Dr. Skellie describes herself as a Baby Boomer raised in Appalachian poverty who became an independent- thinking, committed, nontraditional student competing with Generation X peers to obtain an advanced degree in Clinical Psychology at the Georgia School of Professional Psychology, a division of Argosy University, in Atlanta, Georgia. Being the first member of her immediate family to obtain a higher education, Dr. Skellie has been able to draw from life experience and 11 years of formal education to become an effective therapist for challenging and diverse populations.
Dr. Skellie provided individual and group therapy to an urban based HIV+ population, their families, and significant others while associated with Positive Impact in Atlanta. Her extensive experience in working with a broad spectrum of issues, including mood disorders, substance abuse, relational issues and personality disorders allows her to establish effective, supportive rapport with and maintain empathic contact with all patients. Patricia is always sensitive to and respectful of an individual's dignity and confidentiality regardless of the circumstances and she recognizes and respects issues surrounding spiritual, social, ethnic, and cultural diversity.
While completing her post-graduate degree, she has been associated with the Atlanta Area Psychology Associates conducting educational and psychological testing for children, adolescents and adults, as well as providing psychotherapy. During her Diagnostic Assessment Practicum, Advanced Therapy Practicum, and Internship at Northwest Georgia Regional Hospital (NWGRH) in Rome, Georgia, Dr. Skellie completed a variety of assignments including extensive psychological evaluations, as well as brief diagnostic assessments, with a wide range of individuals with forensic issues and/or persistently severe mental illnesses. During her internship, she also conducted court-ordered "Competency and Responsibility" evaluations throughout Georgia for defendants in adult criminal cases, as well as court-ordered DFACS evaluations, which consisted of a "Study and Report" for adolescents and children. While associated with practice at NWGRH, she gained experience working with diverse mental health issues including schizophrenia, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and substance abuse and addiction.
She approaches treatment and the therapeutic process from psychodynamic and interpersonal perspectives, but incorporates cognitive behavioral interventions when needed. Her skill in moving between these perspectives as determined by the client's responsiveness has been exceptional. She focuses on the therapy relationship when needed, draws upon additional assessment data, and utilizes experiential material evoked in sessions to evaluate and clarify the direction and approach used with each client.
Dr. Skellie can be reached at (770) 953-6401 x. 317. Se sees patients in both the Marietta and Acworth offices.