Things stacking up? Feeling overwhelmed? Whatever your situation or problem, you do not have to stay stuck. Even if it wakes you up in the middle of the night, it is likely you can learn something meaningful from it. There is hope. I am a licensed professional counselor and I help people find solutions to their problems. Finding the right solution is like a mystery investigation. There are clues and they fit together to form the picture of your life. I use creative arts, such as writing, movies and poetry to make our relationship personal and unique. This approach is not found in a one-size, fits-all clinic. My clients find, "and they all lived happily after" when they embrace this holistic, non-judgmental work toward having the life of their dreams. If you're looking for extra support and guidance through a challenging situation or you're ready to move in a new direction in your life, I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals. No problem is too small. If it bothers you, that's enough. I offer a holistic approach to treatment. This could include traditional talk therapy, assessments, journaling, dream analysis, writing, viewing movies, reading/writing poetry, learning mindfulness meditation and using other creative art forms.

Growing up in small rural area of the Mississippi Delta is easy for most people, but for people with anxiety and depression, as an adolescent, life can become difficult. I came from a good Christian home where morals and values were taught from the beginning. Anxiety and depression were issues that were not talked about in the home. It was not until I was in my late twenties that I learned that it was okay to talk about uncomfortable feelings and emotions and it was certainly nothing to be ashamed of. As I began to seek counseling, I was able to learn to become self-aware of my own feelings and to learn from my counselor’s guidance, that I could make positive changes in my own life. Counselors were able to provide valuable assistance to my emotional needs and help assist me in learning to express myself in a healthy way and to learn coping skills to function to the best of my ability in everyday life situations. This is how my journey began as a counselor when my passion for helping others began. My inclination towards the profession develop when I developed a personal aspiration to advocate and to help others through my own personal experiences. I wanted to be a part of my future clients’ journeys to become the most fulfilling versions of themselves. My background includes working with individuals with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, addiction issues, bipolar disorders, general mood disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, borderline personality disorders and attention deficit disorders.

I am licensed in Texas with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

As a licensed therapist with two decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals through complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on empowering clients to navigate challenges related to depression, anxiety, trauma, and interpersonal dynamics. I bring a compassionate, culturally responsive approach that honors each person's unique journey and lived experiences. My therapeutic work focuses on addressing a wide range of concerns, including social anxiety, relationship difficulties, life transitions, and personal growth. I am particularly committed to supporting women, young adults, and individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds who are seeking meaningful healing and self-discovery. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I create a warm, affirming therapeutic environment where clients can explore their experiences, develop resilience, and cultivate deeper self-understanding. My approach is rooted in respect, empathy, and a genuine belief in each individual's capacity for positive change.

Hello!!! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Mississippi as well as a National Certified Counselor with over 16 years experience in providing individual, family and group counseling. I have experience working with clients ages 3 to adulthood with a multitude of presenting issues such as developmental delays, trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, loss, anger management, life changes, self esteem and identify issues as well as relationship and family issues. I have also worked in many different counseling settings and have experience working with culturally diverse clients. My counseling style is warm, and emphatic, it is influenced by Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT). My approach combines client centered therapy and structured family therapy along with goal oriented, and solution focused therapy to highlight ones strengths to help my client become the best version of themselves and do so authentically. I believe everyone is unique and should have a unique counseling experience tailored to them where they can work through life’s challenges. I look forward to the opportunity to work with you in a safe, nonjudgmental, compassionate and nurturing space to help you achieve your identified goals to become the best version of yourself with dignity and respect It takes courage to reach out and I am here to provide you with the safe space you need to be vulnerable and to begin to heal.

As a licensed therapist serving Mississippi, I bring 29 years of dedicated experience supporting individuals through complex life challenges. My practice centers on creating compassionate, culturally responsive spaces where clients can explore personal growth, healing, and self-understanding. I specialize in addressing diverse concerns including stress, anxiety, parenting dynamics, self-esteem development, and navigating significant life transitions. My approach honors each person's unique journey, with particular expertise in supporting young adults, women's experiences, and multicultural perspectives. My therapeutic work focuses on helping clients develop deeper self-love, improve communication patterns, overcome social anxiety, and work through challenging emotional experiences like guilt, shame, and relationship transitions. I'm committed to providing affirming, empathetic guidance that respects individual identities and personal growth goals. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I aim to empower clients in developing resilient coping strategies, understanding their inner experiences, and creating meaningful personal transformation. My practice welcomes individuals from all backgrounds seeking supportive, collaborative therapeutic relationships.

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION Ricardo Gillispie, PhD, LCSW I received my Bachelor’s Degree in 1973 in Social Science from Mississippi Valley State University. I was accepted in the first Masters of Social Work Program at the University of Southern Mississippi graduating in 1975. I was awarded the first Social Worker of the Year by the Mississippi Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers in 1992. I was accepted in the first Ph.D. Program in Social Work at Jackson State University graduating in 2000, with the primary focus in Psychotherapeutic Social Work. Prior to retiring from Private Practice, I was part owner and CEO of Family Counseling Services, PLLC in Meridian, MS. This was a Private Behavioral Health Care Group Practice consisting of Psychiatrists, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, PhD Clinical Psychologists, Licensed Professional Counselors and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners. While in Private Practice, I specialized in Marriage and Family Therapy, Cognitive/Affective Disorders, to include patients experiencing Depression, Anxiety and Post Traumatic Disorder. After retirement, I accepted the offer to serve as a group therapist for Rush/Ochsner Intensive Outpatient Psychogeriatric Programs. These are IOP's throughout East Mississippi. In 2000, I accepted to be a consultant for Rush Psychogeriatric Intensive Outpatient Programs. In this role, I help develop the Behavioral Healthcare Program for geriatric patients with mental health, aging and emotional conditions. After developing these Programs, I provided training for social workers, psychiatrist and nurses. Afterward, I surveyed these Programs in accordance to CMS guidelines. In 1999 I accepted the consulting role with East Mississippi Correctional Facility, a private prison under the management of the GEO Group, Inc. in Boca Raton, Florida. In that consulting role, I designed the first exclusive mental health program in corrections in the United States. February 2006, I accepted the full-time position as Deputy Warden of Mental Health Programs with East Mississippi Correctional Facility (EMCF), and maintained my private practice with Family Counseling Services, PLLC. From 1973 to 1985, I served as Assistant Director for Region Ten (Weems) Mental Health Center covering a catchment area of nine counties in East Central Mississippi. In that role, I wrote the Initial Operation Grant for Weems Mental Health Center and other grants. 1986, I served as Clinical Director and an investor of Laurel Wood Psychiatric Hospital in Meridian, MS. I served fifteen years on the Meridian School Board of Trustees, serving two terms as President. I was elected as Region Ten National Association of Social Work Representative for the Nomination and Leadership Committee, representing Mississippi, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Louisiana and Tennessee. 1994, I was appointed to the first Mississippi Social Workers Licensure Board serving one term as chairman. I served as an Auditor of Correctional Facilities in the United States for the American Correctional Association (ACA). Also, I was a Psychiatric Social Worker Surveyor consultant for the Center of Medicaid/Medicare Services (CMS), in which I surveyed public and private psychiatric hospitals for Medicare and Medicaid compliance in the United States. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Diplomat in Clinical Social Work, and Certified by the Academy of Certified Social Workers. 2006, I was inducted in the Hall of Fame at Meridian Community College. I have served as a part-time instructor for Mississippi State University School of Social Working – Meridian Branch, Meridian Community College and Adjunct Faculty for the University of Southern Mississippi School of Social Work. I have provided the following professional presentations: • 2015 Techniques in the Provision of Group Psychotherapy - Rush Hospital Senior Citizens Program • 2017 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – Rush Hospital Senior Citizens Program • Guest speaker for the 2010 American Correctional Association Annual Conference in New Orleans, LA. Topic: Efficacy of Mental Health Services in Corrections • Presenter at 2011 American Correctional Association Annual Conference in Chicago, Ill, Topic: Long Term Segregated Offender Mental Health Program. • Social Work Standards of Practice in Psychiatric Hospitals for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) – Seattle, WA • Assessment Interviewing Training for the Mississippi Department of Health and Human Services- Jackson, MS • Stress Management Workshops for Industries, Hospitals and other professional organizations. • Interviewing Skills Training for the Department of Public Welfare; sponsored by the University of Southern Mississippi Continuing Education Department - Gulfport, MS • Assessment Interviewing/Assessment Training for the Bureau of Indian Affairs; Choctaw Reservation - Philadelphia, MS • Developing of Treatment Plans for the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) – Baltimore, MD • Guest Speaker for the Institute of Rural Mental Health; Topic: Barriers for African Americans in Obtaining Mental Health Services In the Rural South • Operational Development of the Psychosocial Assessments – Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) – Kansas City, MO I have authored the following publications: Book: How to Prevent the Collision of the Two Worlds we Live, Publisher - Mulberry Book, LLC, 2020. Hospitalized Africa American Men with Mental Illness: Some Antecedents to Service Satisfaction and Intent to Comply with Aftercare. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Skills, Volume 6, Number 3, winter 2002. Hospitalized African American Mental Health Consumers: Some Antecedents to Service Satisfaction and Intent to Comply with Aftercare. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, Volume 75, Number 2, pp. 254-261, 2005. I have been married to Catherine Nelson Gillispie since 1973. We have a daughter Dr. Veronica Gillispie-Bell who is a physician of OBGY at Ochsner Hospital in New Orleans and son, Rashad Gillispie a graduate of MVSU with a degree in computer science. My wife and I attend North Park church in Meridian, MS a multiracial and cultural congregation. Licensed and Certifications: • Mississippi Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Marriage and Family Counselor - #COO82 • Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW) - #881216796 • Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (BCD) - #006164

I am a Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW) In Mississippi with more than 10 years experience in private practice, working with children, adolescents, adults and families. I have worked with clients dealing with a wide range of issues and challenges including, ADHD, anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, and other concerns. I am an ADHD - Certified Clinical Service Provider (ADHD-CCSP), a Child and Adolescent Trauma Professional (CATP), and a neurodiversity specialist. My approach is warm and non-judgmental and based on the belief that a trusting relationship between client and therapist is critical. The treatment methods I utilize are dictated by the individual needs of the client, and combine practices and techniques from several treatment modalities including Cognitive-Behavioral, Mindfulness, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, and Emotionally Focused Therapy and others. The therapeutic process is a joint effort between client and therapist. I pledge to bring the best I have to offer to that process as we work to help you feel better and improve your quality of life.

As a licensed therapist with two decades of experience serving clients across Mississippi, I specialize in supporting individuals through complex life transitions and personal challenges. My practice focuses on addressing depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, and men's mental health issues with compassionate, targeted support. I bring extensive expertise in helping clients navigate workplace stress, family conflicts, addiction recovery, and personal growth. My approach centers on empowering individuals to develop self-understanding, build resilience, and create meaningful life strategies. Whether you're dealing with relationship challenges, career transitions, or personal healing, I'm committed to providing thoughtful, personalized guidance that respects your unique journey. My therapeutic work draws from evidence-based practices designed to help you develop practical coping skills, enhance emotional well-being, and move toward your personal and professional goals. I understand that seeking support takes courage, and I'm dedicated to creating a supportive, non-judgmental environment where you can explore your experiences and strengths.

Hello, my name is Laura Gillom. I am an LCSW in Mississippi with over 15 years of psychotherapy experience. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including stress, depression, anxiety, family conflict, and transitions of life. I have also helped many people who have experienced all types of trauma and emotional abuse. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with dignity, respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stereotyping and stigmatizing labels. I use an eclectic approach to therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

I am a licensed certified social worker in Mississippi with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy related issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. My therapeutic approach is competent, caring and nonjudgmental. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

I am licensed in Mississippi with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

As a licensed therapist in Mississippi, I bring nearly two decades of compassionate counseling experience to supporting individuals through life's complex emotional landscapes. My professional approach centers on understanding each person's unique journey, with specialized expertise in addressing depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and anger management. This also has allowed me to work with those individuals with substance abuse issues and help them to understand triggers in their lives and how to develop and live a sober life. I am deeply committed to helping clients navigate challenging emotional terrain, focusing on areas like self-love, communication challenges, social anxiety, life purpose, and healing from past experiences. My practice honors individual experiences while providing supportive, thoughtful guidance through personal transformation. My therapeutic style integrates evidence-based practices with genuine empathy, creating a safe space where clients can explore their inner world, develop resilience, and cultivate meaningful personal growth. Whether you're struggling with isolation, relationship dynamics, or seeking deeper self-understanding, I'm dedicated to walking alongside you with professional care and respect.

I am a licensed mental health counselor in Mississippi, dedicated to supporting individuals through a variety of challenges in their personal and professional lives. With over 23 years of professional experience, I have developed a deep understanding of how to assist clients in overcoming many different types of difficulties in both career and personal growth. I specialize in helping clients cope with life changes. By focusing on the strengths each individual brings to the table, I work collaboratively with clients to identify and address obstacles that may be preventing them from reaching their full potential. Believing that each person is the expert of their own story, I provide a safe, empathetic space for clients to explore their challenges and discover the tools they need to navigate life with resilience. A core value in my practice is the belief that taking the first step toward therapy takes great courage. I am deeply proud of those who seek support, and I am committed to walking alongside clients as they embark on the journey toward healing and growth. With my guidance, clients are empowered to recognize and utilize their inner strengths to tackle life's most pressing challenges. If you're ready to take that important step, I am here to help guide you through the process and support you as you achieve a greater sense of well-being and balance in your life.