D.I.V.E. THERAPY & CONSULTING, LLC
*Now Offering Online Therapy Services in 30+ States*
MEET DR. SPESH
Dr. Speshál Walker Gautier
a.k.a. “Dr. Spesh”
Owner of D.I.V.E. Therapy & Consulting
Dr. Spesh is a Yale-trained, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, with over a decade of experience in providing psychotherapy. Her style as a therapist is empathic and compassionate, yet direct where needed. She has experience in treating a broad range of psychological problems but specializes in culturally informed treatment of anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and other stress-related disorders. She has expertise in working with culturally diverse individuals (e.g. Black women and men, Ethnic/Racial minorities/People of Color, LGBTQ+ individuals) and identifies as a cis, straight, LGBTQ ally. Her clinical and research background has specifically focused on trauma including combat and sexual trauma, women’s mental health, and individuals experiencing marginalization and/or minority stress. Over the years she has published articles and given a number of national, state, and local workshops, presentations, invited talks, lectures, and trainings on these topics. She is certified in Cognitive Processing Therapy, a gold standard, evidence-based treatment, shown to alleviate PTSD and symptoms of depression. She has worked in a number of inpatient and outpatient mental health settings over the years and previously led a Trauma, Stress, and Anxiety Treatment Track at a large Atlanta-based hospital.
In her spare time, Dr. Spesh enjoys music and nearly anything outdoors. When people ask what kind of music, the reply is always “good music.” It can be a live musician or even recreating her favorite tunes via karaoke, one of her not-so-hidden talents. Outdoors, she enjoys hiking, running, and perhaps most importantly patio dining. She left the northeast to escape the brutal winters and loves Atlanta for its warm weather, parks/trails, and countless festivals. Her biggest gripe with Atlanta is being too far from the beach and the lack of enthusiasm for UConn basketball.
PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Dr. Spesh graduated Magna Cum Laude with her B.A. from the University of Connecticut where she double majored in psychology and women studies. She earned her M.A. and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at UMass Boston and was selected as an APA (American Psychological Association) Minority Fellowship Program Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Fellow. She completed her doctoral internship at Yale University School of Medicine where she focused on community mental health treatment and providing training and consultation in areas of mental health and diversity inclusion. She completed her Postdoctoral Fellowship at West Haven VA-Yale School of Medicine in CT where she continued this work as a Psychosocial Rehabilitation-LGBT Health Fellow.
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS AND SERVICE
Dr. Spesh is a member of American Psychological Association (APA) and the Georgia Psychological Association (GPA). She previously served on the GPA Board of Directors as the Diversity Directorate, Chair of Ethnic Minority Affairs. Additionally, she has served on the Initial Review Committee for APA’s Minority Fellowship Program.
LICENSURE
Dr. Spesh is currently licensed to practice in Georgia and New York. Additionally, she is authorized to practice via telethealth in a number of states via PSYPACT offering accessibility across the country. See the Telehealth tab for more information.
MEET MA'AT
Ma'at-Net Bell, LCSW
a.k.a. “Ma'at”
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Ma’at, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)/Psychotherapist with over 22 years of experience in behavioral/mental health. Ma’at was born and raised in New York City, but her experience has spanned several major metropolitan areas including, New York, Washington, D.C., and Atlanta, Georgia. She started her career in mental health working in a residential treatment facility in New York City. While working at this facility, she provided advocacy and case management services for children in the foster care and juvenile justice system. In addition to residential treatment, her professional experience includes: child protective services, hospice care, inpatient psychiatric care, VA hospital outpatient mental health treatment, homeless services, and adult and child & adolescent outpatient therapy. Additionally, Ma’at has supervised social workers seeking licensure, has served in management/leadership capacities at various behavioral health agencies.
Ma’at is an accomplished leader, visionary, and self-proclaimed ‘change agent’. Ma’at is known for her down-to-earth demeanor, with a great sense of humor, and the ability to make her clients feel comfortable pretty quickly. Ma’at is direct when needed but always provides therapy with a sense of empathy and compassion. She is culturally responsive to diversity at all levels and starts every therapy session meeting her clients where they are. Ma’at utilizes an eclectic approach to psychotherapy. This means she has many different tools in her toolbox available to ensure you receive the therapeutic support you seek and deserve. Ma’at’s belief is that YOU are the expert of you and your life. This means the answers you are seeking lie within you; however, she will be with you and support your therapeutic journey every step of the way. The people who most benefit from Ma’at’s approach understand that change takes time. There are no fast passes to healing. Slow and steady wins the race. We are not running a sprint, but rather a marathon!
In her free time, Ma’at enjoys dancing, teaching Zumba fitness, listening to great music, watching NBA, traveling, and connecting with good people. She has been a licensed Zumba instructor since 2015 and has taught and volunteered at various fitness facilities across metro Atlanta. Ma’at is a huge fan of NBA player LeBron James and NFL player Aaron Rodgers. As an alumnus of UGA, Ma’at also supports the GA Bulldogs who are 2021 National Champions. Go Dogs!!!
PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Ma’at holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Hampton University, a Master of Public Administration (MPA), from John Jay School of Criminal Justice, and a Master of Social Work (MSW), from University of Georgia (UGA). Ma’at is also one of 60 clinicians in the state of Georgia who is certified in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) for children and adolescents, and certified in other evidence based practices (EBP) including: Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), a highly effective treatment for adults with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), VA C.A.L.M. Mindfulness, and Motivational Interviewing.
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS AND SERVICE
Ma’at is a member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), National Association of Black Social Workers (NABSW), Georgia Social Worker Oncology Group (GA-SWOG), and Zumba Instructor Network (ZIN).
LICENSURE
Ma’at is licensed to practice psychotherapy in the states of Georgia, South Carolina, and New Jersey.