Therapists in Puckett, MS

Hi! My name is Marissa Kent and I am a licensed professional counselor in the states of Mississippi and Louisiana. I have over a decade's worth of experience in the mental health field, the last eight of those years working with various populations as a counselor/therapist. I have worked with individuals dealing with a range of concerns and have the most experience with depression, anxiety and stress, anger management, and relationship issues. I got into the field of counseling because I love helping people. There are few things better than seeing someone reach a goal or fulfill their potential. I believe in treating people with respect and getting to know their story. It helps me gain a deeper understanding for who they are, the family and cultural values, beliefs, and traditions they hold dear, and the goals they would like to achieve in counseling. My approach in counseling is an eclectic mix that primarily combines cognitive behavioral and person-centered techniques, but the specifics of how I work with each individual is as unique as the individual. I realize that it can be challenging to tackle some of life's concerns head-on, so my goal is to empower you by highlighting the strengths you already possess and give you additional tools needed to accomplish your goals. Congratulations on taking the first step! I look forward to working with you.

Hello! I want to commend you for reaching out for support; you have taken a major step toward finding satisfaction in your life. My name is Ashley and I am pleased to join you on this journey of growth and wellness. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Georgia and Mississippi. I have 10 years of experience providing therapy services in many different settings including schools, clinics, and community agencies. I am a wife and mother of three awesome children. From personal experience, I understand how complex trauma and systemic disadvantage can affect families, generation after generation. I am happy to finally be in a position to help heal others and promote wellness in communities. I have dedicated my life to helping others overcome obstacles to find peace, joy, wellness, and fulfillment in life. My therapeutic approach is based in Adlerian/Individual Psychology, Behavioral Counseling, and Strategic Brief Counseling. What this means is that I will work with you to develop a healthy, holistic lifestyle by analyzing your current circumstances and developing more gratifying behavior patterns. I have worked with clients struggling through mood disorders, anxiety, relationship issues, attention deficit, and career/educational advancement. I would love the opportunity to assist with breaking down the barriers that are in your way!

As a Licensed Practical Counselor with a rich tapestry of over 20 years in the field, I bring a depth of understanding and a breadth of experience to each session. My journey in counseling has allowed me to support a diverse array of individuals grappling with challenges including depression, anxiety, complex relationship dynamics, addiction, parenting intricacies, the aftermath of trauma, and navigating the complexities of ADHD. My commitment extends profoundly to those who have endured physical or emotional wounds in the shadows of domestic violence. At the heart of my practice is a counseling style that is not just warm, but genuinely engaging and interactive. I firmly believe in the power of respect, sensitivity, and compassion as cornerstones of effective therapy. Stigmatizing labels have no place in our sessions. My eclectic approach weaves together the best elements of cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic, and rational-emotive counseling philosophies. This integrative blend is then meticulously tailored to resonate with your unique narrative and specific needs. Embarking on a journey toward a more fulfilling and happier life requires immense courage, and acknowledging the need for change is the first, brave step. If you're poised to take this step, I am here not just to support, but to empower you in this transformative journey. Together, we can explore new horizons of emotional wellbeing and personal growth. I am eagerly looking forward to being a part of your journey and working collaboratively with you to unveil the vibrant life you deserve.

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION Ricardo Gillispie, PhD, LCSW I received my Bachelor’s Degree in 1973 in Social Science from Mississippi Valley State University. I was accepted in the first Masters of Social Work Program at the University of Southern Mississippi graduating in 1975. I was awarded the first Social Worker of the Year by the Mississippi Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers in 1992. I was accepted in the first Ph.D. Program in Social Work at Jackson State University graduating in 2000, with the primary focus in Psychotherapeutic Social Work. Prior to retiring from Private Practice, I was part owner and CEO of Family Counseling Services, PLLC in Meridian, MS. This was a Private Behavioral Health Care Group Practice consisting of Psychiatrists, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, PhD Clinical Psychologists, Licensed Professional Counselors and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners. While in Private Practice, I specialized in Marriage and Family Therapy, Cognitive/Affective Disorders, to include patients experiencing Depression, Anxiety and Post Traumatic Disorder. After retirement, I accepted the offer to serve as a group therapist for Rush/Ochsner Intensive Outpatient Psychogeriatric Programs. These are IOP's throughout East Mississippi. In 2000, I accepted to be a consultant for Rush Psychogeriatric Intensive Outpatient Programs. In this role, I help develop the Behavioral Healthcare Program for geriatric patients with mental health, aging and emotional conditions. After developing these Programs, I provided training for social workers, psychiatrist and nurses. Afterward, I surveyed these Programs in accordance to CMS guidelines. In 1999 I accepted the consulting role with East Mississippi Correctional Facility, a private prison under the management of the GEO Group, Inc. in Boca Raton, Florida. In that consulting role, I designed the first exclusive mental health program in corrections in the United States. February 2006, I accepted the full-time position as Deputy Warden of Mental Health Programs with East Mississippi Correctional Facility (EMCF), and maintained my private practice with Family Counseling Services, PLLC. From 1973 to 1985, I served as Assistant Director for Region Ten (Weems) Mental Health Center covering a catchment area of nine counties in East Central Mississippi. In that role, I wrote the Initial Operation Grant for Weems Mental Health Center and other grants. 1986, I served as Clinical Director and an investor of Laurel Wood Psychiatric Hospital in Meridian, MS. I served fifteen years on the Meridian School Board of Trustees, serving two terms as President. I was elected as Region Ten National Association of Social Work Representative for the Nomination and Leadership Committee, representing Mississippi, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Louisiana and Tennessee. 1994, I was appointed to the first Mississippi Social Workers Licensure Board serving one term as chairman. I served as an Auditor of Correctional Facilities in the United States for the American Correctional Association (ACA). Also, I was a Psychiatric Social Worker Surveyor consultant for the Center of Medicaid/Medicare Services (CMS), in which I surveyed public and private psychiatric hospitals for Medicare and Medicaid compliance in the United States. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Diplomat in Clinical Social Work, and Certified by the Academy of Certified Social Workers. 2006, I was inducted in the Hall of Fame at Meridian Community College. I have served as a part-time instructor for Mississippi State University School of Social Working – Meridian Branch, Meridian Community College and Adjunct Faculty for the University of Southern Mississippi School of Social Work. I have provided the following professional presentations: • 2015 Techniques in the Provision of Group Psychotherapy - Rush Hospital Senior Citizens Program • 2017 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – Rush Hospital Senior Citizens Program • Guest speaker for the 2010 American Correctional Association Annual Conference in New Orleans, LA. Topic: Efficacy of Mental Health Services in Corrections • Presenter at 2011 American Correctional Association Annual Conference in Chicago, Ill, Topic: Long Term Segregated Offender Mental Health Program. • Social Work Standards of Practice in Psychiatric Hospitals for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) – Seattle, WA • Assessment Interviewing Training for the Mississippi Department of Health and Human Services- Jackson, MS • Stress Management Workshops for Industries, Hospitals and other professional organizations. • Interviewing Skills Training for the Department of Public Welfare; sponsored by the University of Southern Mississippi Continuing Education Department - Gulfport, MS • Assessment Interviewing/Assessment Training for the Bureau of Indian Affairs; Choctaw Reservation - Philadelphia, MS • Developing of Treatment Plans for the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) – Baltimore, MD • Guest Speaker for the Institute of Rural Mental Health; Topic: Barriers for African Americans in Obtaining Mental Health Services In the Rural South • Operational Development of the Psychosocial Assessments – Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) – Kansas City, MO I have authored the following publications: Book: How to Prevent the Collision of the Two Worlds we Live, Publisher - Mulberry Book, LLC, 2020. Hospitalized Africa American Men with Mental Illness: Some Antecedents to Service Satisfaction and Intent to Comply with Aftercare. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Skills, Volume 6, Number 3, winter 2002. Hospitalized African American Mental Health Consumers: Some Antecedents to Service Satisfaction and Intent to Comply with Aftercare. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, Volume 75, Number 2, pp. 254-261, 2005. I have been married to Catherine Nelson Gillispie since 1973. We have a daughter Dr. Veronica Gillispie-Bell who is a physician of OBGY at Ochsner Hospital in New Orleans and son, Rashad Gillispie a graduate of MVSU with a degree in computer science. My wife and I attend North Park church in Meridian, MS a multiracial and cultural congregation. Licensed and Certifications: • Mississippi Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Marriage and Family Counselor - #COO82 • Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW) - #881216796 • Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (BCD) - #006164

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Mississippi as well as a Board Certified Counselor through the National Board for Certified Counselors and a Board Certified TeleMental Health Professional. I have 7 years of post-graduate experience in counseling. I have worked in community mental health since completing my Masters of Education in Counselor Education in 2016, helping individuals with disorders such as depression, anxiety, traumatic stress, social phobia, and bipolar disorder. I also have experience doing college counseling as an intern, where I worked with primarily young adults who were struggling to maintain academic success while coping with life issues. I am trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy which I have used to help several people be able to cope with their traumatic experiences. My counseling approach is geared towards promoting positive self-image, self-acceptance and love, and helping others enhance their worldview. I practice Solution-Focused therapy and Choice Theory along with a Client-Centered and Cognitive Behavioral stance. My goal as a counselor is to assist my clients in living lives that they enjoy and overcoming any obstacles that stand in their way. It is my belief that each person holds the key to their success. Life can be challenging, and we all go through hard times that can cause us to experience setbacks. To be able to ask for help to overcome these challenges and be vulnerable requires humility and strength. I have been honored to serve the clients I have had and help them along in their journey towards emotional freedom and success, and I look forward to continuing to do this with you as well.

I am licensed in Mississippi with more than 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & parenting issues. I also have experience working with motivation, self esteem, and developing the practice of healthy boundaries. Boundaries define who we are and who we are not. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion while presenting Truth in love. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a healthy change. I practice holistic Christian based counseling. Most people do what they do because they believe what they believe. This is what the Word of God says - "As a man (or woman) thinketh in his (her) heart, so is he (she)." I am just a guide and my aim is to help you achieve your goals by setting them yourself after dealing with whatever issues or concerns you desire to discuss. I received my bachelor degree (1984) in Religious Education from Mississippi College in Clinton MS and in 2005 I graduated from USM with my masters degree in Education with emphases on counseling.

I am licensed in Mississippi with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

I am a licensed therapist in Mississippi with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life. This is first steps towards change. I am here to support & empower you during the journey.

I am licensed in Mississippi with 35 years of professional work experience in the public and private setting. .I have extensive experience in working with adolescents/children/families/groups with behavioral issues in the school setting, foster care and adoptive setting, and in the home setting. I have experience with clients in coping with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & anger management. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I am licensed in Mississippi with 28 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.