Trauma and PTSD Therapists in Vestavia, AL

Telling your story takes tremendous courage. In my work I am constantly humbled and honored to receive those stories. As a therapist I work from the premise that people are deeply complex and multilayered beings. Our past, our present, and expectations of our future dictate how we navigate life's inevitable challenges. Because our lives are a constant state of transition, we have the opportunity to learn from the past and navigate our present through awareness and understanding of ourselves, and others. I feel it a great honor to support people in their transitions, and foster their awareness and growth.

I have the privilege of working with children (12+) and adults who are navigating various challenges in their lives. I am certified in Brainspotting, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) Therapy, and Neurofeedback. I have a particular interest in OCD, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, and mood disorders. At the core of my counseling philosophy lies a balance between empathy and challenge. With deep compassion, I believe that every feeling is valid, though I also understand that not all emotions lead to a fulfilling life without thoughtful exploration and intention.

Are you struggling with emotional pain? Do you have a history of unhealthy relationships? As someone who personally experienced the life change that can come through counseling, I strive to be a counselor who walks with you through your healing journey. If you are struggling with any type of trauma, grief, mental health, or relationship issues, I get it! And if you're ready to experience positive change, as I did, I'd love to help.

TAKING NEW CLIENTS AND HAS SATURDAY APPOINTMENTS. I've had great experiences working with diverse people. My specialties include addiction/substance use, marriage/couples, depression, anxiety, and trauma informed care. I also teach graduate level counselor education courses at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and am finishing my doctorate in behavioral health (DBH) at Arizona State University (ASU). I am also an ordained minister and enjoy working with all populations which include the LGBTQ community.

Experiencing pain that leads you to seek counseling can be a valuable gift. By identifying and working through unsettling memories that cause mental distress, you can open up infinite possibilities and transition from a narrative of separation, which can feel like rigidity and chaos, to a narrative of integration, which can be experienced as the quietude of the heart.

Not accepting new clients. With years of knowledge and experience working with clients who have experienced abuse, trauma, anxiety, relationship challenges, substance abuse, depression, and a variety of other mental health disorders. I offer a safe and supportive space to explore your struggles and work with you to find a path forward. Life has taught me that everyone has struggles and is either going through something or has been through something. I know it takes courage to ask for help... I respect and admire that courage. I will meet you where you are non-judgmentally and together, we can work toward your healing and growth.

I work with people who are seeking relief from unhelpful thoughts, behaviors, or feelings that are disrupting their life and can lead to over-functioning on a daily basis to compensate. This over-compensating can leave you feeling anxious, empty, hopeless, and disconnected from yourself and others. If you would like to reclaim your energy and sense of control within, I can help.

How did I get here? At first you missed a couple of days of work, then you stopped showering, and now you don’t hang out with people you used to enjoy. Life hits hard whether it’s intrusive memories, the loss of a loved one, or a struggle with your own sense of self-worth. Sometimes it’s hard to even pinpoint why you feel the way you feel, you just can’t seem to move past it. If you’re sick of crawling back under the covers to hide from the world, or making endless excuses to avoid people, reach out.

Asking for help is hard and it can be scary. My goal is to create a safe environment and cultivate a relationship based on trust that will allow my clients the freedom to be who they are without fear of judgment or criticism. This is the environment where healing can begin. I view treatment from the perspective of attachment theory. This refers to the quality of the relationships with others in our lives, including our original caregivers. Many issues that people are currently struggling with are rooted in our early relationships. My goal is to treat not only the current symptoms but also the underlying causes.

I am privileged to offer mental health services to children, adolescents, & adults. Whether you are struggling with mood, relationships, decisions, loneliness, grief, an eating disorder, weight, addiction, and/or trauma, there is hope for your restoration and renewal. I believe a strong therapeutic relationship is the cornerstone to healing. I believe that full recovery is possible!

We all encounter events and periods of life that are difficult to understand and overcome. Mental Health issues like depression, anxiety, grief, post-traumatic stress, relationship issues can be difficult and overwhelming to face alone and we often need support and guidance to find healing.

"Vulnerability is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy, and creativity, it is the source of hope, empathy, accountability, and authenticity." -Brene Brown. Life can be very difficult, and most of us find ourselves feeling stuck at one point or another. If you are struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use, disordered eating, body dysmorphia, or feel a general sense of unworthiness, please know that you are not alone and there is help.

I have worked in the mental health field for 40+ years. During my career I have worked with a variety of patients including adolescents, adults, couples, and families. I have treated trauma exposure, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, mild autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit disorder (and related issues). I have also provided support for individuals in recovery. I believe that by identifying, focusing on, and enhancing clients' strengths, I can assist them in developing additional individualized tools to meet mental health challenges.

Are you struggling with self-confidence? Feeling anxious or depressed? Having difficulty coping with a life transition; relationship strain, or loss of a loved one? Want to get to know yourself better? Not happy with the way things are going? Not sure what to do? Do you need a safe place to talk about what's going on in your life? Need some practical solutions? My goal is to create a comfortable, non-judgmental environment so that I can assist you in getting back on track, or defining a new road altogether.

Life can be hard! If you are struggling with challenges such as: marriage or relationship issues, infidelity, anxiety, depression, divorce, job loss, or low self-esteem maybe it is time to do something different. If your current efforts to deal with relationships, emotions, and life's challenges just aren't working, it is probably time to get some help. Maybe you're unsure if counseling really works. Counseling is no "magic pill" that instantly fixes your problems! However, it does help many people change, heal, and improve their quality of life.

Grief, Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Anger Management, Addiction, Substance Abuse, Divorce, Domestic Violence, Self Esteem, and PTSD. Since 1997 I have worked with individuals, couples, families, groups, adults, and adolescents in gaining self awareness, peace, balance, and purpose in their life's journey.

At Mind, Body & Heart Wellness Clinic our shared goal is to provide an integrative approach to counseling that assists you in finding your optimal mental, emotional, spiritual, and sexual health. MBH Wellness is comprised of multiple licensed therapists who specialize in and are passionate about a wide range of mental health concerns. We addresses the relational, cognitive, emotional, sexual, physical, cultural, and socio-economic factors impacting your wellbeing. When you are paired with a therapist that fits your unique needs, positive change is a logical consequence!

*WE ARE TAKING NEW CLIENTS!* I address a range of mental health issues, including addiction, trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and more. Whether you are going through a life transition or have a history of mental health issues, I am glad that you have taken this positive step towards change. I welcome you to walk with me on your journey to wellness, as together, we work to address any barriers that prevent you from accessing your ideal self or life. If you are feeling lost and are ready to find your voice, this can be a safe place to develop and utilize the strengths that already exist within you.

Thank you for taking the time to view my profile. I have learned that life is a beautiful, but sometimes difficult journey with many hills and valleys to navigate. We all have the ability to be amazing, but sometimes find ourselves in a position to have to relearn how to tap into our own inner strength and resiliency.