Women's Issues Therapists in Rankin County, MS

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.

As an LCSW, I work from a strengths-based perspective. I strongly believe in the social work ideal of unconditional positive regard and the potential in every person to learn and grow at any stage in life. I work with a variety of therapeutic models-including Mindful Self-Compassion, CBT, IFS, and EMDR-to help my clients achieve their goals and live healthier lives.

Serenity Counseling & Wellness is a private mental health practice located in the Crossgates, Brandon/Pearl area of Rankin County. At Serenity, you will find a relaxed, warm, and nonjudgmental environment. Services offered include psychological testing and assessment conducted by a licensed psychologist and psychotherapy/counseling services by our team of highly-trained and experienced therapists. We specialize in individual psychotherapy for adults, adolescents, and children. We also provide family, couples therapy, and addiction counseling. Even if you have struggled with the same problems for years, it is never too late to make positive changes and to find healing. Come see us!

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, and Supervisor also a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I am privileged to work alongside people who are dealing with a variety of issues. I have over 25 years experience in counseling and therapy practices. I enjoy working with different types of counseling needs including depression, anxiety, family therapy and abuse survivors. I am a Christian. I welcome Christian and non Christian clients.

I believe that we are all image-bearers of God, as having been created in His image. Therefore, the client and I both bring resources into the therapy room with which to work collaboratively toward a healthier life for the client-- mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Beyond my training in Marriage and Family Therapy, I have experience that I bring to the table from my own life journey-- parenting into adulthood; divorce recovery; partner betrayal trauma, spiritual formation; marriage and relationships; career counseling; codependency issues; and addictions. My greatest core belief is that there is always hope!

"Why do I replay events over and over in my head?", "What happened to my focus/ drive?", "Why does it seem like my family doesn't want to spend time with me?", "Why am I so stressed out all the time? It's like a can't relax anymore". Are these YOUR questions? I know you are tired of feeling exhausted, not like yourself, overwhelmed, lonely, disappointed, angry, numb, or hurt. You've found that your "distractions" aren't helping anymore. I specialize in brief therapy- we will get to the heart of the issue, so you can feel better- with lasting changes- fast. It's not too late to turn it all around.

You can often find yourself at a point where problems, relationships, disappointments or life changes seem overwhelming or paralyzing. I have many years of experience walking adolescents and families through these tough seasons of life to find a place of healing and restoration.

"In the midst of winter, I finally learned there was in me an invincible summer," states Camus. During our pain, we have the potential to grow the most. I tailor a treatment plan based on your individually unique needs, having received my training in not only individual therapy, but also the more unique marriage and family systems therapy. I understand that we best fit together in community, and we are also healed in the confidential, unbiased, caring fellowship that therapy specifically provides. Email me for an appointment at rebecca@rebeccakirkcounseling.com and visit http://www.magnoliacounselingmadison.com for more information.

I have been a licensed professional counselor since 2005, and have professional experience working with children/teens and adults as they walk through anxiety, grief, parenting, school issues, bullying, food allergies, family changes, and many other challenges that impact people or their family. I especially enjoy working with women who are navigating life transitions (such as parenting or empty nesting) as well as children who experience anxiety. I became a counselor because I believe every life has an inherent, priceless worth. It is my honor to walk alongside others as they discover how valuable they truly are.

As we travel this path through life, we encounter both internal and external challenges. Therefore, I meet the client where they are upon the first meeting. Each stage of life and each individual is unique. I take an eclectic approach to address my client’s needs for what I assess will be most effective and also comfortable. Therapy is a directed process to move forward to live life as optimally as possible .

Motherhood is hard. Striving to get it right, the sleepless nights, and just trying to survive the day can leave you feeling overwhelmed. It is hard to make time to breathe let alone deal with what you have going on internally. You need a space where you can process your experience without shame or judgement. A space to feel known and where your story can be heard. Whether you are you trying to have a baby, just brought your baby home, or in the trenches, there is a space for you.

God has given me a heart full of compassion and a strong desire to help others with the many struggles and challenges we face on life’s journey. My goal as a counselor is to always empower my clients in a safe and supportive environment using biblical principles and psychological truths. I am strength-based and solution-focused, and I view the counselor/client relationship as a collaborative effort. My desire is for my clients to gain insight and to move towards healing and positive change so they can live joyful and fulfilling lives.

Are you feeling stuck in a cycle of anxiety, guilt, shame, or low self-esteem? Do you have past or present hurts that you would like to heal? Are there relationships in your life that feel draining and exhausting? Do you have broken relationships that you would like to mend? Everyone comes across challenges in life that can leave them feeling overwhelmed, confused, and hurt. I believe through collaboration with a compassionate counselor you can heal wounds, experience peace, feel more confident, and repair broken relationships.

We all embark on the journey of life at the same starting point. We travel down the road before us, trying to carve out a path that will lead us to the kind of life that will bring us joy. However, there are times when that path leads us off the course of happiness and fulfillment, and into the unexpected. I enjoy working with individuals with traits and tendencies of attachment that manifests by way of questioning self-worth, feeling unworthy of love, fear that healthy relationships cannot exist, obsession with loss and difficulty moving forward, taking on others feelings and beliefs as your own, guilt/shame.

Are you and your partner having difficulty communicating? Are you and your children butting heads? Are you and your partner on separate pages when it comes to how to raise your kids together? Are you feeling low, frustrated with life, or anxious about upcoming events or decisions? We all have times in our lives when we need a little encouragement. A welcoming, nonjudgmental, therapist could be key to a turn around for you and your family.

I work with individuals, couples, families, and mental health. I have considerable experience in helping people work through relationship issues. I am certified as a Prepare and Enrich facilitator for engaged and married couples, parents and blended families as well as SYMBIS certified for premarital. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor by the State of MS, a National Board Certified Counselor, a National Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor, as well as a Board-certified Telemental Health provider. I have worked with those struggling with anxiety, depression, marital and family concerns, age issues, and career decisions.

I discovered therapy as a client first; I believe in this because it helped me. My clients are courageous individuals, couples, and families who engage with vulnerability to create lasting change.

Only one thing is certain....Change. But change is hard, no matter where it comes from. Unexpected changes like breakups, injuries, tragic news, and traumatic events can cause emotional struggles, anger and anxiety. You may feel that you don't know who to trust, where to go, or what to feel. Expected changes in life can also be difficult. Having children, dealing with death, divorce, life or aging transitions, or job changes, can also be difficult. Finally, sometimes we desire change, but don't know how to get there! When life changes happen, or need to happen, therapy can help. I would love to help you in this journey.

I recognize that making the decision to contact a therapist is difficult for some therefore, my goal is to make the process as comfortable as possible. I work in a relaxed, informal manner that is collaborative in nature. I often use humor in my therapy sessions and take every possible measure to ensure that my office is a safe place for clients to freely cry or express anger as they need. Finally, I work from an integrative perspective that draws from a variety of theoretical approaches as I tailor my approach to the needs and preferences of my clients.