Therapists in Gulfport, MS

Life often leaves us feeling stressed, depressed and or lost. Seeking therapy can be an important step in moving positively towards mental health stability and wholeness. With experience in addressing issues relating to anxiety, depression, trauma, severe and persistent mental illness, co-occurring disorders, grief and loss and marital issues, I am passionate about providing a safe, supportive, non-judgmental environment for children, teens, adults, couples and or families who need help. I seek to understand and partner with you as you identify positive steps in your journey towards healing.

Asking for help can be off-putting. I’m the therapist for people who “don’t like therapy”. The people that find me are often new to the process, uncomfortable with asking for help and/or or have negative past experiences with therapy. so when an individual finally decides to come talk, I want them to be received by someone who is real, authentic, relatable and non-judgmental.

My primary role as your counselor is to focus on the relationship with you.. Your wellbeing is the main focus of the therapeutic relationship. While providing you a safe and confidential environment, I will be with you every step of the way on your journey toward healing and self discovery. My approach in the counseling relationship is not as an expert. Instead, my approach is as a supportive guide to help you reach your goals. I have a wealth of professional and personal experience working with a diverse population. This includes individuals, couples, families and children of all ages.

When a person is faced with life stressors, it can be hard to know how to "act" or "present themselves." An ideal client is one who recognizes that something is not right and takes the first step in seeking help. That is the most difficult part. They recognize the way they are feeling is not how they want or need to feel. It takes courage to ask for help and I understand the process of finding a therapist can be overwhelming. I am proud of you for taking the first steps towards a positive change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you through your journey.

Each person has unique strengths, powerful potential, and an innate ability to heal and thrive. Yet at times worry, sadness, or traumatic past experiences can move us off track. No matter the challenges you face, I believe in you and provide tools to help you increase resilience, discover your strengths, get back on track, and connect to your success.

"Empowered To Make A Change" I provide counseling services for individuals, children & adolescents, adults, couples, families, military personnel and groups. The need for therapy can arise from a number of personal challenges such as family conflicts, work or school problems, sudden losses, life transitions, daily stressors and mood instability. Being a licensed therapist allows me the opportunity to share the gift of psychotherapy with many struggling with mental illness and daily life trails. I foster individuals growth through implementing healthier coping skills, changing thought process, empowering change in behaviors and instilling hope. Making an amazing impact on families and communities is my ultimate goal.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 7 years of experience in the field of social work & mental health. I currently possess a Bachelor's & Master's Degree in Social Work. I have worked within a variety of settings (hospitals, Military, non-profit, Child Protective Services, in-home community services) with diverse individuals & populations that have provided me with valuable experiences. My goal is to provide high quality clinical care, which will be tailored specifically to meet your individual needs. I strive to provide a safe, nurturing environment to promote overall healing & my knowledge in Clinical Social Work is current & comprehensive.

I have successfully helped children, teens, adults and families who have endured traumatic experiences, behavioral/anger issues or school/job issues. I also have helped individuals currently experiencing emotional pain such as anxiety/depression, hopelessness, self harming behaviors. It is my belief that people have the innate potential to free themselves of emotional difficulties. My goal is to provide the necessary tools and teach skills needed to overcome emotional difficulties and develop meaningful relationships with family and friends.

The scope of my therapy practice is based on the belief that children are growing, developing individuals who at times need assistance beyond their families and school structures to develop emotional and social skills, self confidence, and coping skills to handle stressors. Children are often more open than adults to change and I absolutely love getting to see them transform and grow. I work with children and adolescents ages 4 to 18.

I believe counseling is a process of exploration, discovery, and personal growth. My job is to help clients learn more about themselves in a safe, caring, non-judgemental, and challenging environment. My goal is to empower clients to recognize and change their thoughts or behaviors leading to decrease anxiety/stress, decreased depression and increased self-esteem. I work with each client based on their specific needs and concerns and help them create a path toward healing, empowerment, and change.

"The journey of a thousand miles starts from beneath your feet." (Lao Tzu ). Welcome to your first step in moving from stillness to action. Meet Riva, a licensed psychotherapist, who strives to create an authentic and supportive therapy experience for individuals from older adolescents to adults. Riva is wholeheartedly committed to supporting individuals in writing the next phase of their life’s story, in a way in which they are proud of.

Life can be a daunting, unforgiving roller coaster at times. It can impact who you are in many ways without warning. Having someone to support and guide you through that journey can be revitalizing. Working through those difficult situations in a safe environment with someone you can trust to help you find healing and peace at the end of the journey. I strive to empower the individuals I work with throughout their treatment that they can keep going and overcome life's obstacles. I help individuals be confident as the captain of their treatment, venturing through the past to find answers to their present needs.

Coastal Christian Counseling offers a unique counseling experience, where your Christian faith and values are a part of the solution. God is the ultimate healer and therapists are wounded healers. We have the privilege and responsibility to be co-facilitators with God in our own healing journey. Therapy is goal oriented and solution focused, beginning with the end in mind. Therapy is available for children (ages 5 and up), adolescents, families and adults of all life stages. Therapy can be brief or long term, you decide. Same day appointments available for crisis situations.

I love working with youth and their families. I am deeply passionate about assisting those I work with to find their voice again. I am skilled at helping others learn how to advocate, love, and believe in themselves. I believe that true growth only occurs when a person is allowed to shine. I enjoy working with college students, those who are navigating adjustments and change, LGBT+ and Black and other PoC populations. Anti-Racist and Feminist ideology inform my practice. I enjoy supporting those who have been historically excluded and do so with deep conviction and dedication.

My name is Dr. Antwynette Shields and I approach therapy by using a person-centered, strengths based model. I believe that we are the expert of our lives, and despite life's obstacles, we each have qualities and strengths that make us unique. I provide a non-judgmental environment which allows my client to feel safe, understood, and heard. I offer services to clients of all ethnicities, backgrounds, sexual orientation, and religions. I want each client to feel safe knowing that their presenting challenge is never too hard to work through.

Throughout my life, I have observed and developed a deep appreciation of human nature - including the struggle we face to maintain uniqueness in a society that bombards us with unrealistic expectations of who we “should” be. Do you find yourself trying to fit into the mold of what you perceive other people (romantic partners, friends, family, employers) expect of you? In our attempt to maintain connections and avoid feelings of rejection, we avoid letting people know who we truly are. We will put on any mask that secures the illusion of being loved or accepted - all the while rejecting and losing connection with our true selves.

I have 23 years of clinical experience working with a variety of populations including women in crisis, couples, children and adolescents. I'm skilled in helping clients sort through a multitude of personal and mental health issues including depression, anxiety, adoption and infertility, substance use disorders, stage of life challenges, family conflicts, and other mood and personality disorders. I'm also proficient in helping clients navigate the trauma of childhood abuse, domestic violence and sexual assault. I happily serve clients from all backgrounds, yet have a specialized interest in the hearts and minds of Black women.