Therapists in Gulfport, MS

I help people work through anxiety and traumatic events they have experienced in life. Some have been in the battlefield of war, many have been in the battlefield of their own home. The very place where safety and nurturing were expected became the source of fear and confusion. Some can't really remember trauma, they have just always known this sense of dread and excessive worry. My mission is to create an accepting and supportive environment that helps you recognize patterns in your life that maintain your distress and find new thoughts and actions that will bring you the freedom to become the best version of yourself.

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.

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.

My goal as a therapist is to provide a safe and supportive environment in which clients feel comfortable being vulnerable in order to address the tough issues that are negatively impacting their daily lives. I focus on helping clients to gain insight about themselves in order to improve mood, relationships, and daily functioning. I am passionate about self-awareness and integrity and seek to help individuals make choices that align with their deepest values. In addition to my therapy practice, I also provide clinical supervision to counselors seeking licensure.

I believe in the value and efficacy of psychotherapy. It is time for humanity to move beyond the stigma associated with mental health and take advantage of the art and science that is psychotherapy. You do not need to suffer needlessly or alone. There is hope!

Taking the first step towards growth, healing, and change can be quite overwhelming or intimidating. I am here to provide a supportive space and to encourage you in your own unique and personal journey in navigating and overcoming any obstacles along the pathway.

Ray of Light Counseling Services, LLC offers in person and tele-behavioral health services specializing in treating adults and adolescents age 12 +. We focus on the clients strengths and encourage them to develop and attain goals to achieve what they feel are the most important to cultivate the best coping strategies for themselves on the road to mental and emotional wellness.

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.

Relationships can be so rewarding, but they can also be so hard! When our relationships are hurting, it affects all other aspects of our lives. You may feel overwhelmed, sad, anxious, and alone--even when others are with you. Sometimes the arguments get on a cycle, and we can't figure out how to stop them. You do not feel heard and you cannot get your partner to understand you. You ask yourself, why is it so hard to communicate? If your relationship is causing you distress, feels overwhelming, and you do not know how to stop the arguments, then I am here for you!

TOGETHER, WE ARE A TEAM! First session is a psycho-social assessment, addressing Adverse Childhood Experiences and getting comfortable with each other. Second session is developing treatment plan goals and objectives with a Holistic Approach (mind, body and spirt) and starting the path of recovery. Our goal will be to improve your quality of life, self esteem, self worth, self love and self respect.

The four main areas I coach/counsel people in are: depression/anxiety management, anger management, career/business growth, relationship/marital challenges, and personal development. I am dedicated to helping people solve relationship and anger problems associated with disrespect, insecurities, bad attitudes, and guilt through spiritual non-judgmental conversation! Our hidden, underlying beliefs often keep us from experiencing the full richness of life. I use a combination of objective assessment tools, dialogues and cognitive behavioral exercises to help you achieve your dreams.

Please note: I am retiring 10.28.21 from counseling service. Served as an Army Social Work Officer, psychiatric team in Vietnam (1968-69), I treat military, vet & other civilian clients re depression, anxiety, grief, substance abuse, existential malaise, aging, PTSD related to war/hazardous duty -- first responders, natural disasters, accidents, race-related, sexual & other abuse. As a Social Work Professor Emeritus, I counsel re school & life adjustment issues for young adults & non-traditional students. I teach faith-based & secular forms of meditation to address various issues: OCD, mood, anxiety, anger, concentration, trauma...