Meet 1up Counseling!
James Giordanella, LPC, LPCC, NCC, CPCS, MS, C-DBT, ADHD-CCSP
The owner and Clinical Director of 1up Counseling, James is a licensed professional counselor who currently practices in Georgia and Nevada. He is a graduate of Georgia College and State University and received his Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Fort Valley State University. He has been a practicing clinician for 10 years. James is also the program director for a non-profit organization whose focus is finding housing and employment for homeless and struggling military veterans and their families.
In addition to veterans, James specializes in working with teenagers and adults, and is equipped for both individual and family therapy sessions. To schedule a session with James, please contact the 1up Counseling office at (478) 200-3255.
Nicole Jarman, LPC, LMHC, RPT, NCC, MS
Nicole is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Georgia as well as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the State of Florida. She is a graduate of the University of Florida and received her Master’s degree in Counselor Education at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, where she spent most of her education focused on receiving courses and training in utilizing Play Therapy techniques. Nicole is a registered play therapist and offers unique individualized sessions with a specially equipped play area including sand-trays, puppets, legos, art, and speciality therapy games.
Nicole specializes in working with elementary-aged children. She is passionate about using play in her sessions to allow children to freely express emotions, fears, and thoughts. She loves to hear about each child’s interests and passions as well as build a strong relationship to help them feel safe in expressing their inner world. She offers knowledge of Child Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT) which focuses on increasing connection and communication among child and caregiver.
In addition to counseling children, Nicole is available to assist adult clients with symptoms such as anxiousness, depression, relationship struggles and life changes. She is looking to help guide others in developing the coping skills necessary to manage life’s stressors. To schedule a session with Nicole, please contact the 1up Counseling Office at (478) 200-3255.
Barbara Jefferson, LPC, NCC, MS
Barbara Jefferson is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the states of Georgia and Virginia with over a decade of experience providing compassionate and personalized support to adolescents (ages 12-18) and adults navigating life's challenges.
Her specialties include: Depression and Anxiety, Life transitions and relationship challenges, anger management, grief and loss, trauma, and ADHD. Barbara's person-centered approach creates a safe and supportive space where clients feel heard and understood. She draws from evidence-based practices like CBT, ACT, EFT, mindfulness, and is trauma-informed tailoring each session to your unique needs.
With gentle guidance and fresh perspectives, Barbara enpowers clients to move forward with confidence and hope. Her goal is to support you in building stronger connections, managing challenges, and achieving meaningful change. Let Barbara walk beside you with compassion and expertise as you take steps toward healing and growth. To schedule a session with Barbara, please contact the 1up Counseling office at (478) 200-3255.
Josh Giordanella, CRC, CVE, MS
Josh Giordanella is a Certified Rehab Counselor who graduated from Georgia Military College, and received dual Master's Degrees in Case Management and Rehab Counseling from Fort Valley State University. He also organizes and runs a nonprofit grant to assist homeless veterans achieve residential stability, increase their skill level and income, and obtain greater self-determination.
Josh is adept at helping those with physical, mental, developmental, and emotional disabilities achieve their personal goals. He works to motivate others to live their best and most fruitful lives and can help guide you to meet your personal goals, career goals, or independent living aspirations.
As of January 2025 Mr. Josh Giordanella is NOT accepting new clients.
Whitney Cochran, Practice Administrator
In her role as Office Manager and Administrator of 1up Counseling, Ms. Whitney wears many hats. Her eye for detail and concern for customer care is unmatched. We firmly believe that every interaction at our office should be helpful and pleasant and Whitney delivers on all fronts. Aside from providing fantastic client support, Whitney is a dedicated mother of two children and spends her spare time enjoying local theatre productions and advocating for the Type 1 Diabetic community.
Benjamin
Benny is a retired medical service dog who now makes his home at 1up Counseling headquarters. He is hypoallergenic and friendly. If you see him in the office, be sure to say hello!