Hello! I am Dr. Makungu M. Akinyela. Many of my friends simply call me “Dr. A”.

I’m a Licensed family therapist (LMFT) in private practice in metropolitan Atlanta. I received my M.A. degree in Marriage, Family and Child Therapy from Pacific Oaks College in Pasadena, California and my Ph.D. from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia.

I am a Clinical Fellow and an Approved Supervisor of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (AAMFT). I also serve on the editorial boards of several professional journals including the Journal of Systemic Therapy, the Journal of Marital and Family Therapy and the International Journal of Narrative Therapy and Community Work.

Treatment Approach

I especially enjoy working with couples in pre-marital and marital therapy and with families with adolescents. I also consult with people experiencing emotional traumas and phobias such as anger, grief, fear of heights, etc. A lot of this work is done through an alternative therapy called Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT).

I have presented and taught therapy at numerous conferences both nationally and internationally in such places as Adelaide, Australia, Toronto, Canada and Durban, South Africa. I have also published several articles, essays and book chapters on Family therapy and African centered approaches to therapy. I have also published my work in several professional journals and books on family therapy.

If you have questions about therapy for yourself or a loved one, please take a look at my FAQ page, many of your questions may be answered there. You can also write to me from the contact me page. If you represent a group or organization and have a question about my speaking to your group, I am available for seminars, workshops and speaking engagements upon request.

Education & Credentials

  • Education: BA, MA, Ph.D.
  • License: LMFT (Licensed Married and Family Therapist)
  • Certifications: AAMFT Approved Supervisor

Professional Activities & Memberships:

  • Clinical Fellow – American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)
  • Clinical Member – American Family Therapy Association (AFTA)