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Avrum Geurin Weiss, Ph.D.
Consultant for Change

Phone: (404) 325-8512 Ext: 720
E-Mail: drweiss@pineriverpsychotherapy.com

My Philosophy
Change is a natural, ongoing process, but just because its is natural doesn't mean that it’s always easy or painless. Like a river, life is always moving. The course can move swiftly or meander slowly, sometimes taking a straight path, and other times twisting in unexpected directions. The waters can be smooth and calm or turbulent and rocky.
When the course of life becomes challenging it is helpful to have a guide to help you find your way.

About Me
I am a psychotherapist, author and teacher with thirty years of clinical experience dedicated to helping people learn how to change their lives. In addition to the private practice of psychotherapy, I am the director of the Pine River Psychotherapy Training Institute and adjunct faculty in the department of Psychology at Georgia State University. In addition, I am the co-author with Dr. Richard Felder of the classic text Experiential Psychotherapy: A Symphony of Selves, currently in its third printing. I have presented talks at over 100 professional meetings, and I am currently at work on a book about how people make effective and enduring changes in their lives.

CLINICAL SERVICES:

In addition to individual and couples therapy, I offer group psychotherapy sessions which I believe are one of the most powerful and cost-effective therapeutic approaches available. After working with a person for a period of time individual therapy, if I think it is appropriate I suggest that they join a group. I co-lead most of my groups with Dr. Debbara Dingman.

When is it time to seek psychotherapy?
Many people experience uncertainty about consulting a therapist. They feel something is “off” but believe only people with serious emotional problems seek the help of a therapist. This is a common misconception. In fact, most people I work with simply want to get more from their lives-more joy, more connection, more serenity and more general well-being.

Here are some common goals that people bring to my office:
• “I want life to be easier and less stressful.” These are people who want to struggle less with some aspects of life. They want to learn how to have less conflict in relationships, help manage a stressful job or ways to find more time for themselves and for life to feel less rushed and pressured.
• “I want to take better care of myself.” These are people who recognize the need to be more self-loving, yet they don’t know how or where to begin. Sometimes habits like getting enough sleep, eating well, and exercising are hard to implement, as are less tangible goals like becoming less self-critical and more forgiving of themselves and others.
• "I want to feel more connected to others.” People often feel lonely and isolated and they want to feel closer to family and friends, and more connected to their communities. In essence, they want to get better at both giving and receiving love.
• “I want to realize my potential.” Whether it is at work, in creative endeavors or in intimate relationships, many people benefit from guidance in becoming more fully themselves.
• “I want a sense of meaning and purpose in my life.” In the course of life, many people find themselves “stuck.” Life is too habitual and efforts to uncover a personal passion or sense of joy have come up short. Gaining the help and insight of a third party often helps people get connected to “something bigger” in their lives.

Choosing a psychotherapist:
Choosing a therapist is more art than science. While it is important to choose an experienced, highly trained and qualified professional to be your therapist, you still have to find the person who is “right” for you in terms of philosophy, methods, personality and approach. There is no substitute for a face-to-face meeting where you can “interview” a prospective therapist. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or share your thoughts in this meeting. Only then will you know if you and the therapist are a good fit for the work ahead. I welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss working together. If you don’t feel I’am the right person to help you, I will do my best to help you find someone who can help.

EDUCATION:

Ph.D. 1986. Clinical Psychology, Georgia State University.

M.A. 1977.Psychology, West Georgia College.

B.A. 1974. Psychology, Goddard College.

PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS:

Licensed Psychologist, Georgia Board of Psychology Examiners, License, No. 1151