Psychotherapist
3086 Peachtree Drive•Atlanta GA•30305•404-262-1819
About Jim Bird
I have over 35 years experience as a psychotherapist and marriage counselor. My office is in the Buckhead area of Atlanta, two short blocks from Piedmont Road, easy to find, easy to park. Before beginning full time private practice in 1982, I worked at hospitals and clinics that gave me valuable training and a broad range of experiences that help me daily. Below, I will address the most commonly asked questions. I will also link you to Musings, my bimonthly publication that addresses many life experiences. By reading one or two of these short articles, you will get a good idea about how I look at life, making it easier to decide if I am right for you.
What is Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy helps you take charge of your life. It helps you become more aware and able to listen to your inner wisdom. This leads to less blaming and living in the past and to more assertiveness and informed decisions. People become unstuck and focus more on options. Psychotherapy is about having greater contentment, more happiness, a more balanced life, and more fulfilling relationships. It’s also about exploring your soul and developing your passions.
What is My Fee? Do I Take Credit Cards? Do I Take Insurance?
My fee is $110 for a 55 minute session, payable by Visa, MasterCard, check or cash. Most paitents, whether or not they have insurance, choose to pay out-of-pocket, so as not to jeopardize their future ability to obtain life, health, or disability insurance. This risk occurs when I assign a mental health diagnostic code to your claim, which I am required to do to prove that your treatment is "medically necessary" (couples therapy included). However I am covered by some insurance and will take insurance, if you choose to take the above mentioned risk.
What is My Approach?
I do what works, customizing my approach to fit each person. I have broad experience and training in many types and techniques of psychotherapy.
With Whom Do I Work?
I mainly see adults in individual, couples, family, and group settings. Often people come in crisis, like relationship problems, or anxiety or depression, or because of addiction. Some people stay beyond crisis resolution to make major changes in their lives.
What Are My Credentials?
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with an M.S.W. from Tulane University and an M.A. in Sociology from Vanderbilt University. I am the current President of the Atlanta Psychotherapy Guild. I am a member of the American Academy of Psychotherapists and a past Chairperson of the Academy’s southern region. And finally, I am a Board Certified Diplomate with the American Board of Examiners in Clinical Social Work.
What is My Cat's Name?
Isaac, which means laughter. He is often found in my waiting room, although I can make sure he is somewhere else if you have allergies or don’t like cats.
Psychotherapist, Psychiatrist, Psychologist, etc.: What’s the difference?
(This is complicated, so buckle your seat belt or just skip this section)
Psychotherapist is a generic term whereas Psychiatrist, Psychologist, Clinical Social Worker, Professional Counselor, and Pastoral Counselor are specific types of professionals with distinct training tracks and specific licensing qualifications. The training tracks are avenues for becoming a psychotherapist. A Psychiatrist has an M.D. and a specialty in Mental Illness. A Psychologist, Social Worker, Professional Counselor, or Pastoral Counselor has either a Ph.D. or a Master’s degree in their specific academic tracks. Thus, a person who practices psychotherapy might be a Licensed Psychiatrist, a Licensed Psychologist, a Licensed Clinical social Worker, a Licensed Professional Counselor, or a Licensed Pastoral Counselor. Besides the generic term Psychotherapist, you may also hear clients and professionals use the similar terms: therapist, counselor, and marriage counselor.
Contact Me at JamesHBird@earthlink.net
Musings Library
2008 June My Father
2008 March The Sea Inside
2008 January More Sex, Perhaps
2007 November I Give Thee Freedom
2007 May Perspective Shift
2007 March Living Small
2007 January Them There Eyes
2006 November Deny Death and Attend Funerals
2006 September Grandparenting
2006 July The Elastic Couple
2006 May Encountering Oneself
2006 March All of Me
2006 January Pivot Points
2005 November Art as Liberator and Guardian
2005 September Managing Demons
2005 July Living with Ambiguity
2005 May "Juice, please"
2005 March Rabbits and Spouses
2005 January Bending Reality
2004 November Crazy Wonderful Attachments
2004 September Give Up, Give In, Surrender
2004 July The Power of "No
2004 May Dark Excursions
2004 March Dance Life
2004 January Shame Abhors the Light
2003 November Elements of Healthy Coupling
2003 September Exploring Inner Space
2003 July Emote Feel Think Act
2003 May The Work of Success
2003 March Living and Loving Fully
2003 January Happiness
2002 November Know Thyself
2002 September Erotic Fidelity
2002 July Ease on Down the Road
2002 May Birds of a Feather
2002 March An Affair to Remember
2002 January “To Love a Child is to Learn From Him”
2001 November Dancing in the Face of Death
2001 September Zen in Everyday Living
2001 July “I'd Rather Fight than Switch”
2001 May The Assertive Marriage
2001 March Is It Soup yet?
2001 January Less Judgment/More Curiosity
2000 November You Are My Special Angel
2000 September Living with Passion
2000 July Sweet Mourning
2000 May Embracing one's wacko-ness
2000 March Tears: “Salve for the Soul”
2000 January “You Are Your own Chairman”
1999 November Love: Feeling or Behavior
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