Discover how starting EMDR therapy can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.
3 therapists available in Montgomery
As someone navigating the therapeutic process in my personal life, I've learned to show up with honesty, warmth, and realness, cre...
About
As someone navigating the therapeutic process in my personal life, I've learned to show up with honesty, warmth, and realness, creating a space where you can be fully seen, supported, and grow at your own pace.
I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with 13 years of experience and a deep passion for helping people feel seen, heard, and supported. I specialize in working with young and older adults navigating life transitions, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship challenges, and identity exploration. Many of my clients come to me feeling overwhelmed or disconnected, and together we create a safe space to unpack their experiences, build insight, and restore balance. My approach is warm, authentic, and collaborative.
I earned a Master’s in Social Work from the University of South Florida. My therapeutic style is direct yet compassionate, meeting clients where they are while empowering them to take active steps toward healing. I integrate evidence-based approaches tailored to each person’s unique story, encouraging growth through clarity and self-awareness.
You deserve a space where you can exhale, be yourself, and feel understood. Growth takes courage, and I honor each step you take toward healing. Whether you’re navigating change, seeking relief from stress, or rebuilding after loss, I’m here to walk beside you as you rediscover your rhythm, your strength, and your next chapter.
Education and training
View more therapists in Montgomery
I believe education and understanding surrounding diagnoses, symptoms, and treatment techniques are essential to feeling better an...
I believe education and understanding surrounding diagnoses, symptoms, and treatment techniques are essential to feeling better and gaining control of your life, thoughts, and well-being.
Dr. Courtney Chism is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with 15 years of experience and a passion for empowering those healing from trauma, hurt, and emotional pain. While Dr. Chism has worked with adults and children, she specializes in providing services to adults and their families. Her background has equipped her with the understanding, empathy, and creativity to help clients reach their therapeutic goals.
Dr. Chism received her Doctor of Social Work degree from the University of Alabama. She utilizes approaches including but not limited to compassion-focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, Christian counseling, motivational interviewing, and end-of-life/hospice support.
Dr. Chism meets others where they are on their mental health journey to help them identify the source of their issues and develop healthy coping skills to implement in their daily lives. She believes in the power of therapy and is prepared to travel with her clients, at their pace, toward their goals.
I believe you are worthy and capable of living the life you envision, so let's take this journey together!...
I believe you are worthy and capable of living the life you envision, so let's take this journey together!
**DISCLAIMER - DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICATION MANAGEMENT - DOES NOT PROVIDE TESTING**
Lasita Kirkland is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 10 years of experience in mental health. She delivers individual, and family therapy. She provides therapy for trauma, self-esteem and self-worth, work-life balance, family and relationship conflicts, and parenting. Lasita offers culturally responsive and culturally sensitive therapeutic services for members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Lasita works with individuals and families by using a systemic and cognitive behavioral approach. However, each therapeutic approach will be tailored to your specific needs. Lasita provides a therapeutic atmosphere of confidentiality, active listening, respect, collaboration, empowerment, and healing so that you can create your desired outcomes.
Lasita has a passion for empowering others. We have all experienced challenges in life. She can help you find healthy ways of coping, strengthening relationships, and resolving struggles through identifying underlying emotions that keep you from the life you desire. Lasita will provide a non-judgmental environment where you are seen, heard, and accepted.
You deserve dedicated time with a mental health professional — it can be life-changing.
Not ready to book? Contact me
Look for a confirmation email in your inbox shortly. We'll help find you a provider and guide you through everything you should know about starting care at Thriveworks.
No membership fees or subscriptions
Evening and weekend sessions
Award-winning therapy & psychiatry
What support are you seeking?
You acknowledge that by submitting this form, you are providing what may be considered “sensitive data” and consent to Thriveworks Privacy Policy & Terms. By submitting this information, you consent to receive communication from Thriveworks about our services via automatic calls, artificial or pre-recorded messages, or texts at the phone number provided, or by email at the address provided. You have the option to opt out of communications.
We will contact you with availability updates based on the preferences you provided for up to six months.
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a specialized psychotherapeutic approach that focuses on assisting individuals in processing traumatic memories, diminishing their emotional intensity, and facilitating the integration of the traumatic experience into their past, enabling them to progress in their lives. This process follows four steps: history-taking, preparing the client, assessing the target memory, and processing the memory and finding an adaptive resolution. After this, Thriveworks EMDR therapists in Montgomery will continue to help individuals process the memory and evaluate the results of the treatment to ensure its effectiveness.
EMDR is primarily employed to aid individuals who have endured trauma, including those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and who have experienced other distressing life events.
EMDR therapy is generally less suitable for individuals currently experiencing acute trauma or those who have not yet acquired fundamental coping and distress tolerance skills. To engage in EMDR therapy effectively, one must possess a certain degree of distress tolerance.
EMDR tends to be very effective in relieving the negative symptoms associated with trauma. In a study performed by Francine Shapiro called The Role of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy in Medicine: Addressing the Psychological and Physical Symptoms Stemming from Adverse Life Experiences (2014), results showed that after just three EMDR sessions, 84% of participants reported a remission of PTSD diagnosis. EMDR will often have a higher success rate for survivors of a single traumatic event than for those who have experienced repeated or multiple instances of trauma when EMDR is performed for the same amount of time. This is due to the increased intensity of the trauma and the need to process multiple events.
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.
If you’re looking for EMDR therapists in Montgomery, AL, you’re in luck. EMDR therapy at Thriveworks can be conducted both in person at one of our many offices around the U.S. and online via remote video conferencing. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.
Generally, EMDR is a shorter-term therapy, typically encompassing multiple sessions. While some individuals may make substantial progress within just a few sessions, others may opt for an extended treatment period, particularly if dealing with complex or severe trauma or conditions.
Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy
Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management
Shown in CT
12 photos
Call us to book
Our team is happy to help you schedule your first session.
Book online
Find the right provider for you. Book your session online yourself in just a few easy steps.