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About Us

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My Philosophy

As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I believe that our lives are affected by those around us: our family, our friends, our community at large. I also believe that we, in turn, affect others. It is with this perspective that I begin my therapy sessions with my clients. I work to help my clients understand the patterns within their lives and their families. In doing so, this gives my clients knowledge that they can then use to understand themselves and to make changes to improve their lives.
 

You can't change how others act. You can only change how you react.
                                                         ~ Anonymous
Christie Gibson

I began working in the mental health field in 1997, after I earned my masters degree in Counseling/ Psychology from the University of West Alabama. I worked for West Alabama Mental Health in the Mobile Access for Childrens Services (MACS) Program where I provided individual and group therapy to children ages 6 to 12 within the schools and in their homes with their parents.

 

After leaving West Alabama Mental Health, I worked at Brewer-Porch Children's Center in both the Crisis Stabilization Program and in the School-Based Program, again with children under the age of 12. After an eight year break from the mental health profession, I returned to Brewer-Porch Children's Center, taking a job in the Therapeutic Foster Care Program.

 

In 2011, I began work on my masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Alabama. As part of my training at UA, I provided individual, couples and family therapy sessions to a variety of individuals from children to senior citizens within the Capstone Family Therapy Clinic. 

I started Gibson Therapy Services in May of 2013. I have been in private practice ever since, working with individuals, couples and families. I have completed second level Gottman Training, utilizing the Gottman method in my work with couples. I have begun working extensively with those struggling with eating disorders, also, actively expanding my knowledge within this treatment area. Finally, I have recently completed the requirements needed to supervise others entering the marriage and family therapy field.

 

 

 

My Training
Masters in Counseling/Psychology 

University of West Alabama 1997

Masters in Human Development and Family Studies (Marriage and Family Therapy)

University of Alabama 2013

Bridging the Couple Chasm--Level I & Level II

The Gottman Institute 

EMDR Certified

EMDR Certified

My Philosophy

My goal as a therapist is to create an environment that demonstrates collaboration, transparency, helpfulness, and empathy for my individual, couple, and family clients. By doing this, my hope is that I can become a resource for my clients as they discover new connections, new skills, process the past, and apply what they’ve learned for the future.

Jordan English

Every person has individual, unique experiences that they bring into the room, which means their own therapy needs may look very different than another’s. Whether you are in the middle of a life transition and need some help processing or developing new skills, or you are dealing with a chronic issue that has brought you immense pain for years, I would love to help you navigate these issues to build the life you want for yourself.

I have extensive experience with substance abuse/recovery and trauma, as well as therapy work with adolescents with depression and anxiety. I also have experience working with couples and families on interpersonal issues.

My Training

Masters in Human Development and Family Studies (Marriage and Family Therapy)

University of Alabama 2021

Bridging the Couple Chasm-- Level I

The Gottman Insititute

My Experience

My Philosophy

"I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become."

      -Carl Jung

Shelby Stephens

I believe therapy should be a space where individuals of varying backgrounds can share their stories and be met with empathy and without fear of judgment.  

I have experience with couples, individuals, and families. I am an LGBTQIA+ safe space and have experience with anxiety, depression, substance abuse, eating disorders, suicidal ideation, and trauma.

My Training

Masters in Human Development and Family Studies

(Marriage and Family Therapy)

University of Alabama 2022

Bridging the Couple Chasm-- Level I

The Gottman Insititute

Our Interns

Brantley Oldenburg

I am a current graduate student at the University of Alabama pursuing a degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. While I have a passion for addiction recovery, I have had the opportunity to provide therapy services to a vast array of clients with a diverse range of issues, including but not limited to anxiety, depression, grief and bereavement, substance abuse, and life transitions. Since every client is unique, I think it is important that I build a high level of trust with clients and tailor therapy to fit each client. I want to get to know you for you, so we can work together to find solutions that may be helpful for any problems in your life.

Joi Shelton

Hi, my name is Joi Shelton and I am a graduate student and clinical intern in the marriage and family therapy program at The University of Alabama. For as long as I can remember, I have always had a passion supporting and helping others through difficult times in their lives. I commit myself to helping all populations, specifically those who may not lack the resources in truly gaining the assistance they need. I vow to show kindness, compassion, and empathy to everyone I encounter. 

Grace Manning

I am currently a graduate student at the University of Alabama, working towards a degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. During my time in this program, I have had the opportunity to provide individual, couples and family therapy to a variety of clients at the Capstone Family Therapy Clinic. My goal as a therapist is to highlight the strengths each client has and use them as a way for the client to create meaningful change. I believe in creating a high level of trust with
each client by using a collaborative, nonjudgmental approach and providing hope.

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