Discover how starting teen counseling can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.
4 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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My goal is to help you quiet anxiety and self-doubt, reconnect with your strengths, and feel more at ease and comfortable in your ...
My goal is to help you quiet anxiety and self-doubt, reconnect with your strengths, and feel more at ease and comfortable in your own skin.
I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with over 21 years of experience supporting adults through life transitions, emotional challenges, and personal growth. My goal is to help clients feel more grounded, confident, and in control of their well-being. I provide a compassionate, collaborative space where you can safely explore your thoughts, heal from past experiences, and rediscover your sense of balance and purpose.
I earned my Master’s in Social Work from Western Kentucky University. My approach integrates cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based practices, and solution-focused strategies to help clients develop insight, emotional regulation, and effective coping skills that support meaningful change.
I believe therapy is a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Together, we’ll identify your strengths, challenge limiting beliefs, and build tools for lasting growth. My goal is to create a supportive environment that helps you move toward greater peace, clarity, and confidence in your everyday life.
If you are seeking to overcome the burden of anxiety, depression, or negative self-talk, I am equipped with the knowledge, resourc...
If you are seeking to overcome the burden of anxiety, depression, or negative self-talk, I am equipped with the knowledge, resources, and compassion to meet you where you are to help you reach your goals.
Catherine K. Thompson is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with 5 years of experience working with a variety of populations. Her specialties include adults with concerns such as anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief, low self-esteem, and childhood trauma. She also specializes in assisting women navigating the various challenges of motherhood, along with people of color.
Catherine earned her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Southern Mississippi. She believes that therapy is not a “one-size fits all” approach, and she utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy, humanistic therapy, motivational Interviewing, and psychodynamic therapy as most applicable to meet the client’s needs.
For some, the idea of therapy is without stigma and openly welcomed. For others, it’s one of the hardest decisions they will make. It is easy to remain in familiarity. Catherine is extending an olive branch in hopes that you will make the hard decision now to achieve the peace you desire in the future.
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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My go-to approaches for helping teenagers are cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy. I find these approaches beneficial because they help the client understand their emotions, thoughts, and behavioral patterns and learn effective skills to better manage (regulate) and cope (tolerate) their emotions. It also provides a direct approach that is clinician-led, instead of client-directed.
Depending on the issue that the teen is struggling with (anger management, depression, and/or anxiety), I feel it is important that the teen understands the purpose of the emotions and how to effectively communicate their needs. We would also work on ways to cope with difficult feelings. I generally use scenarios that help them to see the situation from the outside to make healthier choices.
I know a teen is making meaningful progress in counseling when they are able to learn from past actions and make healthier choices. Also, gaining feedback from their support system about progress made outside of therapy is helpful.
Teens can supplement their time in counseling by reviewing the workbook, completing homework assignments, and practicing the skills outside of therapy.
To prepare for their first counseling session, a teen can come in with a positive outlook and willingness to participate in therapy. I encourage them to ask questions because this may be their first time in counseling. I find that a lot of teenagers are apprehensive because this is their parents' choice to do therapy and not always their choice.
Teen counseling helps young individuals better understand and manage the challenges that affect their mental health. Common challenges amongst teens include anxiety, depression, ADHD, and problematic relationships with food.
Teen counseling works by using multiple techniques, tailored to fit the teen’s unique needs — based on their age group, their challenges, and the severity of their challenges. It might involve cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, art therapy, and others for varying ages. In any case, Thriveworks teen therapists in Birmingham have the expertise and experience to help young individuals at their level.
Signs that teens might need Teen counseling can be very subjective, as they are experiencing many changes and can have intense reactions to them. As parents, you know your child best and are best equipped to judge whether certain reactions are standard behaviors for your teen or whether they might be hinting at a larger problem. Even so, there are a few common signs and events that often point to a need for therapy, such as experiencing divorce or loss, grief, consistent low moods, teens distancing themselves and becoming isolated, losing interest in hobbies, excessive anger or irritability, substance use issues, and suicidal ideation, among others.
Teen counseling providers at Thriveworks in Birmingham, AL offer both in person and online therapy by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.
The length of teen counseling depends on your teen’s needs as well as the goals that you and their therapist might have for them. Generally, teen counseling sessions will last for several months.
Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy
Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management
Shown in CT
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