Therapists in Mountain Brook, AL

United Counseling is a ministry of the United Methodist Church providing mental health services for the communities of central and north Alabama.

I can be helpful to folks with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and grief experiences, addiction and co-dependency issues, parenting difficulties, sexual concerns, and career challenges. I work to establish a place where people can disclose and pursue their most personal challenges openly and truthfully. I understand the complex nature of these experiences and help individuals to improve their experiences in multiple areas of life. I have worked with persons who come from a wide expanse of socioeconomic status, sexual orientations, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds.

Two things that consistently spark joy for me are the ocean and the color blue. I was born and raised in Birmingham and I come from a big, loud, Italian family. While family doesn't always spark joy, I strive to stay healthy so that I can relate to my family better. Family has always been very important to me and that’s why I love systems therapy. So many of our wounds are tied to a relationship (or a lack thereof) and at the same time, healing can only be found in relationships. Sometimes we are afforded an opportunity to heal a relationship and other times we have to find internal healing with the support of other relationships.

Anxiety, Depression, Relationships, Addictions, Trauma. Counseling/Therapy is investment in quality of life. People seek help when frustrated, confused, overwhelmed. Does addiction (substance/behavior) control your life? Does a challenging relationship frustrate you? Are you tired of trying to change your partner? or trying to change yourself for your partner? Have you experienced painful loss? Do you frequently feel tense and uneasy? Does the life you live differ from the life you want?

No matter your age, occupation, or lifestyle every lived experience thus far in your life has contributed to who you are today. These experiences have shaped your way of seeing the world ultimately effecting your thoughts and actions. Therapy provides you a safe space to deeply explore these experiences, thoughts, and actions or even just vent about them. I believe that you’re the author to your own life, and therapy can be a great place to turn a new page, start a new chapter, and write your book in the way you want!

Taking the first step into therapy can be intimidating. Being vulnerable with a complete stranger isn't the most comforting thought. It is my goal to provide an environment that allows you to feel safe to show up and be authentic without fear of judgement. We are all human beings and need help from time to time. My approach to counseling is a collaborative effort aimed at increasing self-awareness and establishing a sense of empowerment in your own life. I focus on meeting clients where they are and facilitating positive change for a healthy, successful life.

I enjoy working with clients to help identify their strengths, overcome obstacles and build their self-esteem. I work with clients to normalize their feelings and increase their self-awareness. I am passionate about removing the stigma from therapy and mental health treatment. I try to promote mindfulness when dealing with strong emotions and work to offer clients a safe and nonjudgmental place to share their feelings.

Life can be challenging. Everyone needs someone who will listen to them and help manage their day to day issues or long term problems. The negative stigma of "mental health" has dissipated in recent years and more and more people are taking advantage of getting their mental and emotional needs met through therapy. Take the first step and reach out for help. I want to help you.

I am glad you are taking the first step towards greater mental health by reviewing your choices for therapy. Therapy can be a positive, productive, and deeply satisfying experience. It can give you a chance to address concerns affecting your relationships, spiritual beliefs, and/or your happiness and peace of mind. Therapy may be active and solution-focused, or quiet and reflective. Allow me to assist you with exploring your understanding of yourself and others, and address specific solutions for the struggles experienced across a variety of relationships.

Life Happens Counseling, Coaching & Wellness helps women reclaim their identity in midlife & beyond, by embracing the unknown, sparking curiosity, and owning their truth. I provide virtual counseling and 1 on 1 retreats providing a safe place conducive for personal growth. I do not accept insurance. I am an eclectic counselor utilizing a variety of therapies and Eastern practices to assist clients in implementing long-term change in their lives. I assist clients in identifying and building on their strengths, while recognizing and eliminating self-defeating behaviors.

I understand that every person has different wants, needs, and unique life experiences they come into therapy with. I specialize in working with clients who struggle with substance use disorders, anxiety, depression, and life transitions. I am passionate about creating a nonjudgmental, safe space where clients can “take off their mask” and truly lean into their authentic selves.

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.

First of all, bravo for reaching out for help. The fact that you are doing a Google search for a therapist in your area is the first step to getting better, and it is a big one so congratulations on starting your journey! My counseling practice believes in the journey. This is why I named it "Wayfare Counseling". Wayfare is an Old English word that means "to go on a journey". This is what I believe counseling is all about. The journey is just as important as the recovery, and I would love to come alongside you in that process.

I believe wholeheartedly that if a person is able to develop an ability to access their own courage, vulnerability, and grace for themselves and others, beautiful therapeutic change can occur. As your therapist, I see my relationship with you as someone who will stand steadfastly beside you in a bond of trust, unconditional positive regard, and empathy as you face the full catastrophe we call “being alive”. Together, we can build a creative and functional toolbox to help you approach life. The goal is for you to thrive through the moments of joy, the in-between, and yes… even in moments of sadness.

Are anxiety, depression, stress or family conflict keeping you from thriving? Perhaps you're struggling with low self-esteem, ADHD, Asperger's Syndrome, a life transition, relational difficulties or a traumatic event, or maybe you just need a different perspective. I've counseled adolescents, adults and families. I've also helped gifted and talented teens, depressed adults, and those struggling with more general issues related to work and family. Together we can identify your unique strengths, explore tools and also develop beneficial skills that can assist you in your struggles. I sincerely look forward to working with you!

I come from a long career in music and arts, work in an education setting for 3.5 years with special needs students, and I am now a full time counselor that has been practicing sense March of 2021.

Are you feeling lost, stuck, or unfulfilled? Find yourself escaping into repetitive and self-defeating patterns of thought and behavior? If you are experiencing depression, anxiety, phase of life issues, problems with self-confidence or motivation, problematic alcohol or substance use, or just recognize that you may benefit from a supportive conversation with someone outside of your typical network of friends and family members, I would love to talk to you. My hope is that we can work together to help you create a life that you do not feel the need to escape from!

Therapy is a time and place set aside to focus entirely on you. I work with clients to explore issues that need special attention and to address complex problems. Over the past 20+ years, I have helped individuals, families, and couples move through difficult times. My primary focus is on helping couples, families, and individuals overcome the effects of attachment wounds and traumatic experiences so that they can find meaning and joy in life. Common issues I address are communication difficulties, conflict, healing from trauma, building emotional regulation skills, and coping with depression and anxiety.