At an early age Debbie was segregated from many of her friends when placed in a self-contained gifted class. She experienced what it was like to be, and also be labeled as, different from the norm. Then, as the mother of five gifted children, she felt the joys and pains her offspring went through as a result of their I.Q.
As a result of her own experience, she realized that the gifted and creative have a real need for counseling that addresses their specific social and emotional peculiarities. She found evidence of a higher degree of emotionality, first reported by the psychiatrist Dabrowski in his Theory of Positive Disintegration, and some social ineptitude that made this population particularly vulnerable to hurt and ostracism.
She now uses her years of experience with the gifted and creative (top 2% of the population) to provide direction and guidance to maximize their potential and minimize their vulnerabilities. Debbie works with helping in extreme emotionality, perfectionism, underachievement, and Asperger’s. Debbie’s primary techniques involve the use of psychodynamic and supportive therapy.
Debbie is available to make school visits to help customize lesson plans for maximum stimulation to help youth normalize their experience.
Gifted Counseling with Dr. Deborah Prudden Lathrop, PhD., LCSW – Support for Unique Minds
Being gifted isn’t just about intelligence, it’s about feeling the world more deeply. Many gifted people have big emotions, high expectations, and sometimes feel like they don’t quite fit in, particularly those with Asperger’s. While their minds may work quickly, their emotions can be complex. Dr. Deborah Prudden Lathrop, PhD., LCSW provides thoughtful support to help gifted individuals understand themselves, manage challenges, overcome underachievement and thrive.
The Benefits of Gifted Counseling
- Understanding Complex Emotions – Learn to recognize and manage deep feelings like anxiety, frustration, or isolation.
- Coping with High Expectations – Develop healthy ways to handle personal and societal pressures without stress.
- Stronger Social Connections – Improve relationships and feel more at ease in social situations.
- Greater Self-Awareness – Gain a clearer understanding of thoughts, emotions, and personal strengths.
- Increased Confidence and Resilience – Build the skills to face challenges with greater self-assurance and bounce back from setbacks.
Common Challenges Gifted Individuals Face
Gifted individuals often struggle with:
- Emotional intensity – Feeling emotions deeply, leading to stress or overwhelm.
- Perfectionism – High self-expectations that create anxiety and fear of failure, leading to underachievement relative to one’s full potential.
- Social difficulties – Feeling isolated or misunderstood by peers.
- Overthinking – Constantly analyzing situations, leading to self-doubt.
- Existential concerns – Questioning life’s purpose or struggling with meaning.
Through gifted counseling, clients learn to manage these challenges while embracing their strengths.
The Psychoanalytic Approach
- Helps Process Suppressed Emotions – Many gifted individuals push aside feelings, leading to stress and internal conflict. Therapy provides a space to explore and express emotions safely.
- Identifies Thought and Behavior Patterns – Uncovering past experiences helps recognize recurring emotional patterns, making it easier to change unhealthy responses.
- Encourages Emotional Growth – Exploring past experiences helps people understand their emotions better, leading to greater self-awareness and healthier ways to handle challenges.
- Supports Long-Term Well-Being – Instead of just changing habits, this approach helps people understand their emotions deeply, leading to long-term emotional stability and personal growth.
Why Trust Dr. Debbie Lathrop with Your Health Needs?
Dr. Deborah Prudden Lathrop, PhD, LCSW, specializes in Counseling for the Gifted and Creative, drawing from both professional expertise and personal experience. Placed in a self-contained gifted class as a child, she firsthand experienced the social challenges of being labeled “different.” Later, as a mother of five gifted children, she witnessed the emotional highs and lows that come with exceptional intelligence.
Dr. Lathrop’s background includes:
- PhD and LCSW from the University of Georgia
- Extensive experience in gifted, creative, and relationship counseling
- Active involvement in SENG, NASW, and MENSA
- Former Odyssey of the Mind coach
- Influenced by Dabrowski’s Theory of Positive Disintegration, recognizing the heightened emotionality and social struggles common among the gifted
Through Counseling for the Gifted and Creative, Dr. Lathrop helps clients navigate perfectionism, underachievement, extreme emotional intensity, and Asperger’s-related challenges. Using psychodynamic and supportive therapy, she provides guidance to help gifted individuals maximize their potential while addressing their unique social and emotional needs.
Creating a Supportive Space for Growth
At times, gifted individuals may feel pressure to meet high expectations from themselves or others. Therapy provides a space where they can explore their thoughts without judgment. Dr. Debbie Lathrop encourages self-reflection and emotional growth, helping clients build confidence and resilience.
What You’ll Learn in Our Sessions
- Healthy Ways to Navigate Life’s Challenges: You’ll learn how to handle tough situations without feeling overwhelmed. Discover techniques to stay calm and in control, no matter what life throws at you.
- Strategies for Building Stronger Relationships: You’ll gain skills to communicate better and connect with others on a deeper level, which will build trust and understanding, strengthening your bonds with friends, family, and coworkers.
- Practical Steps to Overcome Perfectionism: You’ll learn how to set realistic goals and be kinder to yourself when things don’t go as planned.
Start Your Path to Healing with Dr. Debbie Lathrop
Understanding and managing your emotions is key to feeling good overall. If you or someone you care about could use support with gifted counseling, don’t hesitate to reach out. Therapy can help bring clarity, offer relief, and provide tools to handle life’s challenges with confidence.
(678) 777-5036
[email protected]
5775 Glenridge Drive Bldg B, Suite 310, Atlanta, GA 30328