Meet Our Counselors
Kind Recovery is a collective of independent counselors with the shared mission of providing shame-free compassionate care for individuals struggling with trauma and/or addiction. We take great pride in bringing together some of Athens best counselors in order to assure the highest level of evidence-based care. We hope one of our counselors will be the perfect fit for you, however, we’re happy to provide referrals in order to meet your needs.
You can schedule a free 15-minute virtual consultation with any of our counselors using the links below.
Charlie Shockley, LCSW
Accepting New Clients
706-389-9684
Charlie is the founder of Kind Recovery and an ally to the Athens recovery community, striving to amplify compassionate care.
charlie@kindrecoverycenter.com
I am a person in long-term recovery who understands the suffering that comes from feeling trapped in the cycle of abuse and withdrawal. For me, addiction came as the result of an injury and doctor-prescribed pain medications. In recovery, I learned to recognize that other environmental factors were responsible for making me vulnerable to this disease. The author Glennan Doyle, describes recovery as “one long remembering, that I’m still here.” These words deeply resonate with me, and I can help you rediscover the you that feels safe, connected, and empowered without substances. I created Kind Recovery to help spread the message of kindness, love, and compassion for all who suffer from a substance use disorder. There is a way out, and it’s much much less painful than staying in.
I have worked for most of the local for-profit, outpatient addiction treatment programs in Athens. This first-hand experience has been invaluable in educating me on what works and what doesn’t. I’ve also had the distinct pleasure of being mentored by two of Athens’ most experienced addiction counselors. Combined, they have 80+ years of experience, and I’m truly grateful to benefit from their wisdom.
I earned my master’s from the University of Georgia and am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I am trained in several therapeutic approaches including Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Somatic and Attachment Focused EMDR. Motivational Interviewing is designed to assist you in moving through the process of change. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps you stay engaged with what is meaningful and feel less burdened by symptoms and stressors. Somatic and Attachment Focused EMDR is a treatment designed to help you engage your brain's natural healing process and recover from childhood wounds or traumatic events that feel present in your daily life. These wounds often manifest as feelings of unworthiness, chronic depression, anxiety, or shame.
Cole Causey, MEd, CAADC
Accepting New Clients
706-236-7500
Cole is a counselor dedicated to supporting clients who have struggled with maintaining recovery for the long term. His approach is understanding, patient, and kind.
cole@kindrecoverycenter.com
I am a person in long term recovery who can vividly recall the awkward and terrifying circumstances of needing to reach out for help to confront an addiction. At the end of our active addiction, it’s hard to understand how we got to that point. We are usually consumed by shame and worry, on top of the anxiety and dangers associated with withdrawal. It’s hard to find hope that there might be a way out. On day one, it can seem impossible. Having lived through the experience of confronting my relationship with alcohol, I can offer assurance that it will not be as hard as you might think. Comfort, support, and relief are available and nearby. As I frequently remind my clients, the worry is worse than the work, and the way out is more accessible and enjoyable than you can imagine.
Many of my clients have pursued sobriety previously, without finding the right balance and combination of strategy and support. Maybe an IOP is too much, but something like AA isn’t quite enough, or not the right flavor of support. My clients are often overwhelmed or stuck, having not yet found the inertia and approach they need to sustain their recovery.
I offer group and individual services that could be described as “intensive aftercare” – a unique level of care that is both rigorous and flexible and combines community and therapy. My ethos aligns with the notion of progress over perfection. My job is to assist you as you recalibrate your life to find a trajectory of growth and recovery.
TJ Carani, LMSW
Not Accepting New Clients
TJ has a passion for working with substance misuse and trauma, particularly with veteran and first-responder populations.
I believe everyone can benefit from processing the challenges and trauma they have faced in life. The question is; who do you trust to walk with you through discomfort, change, and healing. I’m dedicated to meeting clients where they are, understanding their needs, and helping them develop long-term well-being using evidence-based care. Clients who are most likely to benefit from working with me are struggling with substance misuse, trauma, or both. I also have a passion for supporting first responders and veterans.
Miyamoto Musashi, a classical Japanese philosopher, once said “You must understand there is more than one path to the top of the mountain.” This simple phrase speaks to me on a fundamental level and describes how I will work to help you in your recovery journey. I am here to help you find your authentic path while making sure you feel in touch with yourself, in touch with the world around you, in control, and above all safe and happy. My own recovery journey related to professionally-prescribed medications provides me with an up-close and personal understanding of what variables can lead to a substance use disorder. I know that this disorder does not discriminate, and we are all vulnerable in some way. I found that the environment I was in and how I reacted to it were intricately connected to my recovery challenges and successes. I’m inspired to create safe recovery spaces and make use of my personal experience to truly see you as a person, and not just another addict. Each recovering person deserves a trusted guide to help them map out challenges, stuck points, and opportunities. If you decide to work with me, you should feel deeply seen and understood, know that your unique experiences are important, and have a good sense of direction and purpose.
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"Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that."
— Dr. Martin Luther King