Akemi McGoogan, LCSW, CSW

Akemi McGoogan is a Georgia-based licensed clinical social worker who combines practical strategies with a motivational, strengths-based approach to help people move past anxiety, depression, and life transitions. She works with individuals facing overthinking, negative thoughts, low motivation, career difficulties, parenting challenges, panic experiences, and feelings of being stuck, and she brings a warm, goal-oriented style to each therapeutic relationship. Akemi earned her bachelor’s degree in social work from NC Central University and completed a master’s in Direct Practice Social Work at SUNY Albany. She holds LCSW and CSW credentials - LCSW denotes a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and CSW indicates a clinical social work credential - and draws on that training to offer practical, evidence-informed care.

Known for a motivational stance and an emphasis on changing thought patterns from defeat to empowerment, she integrates solution-focused techniques, cognitive behavioral strategies, mindfulness practices, and acceptance and commitment principles to tailor therapy to each person’s needs. She has experience supporting parents - particularly postpartum mothers - children, military servicemembers and veterans, couples, and young adults, and she is the author of several books for mothers including "15 Minute Journal Prompts for the Postpartum Mom," "Mindful Mandalas for Moms," and "Her Path to PEACE."

Akemi meets people where they are without judgment and prioritizes clear, achievable goals that help clients gain clarity, hope, and momentum. For individuals with bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, schizophrenia, eating disorders, or substance use concerns, she is prepared to provide referrals to colleagues with specialized expertise.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Support

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice thoughts and feelings without getting overwhelmed by them, then commit to actions that align with their values; it can be useful for anxiety, feeling stuck, and coping with life changes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and shifting unhelpful thoughts and behaviors to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and to improve daily functioning. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes a collaborative, empathetic relationship in which the therapist supports the person’s own goals and self-discovery, making it helpful for self-esteem, grief, relationship issues, and parenting concerns.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Akemi works collaboratively with clients to explore which methods feel most helpful based on individual needs, goals, and preferences, and she adapts techniques over time to match progress.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can happen by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging - which makes it easier to fit consistent care into busy schedules, manage caregiving or work demands, and maintain continuity of support across life transitions while working with licensed professionals and therapists trained in these approaches.