Find a therapist, counselor or psychologist in Birmingham, AL

"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.

"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.

"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.