Hello, I’m Stephanie!
I am Stephanie Borer, LCSW (she/her), the founder and sole therapist at Turning Tides Psychotherapy. I am a licensed clinical social worker and have had the privilege of being in the field for 17 years now. My passion is in providing a safe and collaborative space for healing. I am originally from Connecticut and received both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work from New York University. I relocated to Atlanta in 2010 and it has now become my home. I love raising a family here and the access to green spaces all around us. I am an EMDRIA certified EMDR therapist, and an active member of the EMDR International Association as well as the Atlanta area Trauma Recovery Network. I also completed a Fellowship Program in contemporary psychoanalysis and clinical practice through the Emory University Psychoanalytic Institute. I actively engage in regular individual and group consultation to continue growing and taking care of myself, so I can better care for you!
The Space.
Turning Tides Psychotherapy is located in downtown Decatur, Georgia. This neighborhood was my first choice because of the eclectic vibes and accessibility. It is convenient to Emory University, Agnes Scott College, and the east side of Atlanta. It is also only a couple of blocks from the Decatur MARTA station. My office space is located on the 3rd floor, away from street noise, in a comfortable and quiet space, making it ideal to heal in privacy. We are in a building full of other professionals, with elevator access.
Looking to avoid the commute? Dealing with complex health concerns and the risks of exposure? Virtual sessions from the comfort of your own home are also available. Even EMDR therapy can be successfully used online for most clients. Due to current licensing laws, you must be located in the state of Georgia at the time of the session.
A brief history.
Turning Tides Psychotherapy officially opened in 2021 but has been in creation for years. I named the practice to honor both my personal connection to the healing powers of water, as well as, the psychological symbolism of tidal forces. My childhood was spent near Long Island Sound in Connecticut and the ocean was always a place of peace and renewal for me. Water, in psychotherapy, is also a common symbol for the unconscious, where parts of ourselves lay undiscovered.
My mission for Turning Tides Psychotherapy is to facilitate opportunities to live an authentic life, fully present in the moment. In the setting of a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship, we set out to explore the impact of the unhealed wounds we carry with us. We work towards identifying who your core self is and what your value systems are. Through our relationship, filled with unconditional positive regard, we begin to shift falsely-held, inner, negative belief systems. I offer clients the opportunity to improve their relationship with their authentic selves and grow a genuine connection with others.
Turning Tides Psychotherapy is an environment where all are welcome, and you come as you are. I am passionate about creating a safe and affirming space that acknowledges the dignity and worth inherent in all of us, regardless of race, nationality, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, health status, body size, spiritual beliefs, socioeconomic status or abilities.
Therapeutic approach
Throughout the process of diagnosis, goal setting and treatment planning, I believe in collaborating as a team to make sure we facilitate therapy in a way that makes sense for you.
As one of my professional inspirations Irvin Yalom puts it - we are really “fellow travelers” on this journey together. I use evidence-based treatment methods, and place importance on the quality of our therapeutic relationship.
You are being heard.
Research shows that beyond the type of treatment you are engaging in, the most important aspect of therapy is the quality of the therapeutic relationship.
This means making sure you feel seen, heard and understood, and that we are working on your priorities. I make sure to check in about the quality of our relationship and our treatment goals frequently. I approach therapy with a social justice lens. I practice mindful meditation and like to offer those techniques as tools for observing our minds and bodies. While I know therapy can be challenging, I also believe in the power of humor and shared laughter to help us connect and cope.