Stephanie Cook, LCSW

Stephanie Cook, LCSW If you need help, please contact http://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/ to find a counselor near you.

At Couples Counseling ATL, we are dedicated to helping people create lasting happiness and real connection using the most research-based approaches such as the Gottman Method; we offer virtual and in-person counseling and workshops. Couples Counseling ATL is the leader in the research based couples counseling and education, with a specialty in the Gottman Method, with 7 therapists and counting providing services virtually online as well as in person, with two convenient Atlanta locations (Poncey Highlands and Buckhead as of September 2021). This page provides free, up-to-date information, resources, articles, and inspirational messages related to relationship improvement, mental health and wellness

This page is not meant to provide professional, legal, or other help. If you live in the United States and are experiencing suicidal thoughts, please contact the National Su***de Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255. If you live anywhere other than the United States, and are experiencing suicidal thoughts, please contact the International Association for Su***de Prevention at http://www.iasp.info/resources/Crisis_Centres/

11/06/2025

💡 When Emotions Escalate…�We’ve all been there — acting on autopilot when feelings run high.�

Maybe you snap at your partner, shut down, or say something you don’t mean. It’s human — but it can also create distance in the moments you need connection most. ❤️

Reactivity fuels conflict, while mindfulness helps you pause.�The “HOW” skills teach you to:�
🧠 Observe your thoughts without labeling them as good or bad�
💬 Communicate with intention�
🤝 Respond in ways that support your relationship goals

✨ Learn more emotional regulation and mindfulness tools here:�https://www.counselingatl.com/newsletter

🌿 Building Mindful Communication�You’ve come so far—pause for a moment, take a deep breath, and check in with yourself. ...
11/06/2025

🌿 Building Mindful Communication�You’ve come so far—pause for a moment, take a deep breath, and check in with yourself. 💫

You’ve already learned the “What” skills of mindfulness (Observe, Describe, Participate).
Now it’s time for the “How” skills—the key to staying calm and intentional in your relationship:�✨ Nonjudgmentally: Notice thoughts and emotions without labeling them as good or bad.
�✨ One-Mindfully: Give your full attention to the present moment.�
✨ Effectively: Respond in ways that support your long-term goals, not just short-term reactions.
These skills help you stay grounded, communicate clearly, and break free from reactive patterns that create disconnection.
Learn more tools for mindful connection at 💙 www.counselingatl.com/newsletter

💬 Small shifts in language can make a big difference.When we replace judgment (“You’re so selfish!”) with clear observat...
11/04/2025

💬 Small shifts in language can make a big difference.

When we replace judgment (“You’re so selfish!”) with clear observations and emotions (“I noticed… I feel…”), we reduce defensiveness and open the door to understanding.

Using descriptive, nonjudgmental language helps your partner hear you—rather than feel attacked. This simple change can transform conflict into connection.

Learn more tools for mindful connection at 💙 www.counselingatl.com/newsletter

11/03/2025

💬 Mindfulness Skill: PARTICIPATE�True connection happens when you’re fully present—not half in the moment and half in your thoughts.

In conversations, this means:�📱 Putting away distractions like your phone�👂 Listening to understand, not just to respond�💭 Letting go of self-consciousness�🧘 Stopping the self-analysis and simply being there. When you participate mindfully, you deepen connection and reduce those automatic, reactive moments.

✨ Learn more mindfulness tools in our free newsletter:�https://www.counselingatl.com/newsletter

💬 Judgmental language doesn’t solve problems—it fuels them.When we label, criticize, or assume bad intent, we trigger de...
11/03/2025

💬 Judgmental language doesn’t solve problems—it fuels them.

When we label, criticize, or assume bad intent, we trigger defensiveness and distance instead of connection.

Try replacing judgment with curiosity:
✨ “What made you feel that way?”
✨ “Help me understand what’s going on for you.”

Compassionate communication opens the door to understanding—and that’s where real healing begins. 💙

Learn more in our newsletter: www.counselingatl.com/newsletter

10/31/2025

🗣️ Describe—Don’t Judge

When emotions run high, it’s easy to slip into judgmental language like “You’re ignoring me!” But judgment fuels defensiveness and conflict.

Instead, try describing what you see without adding assumptions or interpretations.
💬 Example: “I noticed you’re looking at your phone while I’m talking.”

This small shift—from judgment to description—can transform tense moments into opportunities for understanding and connection. 💙

Learn more relationship tools at www.counselingatl.com/newsletter

Mindfulness isn’t just about being calm—it’s about being aware. 🌱The three “What” skills of mindfulness help you stay pr...
10/30/2025

Mindfulness isn’t just about being calm—it’s about being aware. 🌱
The three “What” skills of mindfulness help you stay present and grounded, even in tough moments:
1️⃣ Observe – Notice what’s happening without labeling it.
2️⃣ Describe – Put your experience into words without judgment.
3️⃣ Participate – Be fully engaged in the moment, body and mind.

These small shifts can make a big difference in how you show up in your relationship. 💛
Learn more at www.counselingatl.com/newsletter

10/29/2025

Mindfulness is about staying present and aware—without judgment. 🌿
It includes two sets of skills: the “what” skills and the “how” skills.

Let’s start with the what skills:
1️⃣ Observe – Notice what’s happening in the moment without adding meaning or judgment.
2️⃣ Describe – Put your observations into words, free of criticism or labels.
3️⃣ Participate – Be fully engaged in the present, without distraction.
These skills help you stay grounded, connected, and emotionally balanced in your relationship. 💛
Learn more in our latest video and newsletter: www.counselingatl.com/newsletter

Mindfulness isn’t just about meditation—it’s about how you show up in your relationship. 💛Building awareness of your emo...
10/28/2025

Mindfulness isn’t just about meditation—it’s about how you show up in your relationship. 💛

Building awareness of your emotions and your partner’s responses is powerful, but awareness alone isn’t enough. The next step is practicing mindfulness in action—learning to observe what’s happening, describe it without judgment, and stay fully present in the moment.

These simple but transformative DBT-based skills can help you stay grounded, communicate clearly, and respond with intention instead of reactivity.
Start putting mindfulness into practice in your relationship today 🌱

👉 Learn more at www.counselingatl.com/newsletter

💓 Relationship Tip:When your heart rate spikes, your nervous system is signaling that you’re not in a calm state to conn...
10/27/2025

💓 Relationship Tip:
When your heart rate spikes, your nervous system is signaling that you’re not in a calm state to connect or communicate effectively.

Before continuing a tough conversation, give yourself a 20–30 minute break to calm your body. Go for a short walk, take slow breaths, or do something grounding.
Once your heart rate settles, you’ll be more able to listen, think clearly, and respond—not react. 🌿
✨ Learn more about emotional regulation and communication in our monthly newsletter:
👉 www.counselingatl.com/newsletter

💓 Your Heart Rate & Emotional RegulationDid you know your heart rate can tell you if you’re ready for a calm, productive...
10/25/2025

💓 Your Heart Rate & Emotional Regulation
Did you know your heart rate can tell you if you’re ready for a calm, productive conversation—or not?

✅ Below 95 bpm: You’re in a good place to think clearly and communicate effectively.
⚠️ Above 95–100 bpm: Your body might be too activated for a rational discussion.

💡 Try this: Check your pulse before diving into tough conversations. If it’s high, take a short break (20–30 minutes) to self-regulate before continuing.
Understanding your body helps you connect better emotionally. 🌿

Read more insights in our latest newsletter 👉 https://www.counselingatl.com/newsletter

10/24/2025

💡 The Window of Tolerance: Your Ideal Communication Zone
Ever notice how some conversations flow easily while others spiral fast?

That’s your window of tolerance at work — the emotional zone where you can think clearly, listen, and communicate effectively.

When you’re calm and centered (🟢 Green Light), connection is possible.
When tension builds (🟡 Yellow Light), it’s your signal to pause and self-regulate.
But once you’re overwhelmed (🔴 Red Light), communication usually breaks down.

The key? Awareness. 🌿
Learning to recognize your emotional state helps you stay connected — even in conflict.
Read more in our latest newsletter 👉 https://www.counselingatl.com/newsletter

Address

675 Seminole Ave NE Suite 210
Atlanta, GA
30307

Opening Hours

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Tuesday 8am - 8pm
Wednesday 8am - 8pm
Thursday 8am - 8pm
Friday 8am - 8pm
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Sunday 12pm - 8pm

Website

https://linktr.ee/couplescounselingatl

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