Sonny Magill is a clinical Social Worker licensed by the state of Georgia. He spent much of his career in management. During the early 90's he did volunteer work at an HIV/AIDS agency.  There he could see how people overcome overwhelming odds when supported and empowered. This inspired him to make a career change, so he could make a difference in peoples’ lives–instead of making a difference to a company’s bottom line. He returned to Georgia State University and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology.  After graduating he went to graduate school at the University of Georgia to get his Masters Degree in Social Work.  While in school he continued to volunteer with HIV clients and the homeless. He belongs to the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and the Georgia Society of Clinical Social Workers (GSCSW). 

After graduating with honors, he went to work with a private non-profit agency that treats adults with severe and persistent mental illness. There he did individual, group and family therapy for clients living with schizophrenia; bipolar, and severe depression. He worked with clients at many levels of care including residential treatment, day treatment, and case management.  A majority of his clients were dually diagnosed–that is they also had substance abuse issues. Much of his work had to do with self awareness, coping skills, stress management, self esteem, healthy pleasures, support networks, and education. 

Sonny Magill’s passion is men’s issues, but works with most emotional problems. Sonny’s clinical orientation is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), as well as Carl Rogers’ client centered therapy. CBT is very effective and works to examine thoughts that lead to depression and anxiety. It involves identifying distorted thought patterns and replacing them with more realistic and balanced thoughts. Carl Rogers emphasized unconditional positive regard; therapist congruence; and empathic understanding. This is a basic skill used to build an alliance with clients for successful therapy. Sonny will utilize other theoretical approaches as is necessary or fitting. Despite his background in CBT, he finds value in the power of the unconscious and defense mechanisms. He also believes in a holistic approach and will often recommend diet; exercise; stress management; medications; meditation, and involvement in a spiritual community. Often he employs role playing and homework assignments. 

​