In life, it can feel like you're a knight slaying a dragon that is just too powerful for you. No matter what you do, the dragon breathes fire that seems to melt your armor. However, there is hope, and that hope comes in the form of a counselor based in Florence. 

Florence is known for its Renaissance Fair. When you're faced with a mental health issue, or another problem, a counselor can be that sword and shield that protects you from everything life throws at you. Talk to a counselor and learn more about what you can do. 

This is Brooke Bowen's avatar and link to their profile

Brooke Bowen

Offering therapy in AL
License: MS, LPC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
21 years of experience

Life can be challenging at times and reaching out for help can be difficult. It takes a lot of courage to reach out, so I'm glad that you're taking this step on your journey. I'm Brooke and I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor. I hold a double BS degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice (Forensic Investigations), an MS degree in Psychology, and have completed extensive graduate work in Criminal Justice and Community Agency Counseling. I've been in this field since 2003 and have worked in various settings with most ages and backgrounds. I have an eclectic approach to counseling, which means that I use a variety of principles and philosophies in order to create the ideal treatment to meet your specific needs. I am warm, nonjudgmental, supportive, and encouraging. I want to understand your past and help you cope with the present in order to help you empower yourself so you can have a happy and fulfilling future. I look forward to working with you :)

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Ellen Walker

Offering therapy in AL
License: LPC,NCC,CCTP
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
10 years of experience

I am a licensed professional counselor, certified clinical trauma professional, and nationally certified counselor in Alabama. My counseling style is warm and empathic but I may acclimate to the style that best suits my clients. I believe in treating everyone with warmth and respect. I live by Carl Roger's guiding principles for counseling such as maintaining unconditional positive regard, genuineness, empathetic understanding, client as expert and autonomy. In Rogers' words: "It is the client who knows what hurts, what directions to go, what problems are crucial, what experiences have been deeply buried. It began to occur to me that unless I had a need to demonstrate my own cleverness and learning, I would do better to rely upon the client for the direction of movement in the process"- Carl Rogers I discovered my passion for the field early in life as an undergraduate pursuing a bachelor's in psychology and social work. I have a wide range of experience working with many populations. I currently work with all age groups in an outpatient setting where I utilize EMDR, mindfulness, IFS, sensorimotor, CBT, DBT and other modalities to treat various mental health conditions. I also completed field work at Glenwood Autism and Behavioral Health Center where I worked with children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders and emotional disorders. I also worked with adolescents with sexual behavior problems at Hillcrest behavioral health. I have worked with adults with SMI, SA and other mental health disorders. I served children and adolescents in the most intensive level of care in a residential setting where I began specializing in the new trauma treatment paradigms integrating neurobiological research and sensorimotor psychotherapies. I use the most up-to-date treatment modalities coupled with a person-centered, solution-focused framework as to ensure we can collaboratively develop a well-rounded treatment plan. It takes courage to reach out! If you are ready for your journey towards emotional health, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Cynthia Eades

Offering therapy in AL
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issues
17 years of experience

I have worked with people suffering from a wide range of issues including mood disorders, trauma, addictions, and life transitions for 17 years. Most recently I have been working toward board certification in Christian Sex Therapy, and am currently only able to accept new clients who are struggling in this area of their lives. I have a passion to work with people who are wrestling with deep hurts and brokenness, and need hope in their lives. My philosophy of counseling is that in order to help others, I must first be emotionally and spiritually healthy, which means that I get regular check-ups from my counselor also. After graduating from Covenant Seminary in St. Louis, MO, I relocated to Alabama where I began several years of work at a non-profit inpatient substance abuse clinic, and then, transitioned to private practice. My experience enables me to center in on the core of my clients' struggles without overlooking their pace. What this means for you is that I am fully focused on who you are first. My approach treats both the heart and mind, while communicating deep honor and respect to my clients. I will utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as well as psycho-education, Narrative, and Gestalt techniques to help you find the roots of your problems and learn new ways to cope. I believe that there is tremendous strength when a person is able to tell their story in a way that is both honest and life-giving, and I am committed to guiding people toward these truths and the freedoms that follow. Our counseling relationship will be two people working in one direction: your goals.

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Michella Rahming

Offering therapy in AL
License: LPC, NBCC, AADC
Addictions
5 years of experience

I am a licensed professional counselor in the states of Alabama, Virginia, and Georgia. I have over five years of experience working with adult women who struggle with challenges in life. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and career challenges. I also helped many people who have experienced spiritual growth and challenges. For clients who have substance abuse issues, I work with clients via telemental health who are presently in recovery and are sober. One of my core values is unconditional positive regard. "Nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care." Teddy Roosevelt My counseling approach is integrative: I use Client-centered, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic, and Stages of Change as therapeutic interventions. These approaches will help clients to navigate through their challenges. I received my Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Florida A & M University and my Master's Degree in Counseling from Argosy University in Atlanta, GA.

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Michael Porterfield

Offering therapy in AL
License: LICSW,ACHP-SW
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
4 years of experience

Thank you for allowing me an opportunity to enter your life and help you during this time! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the states of Alabama (LICSW) and Georgia (LCSW). My 10+ years of experience in crisis intervention, hospice care, and mental health have given me an extraordinary appreciation for life. Sometimes we struggle with BIG things, like suicidal thoughts, while other times we are just trying to "get through the day". Regardless of where you are I would love the opportunity to speak to you. I specialize in grief and know that loss, despite it being a part of our lives, can be life-changing. Other areas I work with are depression, anxiety, aging, end of life, and caregiver burnout. I am a Christian, and I respect how important our faith is to our well-being. My approach to therapy involves a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and many others.

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Paul Moffett

Offering therapy in AL
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
35 years of experience

I am a licensed professional counselor with over 35 years experience in inpatient, outpatient, residential, and private practice settings. I work with a wide variety clients: including family military/civilian , individual, marital/couples, and group therapy. I work with multiple issues including: depression, anxiety disorders, behavioral/conduct/ oppositional-defiant D/O , impulse control issues, PTSD. I have master's level certification as a addictions counselor allowing the opportunity to work with clients having addiction issues, co-occuring disorders impacting all areas of their life. I have worked for many years with a diverse population from adolescences, adults, and geriatric. My counseling approach is to create an extremely safe and supportive environment for each client to trust and feel safe enough to do the emotional work needed for the healing process to begin. My therapeutic style is cognitive/behavioral, client centered, and reality based to meet the specific needs of each client. I'm looking forward to meeting and working wi counseling approach is to create an extremely safe and supportive environment for each client to trust and feel safe enough to do the emotional work needed for the healing process to begin. My therapeutic style is cognitive/behavioral, client centered, and reality based to meet the specific needs of each client. I'm looking forward to meeting and working with you. Sincerely, Paul Moffett LPC, MAC

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Gabrielle Thomas

Offering therapy in AL
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
7 years of experience

My name is Gabrielle and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I have a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Social Work . I use a person-centered and whole-health approach when working with children, young adults, individuals and families. I have over 6 years of experience as an agent of support and guidance. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I am very down to earth and I strongly practice treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I do not believe in stigmatizing labels. I foster a safe space for you to simply be yourself. My areas of expertise are: Loss and Trauma, Child and Family, Developmental Disabilities, Justice and Corrections, Mental Health, Crisis Intervention, and Substance Abuse.

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Marlene Carver

Offering therapy in AL
AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGrief
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Alabama LPC 04744 with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients coping with anxiety, self-esteem & confidence, marital issues, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Sarah Gilbert

Offering therapy in AL
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepression
17 years of experience

I have over 17 years of experience practicing Social Work in the State of Alabama. Using a person-centered approach and cognitive behavioral therapy, let me help you during whatever season in your life you may be in. We will work together at your own pace, to solve whatever challenges you may face. And if the challenges cannot be solved, we will come up with a plan to increase coping skills to make life easier. You are not alone. My goal is to provide you with a safe space to talk about whatever it is you need.

This is Christopher "Dan" Burgess's avatar and link to their profile

Christopher "Dan" Burgess

Offering therapy in AL
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
19 years of experience

I am licensed in Alabama with 19 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

How to find counseling in Florence

Finding the best therapist close by in Florence can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Florence. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Florence, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.

It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

Mental health professionals working through their own in- person therapy practice in Florence or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, or change in negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain. Verified providers can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.

There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater Florence area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find therapists, have in mind what type of therapy you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of Florence, elsewhere in Lauderdale, or in the greater state of Alabama.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Florence area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Florence therapist?

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Florence due to a higher cost of living. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:

  • Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
  • Counseling with therapists: $100-300
  • Therapy with a psychologist: $100

While many psychologists in Florence may not take health insurance, some in the state of Alabama may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With BetterHelp or clinicians throughout the state of Alabama you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).

How is a licensed therapist on this online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Florence, Alabama working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. They have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, they all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing in therapy. 

Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from psychiatrists to prescribe a drug as treatment, or perform psychological assessments.

How does working with a counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Florence above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client.

Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy lead by a therapist in Florence helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety or depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address?

BetterHelp's verified Florence therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.

Specialties on BetterHelp include:

You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a Florence therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

A psychologist in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of therapy is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.

Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A Florence therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words.

With a lot of people in AL, providers may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 35633 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Florence counselor?

Before seeing your therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist if I feel fine? 

Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what therapy entails. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback and advice. A Florence licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find through therapy can be dependent on your process.

People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles.

Is mental health care and therapy worth it? 

Therapy is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health professional has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based psychologist in Florence, Alabama can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.

Florence has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions?

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Florence.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Florence:

35630, 35631, 35632, 35633

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