Get to Know Lauren Aguon
How did I get into this career?
For a long time, my work life didn’t look anything like counseling. I spent over 15 years in historic preservation, doing work I genuinely cared about—protecting places that carried history, meaning, and memory. I loved the idea that what we save matters, that tending to what’s been damaged or overlooked is an act of respect. After I met my husband, a Navy veteran, something began to shift. Walking beside him as he navigated life after service—and the mental health system that comes with it—changed the way I saw people and pain. I witnessed how much goes unspoken, how isolating transitions can be, and how powerful it is when someone feels truly understood rather than “fixed.” I started to notice that what moved me most wasn’t the work itself, but the moments of connection—the listening, the sitting with uncertainty, the honoring of someone’s story just as it is. Slowly, a familiar thought returned: This is what I was meant to do. Choosing to transition into mental health wasn’t sudden or dramatic. It was quiet and steady, shaped by lived experience, love, and a growing sense of clarity. Becoming a social worker felt less like a career change and more like coming home to something I had carried with me for a long time.
What is my favorite thing about counseling?
Helping others learn to navigate their own journey. Life doesn’t come with a map, and many of us find ourselves carrying experiences that feel too heavy, too complex, or too vulnerable to name. Counseling offers a space to slow down, make sense of what you’re carrying, and learn how to move forward in a way that feels authentic and sustainable. My favorite part of this work is walking alongside people as they find their footing—learning new ways to understand themselves, navigate challenges, and trust their own inner wisdom. Even when the work is hard, there is something deeply meaningful about creating a safe, grounded space where growth and healing can unfold at your own pace.
What do I like to do when I’m not at Atlanta Wellness Collective?
I enjoy spending time with my husband, our two daughters, and our two dogs. We love to travel and explore new places together, whether that’s a new city or somewhere familiar that invites us to slow down. My husband and I enjoy playing Dungeons & Dragons and other board/role-playing games, and I love getting lost in a good book. In my quieter moments, you’ll usually find me practicing yoga, going for a run, or soaking up time at the beach.
What do I hope for my clients?
I hope to help my clients discover that they are not defined by their trauma or their past. Our experiences shape us, but they do not determine who we are or limit who we can become. I believe there are always opportunities to continue learning, growing, and reconnecting with parts of ourselves that may have felt lost or overshadowed. Healing is not about erasing the past—it’s about understanding it, integrating it, and moving forward with greater clarity and self-compassion. If you’re here—reading this, exploring this space—that in itself reflects curiosity and courage. Growth begins with that first step, and I would be honored to walk alongside you as you continue your journey.
Request an appointment with Lauren via telehealth or in person at our Marietta office.
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