Dr. D. Dionne Bates is a licensed psychotherapist who holds a B.A. in sociology (with emphasis in deviant behavior), an M.A. in counseling psychology, and a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. She is the owner of Self-SOULstice, LLC, where she provides psychotherapy, supervision, and consultation. Dr. Bates served five years as a staff therapist at Georgia Southern University, where she treated students presenting with various mental health issues. She served on the university’s Sexual Assault Response Team and coordinated educating faculty and staff in the importance and ways of creating an inclusive, accepting, and supportive university community for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) students, faculty, and staff.
Previously, Dr. Bates was in private practice in the Atlanta Metro area where her clinical work revolved around issues pertaining to identity, identity integration, sexuality, and transition and adjustment. In clinical practice almost 20 years, Dr. Bates has observed that the root of many individuals’ emotional and psychological distress is their inability to integrate their “true” selves into various realms of their lives. She states, “Not being able to ‘show up’ as we really are can negatively impact how we see ourselves, our perception of how others see us, how we make choices for ourselves, as well as the ongoing process of healthy identity development and self wholeness. A whole self is a healthy self and a healthy self is a loving self…loving of self, others, and life.”
Dr. Bates has been featured on several radio shows, including: The Fred Bowden Show (Exceptional Radio Network), where she discussed the state of mental health care in Georgia; Better Days Radio; Alternative Perspectives (WRFG 89.3 – Atlanta), where she was a weekly contributor and produced the Faith and Politics segment; and Same Gender Loving Expressions. In 2009, she partnered with PrideTV.org to present “Outside Blackness,” a supplement to the Atlanta showing of Tavis Smiley’s America, I AM. Dr. Bates has also served with served with several civic organizations.
Additionally, Dr. Bates has participated in discussions on human sexuality and sexual health with first year Emory University medical students. Her research has included identity development, LGBT issues, and a theory stage model of affirming self and others. She has published in regional, national, and international newspapers and academic journals.
Dr. Bates is a member of the Licensed Professional Counselors Association of Georgia and is a Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor. She also holds diplomate status with the American Psychotherapy Association.
