Taproot Therapy Collective is a premiere provider of therapy in the Birmingham, AL area, specializing in the treatment of severe and complex trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Our practice is built on providing advanced, evidence-based modalities that heal the mind, body, and soul. Our specializations include EMDR, Brainspotting, somatic therapies, Jungian therapy, QEEG brain mapping, and neurostimulation.
Our team consists of highly skilled, compassionate therapists who hold advanced licensure and certifications in diverse, cutting-edge therapeutic approaches. You can read their individual profiles on our Our Therapists page. Our clinicians include:
We provide specialized, compassionate care for a wide range of life's challenges. Our services include: Trauma & PTSD Therapy, Anxiety & Panic Disorders, Depression Treatment, Eating Disorder Treatment, ADHD & ADD Therapy, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Support, Physician & Professional Burnout, Men's & Women's Issues, Grief & Loss Counseling, Couples Therapy & Marriage Counseling, Therapy for Children & Teens, Chronic Pain & Mind-Body Healing, and LGBTQIA+ Affirming Care.
Yes, we offer teletherapy services. Please note that due to state licensing laws, our clinicians are licensed to provide therapy services within the state of Alabama only.
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These titles represent different types of training, licensure, and scope of practice. In short:
- Psychiatrists (MD) are medical doctors who can diagnose, provide therapy, and are licensed to prescribe medication.
- Psychologists (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) are doctors of psychology who specialize in psychological testing, assessment, diagnosis, and psychotherapy.
- Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners (PMHNP) are advanced practice nurses with a master's or doctoral degree who can diagnose, provide therapy, and (in most states) prescribe medication.
- LICSW, LPC, and MFT are master's-level clinicians who are licensed to diagnose and provide psychotherapy (talk therapy). They do not prescribe medication.
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD or DO) who specializes in mental health. According to the American Psychiatric Association, they are physicians who specialize in the "diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and study of mental, behavioral, and personality disorders". Because of their medical training, they are licensed to assess both the mental and physical aspects of psychological conditions and are one of the primary mental health professions able to prescribe medications.
A clinical psychologist, as defined by the American Psychological Association (APA), is a professional with a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in psychology. This specialty provides "continuing and comprehensive mental and behavioral health care for individuals, couples, families, and groups". Their role focuses on assessment (including psychological testing), diagnosis, and providing psychotherapy (talk therapy) to treat mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders.
A Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) with a master's or doctoral degree in psychiatric-mental health nursing. As defined by the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA), their advanced scope of practice includes the ability to conduct comprehensive assessments, diagnose mental health conditions, and provide a full range of treatments, including both psychotherapy and prescribing medication.
A Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) is an advanced-level, master's-degreed mental health professional. The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) defines clinical social work as the "professional application of social work theory and methods to the treatment and prevention of psychosocial dysfunction... including the diagnosis and treatment" of mental health conditions.
In Alabama, this license is governed by the Alabama State Board of Social Work Examiners. An LICSW must have a Master's degree in Social Work, complete 3,000 work hours of postgraduate, supervised clinical experience, and pass an advanced national exam. The LICSW scope of practice in Alabama explicitly includes providing "individual, marital, couple, family and group Counseling and Psychotherapy".
Several of our therapists, including Marie Danner, LICSW-S, Joel Blackstock, LICSW-S, Kristi Wood, MSW, LICSW, and James Waites, LICSW, MSW, hold this advanced licensure.
A Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) is a master's-level mental health service provider. The American Counseling Association (ACA) defines counseling as a "professional relationship that empowers diverse individuals, families, and groups to accomplish mental health, wellness, education, and career goals".
In Alabama, LPCs are licensed by the Alabama Board of Examiners in Counseling (ABEC). Their scope of practice includes the "private practice of counseling" and allows them to "diagnose and develop treatment plans" for "mental, behavioral and emotional problems and disorders". LPCs are explicitly prohibited from administering or prescribing drugs.
Our LPCs on staff include Alice Hawley, LPC and Becky Milstead, LPC.
Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) are mental health professionals with a graduate degree and at least two years of clinical experience. According to the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), MFTs are "licensed to diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders" but do so "within the context of marriage, couples and family systems". They are recognized as one of the "core" mental health professions.
EMDR is an "evidence-based psychotherapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)" , as recognized by the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA). The American Psychological Association (APA) describes it as a "structured therapy that encourages the patient to briefly focus on the trauma memory while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements)".
This process is "associated with a reduction in the vividness and emotion" of the trauma memory. EMDR therapy is designed to "resolve unprocessed traumatic memories in the brain" and is suggested by the APA's clinical practice guidelines for PTSD.
At Taproot, our complex trauma therapists, including Joel Blackstock, LICSW-S and Pamela Hayes, LMSW, are trained in EMDR to help clients heal from disturbing life experiences.
Brainspotting is a "powerful, focused treatment method" developed by David Grand, Ph.D.. According to Brainspotting.com, it "works by identifying, processing and releasing core neurophysiological sources of emotional/body pain, trauma, [and] dissociation". A "Brainspot" is a specific eye position that correlates with the source of the problem in the deep brain.
This modality "works with the deep brain and the body through its direct access to the autonomic and limbic systems". Our clinicians, including Lead Clinician Marie Danner, LICSW-S and Joel Blackstock, LICSW-S, use Brainspotting to neurobiologically locate and release experiences that are "out of reach of the conscious mind".
Somatic Experiencing (SE™) is a "body-oriented therapeutic model" and the "life's work of Dr. Peter A. Levine". According to the official Somatic Experiencing International, the goal of SE is to resolve symptoms of trauma and stress that are "stuck" in the body's nervous system, often in patterns of fight, flight, or freeze.
It provides clinical tools to help clients "release, recover, and become more resilient" by gently resolving these fixated physiological states. Pamela Hayes, LMSW, is trained in Somatic Experiencing and uses this "body-centered approach" to help clients "release trapped traumatic energy and restore a sense of safety".
Lifespan Integration (LI) is a "gentle yet powerful" therapeutic approach developed by Peggy Pace. As described by LifespanIntegration.com, LI "works on a neurobiological level to promote neural integration". It is grounded in attachment theory and neuroscience.
During a session, the therapist helps the client create a "chronological timeline" of significant life events, which is revisited through visualization. This process "proves to the client's body-mind system that time has passed" , allowing the "child self" within to heal and integrating past experiences "without re-traumatizing". Our clinicians, including Marie Danner, LICSW-S and Pamela Hayes, LMSW, are trained in Lifespan Integration.
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is an "evidence-based modality" developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz. The IFS Institute describes this model as viewing the mind as "subdivided into an indeterminate number of subpersonalities or parts". These parts (often categorized as Managers, Firefighters, and Exiles) are not "bad" ; they took on roles to protect the person.
IFS holds that everyone also has a core "Self," which is characterized by "confidence, calm, compassion, courage, creativity, clarity, curiosity, and connectedness". The goal of therapy is to "achieve balance and harmony" by helping the Self become an effective leader of the internal system. Our 'parts-based' therapists, including Joel Blackstock, LICSW-S and Pamela Hayes, LMSW, utilize IFS principles to help clients understand and heal their internal systems.
Quantitative Electroencephalogram (QEEG), or "brain mapping," is an advanced diagnostic tool that "measures electrical activity in the form of brain wave patterns". It analyzes "Coherence," which measures "how well the different areas of the brain are communicating with each other".
This brain mapping technique allows clinicians to "pinpoint potential imbalances associated with conditions such as depression, anxiety, ADHD," and trauma. As premiere providers of 'neurostimulation' , Taproot uses QEEG brain mapping to move beyond guesswork and create a "truly personalized approach to treating" mental health on a neurobiological level.
Jungian Therapy, also known as Depth Psychology, is based on the work of Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung. This approach explores how the "collective unconscious"—a "mythic structure" shared by all humans—provides the foundation of consciousness.
This unconscious expresses itself through "archetypes," which are universal symbols and themes (like the Shadow, the Anima/Animus, the Hero, and the Self) that appear in our "myths, stories, art, and dreams". Joel Blackstock, LICSW-S, integrates Jungian therapy into his practice to help clients on a "journey of self-discovery and transformation" by understanding these deeper patterns of the psyche.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based psychotherapy developed by Marsha Linehan, Ph.D.. It is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) adapted for people who "experience emotions very intensely".
The term "dialectical" refers to its core strategy: "balancing acceptance of the person exactly as s/he is... with intense efforts to change". The goal of DBT is to help individuals learn new skills to manage emotions and build a "life worth living". Our therapists, including Marie Danner, LICSW-S, are trained in DBT.
Micronutrition Therapy is an "evidence-based alternative treatment" for mood and mental health, grounded in the understanding that the "brain and body need optimal nutrition to function correctly". This approach uses "broad-spectrum micronutrients (BSMs)".
Formulations from pioneers like Hardy Nutritionals are backed by over 40 independent medical journal publications for safety and effectiveness, including double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trials. Research has shown these formulations can be effective for "mood, focus, behavior, stress, and cognitive functioning". We integrate 'Micronutrition Therapy' as part of our holistic approach to mental wellness.
Trauma is a response to a deeply distressing or life-threatening event. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) defines a trauma-informed approach as one that "realizes the widespread impact of trauma... and seeks to actively resist re-traumatization". Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a specific disorder that can develop after experiencing trauma.
Taproot Therapy Collective is a premiere provider of therapy for "severe and complex trauma". Our experience is that for many, traditional "talk therapy" is not enough because trauma is "stuck" in the nervous system. We use "proven, brain-based therapies" like EMDR , Brainspotting , and Somatic Experiencing to heal trauma at the "neurophysiological source" in the mind and body.
Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions that cause "fear, dread, and other symptoms that are out of proportion to the situation". The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) notes that these disorders "can interfere with daily activities such as job performance, school work, and relationships".
While Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a "gold standard" treatment , our practice for "Anxiety & Panic Attack Treatment" also explores the "mind-body" connection and how unresolved trauma may be contributing to your anxiety. We help you "regain control from constant worry".
Depression (also called major depressive disorder) is a "clinical" mood disorder. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) defines it as a period of "at least two weeks" where a person experiences a "depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities," along with other specified symptoms.
Our goal for "Depression Counseling" is to "move beyond just 'managing' symptoms". We utilize "evidence-based therapies" like CBT, but also integrate advanced modalities like QEEG Brain Mapping and neurostimulation to identify and treat potential underlying biological factors.
Grief is a "natural response to the loss of someone close". The American Psychological Association (APA) notes that human beings are "naturally resilient". However, for some, the intense symptoms of grief persist and interfere with daily life.
Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) is a specific diagnosis, recognized by the American Psychiatric Association, for "intense and persistent grief" that "interferes with normal functioning". For adults, this diagnosis is considered when the loss occurred "at least a year ago".
We provide "Grief & Loss Counseling" to help you "process and come to terms with loss". If you feel "stuck" or overwhelmed by your feelings, our therapists can provide specialized support.
ADHD is one of the "most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood". The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that symptoms "often last into adulthood".
We provide "ADHD & ADD Therapy" for both children and adults. For preschool-aged children (4-5), the CDC recommends "behavior therapy, particularly training for parents, as the first line of treatment" , which we support. For adults, treatment can include psychotherapy and advanced tools like QEEG brain mapping to create personalized and effective treatment plans.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a "neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave". The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) calls it a "spectrum" disorder because people with ASD have a "range of characteristics, needs, strengths, and challenges".
Diagnosing ASD in adults is "often more difficult" as symptoms can overlap with other conditions. We offer "Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Support". Our experienced clinicians can help adults navigate the diagnostic process and provide affirming, strengths-based support to address life challenges and co-occurring conditions like anxiety.
The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies Burnout in its International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) not as a medical condition, but as an "occupational phenomenon". It is defined as a "syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed".
Burnout is characterized by three dimensions: 1) "feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion;" 2) "increased mental distance from one's job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism;" and 3) "reduced professional efficacy".
We provide specialized support for "Physician & MD Burnout" and "Professional Burnout". We help high-performing professionals manage this "mismatch between the workload and the resources" and restore a sense of meaning and efficacy.