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:

I work with teens navigating identity (including foster care and adoption, which I have a personal connection to), anxiety, life transitions, self-esteem, and body image concerns—particularly at the outpatient level for eating disorders. My approach is integrative, drawing from ACT, CBT, and DBT to meet each teen where they are. I strive to create a space that feels like talking to a trusted friend—someone who listens without judgment but provides the structure and tools needed to support meaningful, long-term change. My goal is to help teens feel safe, supported, and truly heard throughout the therapy process.

Couples Therapy:

I work with couples who feel disconnected—emotionally, physically, or both—and want to find their way back to each other. Whether you're stuck in recurring arguments, navigating high-conflict issues like differing views on marriage, children, or infidelity, or simply feeling like the spark is gone, I’m here to help you slow down, truly listen, and begin to rebuild the foundation of your relationship: trust and closeness. I draw from Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), the Gottman Method, and Imago Therapy, but at the heart of my work is creating a space that feels safe, compassionate, and deeply empathetic—where both of you feel truly seen, heard, and supported as we work together toward healing and reconnection.

Adult Therapy

I work with adults navigating life transitions, feeling stuck, or struggling with anxiety, low self-esteem, or the challenges of “adulting.” Maybe it feels like everyone around you is moving forward—getting married, having kids, settling into careers—while you’re still trying to figure out what’s next. Or maybe it’s the opposite: you’re on a different path, entering parenthood, marriage, or retirement, and feeling alone because your experience doesn’t match those around you. You might be carrying the grief of being childless not by choice, feeling overwhelmed as a parent, burned out at work, or processing unresolved pain from the past. I also support adult adoptees exploring identity, belonging, and family—something I personally connect with. My approach is attachment-based, drawing from ACT, CBT, and DBT to help you better understand yourself and move toward meaningful change. Most importantly, I offer a space that is warm, compassionate, and deeply respectful of your story.

Family Therapy:

I provide family counseling using attachment-based interventions that support healthy relational development and emotional connection. I specialize in working with families navigating adoption and foster care, offering guidance through the unique challenges and transitions these experiences often bring. I also support families facing relational or communication difficulties, helping them strengthen bonds, resolve conflict, and create more supportive patterns of interaction. My approach is compassionate and collaborative, grounded in evidence-based practices that promote lasting growth, connection, and resilience.

Experience/Education:

I bring three years of experience in private practice and am known for my ability to build strong, trusting relationships with teens, adults, couples, and families. My style is warm and validating, while also providing the honest support and gentle challenge needed to foster meaningful, lasting change. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Alabama and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Louisiana State University.

Before transitioning into the mental health field, I gained legal experience through internships that deepened my understanding of the legal challenges clients may encounter, as well as the trauma experienced by survivors of crime.

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 (EFT), the Gottman Method, and other evidence-based couples modalities, along with a strong foundation in family systems work. I am committed to ongoing growth through continuing education and professional development. Currently, I practice under the clinical direction of Erica Gregory and the supervision of Caylin Broome, LCSW, and Ann Pearl, LCSW.

Contact:

Call: 678.252.9242 or Email: Lylamills@Lmillscounseling.com

Services Offered by Lyla Mills
Adoption Counseling for Children, Teens, & Their Parents
In Person in the Alpharetta Office & Online Parent Group
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Anxiety & Life Transitions
In Person & Online Counseling
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Couples Therapy - Infidelity Recovery
In Person & Online Counseling
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CBT & DBT Individual Counseling
In Person & Online Counseling
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Blogs & Videos by Lyla Mills
Together in Adoption Blog
Written by Lyla
Read Blog
Transitions in Adulthood Blog
Written by Lyla
Read Blog
JCACounseling YouTube Channel
See our different mental health videos
See Videos
Therapy for ED Recovery Blog
Written by Lyla
Read Blog

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