to these concerns, I have experience working with teens impacted by adoption and foster care, eating disorders at the outpatient level, and complex family dynamics. These experiences often intersect with identity, trust, and belonging, and I approach this work with both professional training and personal understanding. Teens tend to gravitate toward my style because I prioritize building genuine connection and trust. I do not believe therapy should feel intimidating or transactional. Instead, I aim to create a space where teens feel comfortable being themselves, even when they are unsure, guarded, or struggling to put their feelings into words. Many teens continue working with me long term because they feel understood, supported, and respected, and because therapy becomes a place where growth happens naturally at their own pace. My approach is flexible and integrative, drawing from ACT, CBT, and DBT so we can focus on what fits your teen’s unique needs. More than anything, I aim to create a space that feels safe and comfortable, more like talking with a trusted and supportive adult than sitting in a therapist’s office. Building trust and rapport is central to my work, and many teens stay in therapy with me for an extended time because they feel understood, supported, and confident in the process as they move through challenges and growth at their own pace.
Couples Therapy:
When a relationship feels strained or distant, it can be incredibly painful and isolating. I work with couples who feel disconnected emotionally, physically, or both, and who want help finding their way back to one another. Whether you find yourselves stuck in the same arguments, navigating difficult topics such as infidelity or differing values around marriage or children, or simply feeling like the closeness you once shared has faded, you do not have to face it alone. In our work together, we slow things down and focus on understanding what is happening beneath the surface. I draw from Emotionally Focused Therapy, the Gottman Method, and Imago Therapy, but at the heart of my approach is creating a space that feels safe, compassionate, and nonjudgmental. I place a strong emphasis on building trust with both partners, which allows couples to stay engaged in the work long term as they move through repair, growth, and reconnection together.
Adult Therapy
Adult life does not always unfold the way we expect, and that can bring uncertainty, grief, and self doubt. I work with adults who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or anxious, as well as those navigating major life transitions, low self esteem, or the pressures of adulthood. You may feel left behind as others move into marriages, parenthood, or careers, or you may be on a different path altogether, entering parenthood, marriage, or retirement and feeling unexpectedly alone. I also support individuals experiencing burnout, grief related to being childless not by choice, unresolved pain from the past, or the weight of trying to hold everything together. I have a personal connection to adoption and enjoy supporting adult adoptees as they explore identity, belonging, and family. My approach is attachment based and draws from ACT, CBT, and DBT to help you better understand yourself and move toward meaningful change. I prioritize building a strong therapeutic relationship, and many clients choose to work with me over time because they feel deeply supported, respected, and empowered to move through both challenges and growth at a pace that feels right for them.
Family Therapy:
Families experience seasons of stress, change, and disconnection, and seeking support can be an important step toward healing. I provide family therapy using attachment based approaches that focus on strengthening emotional bonds and improving communication. I specialize in working with families navigating adoption and foster care, offering support through the unique challenges and transitions these experiences can bring. I also work with families facing conflict or communication difficulties, helping them build healthier patterns and stronger relationships. My work with families is rooted in collaboration and trust, and I strive to create an environment where each family member feels safe enough to engage honestly in the process and stay committed as growth unfolds over time.
Experience/Education:
I bring multiple years of experience in private practice and am known for my ability to build strong, trusting relationships with teens, adults, couples, and families. Rapport building is one of my greatest strengths, and many clients remain in therapy with me long term because they trust both me and the therapeutic process as they navigate challenges, deepen insight, and experience meaningful growth. My style is warm and validating while also offering honest support and gentle challenge when needed. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Alabama and my Master of Social Work from Louisiana State University. Before transitioning into the mental health field, I gained legal experience through internships that shaped my understanding of trauma, systems, and the challenges individuals may face when navigating legal processes. During my MSW program, I interned at an eating disorder treatment facility, where I gained hands on experience supporting individuals with disordered eating behaviors and body image concerns. I have completed specialized training in adoption competency, trauma informed care, anxiety management, and mindfulness based interventions. My work with couples is supported by training in Emotionally Focused Therapy, the Gottman Method, and other evidence based approaches, along with a strong foundation in family systems work. I am committed to continued learning through ongoing education and professional development. I currently practice under the clinical direction of Erica Gregory and the supervision of Caylin Broome, LCSW, and Ann Pearl, LCSW.










