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Discover how starting cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) therapy can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.
7 therapists available in Birmingham
With life transitions of moving several states away and changing career paths, I have the ability to connect with those who are ma...
About
With life transitions of moving several states away and changing career paths, I have the ability to connect with those who are making similar life changes.
Jerusha McClendon is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who has worked with many people experiencing mental health and addiction personally or in their family. Jerusha has 8 years of experience in the mental health field. She completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) at Ohio State University.
Jerusha believes there is a need to identify and understand where the seeds of doubt and fear come from, as well as how to connect with the seeds of hope and purpose in the present and the future. Her job is to facilitate the conversation and allow clients to gain insight into their condition and develop an action plan to change their lives.
Jerusha’s superpowers include listening empathetically, relating easily to others, and critical thinking. She believes that all people have purpose in life, and she wants to explore that purpose with clients. Additionally, she strives to create a safe place in therapy so vulnerability can be examined and gains made. Therapy is a change process. Join Jerusha in this change process so that you can be a changemaker in your life and spread that change to others in your inner circle.
Education and training
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I strive to create a supportive, judgment-free space where you can feel heard, understood, and empowered to develop practical tool...
I strive to create a supportive, judgment-free space where you can feel heard, understood, and empowered to develop practical tools for healing, growth, and lasting change
I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC) with 23 years of experience supporting adults navigating anxiety, stress, life transitions, and relationship challenges. I work with individuals who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected and are seeking clarity, emotional balance, and practical tools for change. My goal is to provide a supportive space where you can explore your experiences, strengthen coping skills, and move toward greater confidence, resilience, and overall well-being.
I earned my master’s degree in professional counseling from Amridge University. My approach integrates cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based practices, and solution-focused strategies to help clients understand patterns, manage emotions, and build practical coping skills in a collaborative, supportive environment.
Taking the first step toward change can feel difficult, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. I strive to create a safe, empathetic space where you feel heard and supported as we work together toward greater clarity, balance, and emotional well-being.
As one with extensive case management experience, I strongly embody solution-focused therapies, helping individuals employ useful ...
As one with extensive case management experience, I strongly embody solution-focused therapies, helping individuals employ useful coping mechanisms and rework negative dialogues.
I am a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW) with 13 years of experience supporting individuals navigating adjustment issues, anxiety, and depression. I understand the challenges that can arise from day-to-day life decisions, major transitions, and feelings of social isolation, and I strive to create a supportive space where clients feel heard and understood.
I earned my master’s degree in social work from Michigan State University. My approach is collaborative and strengths-based, focusing on problem-solving, emotional insight, and the development of practical coping skills to help clients build resilience and improve overall well-being.
Together, we will work at your pace to address your concerns and identify meaningful solutions that align with your goals. Clients describe me as compassionate, easy to talk to, and supportive. I look forward to partnering with you as you take this important step toward growth and healing.
As a therapist who embraces and appreciates working with diverse populations, I understand the need for culturally competent care ...
As a therapist who embraces and appreciates working with diverse populations, I understand the need for culturally competent care that honors the client's therapeutic needs, highlights strengths, and encourages the empowerment of clients as they become the best version of themselves.
I am a clinical social worker licensed in Alabama and Georgia, with 14 years of experience in the mental and behavioral health field—including counseling, assessment, case management, and program development, implementation, and retention. I earned a Master of Social Work from Troy University and a Master of Public Health from Mercer University. I have worked as a social worker in the inpatient psychiatric sector and as a program coordinator for multiple mental health programs. I specialize in holistic wellness, with a focus on anxiety, depression, self-esteem, spirituality, women's issues, and life transitions.
I utilize evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Person-Centered Therapy. Clients can expect a welcoming, judgement-free environment where each individual will be seen and heard while being open, honest, and authentically themselves.
It is my pleasure to collaborate with you to develop clear avenues while also supporting you on your journey to growth, change, and develop. I invite you to schedule an appointment today!
I am an honest and caring counselor and want to create a safe and real place for clients to explore, discover, try, fail, change, ...
I am an honest and caring counselor and want to create a safe and real place for clients to explore, discover, try, fail, change, and heal.
Michelle Essary is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 15 years of experience specializing in how the body, brain, and mind all work together. She takes whole-person approach to therapy and works with individuals ages 14 and over, couples, and groups. She specializes in relationship issues, cross-cultural transition, life transition, anxiety, grief, and depression. She also works with those dealing with ADHD, PTSD, peak performance, or navigating neurodivergence.
Michelle has a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Denver Seminary. She is certified in neurofeedback and uses several therapeutic modalities to assist her clients, such as existential therapy, family systems, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Michelle is eager to work with those who believe they are ready for change and wants to join with clients to identify what is not working, the source of their discomfort, and help set them up for and walk with them into successful healing, change, and overall health.
As someone whose life was changed by a therapist during my teenage years and who proudly identifies as a member of the LGBTQ+ comm...
As someone whose life was changed by a therapist during my teenage years and who proudly identifies as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I am committed to offering others the same life-affirming support and understanding.
I am a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW) with 11 years of experience in the mental health field. I specialize in helping adolescents and adults navigate depression, anxiety, trauma, and life transitions. My passion for this work began after a therapist supported me during a difficult time in my teenage years, and I have dedicated my career to offering that same hope and healing to others.
I earned my Master of Social Work from Alabama A&M University. My approach includes cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, motivational interviewing, and person-centered therapy. I am trained in EMDR and use it to help clients process trauma and other distressing experiences.
I work best with clients who are open to growth and ready to explore change in a supportive space. Whether you are seeking relief, clarity, or transformation, I will meet you where you are and help you build the tools needed to improve your overall well-being.
Being able to provide support and validation to the LGBTQIA+ community through their many challenges and obstacles has been extrem...
Being able to provide support and validation to the LGBTQIA+ community through their many challenges and obstacles has been extremely rewarding for me and has reinforced my drive to be an affirming therapist.
Savannah Donahoe is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with a background focused on trauma, crisis response, LGBTQIA+ issues, gender-affirming care, PTSD, depression and anxiety, self-esteem, gender identity-related issues, sexual identity,-related issues, grief, and loss. Savannah is passionate about providing support to folks of all ages through the unique challenges that they face. She values the importance of diversity, self-identity, and multicultural competency.
Savannah completed her Master's degree in Counseling at the University of Montevallo. She has experience in trauma and crisis response, as well as gender-affirming care. Savannah utilizes multiple treatment approaches including mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), solution-focused therapy (SFT), person-centered therapy (PCT), and gender-affirming therapy.
Savannah is confident that she would be able to support you through the different challenges you may be facing. Seeking counseling can be a very difficult step, but if you feel ready, schedule an appointment with Savannah to start working towards a better quality of life.
You deserve dedicated time with a mental health professional — it can be life-changing.
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Pamela: My go-to approach when using cognitive behavioral therapy is educating the client on the purpose of this model. I find that it helps clients in the process when they understand the purpose of treatment.
Catherine : My go-to approach for helping people with anxiety and/or depression using CBT is to identify current stressors, perceived barriers to goals, and core beliefs.
Pamela: When using cognitive behavioral therapy, I teach clients common cognitive distortions, cognitive challenging and restructuring, relaxation techniques, and journaling.
Catherine : The foundational tools that I use to provide insight into what forms a client's perspective are my "Cognitive Distortions" and "Core Beliefs" handouts.
Pamela: I know a client is making progress when they are unable to identify their irrational thinking and replace them with rational thoughts.
Catherine : I know a client is making meaningful progress using CBT when they express an understanding of how their incongruent thoughts and behaviors have contributed to their symptoms. Additionally, decreased PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores are helpful indicators of positive change.
Pamela: Clients can supplement their time in cognitive behavioral therapy by journaling and reviewing therapy notes.
Catherine : "Clients can supplement their treatment by:
Pamela: To prepare for the first cognitive behavioral therapy session, an individual can write down what behaviors and beliefs they would like to change and identify personal goals for treatment.
Catherine : To prepare for their first CBT session, a client should clear their mind of any preconceived notions about therapy and be open to self-assessment.
At Thriveworks, Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a widely recognized and evidence-based form of psychotherapy or talk therapy. It focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns, emotions, and behaviors that can contribute to various mental health issues or challenges that people are struggling with.
Cognitive behavioral therapists specialize in Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and can help you to identify and comprehend your thought patterns, which often encompass automatic negative thoughts, cognitive distortions, and self-defeating beliefs. Once these negative thought patterns are pinpointed, cognitive behavioral therapists aim to challenge and replace them with the objective of fostering more constructive and logical thinking. In addition, these therapists place significant emphasis on implementing positive behavioral changes based on the newly established, healthier thought patterns.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is particularly effective for addressing conditions like anxiety disorders, depression, phobias, and obsessive-compulsive disorders. It focuses on identifying and modifying negative thought patterns and behaviors, making it well-suited for issues related to distorted thinking and emotional regulation.
At Thriveworks, we accept most major insurance plans, allowing many clients to pay as little as $0–$50 per session with their co-pay. We also offer self-pay options for those out-of-network or without insurance. Self-pay rates for talk therapy range from $160 to $240 for intake sessions and $135 to $195 for follow-ups, depending on your state. For psychiatry services, self-pay intake sessions are $255–$375, with follow-ups ranging from $175–$300, also varying by state. More information on current self-pay costs is available on our pricing page.
The success rate of CBT varies depending on the intentions of the client and their condition(s).
The selection between cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is based on an individual’s unique needs and challenges. CBT is commonly chosen for addressing conditions such as anxiety and depression, whereas DBT is especially beneficial for individuals dealing with borderline personality disorder, emotional regulation issues, and difficulties in interpersonal relationships.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with our Thriveworks therapists in Birmingham, AL is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.
Generally, CBT is considered a short-term therapy, typically lasting for about 12 to 20 weekly sessions. In some cases, it might extend to around 16 to 20 sessions for more complex issues.
Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy
Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management
Thriveworks Counseling & Therapy Birmingham is located at 400 Office Park Dr Suite 308, Birmingham, AL 35233, off of US Hwy 280.
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