Meet Alma
Alma Gardarsdottir, LCSW, Sport Social Work Certified
EMDR Certified Therapist, Heartmath Certified Practitioner, Former D1 Athlete
Founder and Clinical Director of TheraSports Counseling
Alma’s Therapeutic Approach
My therapeutic approach is trauma-informed, strengths-based, and individualized to each client’s unique needs. I integrate evidence-based modalities including EMDR, Brainspotting, TF-CBT, DBT, HeartMath, and sport performance counseling to support healing, emotional growth, and resilience. My work focuses on helping clients process trauma, manage anxiety, improve emotional regulation, build confidence, and overcome performance-related challenges.
Alma’s Specialties
- Trauma and PTSD
- EMDR and Brainspotting
- Sports Performance Counseling – Sport anxiety, Mental blocks, Injury recovery, Identity development
- Generalized Anxiety, Panic Disorders, Phobias
- Child and Adolescent trauma (grief, divorce, child sexual abuse)
- Confidence & Self Esteem
- Emotional Regulation and Coping Skills
Alma’s Educational Background
I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from Kennesaw State University. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 10 years of clinical experience and serve as the Clinical Director and Owner of TheraSports Counseling.
I am a Certified EMDR Therapist with advanced training in EMDR, Brainspotting, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), HeartMath, Ego State Therapy, and other evidence-based approaches. I am licensed to provide services in Georgia, Indiana, and Wisconsin, and am a registered telehealth provider in Florida and South Carolina.
In addition, I hold a Sport Social Work Certification and have extensive experience working with athletes of all ages and levels, helping them navigate performance challenges, injury recovery, mental health concerns, and personal growth. Prior to specializing in sport performance and mental health, I worked in a Child Advocacy Center, supporting children and families in their recovery from trauma.
Alma’s Sports Background
- Former Division I Soccer Player at Kennesaw State University
- Youth National Team Athlete for Iceland in Soccer and Basketball
- Sport Social Work Certified
- 6+ Years of Experience in Athlete Mental Health and Sport Performance Counseling
- Worked with athletes across a variety of sports, including soccer, baseball, softball, basketball, gymnastics, tumbling, lacrosse, swimming, Running, ballet, and more
- Soccer D-License with 8 Years of Coaching Experience
- Personal Experience Recovering from Two ACL Injuries and Surgeries
- Personal Experience Navigating Post-Concussion Syndrome
- Deep Understanding of Athlete Identity, Injury Recovery, Performance Pressure, and the Mental Demands of Competition
Outside of the Office
When I’m not working with clients, I enjoy staying active through fitness, spending time outdoors, watching sports, and making memories with my husband and two boys. As a former athlete, movement and competition continue to be an important part of my life. My personal experiences as an athlete, recovering from injuries, and navigating challenges both in and out of sports have strengthened my passion for helping others build confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of self—both on and off the field.