Imagine waking up every morning feeling like you can take on the world. How great does that feel? Pretty great and an attainable goal, but the reality is that at times life takes twists and turns which can leave us with worries, frustrations and conflicts. These can pile up and prevent us from accessing our built-in ability to live a purposeful, joyful life. That's where I come in.
I'm Carol Costner, a licensed professional counselor with over 14 years of experience working with people who have shared with me a broad range of problems. I always knew I wanted to work in the helping profession and pursued that out of high school by attending the University of Alabama in Birmingham, graduating with a Bachelor's degree in nursing. My work began in helping alleviate the physical suffering of those I was honored to serve in hospital settings. After a while, I returned to school and graduated with a Master's degree in Community Counseling from Jacksonville State University, earning my counseling license and my national certification as a counselor. I began working in a variety of settings with clients who suffered emotionally and relationally with both diagnosed and undiagnosed mental health issues.
My counseling style is client-centered, which simply means that you are the best expert on yourself. I will depend on you to share with me your own self assessment as a place to begin. I use a combination of solution-focused therapy, mindfulness, cognitive behavioral and narrative therapy techniques. I employ a whole-person integrated approach to wellness, using empathy while also being direct. This approach helps my clients avoid being too hard on themselves while also owning responsibility for change. Everyone will not fit into one method of therapy so I tailor my efforts toward what fits you best. I believe that we all have within us an internal compass--the ability to find our way. I would love the opportunity to assist you in accessing that compass and finding your way through whatever you are currently facing. I promise that I will give you my utmost best as we travel the journey to wellness and wholeness together. If you're looking for change and relief from distressing emotions, I would be delighted to join with you in a journey toward a more abundant life.
Additional areas of focus: Family conflicts, Grief, Parenting issues, Anger management, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder
Clinical approaches: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy
AL LPC 2866
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Carol Costner. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Carol us insightful and is able to integrate faith into our therapeutic counseling experiences.
Written on Sep 26, 2023 after therapy with Carol for 4 years and 9 months
Carol is the best counselor I've ever worked with. So much wisdom. So much thought provoking conversations and nuggets that I will carry with me through life.
Written on Dec 20, 2020 after therapy with Carol for 2 years on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, career difficulties, and adhd
Carol is an amazing therapist--I am grateful for the way she responds to my preferred method of communication, she is thoughtful, responsive and challenges me to grow and think about what is happening in my life. I have a high degree of confidence in her and would strongly recommend her to anyone going through similar struggles.
Written on Apr 29, 2020 after therapy with Carol for 1 year and 3 months
Ms. Costner has truly changed my life for the better over the past year. She is informed and knowledgeable on coping strategies and helps me to support myself. I am so happy to have been matched with her through BetterHelp.
Written on Jan 31, 2020 after therapy with Carol for 1 year on issues concerning stress, anxiety, family conflicts, and trauma and abuse
I have had several counselors in my lifetime. Carol Costner is one of the most competent I have ever had. She responds quickly. Her interventions are always pertinent. I am thankful that I have had the opportunity to work with her on this platform. It has been a lifesaver.
Written on Nov 02, 2019 after therapy with Carol for 10 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, and self esteem
Really nice!
Written on Jun 13, 2019 after therapy with Carol for 6 months