Trauma and CPTSD Therapist

Dr. Haley Beech 

PhD MSW LMSW

About Dr. Beech

 

Neuro-Somatic Specialist | Perinatal & Neurodivergent Transitions

Foundations of My Practice 

I believe that intentionality is a radical act. In a world that demands we move faster and produce more, the most transformative thing we can do is slow down and listen. My practice is designed as a calm, dignified, and safer space where the goal isn’t to “optimize” your performance, but to help you move out of survival mode and into a deep, synchronized rhythm with your own nervous system.

The Researcher’s Lens & The Human Connection 

As a late-diagnosed neurodivergent therapist with a PhD in Social Work, I bring a researcher’s curiosity to the intricate ways our bodies store experience. My doctoral research focused on the intersection of maternal health and trauma; not just as data points, but as lived experiences that often manifest as chronic pain, physical overwhelm, and sensory burnout. I treat our sessions as a collaborative lab where we map your patterns and listen to the somatic wisdom that has been ignored while you were busy surviving.

Honoring the Body’s Wisdom 

Trauma and chronic stress are not just stories we tell; they are embedded in our physiology, often shaping our posture and our pain. My approach integrates Brainspotting and somatic techniques, not to “rush” through your discomfort, but to provide the clinical scaffolding necessary to process distressing events and persistent physical tension safely. I prioritize building a secure, mutual relationship before we delve into deep work, ensuring that your unique pace and physical safety are always the primary guides.

Specialized Advocacy & Lived Experience 

My clinical work is informed by my own journey as a mother, a birth trauma survivor, and a parent advocate for children with disabilities. I offer a judge-free space for professionals and parents navigating the “invisible weight” of:

  • Neurodivergent-Affirming Care: Strategies that align with your unique sensory and cognitive processing.
  • Perinatal & Medical Trauma: Processing the profound shifts of birth and maternal health.
  • Somatic Agency: Finding ease and empowerment within a body navigating chronic stress or pain.
  • LGBTQIA+ & Trans-Affirming Care: Centering your safety, authenticity, and inherent worth.
  • Compassionate Bereavement: Honoring the profound bond and grief of pet loss.

A Space for Dignity 

You aren’t “failing”; you are navigating a world that often ignores human rhythms and physical limits. Reaching out is an investment in your own autonomy. If you are ready for a deep, dignified understanding of your life and a space that respects your unique pace of healing, I invite you to connect.

Personal Rhythms & Life Outside the Office 

I am a Birmingham native and proud to call this community my home. I live in Pelham with my two children and our rescue poodle. Outside of my clinical work, I am constantly navigating the same “rhythms of life” I help my clients explore.

To regulate my own nervous system and find joy, I lean into:

  • The Slow Arts: Reading, writing poetry, and intentional gardening.
  • Exploration: Antiquing and finding beauty in the “already-loved.”
  • Nourishment: Cooking and sharing a glass of good wine with friends.

In my daily life, I balance the many roles that make me who I am: Social Worker, Feminist Writer, Educator, Researcher, Mother, Partner, and Friend. I bring all of these parts of myself to our work together, honoring the messy, beautiful complexity of being human.

Professional Credentials

  • PhD in Social Work, University of Alabama (2023)
  • Master of Social Work (MSW), University of Alabama (2013)
  • Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, Samford University (2009) 
  • Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), Alabama (2014-present)
  • Licensed Clinical Independent Social Worker Candidate (LICSW) (March 2027)

Dr. Haley Beech’s Specialties

  • Perinatal & Reproductive Health: Supporting the profound transitions of pregnancy, postpartum, and the journey into parenthood.
  • Medical Trauma & Chronic Health Concerns: Navigating the somatic impact of birth trauma, medical procedures, and persistent physical health challenges.
  • Neurodivergent-Affirming Care (ASD & ADHD): Providing a judge-free space for neurodivergent adults to explore their unique design and sensory needs.
  • Anxiety, Depression, & Somatic Overwhelm: Moving beyond “coping” and into a synchronized rhythm with your nervous system.
  • Helping Profession Burnout: Specialized support for therapists, medical professionals, and caregivers navigating secondary trauma and high-stakes exhaustion.
  • Parents of Children with Disabilities: Focused care for parents of children with Autism, ADHD, and chronic health needs, honoring the unique weight of advocacy and caregiving.
  • Women’s Issues & Perinatal Autonomy: Addressing cycle-breaking, identity shifts, and the reclamation of agency across the lifespan.
  • College Students & Emerging Adulthood: Navigating the significant transitions, academic pressures, and identity formation of young adulthood.
  • Therapy for Grief, Loss, & Pet Bereavement: A compassionate, trauma-informed care for honoring bonds and processing the somatic experience of loss.

Areas of Clinical Focus

  • Neurodivergent-Affirming Care: ASD Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD and ADD Therapy, OCD and Bipolar Disorder.
  • Medical & Chronic Health: Chronic Pain and Post Surgery Depression, Long COVID Somatic and Stress Support, and persistent physical tension.
  • Parenting & Advocacy: Late Diagnosed Parents and Parents of Children with Chronic Behavior and Medical Issues (including autism, ADHD, and anxiety support).
  • Perinatal & Women’s Issues: Birth trauma, perinatal autonomy, and women’s issues.
  • Nervous System Regulation: Anxiety, Depression, Mood Disorders, and Eating Disorder Recovery Support.
  • Transitions & Loss: Therapy for Grief and Loss, and Academic and School Problems and Performance.

Haley’s Clinical Approaches

  • Brainspotting: A neuro-biological tool using the visual field to process and release deep-seated emotional and physical trauma similar to EMDR.
  • Trauma-Focused Somatic Techniques: Focused interventions to regulate the nervous system and resolve persistent physical tension.
  • Trauma-Informed Care: A foundation of safety, transparency, and collaborative choice in every session.
  • Strengths-Based Perspective: Identifying and leveraging your inherent resilience to move beyond survival.
  • Person-in-Environment: A PhD-level holistic lens exploring how your community and systems impact your individual health.
  • Mindfulness-Based: Grounding practices to build presence and disrupt the “on fire” survival loop.
  • Artistic Expression: Creative modalities to process experiences that transcend traditional language.

Clinical Foundation & Research 

My publications in maternal health, systemic coercion, and trauma-informed care provide a rigorous academic foundation for our work, ensuring your treatment is backed by the latest research in autonomy, resilience, and nervous system regulation. 

Google Scholar Profile: Full Research Portfolio

  • Sutton A., Beech H. H., Ozturk B., Nelson-Gardell D. (2021). Preparing mental health professionals to work with survivors of intimate partner violence: A comprehensive systematic review of the literature. Journal of Women and Social Work, 36(3), 426–440. 

  • Beech, H. H., Sutton, A., & Cheatham, L. (2021). Parenting, privilege, and pandemic: From surviving to thriving as a mother in the academy. Qualitative Social Work, 20(1-2), 625–631.

  • Sutton, A., Beech, H., & Nelson-Gardell, D. (2020, July 30). Intimate partner violence and reproductive coercion. Encyclopedia of Social Work

  • Beech, H. H. (2021). Feminist Poetry. Reflections: Narratives of Professional Helping, 27(2), 44–45. 

The Value of Specialized Care

My specialized rate allows me to maintain a sustainable practice where I can provide high-level, doctoral care to every client while reserving space for a sliding scale to ensure therapeutic equity. By valuing my expertise at this level, I am able to offer both dedicated, private attention and accessible options for the community.

Rate: $200 per session

This rate supports a slower, more intentional model of therapy focused on quality over quantity. Choosing this specialized path provides:

  • Clinical Depth: PhD-level expertise and advanced neuro-somatic interventions like Brainspotting and somatic techniques.
  • Enhanced Privacy: Greater autonomy and confidentiality by remaining independent of insurance oversight.
  • Dedicated Presence: A smaller, focused caseload that ensures I can bring my full energy and specialized attention to every session.
  • Sustainability & Equity: This fee structure supports a balanced practice where I can maintain a high standard of care for all clients, including limited Sliding Scale options. 
  • Please Note: My sliding scale currently has a waitlist. Please let our admin staff know if you would like to be added.

Payment & Logistics

  • Payment: All major Credit Cards, Debit, and HSA/FSA cards.

  • Insurance: I am an “Out-of-Network” provider. I provide monthly Superbills for you to submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement.

Current Availability

  • Accepting New Clients!
  • Tuesday – Thursday: In-person and Virtual appointments
  • Friday: Virtual appointments only (Mornings)

Ready to Begin?

Schedule a 15-minute phone consultation to see if we are a good fit.

 Dr. Beech’s Academic Publications

Publications

Dr. Beech’s Publications on Google Scholar

Parenting, Pandemic, and Crisis

Systemic Reproduction Coercion

Haley’s Specialties

Medical Trauma
Anxiety & Depression

Haley’s Approaches:

Trauma-Informed Care
Strengths-Based Perspective
Person-in-Environment
Mind-Body-Centric Therapy

Schedule Your Teletherapy Session Today Take the first step toward emotional healing and self-discovery.

Contact Haley at [email protected] to begin your journey, no matter where you’re located in Alabama.

Issues that Dr. Haley Beech Works With:

ASD Autism Spectrum Disorder

ADHD and ADD Therapy

Academic and School Problems and Performance

Parents of Children with Chronic Behavior and Medical Issues

Chronic Pain and Post Surgery Depression

Therapy for Grief and Loss

Long COVID Somatic and Stress Support

Eating Disorder Recovery Support

Women’s Issues

Anxiety

Depression and Mood Disorders

OCD and Bipolar Disorder

AL Social Work License Number: 4079-G 

Practicing under the Supervision of Joel Blackstock MSW LMSW-S PIP 

Dr. Haley Beech’s NPI#:1215872700

Alabama Perinatal & Family Support Resources

A verified directory of local and statewide organizations dedicated to supporting families through pregnancy, postpartum, and early childhood in Alabama.

Pregnancy and Postpartum Support

Postpartum Support International – Alabama Chapter

Offers online support groups for pregnant and postpartum women across the state. Call or text the 24/7 helpline.

Helpline: 1-800-944-4773 (English) | Text en Español: 971-203-7773

BirthWell Partners

Provides community-based pregnancy and postpartum support through free and reduced-cost doula services in the Birmingham area.

Mental Health Resources

UAB Women and Infants Center

Offers comprehensive women’s health services including mental health screenings and treatment for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.

Address: 1700 6th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233 | Phone: 205-934-3411

OASIS Counseling for Women and Children

Provides affordable, income-based counseling services for women and families in the Birmingham area.

Jefferson County Health Department

Provides mental health assessments and referrals for perinatal women and families.

Main Office: 205-933-9110

Central Alabama Wellness

A community mental health center providing a wide array of mental health and substance use disorder services.

Community & Home Visiting Programs

Alabama Healthy Start (Gift of Life Foundation)

Offers case management, home visiting, and support services for pregnant women and new mothers in underserved communities.

Nurse-Family Partnership Alabama

Pairs first-time moms with registered nurses for home visits from pregnancy through the child’s second birthday. Contact your local health department for enrollment.

Grace Klein Community

Offers support services for families including food rescue, diaper distribution, and meal assistance programs.

Address: 2652 Old Rocky Ridge Road, Birmingham, AL 35216

Bundles of Hope Diaper Bank

Provides diapers and baby essentials to families in need across 47 counties in Alabama.

Address: 1430 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd, Birmingham, AL

HIPPY (Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters) Alabama

Offers weekly home visits and group meetings to support parents as their child’s first teacher.

Breastfeeding & Parenting Support

Alabama Breastfeeding Committee

The state breastfeeding coalition that works to promote, protect, and support breastfeeding across Alabama.

Baby Café USA – Alabama Locations

Hosts free, drop-in breastfeeding support groups staffed by certified counselors in various locations, including Birmingham.

The Parenting Assistance Line (PAL)

A free, statewide service from the University of Alabama offering phone consultations and resources for parents and caregivers.

Phone: 1-866-962-3030

Alabama Family Resource Centers

Offer parenting classes, support groups, and resource referrals at multiple locations in the Birmingham area.

Alabama Cooperative Extension System

Provides online and in-person parenting education programs across the state.

Specialized Family Resources

Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Provides a 24/7 hotline, safety planning, and referrals to local shelters and services for survivors of intimate partner violence.

24/7 Hotline: 1-800-650-6522

One Place Metro Alabama Family Justice Center

Provides comprehensive services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Birmingham.

Address: 3613 6th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35222

Alabama Fatherhood Initiative

Programs that support father involvement, education, and healthy co-parenting across the state, often supported by the Children’s Trust Fund.

Plan First Alabama

Helps eligible women access family planning and preventive health services through the Alabama Department of Public Health.

Learn more about our therapist specializing in perinatal mental health: Haley Beech – Perinatal Therapy for Women and Mothers

Specialized Counseling for Hoover & Greater Birmingham

We don't believe in a "one-size-fits-all" approach. Our therapists are trained in multiple modalities to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses your unique needs. Our core areas of focus include:

Trauma & PTSD Therapy

Heal from the past with proven, brain-based therapies. We specialize in effective treatments for complex and developmental trauma.

Learn More

Anxiety & Panic Attack Treatment

Regain control from constant worry, social anxiety, or panic. We help you calm your nervous system and find your center.

Learn More

Depression Counseling

Move beyond just "managing" symptoms. We use depth-based approaches to help you find joy and meaning in your life again.

Learn More

Therapy for Children & Teens

Compassionate support for children, teens, and families navigating behavioral issues, school stress, and emotional challenges.

Learn More

ADHD & ASD Support

Therapy for neurodivergent clients focused on executive functioning, managing sensory overload, and preventing burnout.

Learn More

Physician & Professional Burnout

Confidential counseling for high-performance individuals, executives, and medical professionals facing career stress and burnout.

Learn More

Grief, Loss & Life Transitions

We provide a safe, non-judgmental space to explore complex feelings. Our depth-oriented approach helps you integrate powerful emotions, not just control them.

Find Support for Grief

Chronic Pain & Mind-Body Healing

An injury or surgery is a traumatic event for the nervous system. We use somatic therapies to help your nervous system release stored trauma and break the pain cycle.

Learn About Mind-Body Work

LGBTQIA+ Affirming Care

We provide a safe, knowledgeable, and affirming space for LGBTQIA+ individuals and couples to explore identity, relationships, and mental health without fear of judgment.

Learn About Affirming Care

Advanced, Evidence-Based Treatments

We specialize in offering a wide variety of the fastest, most effective treatments for trauma, anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Our therapists are trained in multiple modalities, including advanced, brain-based therapies, to create a personalized plan for you. All of our therapists are trained in Brainspotting, a fast and effective treatment for trauma.

Brainspotting

A powerful, focused treatment that works by identifying, processing, and releasing core neurophysiological sources of emotional and body pain, trauma, and anxiety. Learn more...

EMDR

A highly effective, evidence-based therapy for PTSD. EMDR helps your brain reprocess traumatic memories, reducing their emotional charge and allowing you to move forward. Learn more...

Somatic & Depth Psychology

We integrate body-based therapies like Somatic Experiencing with depth approaches like Jungian Therapy to get to the root of your symptoms, not just manage them. Learn more...

QEEG Brain Mapping

We move beyond subjective guesswork. Our clinic uses objective diagnostics like QEEG Brain Mapping to get a precise, scientific picture of your unique brain function for targeted treatment.

Learn About QEEG

Holistic Wellness & Nutrition

We focus on nervous system regulation and complement your health with Meditation training and nutritional support with Hardy Micronutrients.

Explore Holistic Options

When CBT & DBT Aren't Enough

Cognitive (CBT) and Dialectical (DBT) therapies are excellent, skills-based tools. For deep-rooted trauma, we use modalities like Internal Family Systems (IFS) that go deeper to heal the underlying wound.

Our Advanced Modalities

“Neuroscience research shows that the only way we can change the way we feel is by becoming aware of our inner experience and learning to befriend what is going inside ourselves.”

― Bessel A. van der Kolk,
The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma

“Beneath the surface of the protective parts of trauma survivors there exists an undamaged essence, a Self that is confident, curious, and calm, a Self that has been sheltered from destruction by the various protectors that have emerged in their efforts to ensure survival. Once those protectors trust that it is safe to separate, the Self will spontaneously emerge, and the parts can be enlisted in the healing process.”

― Bessel A. van der Kolk,
The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma

“Trauma is not what happens to us, but what we hold inside in the absence of an empathetic witness.”

― Peter Levine