Therapists in Pearl, MS

I am so glad that you are here and are taking the first step to improving your life and current situation. Let me tell you a little about myself and my practice. My name is Rachel Stuart. I am a licensed professional counselor in the state of Mississippi with five years of experience working in a community mental health center providing individual and group psychotherapy while coordinating a Senior Psychosocial Rehabilitation Program for residents in a nursing facility. After this position, I have now been working with Betterhelp to provide individual therapy services since 2017. I received both my Bachelor's degree in Psychology and my Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling from Mississippi College. I am also a National Board Certified Counselor. Most importantly, I am extremely dedicated and passionate about helping others find meaning and a way to transcend the pain that is inherit in this existence. Throughout my professional experience, I have had the privilege of working with a diverse group of individuals struggling with a variety of issues. I have a great deal of experience helping others overcome depression, stress and anxiety, grief and loss, relationship problems, trauma and abuse, difficult life transitions , and feelings of meaninglessness , isolation, and helplessness. I view therapy and life in general as being far more complex than the medical model and science can fully explain. I see people as far more than diagnoses and will never pigeonhole them into a theoretical model, nor will I force my world views on them or assume their experiences and emotional reactions are similar to my own. My focus is on meeting each person's unique set of needs and tailoring my approach to meet those needs. I use an integrative action oriented approach to therapy to help you focus on the issues that you would like to address in the present and your goals and expectations for the future. Together we may use a variety of methods to help you address relevant background issues, emotions, underlying thoughts and assumptions, and actions that are impacting your current situation. I utilize a humanistic approach and draw upon many of the practices of Solution Focused therapy, Narrative therapy, Dialectical Behavioral therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral therapy. Together we can remove the constraints of hopelessness and stagnation that you may be feeling and that you also have the power to deconstruct. My greatest joy is to be able to free people from a narrow understanding of their potentiality by perturbing change and helping them to identify overlooked themes, resources, strengths, and exceptions to their problems instead of conceptualizing their problems as fundamental character flaws or problems inherit in their biology. Thank you for taking the time to get to know a little about me. I look forward to learning about you and taking this journey together towards self healing and growth.

As a Licensed Practical Counselor with a rich tapestry of over 20 years in the field, I bring a depth of understanding and a breadth of experience to each session. My journey in counseling has allowed me to support a diverse array of individuals grappling with challenges including depression, anxiety, complex relationship dynamics, addiction, parenting intricacies, the aftermath of trauma, and navigating the complexities of ADHD. My commitment extends profoundly to those who have endured physical or emotional wounds in the shadows of domestic violence. At the heart of my practice is a counseling style that is not just warm, but genuinely engaging and interactive. I firmly believe in the power of respect, sensitivity, and compassion as cornerstones of effective therapy. Stigmatizing labels have no place in our sessions. My eclectic approach weaves together the best elements of cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic, and rational-emotive counseling philosophies. This integrative blend is then meticulously tailored to resonate with your unique narrative and specific needs. Embarking on a journey toward a more fulfilling and happier life requires immense courage, and acknowledging the need for change is the first, brave step. If you're poised to take this step, I am here not just to support, but to empower you in this transformative journey. Together, we can explore new horizons of emotional wellbeing and personal growth. I am eagerly looking forward to being a part of your journey and working collaboratively with you to unveil the vibrant life you deserve.

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. I am Kimberly Qualls, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who enjoys client centered therapeutic solutions. I am devoted to helping others become a better version of themselves. On my therapeutic journey, it's been a pleasure to work with a wide range of individuals providing treatment for anxiety, depression, trauma and much more. Focusing on strengths and building a strong rapport are key essentials to success. I have six years of devoted services. Through leading summer day treatment groups and therapeutic activities to teach functional living skills and address behavioral issues with children between the ages of 3 and18, I've also built strong relationships with parents. Caring for others has also been my passion. I've identified risk and resiliency factors within individuals, youth, peer groups, families, schools, and communities. I look forward to developing strategies for interventions while working with you. I also want you congratulate you and encourage you to continue moving forward on your therapeutic journey.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Mississippi. I have over 15 years’ experience in social services settings/mental health as a bi-lingual (Spanish/English) therapist. I am passionate about helping teens, adults, and families dealing with anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, grief & loss, perfectionism, relationship issues, and addiction recovery. I have a warm, enthusiastic, empathic, genuine, and loving approach to my work and collaborate with my clients to identify personalized and unique solutions to create lasting, meaningful change. I know it can sometimes be intimidating to reach out for help, and that all we want is to feel like ourselves again. Support is available and I want you to know that you are not alone and what can be gained from this process can be life-hanging. Feel free to send a message to set up an appointment today. Specialties • Depression • Self-esteem • Anxiety Types of Therapy • Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) • Humanistic • Person-Centered • Motivational Interviewing • Positive Psychology • Solution Focused Brief (SFBT) • Strength-Based Issues • Life Transitions • Peer Relationships • Stress • Women's Issues • Codependency • Coping Skills • Grief • Interpersonal • Multicultural Ethnic: Hispanic and Latino Age • Adults • Teen

Hello, I am Melissa Upton. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Mississippi. I am also a National Certified Counselor with NBCC. I received my Master's and Specialist's Degree from Mississippi State University in School Counseling. I have 14 years of experience in school counseling and 25 years of experience in the public school system in Mississippi. I have worked with adolescents for 25 years. I am looking to broaden my horizon and begin a new phase in my life with more one-on-one counseling. I have observed in the past 25 years, the need for counselors in everyone’s life. I have worked with students in anger management, depression, coping skills, anxiety, relationship issues and ADHD, as well as academic and career planning in the school setting. I am looking forward to working with different age groups to provide counseling services in these areas and possibly more. My therapy style is client-centered and cognitive behavioral. I use the RIASEC model, John Holland's career inventory model when providing academic/career counseling. I believe in treating everyone with respect and compassion. I believe counseling should provide a place to be yourself and work through conflicts that come with everyday life. We all need to practice “self-help” more than we do. Talking to a counselor is one approach towards helping yourself live a happy and balanced life. If you are ready to begin the “self-help” process and begin to have a more fulfilling and balanced life, I am here to support you and help to begin that journey. I look forward to working with you!

I am licensed Clinical Social Worker in Mississippi with 14 years of professional work experience. I have worked with individuals, couples, families, and various groups to include active duty military and Veterans. Most of my career has been spent in mental health helping clients manage Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar, Addiction, and Post-traumatic stress disorder. I have helped clients address communication issues, interpersonal concerns, anger management, career challenges, infidelity, childhood traumas, and physical and emotional abuse. I treat everyone with respect and compassion. I am an interactive counselor. My goal is to get the best understanding of who you are and the challenges you are facing in order to best help you address and overcome those challenges. My therapy style combines cognitive-behavioral, prolonged exposure, psychodynamic, solution focused, and rational emotive therapy. Together, we will develop goals and a treatment plan tailored to your specific and unique needs. It takes courage to reach out and ask for help. I commend your strength. I am here to assist, support, and empower you. I am excited about the progress we will make and look forward to working with you.

Hi, my name is Brenda Thayer and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I have been in the mental health field for 27 years, LPC for seven years and Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor for 9 years. I am also a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor in Alaska. I believe in meeting the person where they are at, helping them reach their potential. I believe in treating the whole person for overall wellness and striving for reaching one’s goals and values in life. I use an eclectic approach; cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy fused with motivational interviewing. I have experience using rational emotive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, gestalt therapy and solution focused therapy. What you can expect from sessions include; questions so that I can get to know you better and to see how I can best help you, nonjudgmental and compassionate support, and energy to help you see your potential.

I am licensed in Mississippi with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, anger management, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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!

I am licensed in Mississippi with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & coping with life changes. I also have experience working with compassion fatigue. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!