What happens when you follow your true calling? For Ingrid Richardson, it meant leaving a 15-year corporate career to establish Renew Hope Counseling in Douglasville, Georgia – a decision she describes as "the most rewarding and fulfilling thing I've done in my life."
Specializing in relationship counseling, Richardson's practice offers both virtual and in-person services focused on rebuilding connections. Whether helping couples recover from affairs, individuals processing trauma, or new parents navigating perinatal mental health challenges, her approach centers on sustainable relationship health. "For me, it's about how do we start well and how do we last," she explains, acknowledging the complexity of maintaining connection between "two growing and changing people."
Richardson powerfully challenges the persistent stigma surrounding therapy. "Mental health is something we all deal with," she emphasizes, reframing counseling not as a sign of weakness but as essential self-care. This perspective is particularly important for communities where therapy remains taboo. When discussing male clients, Richardson shares: "I celebrate them all the time," expressing hope that as high-profile figures like Jay-Z normalize therapy, more men will seek support.
The conversation takes a personal turn when Richardson reveals her own health journey. Born with a chronic illness that limited physical activity throughout her life, she recently prioritized her wellbeing through increased exercise. The result? Her lung capacity reached 95% – a level previously unimaginable. This triumph perfectly illustrates her professional philosophy about self-care and boundaries: we must care for ourselves before we can effectively care for others.
Ready to prioritize your mental wellbeing? Connect with Renew Hope Counseling at 678-687-1224 or visit www.renewhopecc.com to learn how therapy might support your relationship with yourself and others.