Meet Our Associates: Elizabeth Elsbury & Carolyn Amayo
Elizabeth and Carolyn are joining the Simplify Life team as our new associates. We are so excited for them to share their gift of helping navigate life’s challenges with our clients.
They both have been impacted by counseling in their own lives and are passionate about helping others. We asked Elizabeth and Carolyn some questions to help you get to know them.
Keep reading & get to know Elizabeth and Carolyn.
Elizabeth Elsbury
Carolyn Amayo
Why are you passionate about counseling?
Elizabeth - I feel like my calling in life is to be a counselor and help other people navigate challenges they are experiencing in their life.
My hope for my clients is to gain insight into themselves and discover tools they can use to discover greater freedom in life. I want my clients to discover their authentic voice and feel confident in following their own true path.
Carolyn - As someone who has personally benefited from counseling, I am passionate about helping moms and students navigate their struggles and challenges.
I aim to create a safe and non-judgmental space where patients feel comfortable sharing their deepest thoughts and feelings and receive the guidance and encouragement they need to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. Whether it's a new mom struggling to connect with her baby, a student dealing with academic stress, or a teen coping with anxiety and depression, I am here to provide support and guidance at every step. Ultimately, I hope to empower my patients to be healthier and happier in all aspects of their lives.
Who is a fictional character that you would love to be friends with and what would you tell them to do differently if you were their counselor?
Elizabeth - I would love to be friends with the main character, Elizabeth, in the book "Lessons in Chemistry". She is brilliant, independent, determined, brave, and resourceful. I would tell her it’s okay to ask for help.
Carolyn - It would have to be Bridget Jones. I admire her ability to laugh at herself and find humor in even the most challenging situations.
Bridget Jones's relatability is why I love the movie so much. One scene that stands out is when she sings "All by Myself" in her pajamas with a glass of wine. It's a moment where she completely loses control and gives into her emotions, which many people can connect to. This scene shows that even though she may not have it all together, she's still trying to figure things out and find her way in life, just like the rest of us. As her counselor, I would encourage her to be more gentle with herself and focus on her progress rather than the setbacks she encounters. I would remind her that it's okay to not have everything figured out and that every day is a new opportunity to learn and grow.
What can someone expect in their first counseling session with you?
Elizabeth - My goal for someone's first session is for them to feel comfortable, accepted, safe, and heard.
I view counseling as a collaborative experience and I would want them to leave the session feeling hopeful and confident that we will be able to work together to reduce their anxiety and create more peace and clarity in their life.
Carolyn - When you come to your first counseling session with me, you should first expect a warm and welcoming environment where you can feel safe to share your story. I understand opening up to a stranger can be challenging, but please know I am here to listen and support you.
I believe therapy is a collaborative process, so we'll develop a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs and goals. I also strive to create a space where you feel comfortable talking about anything on your mind. I want you to know that whatever you're experiencing, you don't have to face it alone. My goal is to create a safe and non-judgmental space where you can share your experiences and feelings, even if they may be difficult to articulate or express. I believe that by openly discussing these topics, we can work towards reducing stigma and increasing awareness while providing the support and guidance you need to navigate your unique journey.
How would you say counseling has played a role in your life/journey of healing?
Elizabeth - I've had great experiences with counseling over the years when I have needed support to navigate challenging times in my own life and gain the courage and confidence to discover my own authentic path. My counselor helped give me the courage and support to change careers and pursue my calling of being a counselor.
Carolyn - Counseling has been significant in my life and healing journey, especially when I struggled with postpartum depression and anxiety. I remember feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and alone as a new mother, constantly scrolling through Instagram, comparing myself to other mothers, and feeling like I wasn't doing enough. It affected my daily life and relationships, and I knew I needed help.
I learned coping strategies, self-care techniques, and healthy ways to manage my emotions and thoughts through counseling. It helped me to gain a better understanding of myself, my needs, and my values. I genuinely believe that counseling was instrumental in my healing journey and has given me the tools to continue growing and thriving.
Finally, how would you spend a full day in Atlanta?
Elizabeth - I would want it to be a fall day in Atlanta when the leaves are changing colors, the air is crisp, and the sun is shining. I love being outdoors so I would go on a hike at Sweetwater Creek with my family, visit a fall festival, and then go out to dinner on the Beltline with friends.
Carolyn - For the best full day in Atlanta, I would start my morning with coffee and avocado toast at Cafe Comma. Then, I would head to the Grant Park Farmers Market to browse the fresh produce and handmade goods. From there, I would take a stroll on the Beltline and stop by Nina & Rafi for their amazing arancini. And, of course, I would end the day on a sweet note by grabbing a scoop of Brambleberry Crisp at Jeni's Ice Cream.
