Relational Psychotherapy

I believe that psychotherapy begins by trying to understand a person's life rather than immediately trying to change it. Most of us develop ways of thinking, feeling, and relating that once served an important purpose. Over time, though, those same patterns can leave us feeling conflicted, discouraged, or disconnected from ourselves and the people we care about.

Many of the people I work with are looking for more than symptom relief. They want to better understand themselves, their relationships, and the patterns that have shaped their lives. Some are navigating anxiety, depression, the effects of painful relationships, or significant life transitions. Others simply have a sense that something isn't working the way they'd like, even if it's difficult to put into words.

Together, we'll get curious about these patterns—not simply to explain them, but to understand how they developed, how they may have once served you, and how they continue to shape your life today. We'll explore your experiences, relationships, strengths, and struggles in ways that help make sense of your story and open new possibilities for living with greater freedom and intention.

At its heart, psychotherapy is a relationship. Research consistently shows that the quality of the therapeutic relationship is one of the strongest predictors of meaningful change. For that reason, I work to create a space where you feel understood, respected, and free to speak honestly about whatever is on your mind.

About Me

Stanley Hoover, PhD, LPC, ACS

I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor whose practice focuses on relational psychodynamic psychotherapy, with particular experience working with trauma, personality disorders, and longstanding patterns that shape relationships, identity, and emotional life. I earned my doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision from Mercer University and my master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Richmont Graduate University. I also completed advanced post-graduate training in relational psychodynamic psychotherapy and supervision through the Contemporary Psychodynamic Institute.

In addition to my clinical practice, I serve as Associate Professor in the Clinical Counseling Program at Point Loma Nazarene University, where I teach and supervise graduate counseling students.

Whether I'm working with patients, students, or supervisees, my aim is to help people make better sense of themselves so they can live more intentionally and relate to others more authentically.

Services & Practice Information

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy for adults experiencing a wide range of emotional, relational, and mental health concerns. Treatment is grounded in contemporary psychodynamic theory, informed by current research, and tailored to your individual needs. While therapy may focus on reducing symptoms, it also seeks to understand the deeper patterns that shape how you experience yourself, your relationships, and the world around you. I have particular experience working with mood disorders, trauma and stress-related disorders, personality disorders, and longstanding relational difficulties.

Clinical Supervision & Consultation

Individual and group supervision for Associate Professional Counselors pursuing independent licensure, as well as consultation for licensed mental health professionals. My approach is individualized and collaborative, drawing on psychodynamic and relational perspectives. Together, we'll think carefully about your clinical work, paying particular attention to the therapeutic relationship and to how your own thoughts, feelings, and responses can become valuable sources of clinical understanding. My goal is to support the development of your clinical mind and your capacity to form meaningful therapeutic relationships.

Training & Continuing Education

Workshops, keynote presentations, and continuing education for university counseling and psychology training programs, mental health centers and group practices, professional associations, and business and healthcare organizations. My presentations draw on psychodynamic, relational, and contemporary counseling perspectives while remaining accessible and relevant to clinicians from a wide range of theoretical orientations.

Common topics include the therapeutic relationship, the person of the therapist, psychodynamic psychotherapy, clinical supervision, relational ethics, transference and countertransference, personality functioning, trauma, spirituality and psychotherapy, and counselor development. Grounded in research and clinical experience, my presentations emphasize the clinical judgment, therapeutic presence, and relational capacities that underlie effective psychotherapy.

Costs & Scheduling

The fee for individual psychotherapy is $165 for a 50-minute session.
I do not participate with insurance plans. However, if you have out-of-network benefits, I can provide a superbill that you may submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement.
I provide psychotherapy to patients throughout Georgia and Florida using a secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform. Meeting online allows you to access care from the privacy and convenience of your home or office while maintaining the same commitment to confidentiality, professionalism, and therapeutic engagement as in-person treatment.
Psychotherapy is typically scheduled on a weekly basis, although the frequency of sessions may change over the course of treatment depending on your needs and goals.
If you're interested in working together, I invite you to schedule a brief phone consultation. It's an opportunity for us to briefly discuss what brings you to therapy, answer any questions you may have, and determine whether my approach feels like a good fit.