(404) 874-8536 johnballew@gmail.com
John Ballew counselor

Gay affirmative therapist in Midtown Atlanta

John R. Ballew, M.S., Licensed Professional Counselor

counseling office

Looking for a gay therapist?  You are welcome here.

Like all people, LGBT folks face issues like

  • depression and anxiety – or just feeling stuck in unhappy or self-defeating patterns of living
  • relationship concerns – struggling to get a relationship back on track
  • balancing work and life – a challenge got many busy professionals.

But the realities of gay life affect how we experience concerns around alcohol and drug use, compulsive sexual behavior or feelings of isolation and loneliness. LGBT affirmative therapy can also address concerns specific to our community:

  • Exploring identity and coming out
  • Dealing with families of origin stress
  • Overcoming the desire to please and maintaining healthy boundaries

I’ve written many articles for LGBT publications from my perspective as a gay therapist.  You can check them out here.  You can also find links of interest to many in our community in my Resources section. As marriage has become an option for our community, I find that many people in committed relationships of long-standing find themselves asking questions.  Some couples struggle with what the marriage option means.  LGBT affirmative counseling is a great place to explore these questions.  I work with couples as well as individuals, and I offer premarital counseling.

Read more about couples counseling.

In addition to my work as a psychotherapist, I have been a facilitator for The Body Electric School for more than 20 years.  I help people to re-experience sexuality in a healthy way.  Helping clients work through sensitive issues of sexuality in a sensitive and professional way requires sensitivity and skill. I am a professional counselor licensed by the State of Georgia for more than 25 years. I have a Master of Science degree in clinical psychology from Purdue University. I am a member of the American Counseling Association, the LGBTQ Therapist Resource, the Society for Sexual, Affectional, Intersex and Gender Expansive Identities., and the Metropolitan Atlanta Therapists’ Network.

As a gay therapist, my approach is nonjudgmental and compassionate.  One of the great things about being in Atlanta is the opportunity to work with a very diverse community.  I work with busy professionals, people of varied economic, ethnic or racial backgrounds and people who have relationships or sexual interests that come in all varieties.

gay therapist
gay therapist
gay therapist
gay therapist

 John Ballew CounselorAbout John

I have been  licensed by the State of Georgia as a professional counselor for more than 25 years.  My passion is helping people build happier lives and stronger relationships. My approach to counseling is nonjudgmental and compassionate.  I know it isn’t always easy to talk about problems.  You’ll find I’m open-hearted and a good listener. Good therapy goes beyond just listening and support. I am engaged with my clients to help them gain greater self-understanding and make the changes that make life better. Our work together is determined by your goals, not a per-conceived or one-size-fits-all approach to emotional health. I limit the number of clients I work with so I can provide each person with the best possible care and attention.  My intention is to keep us focused on your goals, which helps make counseling more effective. I invite you to explore the articles I’ve written on topics many of my clients have brought to counseling.  And whether you choose to work with me or not, you may want to look at my recommendations for getting the most from therapy. I welcome the opportunity to talk with you about working together.  Counseling is an investment of time and resources, and I want you to know you’ve made the right decision.

Let's get started.

Whether you’ve worked with a therapist before or are exploring counseling for the first time, you probably have questions.  It is important to have the information you need to make a good decision when selecting a therapist.  I welcome your questions — about your specific situation, about me or about my approach to therapy. Making things better can start with an email, or you can call me at (404) 874-8536.

Hours by appointment only.

John R. Ballew, M.S.

537 Linwood Ave., NE

Atlanta, GA  30306

(404) 874-8536

johnballew@gmail.com