Brittany Puckett Schumake, M.S. (Under Supervision)
Healing.
“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”
-Maya Angelou
Everyone has a story, and I am so proud of you for taking the first steps toward making a difference in your next chapter. It can be really difficult to reach out for help, and your decision to take care of yourself is a victory to be celebrated!
What happens Next?
Counseling is about healing, and healing happens within relationship. Because of this, our counseling relationship is very important to me. I believe that you as the client come into the counseling room with an expertise and knowledge of self that I can help you discover. In our sessions we will work together to uncover unhealthy belief systems and patterns that may be keeping you stuck.
As we get started we will begin exploring what has brought you to counseling. You will have the opportunity to explain what your goals for counseling are and what issues have been holding you back. We will make sure that you have full understanding of the privilege it is for me to be allowed into your story, and the privacy that comes with that. The process of counseling is not linear; sometimes it feels like you are moving quickly, and other times it feels like you are making progress more slowly. We will work together to celebrate victories big and small along the way.
Your specific needs are different than others’ needs so this process will be unique with each client.
My style
I work with clients using a holistic approach. It is important to me to address a client’s needs in all areas, including emotional, physical, and spiritual. A strong understanding of attachment helps me encourage clients to recognize where patterns relationship and behavior began so that we can begin making changes as we move forward.
What do I use to help you make the transformation happen?
In our sessions you will see elements of person-centered therapy, attachment-focused therapy, emotionally focused therapy, and narrative therapy as they fit for you. My passions for people include women’s issues, sexual issues, histories of abuse, divorce care, body image, issues surrounding mental load, new motherhood, and parenting.
Is the right time for therapy?
I personally believe that anyone can benefit from therapy, but the most appropriate time is when people are ready to be honest with themselves. Often people turn to therapy when the discomfort of staying the same begins to outweigh the discomfort of making a change. Whatever your story and wherever you sit on its pages, I consider it a privilege to join you in uncovering what comes next.
How did I get here?
In my own life I faced some issues that caused me tremendous hurt and fear. It was just more than I could carry on my own. I found counseling to be a lifeline during that time, and, when I began making my way out of that darkness, I felt that the best way to make meaning of what had happened to me was to extend that hope and care to others.
My Education
Masters of Science, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, University of West Alabama
Masters of Education, Northern Arizona University
Prepare/Enrich Trained
Certified Sex-Therapy Informed Professional
LPC-MHSP Temporary license #7070 (under supervision and completing full licensure requirements)
National Certified Counselor (NCC)
What do I do outside of therapy?
When I am not in therapy sessions, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I enjoy reading.
Next steps…
If you feel like you are ready to make a change, I would love to hear from you! No matter what is going on in your life, you are not without choice—today you can ask for help. If you would like to talk more, please reach out and we will connect soon!
