Dr. Donielle Fagan, Ph.D.
Office location: Atlanta
Welcome to a purposeful approach to therapy and psychological evaluations. I’m Dr. Fagan, and I provide individual therapy and specialized psychological testing and evaluations, including psychoeducational evaluations.
In my approach, I am committed to crafting a focused and timely growth experience for therapy clients, equipping them with tools for success that extend beyond their time in therapy. Whether you’re seeking individual therapy or psychological testing, my dedication is to guide you towards meaningful and lasting positive changes.
For individual therapy, I offer a compassionate and collaborative space where we explore your unique strengths and challenges. Together, we work towards fostering personal growth, safety, and a deeper understanding of yourself. My therapeutic approach integrates evidence-based techniques with a person-centered focus, ensuring a tailored experience that aligns with your goals.
Psychological testing clients can expect to depart with not only comprehensive support but also a meticulously crafted, personalized game plan. This plan is specifically tailored to their individual strengths and needs, encompassing emotional, behavioral, academic, and various other facets for a holistic approach to their well-being.
Dr. Fagan earned a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Xavier University of Louisiana and a Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Auburn University in Montgomery. Further education includes a Master’s in Counseling and a PhD in Counseling Psychology from Auburn University, reflecting dedication to advancing psychological practice. Dr. Fagan completed her residential internship at the Georgia Institute of Technology Counseling Center (GA Tech), enhancing her practical experience in a dynamic clinical setting.
Drawing from diverse experiences in inpatient and outpatient facilities, university counseling centers, and mental health state and non-profit agencies, Dr. Fagan offers a rich and varied perspective in her practice. Additionally, as an adjunct faculty member, she shares knowledge by teaching psychology courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels, contributing to both clinical expertise and academic enrichment.
Specializing in psychoeducational evaluations, Dr. Fagan’s practice distinguishes itself by catering to the diverse needs of both adults and children. Going beyond surface observations, these assessments delve into the nuanced aspects of individuals’ abilities. Embracing a holistic approach, Dr. Fagan acknowledges the influence of emotional, behavioral, and psychosocial factors on learning. This comprehensive perspective ensures that evaluations not only provide a profound understanding of one’s unique learning profile but also deliver actionable recommendations, fostering academic and personal growth for both adults and children.
In individual therapy, Dr. Fagan excels in supporting clients navigating challenges such as depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and identity concerns. Her specialization extends to advanced postdoctoral training in Culturally Adaptive-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CA-CBT) and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT), enhancing her ability to provide targeted and effective interventions.
Dr. Fagan believes that individual therapy empowers individuals with tools for a more wholesome and meaningful life. Her approach integrates cognitive-behavioral principles with strength-based and culturally responsive interventions, fostering a robust therapeutic bond. Recognizing the significance of clients’ identities and cultures, Dr. Fagan creates a safe space for authentic self-expression in individual therapy sessions. She understands that people’s cognitions and behaviors are shaped by their unique identities and experiences, making intentional connections a core aspect of therapy.
Dr. Fagan’s hobby is creating children’s books. Check out her book, “My Feelings Are Okay”, which is a coping skills book for kids, here.
“My Feelings Are Okay” is an influential short children’s book that teaches children that their feelings of anger, sadness, and fear, are normal. The book also offers healthy ways for children to cope when these feelings arise. This is a must-read for children of all ages that reminds them that all feelings are okay, and it establishes a foundation for the continuous development of healthy coping skills into adolescence and young adulthood.
Sometimes our children are unfortunately taught that it’s not okay to experience all their feelings. Society tends to embrace happiness, excitability, and joyfulness, but often shies away from “heavier” emotions such as anger or disgust. This book helps children understand that their feelings of anger, sadness, and fear, are normal. The author shares very practical ways for toddlers and young adolescents to learn and develop emotion regulation skills. This book is broken down developmentally with the goal of helping this age group start developing healthy and adaptive coping skills early in life.