I’m an LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) in Birmingham, Alabama and I am passionate about counseling and helping others. I believe we all have a purpose or path in life, but sometimes things happen that knock us off that path. I help people find their way back, find their inner strength, overcome fears and anxiety, improve relationships, and learn to have a happier, healthier life!

Each of us have had experiences in our lives that have shaped us, whether good or bad. They shape how we respond to others, how we manage anger, how we communicate, and, most importantly, how we view ourselves. In exploring these experiences or difficulties, learning healthier coping skills, and improving communication skills, we can have the relationships we want, achieve our personal goals, and get back on that path towards a more fulfilling life.

While my therapeutic approach is tailored to each specific client’s needs, I do operate heavily from a CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) perspective. My style is much more active than reflective. In our sessions we will work to shift unhealthy patterns of thought. We will actively challenge old beliefs and ways of reacting to and responding to the world. I work hard to provide a nurturing and supportive environment while we do this work, always keeping your comfort in mind. We move at a pace you are comfortable with, always leaving plenty of time and space for you to question, explore, and process every step along the way.

Counseling is a process; life won’t change instantly. However, many clients report that they leave every session feeling more hopeful and optimistic. In each session, you will learn something about yourself and a skill you didn’t have before. As you progress, you will begin to use these skills and these insights to create the life you want.

It IS possible!

Katie was raised in Chilton County, Alabama, but has called Birmingham home since graduating from the University of Montevallo where she received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. While in graduate school, Katie was eager to submerge herself in the field and work with as many client populations as possible. She provided volunteer counseling to the homeless, the prison population, battered women, and the severely mentally ill. While working with these clients, she was able to see a lack of quality counseling services available to them and became passionate about helping under-served populations. Katie then worked at Gateway Family and Child Services for 6 years where she worked with at-risk youth and their families. She became very involved with the foster care system and became a strong advocate for foster children. While at Gateway’s Adolescent Residential Program, Katie immersed herself in learning and implementing Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and worked with Gateway’s staff to make significant program changes based on this new model of treatment. During her time at Gateway, Katie became proficient in treating teen-related issues, especially those dealing with peer issues, anxiety, anger, and self esteem.

Katie left non-profit work to become a therapist in an outpatient hospital psychiatric clinic where she worked exclusively with adults. Katie continued her trauma-focused work here as she treated adults who had suffered significant abuse as children. She was then able to apply her skills to an even broader population and continued her work in anxiety management, self esteem, anger, and depression.

In 2013 Katie made the leap into private practice, first joining a larger practice and then going out on her own and starting Vines Counseling in 2018. Private practice gives Katie the freedom to work with all types of clients from all walks of life. She enjoys the ability to reach many different communities and feels her background with many different clients populations uniquely prepared her for this setting.

Katie has been practicing for 17 years now. She prides herself on creating a space where clients feel comfortable, valued, and respected. Katie is known for putting clients at ease with her “down to earth,” no nonsense style. Katie is passionate about helping others live a fuller, healthier, and happier life by overcoming anxiety, fear, and insecurity.

Katie loves being active, watching sports, live music, traveling, and dogs (all dogs really, but mostly Boxers!). She lives with her husband, son, and boxer Carlile in Homewood.