Hello, and thank you for taking your time to learn more about me! My name is Shawna, I am a licensed professional counselor in the state of Mississippi. I have over 12 years’ experience working in the mental health field. I have worked in a variety of settings including: in homes, providing residential level of care therapy services, schools, youth court systems throughout the Gulf Coast of Mississippi, outpatient services, as well as a Child Advocacy Center. Although that seems like a mouthful, it simply means that I have had experience working in a several different settings, with a broad range of clinical issues. I believe the best way to truly understand what someone is going through is to understand where they come from, let them be the expert on themselves and provide the services they need to help them succeed. I have the most experience working with stress reduction, anxiety, depression, anger management, family conflict, parenting skills, relationship conflict, and complex trauma/abuse. I also have experience with a wide variety of mental health disorders. My dedication to the field of mental health stems from years of working with children, adolescents and their families, in state custody; along with watching friends and family members struggle with mental illness. I have seen firsthand that having mental health concerns can be difficult and cause feelings of despair and isolation; not to mention the process for getting help can be overwhelming. However, I also know from experience how much life can change for the better when you find the right support and take steps towards taking care of yourself! I use a person-centered, holistic, and eclectic approach in treatment, meaning I begin where you are and tailor my treatment approach to your needs while being sensitive to how your personal thoughts, beliefs and lifestyle choices impact your experience. I primarily use evidence based techniques including cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused counseling. However, I do incorporate more "classical" approaches to counseling as well. I would describe my style as warm and supportive, but I am ready to help you tackle your struggle head-on. I am very creative and do not like to conform our sessions into something that will place a box around it. I want it to go where it needs to go for you to get what you need to feel empowered and in control. Remember, no one is a magician. No one can "fix" your situation. It will take time and hard work on your part to make the changes you want. If you're willing to put in the work, I'm willing to walk alongside you and work as well! Together we can work on establishing goals and steps for you to understand the problem and gain the confidence to move forward and feel more in control of your life. Throughout my years of practice I’ve found a recurrent theme: the need to be heard, to be validated, and to know you are not alone!

I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC-S) with 10 years of counseling and training experience, licensed in Mississippi. I have experience helping adults, couples, and families, from diverse backgrounds and with a wide variety of problems. However, the focus of my work is behavioral health and co-occurring mental health concerns and substance use problems. I am trained in a myriad of evidenced based techniques and adapt my approach to fit the needs of the individual with whom I am working. My passion is helping a person attain their personal goals and improve their quality of life. I tend to integrate person centered approaches, motivational enhancement, cognitive behavioral treatment, acceptance and commitment treatment, mindfulness practices, and meditation to achieve a tailored set of interventions for achieving significant and sustainable change. I am skilled in helping with mood problems, anxiety , relationship concerns, addictions, trauma and abuse, phase of life problems, vocational concerns, identity issues, and personality disorders. Together we may: 1) identify and challenge negative patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving; 2) learn to let go of shame, guilt, & anger associated with trauma or complicated grief; 3) replace old patterns with new patterns through developing healthy self-care practices; 4) cultivate a personal sense of purpose and connection to self and others. I strive to provide a safe and affirming environment for a person to explore and process their concerns.

Hi my name is Debbie and thank you for looking at my profile. I am a warm and supportive therapist. I believe that therapy helps people find their "true" self - the person they really are and were before negative things made them think they were something else. I work together with clients to make goals for therapy and believe that the client is the expert on themselves and that is why they need to be listened to. It is an honor and privilege for a client to trust me . I am good listener and might even throw in some humor, as appropriate. I believe that everyone is entitled to be treated with dignity and respect and the relationship the client and therapist have is of utmost importance. I hold a Master of Science degree from the University of Texas at Arlington. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Texas and in Mississippi. I have experience with anxiety, depression, abuse, neglect, trauma, as well as adoption, foster care, parenting, and blended families.

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.

I am a licensed therapist with over 30 years of professional work experience. My training includes cognitive therapy, stress management , depression and anxiety, addiction, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I have extensive experience working with individuals, couples and families. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. 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.

Life's journey can be exciting and fulfilling, as well as difficult and challenging. The path to wholeness is strewn with beautiful flowers and thorny weeds. As we take steps toward becoming an authentic, healthy person, we would do well to sometimes call on trustworthy helpers for their wisdom, knowledge, guidance, and support in facing formidable moments in our growth process. As a Licensed Professional Counselor for over twenty years, I seek to help my clients become empowered to successfully navigate through life's twists and turns. My experience and training have equipped me to assist clients in areas such as depression, anxiety, relationships, parenting, LGBTQ concerns, communication, grief, spirituality, infidelity, stress, and more. Through a mindful approach that is compassionate, respectful, non-judgmental, and well-informed, I partner with my clients to help them define and reach the goals they have for healthy living. Whether one is dealing with an issue such as the loss of a loved one, or seeking to develop a plan to build a life of integrity and joy, my clients' values and beliefs are always honored. No one person has all the answers. Your life is just that—yours. A good therapist will help their clients examine their wants, needs, and desires, including the possible outcomes, both positive and negative. A good therapist will sometimes challenge and question their clients’ thoughts and plans. But a good therapist will respect their clients’ autonomy and never impose their own values on their clients. Every person can have a life of healthy purpose, meaning, and fulfillment. My goal is to create a safe space within which my clients can change their lives in way that will lead to the most authentic and complete life possible.

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

Hi there! My name is Amy White and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the states of Florida, Texas, Mississippi, and Alabama. I have over 4 years of private clinical work experience and over 10 years of field experience. I aim to help clients reduce experiences related to stress, anxiety, relationship issues, anger management, and a variety of other mental health concerns. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialogue 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. In our sessions we'll work towards meeting goals by utilizing specific strategies that work best for you. My approach is very individualistic and client-centered. We’ll work to "reshape" thoughts in a way that promotes your mental health and happiness. I’ll help you develop specific skills to be able to overcome the challenges that you are currently facing. I would love to be on the journey with you to find the happiest and healthiest you! I look forward to working with you.

I am licensed in Mississippi with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, parent management training, 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. 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 over 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & 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!

I am licensed in Mississippi with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, adoption, chronic illness, depression, & coping with life changes. 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 here for you when you are ready to get started!

As a licensed therapist in Mississippi, I bring over two decades of compassionate clinical experience supporting individuals through life's most challenging transitions. My approach centers on creating a nurturing, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their emotional landscapes and develop meaningful strategies for personal growth. Jessica I specialize in addressing complex emotional experiences, including depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, and trauma recovery. My therapeutic work spans a wide range of focus areas—from navigating life transitions and managing stress to addressing interpersonal challenges and supporting individual healing journeys. My practice is deeply committed to understanding each client's unique story. I draw from evidence-based approaches to help individuals build resilience, enhance self-understanding, and cultivate healthier patterns of thinking and relating. Whether you're struggling with workplace stress, relationship difficulties, or personal transformation, I'm dedicated to walking alongside you with empathy and professional expertise. I believe in honoring each person's inherent strengths and supporting their capacity for meaningful change. My goal is to provide thoughtful, personalized guidance that empowers you to move toward greater emotional well-being and personal fulfillment.

I am licensed in Tennessee with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with life changes, & compassion fatigue. 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!

I am licensed in Mississippi with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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.