History

Beyond Words is a counseling center that has offered child, adolescent, adult, family and group psychotherapy as well as psychological evaluations and parent consultation services since 1996.

We have provided both individual and group therapy services for children, adolescents and young adults struggling with a variety of psychological and social issues. These have included Adjustment Issues; Depression; Social Anxiety; Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD); Nonverbal Learning Disability; and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Not all of our clients have had a clinical diagnosis.

Our group therapists used an extensive and flexible curriculum centered on engaging appropriately with others and building positive relationships in a fun and supportive environment. We offered many groups so that children could be placed appropriately with peers dealing with similar issues.

Beyond Words Center was founded by Jeffrey Jones, Ph.D., a licensed clinical psychologist. Our original model focused on teaching nonverbal communication skills to children with Dyssemia (a term coined by Dr. Marshall P. Duke and Dr. Stephen Nowicki, referring to individuals who struggle with the sending and/or receiving of nonverbal information). We quickly realized the need to add training in basic social skills and developed a comprehensive curriculum. Over the years, our staff has grown, and we have served thousands of individuals.

Dr. Jones and Dr. Lisa Heimann, Beyond Words psychologists, specialize in child, adolescent and family psychotherapy and have each been in practice for over 40 years. In addition, both have been Adjunct Professors of Psychology at Emory University. Dr. Jones served as chair of the Georgia Psychological Association’s Division of Child, Family and School Psychology and is a member of the organization’s Ethics Committee. Dr. Heimann served as a psychologist with DeKalb County Schools for nearly two decades before joining the Beyond Words practice. Dr. Jones and Dr. Heimann met at Emory, where they each received their doctorates. They have been married since 1984 and have three adult sons.

Our research program was the result of a coordinated effort with Dr. Stephen Nowicki and graduate students from Emory University.

Clinical Psychologist

Jeffrey Jones, PhD

Dr. Jeffrey Jones has counseled children, adolescents and adults in individual, group and family therapy settings in the Atlanta area for over 40 years. He received his graduate training at Emory University and completed his dissertation under the supervision of Dr. Marshall P. Duke. In 1996, Dr. Jones opened Beyond Words Center. He has taught psychotherapy at Emory University's clinical psychology graduate program, served on the Ethics Committee of the Georgia Psychological Association and conducted workshops on child therapy and social skills training across the country. He is an adjunct faculty member at Emory University.