I am a non-traditional therapist with a holistic approach to mental health. I am licensed in Georgia, Alaska, South Dakota, Vermont, and Florida with more than 10 years of experience working with diverse populations.
I would like to provide some information about myself. I am a little 'out there.' I have piercings, tattoos, and purple hair. I am a bit of a goth. I came to mental health services a little later than some. I was an English major when I first went to college out of high school. That did not work out very well. I love writing and the English language is beautiful so occasionally I use obscure words or references. If I ever say something that is not understood just tell me and I will rephrase. My second attempt at higher learning was when I was in the nursing program. I knew I wanted to make a difference and ease suffering but to be honest, I do not like to watch people die. I have and can, but I did not want to do it all the time. I was in my 30s when I started my program. I did an associate degree in psychology, a bachelor's degree in psychology and then a master's degree in mental health counseling all in one go. It was very stressful as I was also working at the time. I have worked a lot of jobs I did not like and have had some very interesting experiences. I have worked at Wal-Mart (twice) and did a stint as a grave digger (with a shovel). I have many hobbies and interests.
My approach is eclectic because there are no one size fits all treatments. I am very open but believe in setting goals and having accountability. My role is to provide clients with tools to navigate their unique issues and concerns.
I am very big on self care and work life balance. I am not on line everyday and try as often as possible to strap a pack to my back and hide in the woods.
Additional areas of focus: Addictions, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Intimacy-related issues, Eating disorders, Sleeping disorders, Parenting issues, Self esteem, Coping with life changes, ADHD, BDSM, kink, and alternative sex culture, Communication problems, Family of origin issues, Gender dysphoria, Mood disorders, Multicultural concerns, Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships, Post-traumatic stress, Sexuality, Women's issues
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
SD LPC LPC100166
GA LPC LPC010340
AK LPC 222816
VT LCMHC 068.0135439
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Acea Starks. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
They have a great big bag of skills and have been able to provide me multiple ways to see my problem and work towards alleviating it.
Written on Apr 24, 2023 after therapy with Acea for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Acea is an amazing therapist. She is supportive and provides a judgment free zone so you feel comfortable and like you’ve been listened to. She’s funny and super nice!
Written on Mar 16, 2023 after therapy with Acea for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, lgbt, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, coachi
I would highly recommend Acea as a therapist. She has a very personable manner which makes her easy to talk to. Her expertise is highly evident in each session, and she has helped me to identify patterns, and trends in my life, create boundaries, manage anxiety, and sometimes just vent. I am very pleased to have found someone I feel so comfortable with.
Written on Mar 06, 2023 after therapy with Acea for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, and coping with life changes
Acea is extremely attentive, thorough, caring and resourceful. She communicates often with me and checks in each week to ensure all is on track. She has helped me tremendously over this past year!
Written on Jan 25, 2023 after therapy with Acea for 8 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, and self esteem
Acea is great. I love how she is relatable to who I am as a queer person that lives alternative lifestyles. She’s also very real in her presentation.
Written on Nov 21, 2022 after therapy with Acea for 2 months on issues concerning lgbt, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, coping with life changes, and adhd
She’s perfect
Written on Sep 25, 2022 after therapy with Acea for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, and anger management