PROFESSIONAL MISSION
My professional mission is to facilitate clients’ ability to live their best lives; to gain clarity on their own vision; and identify/transcend limiting beliefs that may be slowing their progress.
Professional counselors should be encouraging, challenging, compassionate, and organized. I support my clients and present myself as an ally. I challenge clients to transcend limiting beliefs and work with them in developing self-efficacy and confidence.
THEORETICAL ORIENTATION
Being existential/humanistic is my theoretical orientation. As such, I help clients focus on their authenticity and skill development within a respectful, empathic environment. My belief that people have tremendous potential enables me to be optimistic about their possibilities of becoming happy with their lives and I am very respectful of the role I play in their development.
EDUCATIONAL AND WORK BACKGROUND
I received my Doctorate in Counselor Education from Auburn University, my Master’s of Science in Community Counseling from the University of South Alabama and my Bachelor of Science in Human Development at the University of Alabama. While at Auburn University pursuing the doctorate, I received the national Graduate Student of the Year Award (Glen Hubele) from the American Counseling Association.
I published over two dozen research papers in professional peer-reviewed journals and contributed to a book, a book chapter, and encyclopedia entries on various topics of human relations training, human sexuality, and public health. Published work has appeared in professional journals such as the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Southern Medical Journal, The Journal of Counseling and Development, and The Family Journal. I have presented and contributed to more than 80 research presentations at international, national, and regional meetings.
My research and evaluation work associated with adolescent pregnancy prevention was supported by a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. My collaborative work with community groups to extend research to facilitate adolescent pregnancy prevention was chosen by the National Campaign to Prevent Teenage Pregnancy as a national case study to demonstrate the effectiveness of promoting science through university/agency collaboration.
I retired as Associate Professor in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of South Alabama. I held this appointment since 2007 and now teach counseling students part-time. I have 10 years experience in higher education administration. I joined the Department of Professional Studies in the College of Education as an Assistant Professor in 2001 and earned the rank of associate professor in 2007 with a joint appointment in the College of Education and the School of Continuing Education and Special Programs. Prior to the faculty position, I was Counselor at USA in Counseling and Testing Services. I have maintained a private practice since 1998.
In summary, I am licensed in Alabama with 20 + years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & intimacy related issues.
I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and this in itself is one of your personal strengths.
Note: I am licensed in the state of Alabama, United States. I am happy to receive clients from Alabama. I do not offer services to individuals from other states or countries. Ethically, professional counselors are mandated to protect our clients from harm and ensure they are receiving the most appropriate care. If there is a problem in another region, my ability to reach out to help would be severely restricted.
Additional areas of focus: Caregiver issues and stress, Codependency, Communication problems, Coping with natural or human-caused disaster, HIV / AIDS, Hospice and end-of-life counseling, Infidelity, Life purpose, Mood disorders, Narcissism, Post-traumatic stress, Self-love, Sexual dysfunction, Sexuality, Women's issues
Clinical approaches: Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Existential Therapy
AL LPC 1817
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Dr. Vaughn Millner. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
She is a direct, no bullshit, compassionate, good listening, very intelligent, and competent human.
Written on Dec 20, 2022 after therapy with Vaughn for 4 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, grief, parenting issues, and compassion fatigue
Dr. Millner was great to talk with. She was encouraging, and gave me an attainable game plan to get started with my therapy venture. I look forward to working with her more!
Written on Dec 19, 2022 after therapy with Vaughn for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, coping with life changes, and adhd
Dr. Millner is a patient listener. She helps me unpack my thoughts and provides concrete ways to reach my goals.
Written on Nov 30, 2022 after therapy with Vaughn for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, and grief
Dr. Millner has been very helpful in analyzing the events of my divorce and how they affect me and my children. She’s helped me to identify my wife’s mental illness and how to better recognize and respond to her provocation.
Written on Nov 02, 2022 after therapy with Vaughn for 3 months on issues concerning family conflicts, and coping with life changes
Dr. Miller is "All the right stuff"
Written on Sep 03, 2022 after therapy with Vaughn for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, sleeping disorders, and anger management
Dr. Miller listens to my concerns.
Written on Aug 28, 2022 after therapy with Vaughn for 1 month on issues concerning trauma and abuse, sleeping disorders, coaching, and adhd