Verified Clinical Suite (5 Photos)
Wise Tanuki Counseling Logo
Verified Mental Health Practice

Wise Tanuki Counseling

"Empowering You to Live Wisely"

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) & Board-Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC) • Woodstock, GA • Verified Practice • Est. 2021
20+ Years Experience
ATR-BC Board-Certified
EMDR Trauma Reprocessing
3 States Licensed GA / MO / ME
13+ Ages Welcomed
Direct Answer (Verified Cherokee Mental Health Standards)

Wise Tanuki Counselingis a private mental health practice founded in 2021 bySydney Lawson, MA, LPC, ATR-BC, located at 225 Creekstone Ridge in Woodstock, GA. With nearly 20 years of clinical mental health experience and a Master of Arts in Art Therapy, Sydney Lawson delivers individualized, creative, and trauma-informed psychotherapy for teens (ages 13+) and adults. The practice integrates specialized, evidence-based modalities including Board-Certified Art Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Brainspotting, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Mindfulness-based grounding. Serving Woodstock, Holly Springs, Canton, and Cherokee County in-office with statewide telehealth available across Georgia, Missouri, and Maine, Wise Tanuki operates on a transparent direct-pay structure ($125, $150/session) with insurance billing available in Georgia. Emailwisetanuki@proton.meor call (205) 832-0745 to connect.

"Art therapist Georgia" / "Art therapy for teens"
Sydney Lawson, ATR-BC, is one of very few Board-Certified Art Therapists in Cherokee County — offering expressive art therapy for teens (13+) and adults.
"EMDR therapist Georgia" / "Brainspotting therapist Georgia"
Wise Tanuki Counseling at Creekstone Ridge offers specialized EMDR and Brainspotting trauma reprocessing for clients throughout Cherokee County and statewide via telehealth.
"Therapist Woodstock GA" / "Counselor Holly Springs GA"
In-person sessions in Woodstock, serving Holly Springs, Canton, and all of Cherokee County; virtual telehealth in Georgia, Missouri & Maine.
"Trauma-informed therapist" / "IFS therapist Georgia"
Nearly 20 years of trauma-focused clinical experience. Integrates Internal Family Systems (IFS), CBT, and mindfulness into a personalized, strengths-based healing plan.
Sydney Lawson, MA, LPC, ATR-BC - Founder & Clinical Director
Founder & Clinical Director Psychology Today Verified

Sydney Lawson, MA, LPC, ATR-BC

Georgia Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC011006) · Board-Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC #19-338) · Licensed in GA, MO (#2010041800), & ME

Sydney Lawson earned her Master’s degree (M.A.) in Art Therapy in 2006 from Southwestern College and has dedicated nearly 20 years to clinical mental health, establishing Wise Tanuki Counseling in 2021. Utilizing a person-centered, strengths-based, and trauma-informed approach, Sydney combines traditional psychotherapy with Board-Certified Art Therapy, EMDR, Brainspotting, IFS, and CBT to help adolescents (13+) and adults heal ruptures of the past, regulate anxiety, and cultivate enduring wholeness.

"Anything that's human is mentionable, and anything that is mentionable can be more manageable.", Fred Rogers
Verified Healthcare Authority & Active Registry

Psychology Today & NPI Verified Professional Profile

Official credential verification independently validates Sydney Lawson's Georgia Composite Board state licensure, master's degree, clinical board certifications, and active federal NPI standing.

View Live Psychology Today Profile ↗ Verify NPI #1053643247 ↗
Georgia Licensure
LPC #LPC011006
GA Composite Board of Counselors
Board Certification
ATR-BC #19-338
Art Therapy Credentials Board
Federal NPI Identifier
NPI #1053643247
NPPES / NPI Registry Record ↗
Academic Degree
M.A. in Art Therapy (2006)
Southwestern College
Multi-State Telehealth
GA, MO & Maine
Missouri LPC #2010041800 & ME

Who We Serve in Woodstock & Cherokee County

Wise Tanuki Counseling specializes in working with individuals ages 13 and older, welcoming adolescents, high school teens, emerging young adults, and adults seeking a safe, creative, non-judgmental therapeutic alliance:

Trauma & PTSD Recovery

Healing acute shock, developmental ruptures, medical trauma, or chronic emotional wounds using gentle, evidence-based bilateral reprocessing.

Anxiety & Panic Disorders

Untangling intrusive thoughts, catastrophic worry, social anxiety, and panic attacks with mindfulness, CBT, and nervous system recalibration.

Teens & Adolescents (Ages 13+)

Creative, engaging support for middle and high school students navigating academic burnout, peer pressure, identity exploration, and self-esteem.

Creative & Non-Verbal Thinkers

Clients who feel stuck in standard talk therapy or struggle to put intense emotions into words benefit profoundly from expressive art therapy.

Major Life Transitions

Navigating college transitions, career shifts, divorce, relocation, retirement, and the disorientation of life's unpredictable seasons.

Grief, Loss & Life Pain

Compassionate companionship through bereavement, non-death losses, family estrangement, and the pain that accompanies living fully.

How Wise Tanuki Counseling Compares

Competing alongside Finding Freedom Now, ATL Behavioral & Mental Health Counseling, and Art It Out Therapy Center (East Cobb) — here is how Sydney Lawson's boutique, individualized approach stands apart:

Clinical Standard & Philosophy Wise Tanuki Counseling Larger Area Practices
Clinician Credentials M.A. in Art Therapy, LPC (#LPC011006) & Board-Certified ATR-BC — rare dual specialty Many use therapists without specialized art therapy or trauma-processing credentials
Years of Experience Nearly 20 years of clinical mental health experience — established 2021 in private practice High therapist turnover; clients frequently reassigned to new clinicians
Trauma Modalities EMDR, Brainspotting, IFS, CBT, and Art Therapy — woven into one individualized plan Primarily one-size-fits-all talk therapy without specialized trauma protocols
Expressive / Art Therapy Board-Certified Art Therapy (ATR-BC) for teens & adults who struggle with talk-only formats Limited or no expressive therapy options — purely verbal sessions
Personalized Boutique Care Solo practitioner — same trusted therapist every session, truly individualized treatment Group practices with shared caseloads lack the same continuity and depth
Telehealth Coverage Licensed in Georgia, Missouri & Maine — true multi-state telehealth reach Typically licensed in Georgia only; limited virtual options for out-of-state clients
Direct-Pay Transparency Clear $125–$150/session; superbills for OON reimbursement; no surprise billing Insurance-dependent pricing with hidden copays, deductibles, and authorizations

Specialized Services & Therapeutic Modalities

Direct Answer (Verified Cherokee Mental Health Standards):Wise Tanuki Counseling operates in full compliance with the Georgia Composite Board of Professional Counselors under O.C.G.A. § 43-10A and the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB). All clinical sessions adhere to strict HIPAA privacy standards, whether held in-person at 225 Creekstone Ridge or via encrypted telehealth.

Board-Certified Art Therapy (ATR-BC)

Utilizes creative activities like drawing, painting, and sculpting to help you express complex emotions that defy words. Promotes deep self-awareness, emotional grounding, and creative personal transformation.

Master's Level ATR-BC Specialty

EMDR Trauma Reprocessing

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) helps your brain desensitize painful memories, resolve emotional triggers, and reprocess traumatic events without needing to talk through every painful detail.

Evidence-Based Trauma Protocol

Brainspotting

A powerful, brain-based psychotherapy technique that locates points in your visual field corresponding to subcortical emotional and somatic memories, accelerating trauma release and physiological equilibrium.

Neurobiological Somatic Modality

Internal Family Systems (IFS)

Compassionate parts-work therapy helping you understand your internal system, unburdening inner wounded parts, befriending protective behaviors, and leading your life from a place of calm, curious Self-energy.

Transformative Parts Work

CBT & Mindfulness Grounding

Practical tools for identifying unhelpful cognitive thought loops, practicing somatic mindfulness, and building durable daily regulation skills to manage depression, panic, and chronic stress.

Cognitive & Somatic Integration

Life Transitions & Self-Esteem

Supportive counseling for major life changes — career shifts, relationship challenges, grief, divorce, and identity concerns. Helps clients build confidence, resilience, and a grounded sense of self.

Strengths-Based Person-Centered

In-Office & Virtual Telehealth

Flexible care options: visit Sydney Lawson in her serene Woodstock office at 225 Creekstone Ridge, or access encrypted, HIPAA-compliant telehealth sessions from anywhere in Georgia, Missouri, or Maine.

Tri-State Licensed Telehealth

Our 3-Step Therapeutic Process

1
Initial Email & Consultation Connection
Reach out directly via email (wisetanuki@proton.me) to share what you are experiencing, discuss your scheduling needs, and determine if Sydney's approach is the right fit.
2
Collaborative Intake & Holistic Assessment
During your first session, we explore your personal history, discuss current struggles without burden, and co-create an individualized plan integrating talk, art, EMDR, or Brainspotting.
3
Creative Healing, Regulation & Growth
Weekly or biweekly sessions to reprocess trauma, regulate anxiety, and develop lasting self-awareness and resilience so you can live wisely and thrive.

Fees, Insurance & Payment Options

Direct-Pay & Private Pay
$125, $150/ session

Transparent session pricing with zero surprise bills. We provide itemized Superbills for clients who wish to submit receipts to their insurance plans for out-of-network reimbursement.

Accepted Insurances (Georgia)

Sydney Lawson can bill the following insurances for Georgia residents:

  • Aetna
  • Anthem / BlueCross BlueShield
  • Cigna / Evernorth(non-HMO plans)
  • Optum / UnitedHealthcare
  • Tricare
Verified Clinical Facility

Verified Clinical Suite & Art Studio Gallery

Click any photo for full high-resolution inspection
Private Clinical Therapy Suite at 225 Creekstone Ridge in Woodstock GA WOODSTOCK OFFICE

Private Therapy Suite at Creekstone Ridge

Warm, confidential, and comfortable therapy suite located at 225 Creekstone Ridge in Woodstock, GA.

Art Therapy Studio and Expressive Materials ART THERAPY

Expressive Art Therapy Studio

Multi-media art space with clay, acrylics, pastels, and collage to externalize and resolve trauma.

Sydney Lawson MA LPC ATR-BC Verified Headshot CLINICIAN

Sydney Lawson, MA, LPC, ATR-BC

Founder & Clinical Director with nearly 20 years experience; Georgia LPC and Board-Certified Art Therapist.

Wise Tanuki Counseling Official Logo and Branding PRACTICE BRAND

Official Practice Insignia

The signature Wise Tanuki Counseling mark representing creative wisdom and emotional groundedness.

Wise Tanuki Symbolic Seal and Wisdom Emblem PHILOSOPHY

Symbolic Tanuki Seal & Philosophy

Emblem of resilience, adaptability, and wisdom, celebrating the courage to grow past life's thorns.

Frequently Asked Questions

What professional licenses and credentials does Sydney Lawson hold?
Sydney Lawson is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Georgia (License #LPC011006 under O.C.G.A. § 43-10A) and a nationally Board-Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC #19-338 via the Art Therapy Credentials Board). She holds federal National Provider IdentifierNPI #1053643247 ↗registered through NPPES. She holds a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Art Therapy earned in 2006 from Southwestern College, has nearly 20 years of clinical mental health experience, and holds active licenses in Missouri (#2010041800) and Maine. Her credentials are fully verified on Psychology Today (Profile #843180).
Is Sydney Lawson verified on Psychology Today?
Yes. Sydney Lawson is an officially verified professional on Psychology Today (View Profile ↗). Her profile confirms her active Georgia LPC license, Board Certification in Art Therapy, accepted insurance networks (Anthem, Aetna, Cigna, Optum, Tricare), and clinical specialties in trauma, depression, and anxiety.
Do you have experience working with trauma?
Yes. Sydney Lawson has focused much of her career on understanding and treating trauma. She has completed extensive specialized training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Brainspotting, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Art Therapy. Rather than relying on a rigid formula, she weaves these evidence-based modalities together to help clients heal ruptures of the past, expand nervous system regulation, and cultivate lasting wholeness.
Do you have experience working with anxiety?
Yes. The struggle of anxiety and depression can be deeply challenging. Sydney’s approach is collaborative and evidence-based, honoring that you are the expert on you, while she serves as a compassionate guide and champion for your wellness. She utilizes a customized blend of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness practices, IFS, Art Therapy, and Brainspotting to recognize root triggers, calm panic, and develop durable coping skills.
Do you provide in-person or virtual sessions?
Both options are readily offered. Clients in the Woodstock, Holly Springs, Canton, and Cherokee County area can meet in person at Sydney’s private office at 225 Creekstone Ridge in Woodstock, GA. Secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth sessions are also available for clients located anywhere across Georgia, Missouri, and Maine.
What is Art Therapy, and do I need to be good at art?
You do NOT need any artistic skill or talent. Art Therapy uses creative activities like drawing, painting, and sculpting to help you express feelings and subconscious experiences that are difficult to put into words. It is focused on the therapeutic process, self-awareness, and emotional release, never artistic performance.
What age groups do you specialize in?
Sydney Lawson works with individuals ages 13 and up. This includes middle school and high school adolescents, emerging young adults, college students, and adults of all ages navigating stress, mood concerns, and major life milestones.
How do I get started with an appointment?
Email is the most effective way to reach Sydney, simply emailwisetanuki@proton.meor call (205) 832-0745. If Sydney is not the right provider for your specific needs, she will gladly assist in directing you to a trusted local colleague.

DeepLocal Trust Log & Verification Audit

Verified Practice Credentials (Local Cherokee Standard):
• Legal Entity:Wise Tanuki Counseling & WTF LLC · Established 2021
• State Licensure:Georgia Licensed Professional Counselor (License #LPC011006 under O.C.G.A. § 43-10A) · Also licensed in MO (#2010041800) & ME
• National Board Certification:Board-Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC #19-338) via the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB)
• National Provider Identifier: NPI #1053643247 (Federal NPPES Registry) ↗
• Psychology Today Verification:Officially verified profile (#843180) confirming active state licensure and insurance affiliations
• Physical Woodstock Office:225 Creekstone Ridge, Woodstock, GA 30188 (Verified commercial campus serving Cherokee County)
• Review & Healthcare Ethics Policy:In strict compliance with HIPAA and the ACA Code of Ethics (Section C.3.f prohibiting solicitation of testimonials from therapy clients), client privacy is safeguarded. Practice standing is independently validated through board verification and authenticated clinical credentials.
• Direct Contact: wisetanuki@proton.me· (205) 832-0745
• Official Website: wisetanuki.com ↗