Find a therapist, counselor or psychologist in Birmingham, AL

"As someone who has over 20 years in recovery and lost a significant number of family members and friends I am extremely sensitive to the painful yet rewarding process of change. "

John McAnulty is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC), Internationally Certified Alcohol/Drug Counselor (ICADC), and a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist (CGRS) in the state of Virginia who has 20 years experience partnering with adults and couples seeking help with depression, anxiety, life transitions, men’s issues, women's issues, grief, loss, bereavement, healthcare professionals and relationship issues. 

He completed his Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Florida State University University and received his Master's degree in Counseling Psychology from Troy State University. John utilizes relational, collaborative, strengths-based, cognitive behavioral (CBT), mindfulness-based, solutions-focused, and emotionally-focused approaches to therapy. 

He always maintains the creativity, flexibility and awareness needed to assist every unique individual and couple. John bases his therapy upon the premise of person-centered therapy. John seeks to establish a warm and caring relationship with you in order to assist in building on your strengths and better collaborate with you towards meeting your goals and living the meaningful life you value and desire.

"My goal is to help you quiet anxiety and self-doubt, reconnect with your strengths, and feel more at ease and comfortable in your own skin."

I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with over 21 years of experience supporting adults through life transitions, emotional challenges, and personal growth. My goal is to help clients feel more grounded, confident, and in control of their well-being. I provide a compassionate, collaborative space where you can safely explore your thoughts, heal from past experiences, and rediscover your sense of balance and purpose.

I earned my Master’s in Social Work from Western Kentucky University. My approach integrates cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based practices, and solution-focused strategies to help clients develop insight, emotional regulation, and effective coping skills that support meaningful change.

I believe therapy is a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Together, we’ll identify your strengths, challenge limiting beliefs, and build tools for lasting growth. My goal is to create a supportive environment that helps you move toward greater peace, clarity, and confidence in your everyday life.

"As a woman with varied life experience, I understand the need to have a listening ear."

Brenda Naftel is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 15 years of experience. Brenda is passionate about helping young and older adults along their life journey. She has experience in anxiety, depression, domestic violence, couples, and grief.

Brenda completed her Master of Education (MEd) at Auburn Montgomery. She uses cognitive behavioral, mindfulness, and sometimes dialectical behavior techniques as the basis for most sessions. 

Along life’s journey there are times we need someone to be there. Brenda would be honored if you would allow her to be with you on life’s challenging journey. She will be your sounding board and offer you coping techniques to help you along the way.

"As one with extensive case management experience, I strongly embody solution-focused therapies, helping individuals employ useful coping mechanisms and rework negative dialogues."

I am a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW) with 13 years of experience supporting individuals navigating adjustment issues, anxiety, and depression. I understand the challenges that can arise from day-to-day life decisions, major transitions, and feelings of social isolation, and I strive to create a supportive space where clients feel heard and understood.

I earned my master’s degree in social work from Michigan State University. My approach is collaborative and strengths-based, focusing on problem-solving, emotional insight, and the development of practical coping skills to help clients build resilience and improve overall well-being.

Together, we will work at your pace to address your concerns and identify meaningful solutions that align with your goals. Clients describe me as compassionate, easy to talk to, and supportive. I look forward to partnering with you as you take this important step toward growth and healing.

"I believe healing begins when you feel genuinely understood, and I bring authenticity, compassion, and a grounded therapeutic presence to help you grow at your own pace."

I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC) with 5 years of experience in the mental health field. I specialize in helping individuals navigate emotional regulation, grief, relationship challenges, life transitions, and long-standing patterns that feel difficult to change. I often work with clients experiencing anxiety, anger, low self-esteem, and feelings of being misunderstood in their relationships or family systems.

I earned my master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from the University of West Alabama. I utilize cognitive behavioral therapy, rational emotive behavior therapy, mindfulness-based approaches, and strength-based therapy to help clients gain insight, manage emotions, and build healthier coping patterns.

I understand that reaching out for support takes courage, and you deserve a space where you feel heard, respected, and empowered. My approach is warm, direct, and collaborative, offering practical tools and steady support as you work toward clarity, confidence, and meaningful, lasting change at a pace that feels right for you.

"If you are seeking to overcome the burden of anxiety, depression, or negative self-talk, I am equipped with the knowledge, resources, and compassion to meet you where you are to help you reach your goals."

Catherine K. Thompson is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with 5 years of experience working with a variety of populations. Her specialties include adults with concerns such as anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief, low self-esteem, and childhood trauma. She also specializes in assisting women navigating the various challenges of motherhood, along with people of color.

Catherine earned her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Southern Mississippi. She believes that therapy is not a “one-size fits all” approach, and she utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy, humanistic therapy, motivational Interviewing, and psychodynamic therapy as most applicable to meet the client’s needs.

For some, the idea of therapy is without stigma and openly welcomed. For others, it’s one of the hardest decisions they will make. It is easy to remain in familiarity. Catherine is extending an olive branch in hopes that you will make the hard decision now to achieve the peace you desire in the future.

"Everyone has the right to be heard."

Pamela Pierce is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who specializes in treating anxiety, depression, anger, and behavioral issues in youth and adults. She has 9 years of experience working with at-risk adolescents and adults with severe mental illness in a behavioral health setting. Pamela has worked with individuals and couples in a private practice setting for 2 years. She has a passion for collaboratively assisting individuals working through their anxiety, depression, and anger. It is Pamela's experience that behavioral issues tend to stem from an underlying issue.

Pamela completed her bachelor's degree in Family and Consumer Sciences from Jacksonville State University and her Master of Science (MS) in Mental Health Counseling at Walden University. She also holds a post-graduate degree in Play Therapy from Capella University. She has 6 years of experience in Child Development.

Pamela’s main goal is to provide you with support and encouragement. She believes that a compassionate ear is helpful in healing. Her theoretical approach to counseling is integrative, utilizing person-centered, cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, and reality therapy. Pam is open to learning about your identity and experiences by providing a safe, welcoming, and judgment-free atmosphere. She likes to meet you where you are to help bring clarity to your presenting problem.

"I am an honest and caring counselor and want to create a safe and real place for clients to explore, discover, try, fail, change, and heal."

Michelle Essary is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 15 years of experience specializing in how the body, brain, and mind all work together. She takes whole-person approach to therapy and works with individuals ages 14 and over, couples, and groups. She specializes in relationship issues, cross-cultural transition, life transition, anxiety, grief, and depression. She also works with those dealing with ADHD, PTSD, peak performance, or navigating neurodivergence.

Michelle has a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Denver Seminary. She is certified in neurofeedback and uses several therapeutic modalities to assist her clients, such as existential therapy, family systems, and cognitive behavioral therapy.

Michelle is eager to work with those who believe they are ready for change and wants to join with clients to identify what is not working, the source of their discomfort, and help set them up for and walk with them into successful healing, change, and overall health.

"As someone who has first-hand experience with the positive impact of counseling, I look forward to the opportunity to see how I can best serve you on your journey. "

**DISCLAIMER - DOES NOT PROVIDE PSYCH TESTING OR EVALUATIONS**

Brandy Smith is a Licensed Psychologist in the state of Alabama with 13+ years post-doctoral experience. She was trained as a generalist and earned her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from University of Memphis. Brandy works with adults and approaches clinical work collaboratively: meeting clients where they are at and working together to reach their goals. She is well-trained to address diversity broadly defined, especially with concerns related to gender, sexual orientation, and race. Those are not the only areas of diversity experience and do not have to be the primary focus, but if diversity is relevant to include within best serving you, she is skilled in doing so.

Brandy views counseling as a collaboration between the client as the expert on their life and her as the expert on how to enhance mental well-being. Together, they identify goals and when needed break goals down to smaller sub-goals so that clients have identified, achievable steps/tasks they can work on between meetings to achieve desired change(s).

Brandy conceptualizes clients from a strength-based perspective and incorporates empowerment where relevant. While work in sessions is important, it’s work between sessions that will reap the greatest gains! She looks forward to the opportunity to enhance your coping and quality of life.

"I'm here to help you work through life’s challenges and to reach your individual goals."

Lee is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 12 years of experience in the mental health profession. She is passionate about helping those seeking to enter counseling to create change with the goal of positive outcomes. Lee specializes in treating adults and seniors who are seeking help with concerns or conditions related to anxiety, behavioral issues, career-related issues, poor coping skills, family conflict, stress, parenting, relationship issues, academic issues, low self-esteem, and more.

Lee completed her Master's in Counseling and Psychology from Troy University. Her counseling experiences span a variety of settings, ranging from substance abuse programs, adoption and foster care, mental health facilities, and school-based counseling. Lee has a strong foundation in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT), and uses a person-centered approach (PCT).

Lee understands that each client's needs are to be tailored and will help you to develop individual treatment strategies to address your personal needs and goals. Lee believes she is here to support and respect you, provide honest feedback, and accept you for who you are, to build a strong and trusting therapeutic relationship. Her goal is to be a guide in your personal journey by helping you set individual goals along your path until you reach your destination—schedule your first session today.