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Therapist gestures during a session, with client wearing glasses and green sweater.

EMDR & Trauma Therapy in Birmingham, AL

Alexander & Associates Counseling Services takes a holistic approach when it comes to helping our clients. We are always thinking about the whole person and their circumstances and mobilizing all resources that could be of assistance and support. We help regular people going through difficult times. If you’ve experienced a traumatic event—or a series of difficult experiences—you are not “too much,” and you don’t have to carry it alone. Trauma affects body, mind, relationships, work, and spirituality; our job is to create a steady, skillful path forward.

What EMDR is—and how it helps

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured, evidence-based therapy that helps your brain reprocess stuck memories, so they feel less intrusive. With bilateral stimulation (eye movements or gentle tapping) and careful preparation, EMDR reduces the intensity of distressing images, beliefs, and sensations. Many clients notice fewer nightmares, less reactivity, and more room to live the life they want.

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Who we support

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  • Adults and teens impacted by single-incident or complex trauma

  • Survivors of crime, accidents, medical events, or natural disasters

  • Veterans and first responders

  • Medical/legal professionals with secondary or chronic stress exposure

  • People navigating traumatic grief or spiritual injury

  • Individuals whose anxiety or depression is rooted in past experiences

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Your first sessions

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We begin with stabilization and resourcing—practical skills to help you feel safer in your body and in daily life. Once you have tools that work, we’ll discuss whether and when to start EMDR reprocessing. You set the pace. We check in frequently and adjust to your needs.

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In-person Birmingham & telehealth statewide

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Meet in our Birmingham/Mountain Brook office or via secure telehealth anywhere in Alabama. Telehealth EMDR can be effective for many clients and may reduce barriers like travel, schedules, or caregiving.

 

Meet your EMDR clinician (openings available)

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  • Charles “Woody” Howard, LPC — EMDR-trained; treats trauma, OCD/anxiety, depression; also supports medical/legal professionals. (Currently taking new patients; Ages 8+).

  • Bethany Morse LPC- EMDR- trained, treats trauma, acute stress disorder, complex grief, ; ADHD, depression, anxiety, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT),  will start taking new client in Jan 2026, (ages 16+)

 

When trauma overlaps with anxiety, depression, or family stress, we can also match you with clinicians who focus on those concerns:

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  • Angela Underwood, LPC — Anxiety, depression, support for caregivers, trauma, parenting issues, self-esteem, spirituality. (18+; currently taking new patients.)

  • Ashley Loeb, LPC — Anxiety, depression, self-esteem, ADHD/ODD, parenting & mood disorders, women’s issues. (Ages 5+; currently taking new patients.)

  • Truli Strickland  ages 5+

 

Whole-person care

Beyond EMDR, we consider sleep, routines, movement, nutrition, community, and—if you choose—faith and spirituality. You’ll leave with grounded, doable practices you can use between sessions.

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Getting started

A compassionate conversation is the first step. Request a free 15-minute consultation or book online—we’ll help you decide whether EMDR, skills-based therapy, or a blended plan fits best.

FAQs: EMDR & Trauma Therapy in Birmingham, AL

Q: Do you offer EMDR near Mountain Brook, Homewood, or Vestavia Hills?
Yes. Our Birmingham/Mountain Brook location is convenient to Homewood, Vestavia Hills, Hoover, and surrounding neighborhoods, and we offer telehealth across Alabama.

 

Q: Is online EMDR effective in Alabama?
For many clients, yes. We adapt EMDR for secure videos, with the same preparation and pacing as in-person care.

 

Q: How long does EMDR take?
It varies by history and goals. Single-incident trauma may be resolved in fewer sessions; complex trauma often requires a longer course. We’ll outline a plan and revisit it together.

 

Q: I’m not sure I’m ready for EMDR—can I start with talk therapy?
Absolutely. Many clients begin with skills-based treatment for anxiety or depression with Angela, Truli, or Ashley and add EMDR later if helpful.

 

Q: Are you accepting new EMDR clients in Birmingham?
Yes—Woody currently has openings. Bethany will be accepting new clients after the first of the year.

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