Are you ready to equip your team with the tools to manage stress and prevent burnout? Let Strive Counseling Services bring impactful strategies to your organization through our Stress Management and Burnout Prevention workshops. Mental Health Services Group Sessions & Corporate Training Are you ready to equip your team with the tools to manage stress and prevent burnout? Let Strive Counseling Services bring impactful strategies to your organization through our Stress Management and Burnout Prevention workshops. Contact us today for a personalized quote and discover how we can help your team thrive. Simply click the button below or reach out to us directly at [insert contact info]. Request a Quote Now Your team’s well-being starts here! Schedule your next session with one of our licensed Therapist Schedule An Appointment Book Online

< Back BBJ 2020 Women to Watch: Crystal Mullen-Johnson Birmingham Business Journal Dec 8, 2020 The BBJ named its 2020 Women to Watch, and Crystal Mullen-Johnson is one taking home the honor. Read The Original Article Here Previous Next

< Back Meet Crystal Mullen-Johnson of Strive Counseling Services Voyage Atlanta Inspiring Story Feature Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Mullen-Johnson. Crystal, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far. My decision to embark on my career as a social worker, was greatly influenced by my deceased mother’s career as a social worker, coupled with my father’s entrepreneurial spirit. Her death caused me to understand the importance of mental health, which was not addressed in my community during the time I was grieving. This final seal on my decision to study mental health was influenced by recognizing that it’s an important health issue to address, particularly in the Black community. African Americans don’t always consider speaking with a licensed professional who specializes in treating mental illness. Has it been a smooth road? Entrepreneurship has been a great experience. My business has been on a significant growth tract for three years. The most defining moment in my career was adapting during the Pandemic State of Emergency. I was challenged to implement a virtual behavioral health platform that, ironically, was a part of my business plan. I launched Strive’s virtual planform the following week after practicing and studying its functionality, performing test runs with friends acting in the role of “clients.” My ability to adapt to change seized an opportunity to expand my business beyond Birmingham, AL. Please tell us about Strive Counseling Services. Strive Counseling Services, L.L.C. is a mental health private practice located in downtown Birmingham, Alabama. We tailor our services to meet the unique needs of each client according to their presenting problems and mental health condition. The Mission of Strive is to provide quality mental health counseling to individuals and couples, focusing on empowering clients to achieve self-efficacy to build a foundation for a healthier life. I specialize in treating the following mental health conditions: Depressive Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Bipolar Disorders, Anger, Marital Conflict, Adjustment Disorders, Psychosocial Stress, Trauma Disorders, and/or ADHD. I also specialize in offering Play Therapy Services to children ages 3-12 years old. Play Therapy is an alternative means of self-expression and communication that’s effective for children. I am most proud of providing useful resources to the community about the importance of mental health awareness and wellness. I launched the Community Mental Health Awareness Initiative in 2019 in partnership with the City of Birmingham Mayor’s Office Division of Youth Services and formed a new partnership with Bradford Health Services in 2020. The initiative’s goals are to educate attendees about mental health conditions, provide free community resources, reduce mental health stigmas and debunk false information about mental health. Even in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, I have found ways to continue to further the initiative by creating a virtually platform user-friendly and accessible to all. Strive to expanded its platform to offer Telehealth services that serve clients beyond the reach of Jefferson County and surrounding counties. As an advocate of good physical health and devotee of personal wholeness, I co-host yoga sessions with a licensed yoga instructor to offer an alternative to therapeutic practice in coping with mental health issues. I pioneered a new approach towards personal wholeness and awareness with the emphasis upon developing harmony and balance of mind, body and soul. I have been recognized by the City of Birmingham as 1 of 200 Front Line Workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, honored by the Mayor’s Office during the 2020 #StrongHer Campaign as a game-changer for Birmingham in promoting Mental Health, a recipient of the Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce Small Business Award for 2020, and awarded for the Birmingham Business Journal’s 2020 Women to Watch annual listing. I have also been featured as an expert on local radio stations, webinars, podcast and the news outlets in both Birmingham, AL and in Charlotte, SC. Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least? I enjoy the feel of a large city because I grew up in Demopolis, AL, a quaint town. Birmingham is a beautiful city that has gems I enjoy and I’ve established a successful business in downtown Birmingham. Magic City has been great to me. Pricing: Counseling ranges from $100.00 to $140.00 per session (1hr.) Contact Info: Address: 2024 3rd Avenue North, Suite 312 Birmingham, AL 35203 Website: www.strivebhm.com Phone: 2057219893 Email: cmullenj@strivebhm.com Instagram: Strive_Counseling Facebook: Strive Counseling Services, L.L.C. Twitter: Strive_c Image Credit: Live Prep Nation Video LaPic Visuals Previous Next

< Back Strive Downtown Birmingham 115 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N 3rd fl, Birmingham, AL, USA Office Space $250/Hr Property Description Strive Counseling is a great location to host a business event, baby shower or networking event. We are located in the heart of downtown Birmingham. Our business is in walking distance to The Kelly Birmingham, Tapestry Collection by Hilton Birmingham, several restaurants, bars, and attractions. Alabama Theatre, Regions Field, Birmingham Museum of Art, and Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex are less than two miles away. We're also 15 minutes from the airport. Feel free to contact me with any questions Property Details Property Type Event Space or Co-working Space Size 3500 sqft Bathrooms 2 Contact Agent Crystal Mullen-Johnson 205-721-9893 cmullenj@strivebhm.com Floors 1 Year Built 2000 Property Location 115 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N 3rd fl, Birmingham, AL, USA

Strive's mission is to raise awareness of mental health in the Black Belt region, offer high-quality counseling services, dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health, and foster healing while actively contributing to the restoration of our community. About Us Strive Counseling Services,LLC. is a therapeutic private practice located in downtown Birmingham, Alabama. We tailor our services to meet the unique needs ... Learn More Our Services At Strive Mental Health Services, we provide individual and couple counseling services tailored to meet the unique needs of each client... Learn More Contact Us We understand the importance of community and connection in the journey towards mental wellness. That's why we offer support groups for individuals ... Learn More Our Mission Strive's mission is to raise awareness of mental health in the Black Belt region, offer high-quality counseling services, dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health, and foster healing while actively contributing to the restoration of our community. Core Values Compassionate, Nonjudgemental, Growth Mindset, Empathic, Authentic, Integrity and Culturally Competent. Why Choose Strive? We Accept Most Health Insurance Plans Our mental healthcare services are affordable and accessible. We accept most health insurance plans, so you can receive the care you need without worrying about the cost. Contact us to learn more about our insurance coverage options . View List of Accepted Insurance Providers Compassionate and Experienced Therapists At Strive Mental Health Services, our licensed therapists are passionate about helping individuals and couples improve their mental health and wellbeing. We have years of experience in the field and use evidence-based practices to provide effective and personalized counseling services for our clients. Our Specializations Our therapists specialize in various areas of mental health, including anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, relationship issues, and more. We are committed to staying up-to-date with the latest research and techniques to provide the best possible care for our clients. Schedule Your Appointment Today! Book Now Get Your Copy Today 21 Day Journey To Strive For A Healthier You Your mental well-being is the cornerstone of personal growth and development. This interactive self-help journal is a valuable tool that will help you develop healthy habits to improve your mental well-being and become a healthier you. Research tells us that frequent journaling can have a positive effect on mood. To get started on your journey towards growth, take the pre-test to explore your strengths and weakness in the areas of the topics outlined in the Journal. See the plan tracker to monitor your daily progress toward self-development for personal accountability. Journaling prompts will guide you as document your thoughts at each stage, and finally, take the post-test to identify your progress. Creating a healthy mindset promotes positive self-growth. Join the expert Crystal Mullen-Johnson on your journey of self-awareness and self-discovery to become a healthier you by learning healthy coping, developing self-confidence, nurturing healthier relationships, and improving your mental well-being. Get Your Copy Today! There are two kinds of worries-those you can do something about and those you can't. Don't spend any time on the latter. Duke Ellington Our Locations 115 W. Washington St. Unit B Demopolish, AL 36732 205-721-9893 cmullenj@strivebhm.com Business Hours Telehealth Only Mon - Thurs: 8am - 5pm In Office Fri: 8am - 5pm Saturday: Closed Sunday: Closed First Name Last Name Policy Holder Name Email Phone Insurance ID# Group# Effective Date Type of Insurance Provider Benefits Eligibility Phone# Upload Front of Insurance Card Upload File Upload supported file (Max 15MB) Upload Back of Insurance Card Upload File Upload supported file (Max 15MB) Send Thanks for submitting!

A credit card is required to reserve your session. 
Payment is due at the beginning of each session. We accept checks, cash, Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover and HSA. Rates Private Pay clients and out-of-network clients shall be in compliance with the No Surprise Act prior to services being provided. Compliance requires completion of consent and waiver forms and submission of a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) to the client. Please note this shall be done 72 hours prior to being seen by the provider. For additional information contact us, 205-721-9893. Rates & Packages Initial Intake Couple or Individual : 60 Minutes $150 Initial Intake Couple or Individual 90 Minutes $225 Individual Therapy: 50 Minutes $135 Individual Therapy: 90 Minutes $175 Marital and Family Therapy: 50 Minutes $150 Marital and Family Therapy: 90 Minutes $200 Substance Abuse Assessments: 60 Minutes $150 Requested letters, records or subpoenaed Paperwork: $100/hr FMLA requested paperwork $150 Cancellations must be received within 24 hours of scheduled appointment. The cancellation notification must be received during normal business hours, (Monday-Friday before 5:00 pm). If notification of cancellation is not received within the stated parameters, Strive will charge the card on file and assess a late cancellation / no-show fee. Late cancellation and/or no-show fees are assessed based on the cost of your session and strictly enforced. A credit card is required to reserve your session. 
Payment is due at the beginning of each session. We accept checks, cash, Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover and HSA. Psychiatric Services Initial Intake : 60 Minutes $275.00 Follow up visit 60 Minutes $175 Cancellations must be received within 24 hours of scheduled appointment. The cancellation notification must be received during normal business hours, (Monday-Friday before 5:00 pm). If notification of cancellation is not received within the stated parameters, Strive will charge the card on file and assess a late cancellation / no-show fee. Late cancellation and/or no-show fees are assessed based on the cost of your session and strictly enforced. Payments A credit card is required to reserve your session. 
Payment is due at the beginning of each session. We accept checks, cash, Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover and HSA. We accept the following Health Plans: Accepting BlueCross BlueShield of Alabama (EPS) Ulliance Ambetter of AL Blue Advantage Anthem Blue Choice Behavioral Health CuraLinc (EAP) Health Advocate (EAP) ALL Kids Magellen (EAP) MINES (EAP) American Behavioral (EAP) Behavioral Health Systems (EAP) United Health Care (UHC) TRICARE Cigna (EAP) TELUS Health (EAP) New Directions

Crystal Mullen-Johnson, the CEO/Founder of Strive Counseling Services in downtown Birmingham, AL, brings a wealth of expertise as an award-winning therapist with over 16 years of experience in mental health counseling. Meet The Team Crystal Mullen-Johnson, LICSW-S-PIP, RPT™ Founder and CEO | Therapist Crystal Mullen-Johnson, the CEO/Founder of Strive Counseling Services in downtown Birmingham, AL, brings a wealth of expertise as an award-winning therapist with over 16 years of experience in mental health counseling. She earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree and Master’s Degree in Social Work at Alabama A&M University, and holds distinguished titles as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Private Independent Practitioner, and Registered Play Therapist. She is the President and Founder of Nurture of Alabama, a nonprofit that provides mental health services to historically marginalized communities. Beyond her role at Strive, Crystal is deeply committed to several community service and professional affiliations. Her leadership extends to the community as the founder of a book club that empowers women to read, gain knowledge, and connect socially. She served on the board of the United Dreamers Foundation, provided mentoring services, scholarships, and benevolence to at-risk students, and contributed to the Birmingham Coalition for Student Mental Health. As a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and a former advisory council member of STREAM Innovation, Crystal consistently exemplifies a commitment to excellence. Furthermore, Crystal's contributions extend to publications and media, where she has been featured in reputable outlets such as Birmingham Times, Birmingham Business Journal, VoyageATL, and the National Association of Social Workers. Her insights have reached a broad audience through appearances on WBRC FOX6 News, CBS 42, WVTM, and various radio shows, including the Rickey Smiley Morning Show, 95.7 Jamz, 101.1 FM, and 107.7 FM. Crystal is also the author of "21 Day Journey to Strive for a Healthier You,” a notable accomplishment that stands as evidence of her dedication to comprehensive well-being and individual growth. In the realm of clinical development, Crystal specializes in critical areas such as Suicide Prevention in Youths and Young Adults, Grief Strategies for Children and Adolescents, Stress Management, Anxiety, Depression and more. Her dedication and impact in the mental health arena have earned Crystal numerous accolades, including the Proclamation for the City of Birmingham for Nurture of Alabama Mental Health Day, the 2020 Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce Small Business Award, BBJ 2020 Woman to Watch, and recognition from the City of Birmingham StrongHER campaign. She is also a proud recipient of the Magic City Match program award. Participant in the U.S. Small Business Administration T.H.R.I.V.E. program for Emerging Leaders 2024. Crystal is a graduate of Leadership Birmingham Class of 2026. She is a member of Kiawanis's of Vulcan Club in Birmingham, AL. A native of Demopolis, AL, Crystal finds joy in reading, golfing, exercising, traveling, and cherishing moments with family and friends in her leisure. Her passion for providing essential resources to the community and driving positive change underscores her profound impact on mental health awareness and wellness. Crystal is not only a dedicated professional but also a loving mother to her 17-year-old son, Ethan Johnson, and a cherished Labradoodle, Prince Johnson. Schedule A Session Schedule Online for Fast and Secure Service

< Back Meet Crystal Mullen-Johnson of Strive Counseling Services Voyage ATL Magazine Oct 15, 2020 Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Mullen-Johnson. Crystal, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far. My decision to embark on my career as a social worker, was greatly influenced by my deceased mother’s career as a social worker, coupled with my father’s entrepreneurial spirit. Her death caused me to understand the importance of mental health, which was not addressed in my community during the time I was grieving. This final seal on my decision to study mental health was influenced by recognizing that it’s an important health issue to address, particularly in the Black community. African Americans don’t always consider speaking with a licensed professional who specializes in treating mental illness. Has it been a smooth road? Entrepreneurship has been a great experience. My business has been on a significant growth tract for three years. The most defining moment in my career was adapting during the Pandemic State of Emergency. I was challenged to implement a virtual behavioral health platform that, ironically, was a part of my business plan. I launched Strive’s virtual planform the following week after practicing and studying its functionality, performing test runs with friends acting in the role of “clients.” My ability to adapt to change seized an opportunity to expand my business beyond Birmingham, AL. Please tell us about Strive Counseling Services. Strive Counseling Services, L.L.C. is a mental health private practice located in downtown Birmingham, Alabama. We tailor our services to meet the unique needs of each client according to their presenting problems and mental health condition. The Mission of Strive is to provide quality mental health counseling to individuals and couples, focusing on empowering clients to achieve self-efficacy to build a foundation for a healthier life. I specialize in treating the following mental health conditions: Depressive Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Bipolar Disorders, Anger, Marital Conflict, Adjustment Disorders, Psychosocial Stress, Trauma Disorders, and/or ADHD. I also specialize in offering Play Therapy Services to children ages 3-12 years old. Play Therapy is an alternative means of self-expression and communication that’s effective for children. I am most proud of providing useful resources to the community about the importance of mental health awareness and wellness. I launched the Community Mental Health Awareness Initiative in 2019 in partnership with the City of Birmingham Mayor’s Office Division of Youth Services and formed a new partnership with Bradford Health Services in 2020. The initiative’s goals are to educate attendees about mental health conditions, provide free community resources, reduce mental health stigmas and debunk false information about mental health. Even in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, I have found ways to continue to further the initiative by creating a virtually platform user-friendly and accessible to all. Strive to expanded its platform to offer Telehealth services that serve clients beyond the reach of Jefferson County and surrounding counties. As an advocate of good physical health and devotee of personal wholeness, I co-host yoga sessions with a licensed yoga instructor to offer an alternative to therapeutic practice in coping with mental health issues. I pioneered a new approach towards personal wholeness and awareness with the emphasis upon developing harmony and balance of mind, body and soul. I have been recognized by the City of Birmingham as 1 of 200 Front Line Workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, honored by the Mayor’s Office during the 2020 #StrongHer Campaign as a game-changer for Birmingham in promoting Mental Health, a recipient of the Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce Small Business Award for 2020, and awarded for the Birmingham Business Journal’s 2020 Women to Watch annual listing. I have also been featured as an expert on local radio stations, webinars, podcast and the news outlets in both Birmingham, AL and in Charlotte, SC. Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least? I enjoy the feel of a large city because I grew up in Demopolis, AL, a quaint town. Birmingham is a beautiful city that has gems I enjoy and I’ve established a successful business in downtown Birmingham. Magic City has been great to me. Pricing: Counseling ranges from $100.00 to $140.00 per session (1hr.) Contact Info: Address: 2024 3rd Avenue North, Suite 312 Birmingham, AL 35203 Website: www.strivebhm.com Phone: 2057219893 Email: cmullenj@strivebhm.com Instagram: Strive_Counseling Facebook: Strive Counseling Services, L.L.C. Twitter: Strive_c Read Original Article Here Previous Next

With a focus on serving adolescents and adults facing mental health challenges, Strive Counseling Services has become a trusted resource. Check out our FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions. FAQs Is counseling confidential? Yes. Strive Counseling Services, L.L.C. is HIPPA compliant. We will not disclose any information about you, without your written consent. There are some exceptions to this disclosure of confidentiality, which are detailed in our privacy and social media policies. What form of payments and insurance does Strive Counseling Services, L.L.C. accept? We currently accept Cash, Checks, American Express, Discover, Mastercard, HSA card and Visa. Accepting BlueCross Blue Shield (BCBS), Health Advocate, Anthem, New Directions, Magellan Behavioral Healthcare, Behavioral Health Systems, ALL Kids, MINE, TRICARE, Viva, Evernorth, Cigna, Cigna EAP, CuraLinc Healthcare, American Behavioral Coverage and self-pay. Strive Counseling will verify your coverage. Why should I seek counseling? Counseling is a safe environment, your vault to discuss problems you are experiencing. You can learn healthy coping skills, conflict resolution skills and practice cognitive strategies. There is a stigma associated with receiving mental health counseling. I am worried about seeking help. Stigma is one of the many factors that influence individuals from seeking mental health treatment. Counseling is devalued by groups and problems are minimized because of societal norms. You will receive objective counseling from a skilled Clinical Therapist. Counseling can serve as a self-discovery process to develop effective coping skills to manage specific life stresses. When to Seek Counseling Marital Conflict Job Stress Angry Poor Impulse Control Racing Thoughts Panic Attacks Anxious Thoughts Feeling Depressed Low Self-Esteem Play Therapy Suicidal

< Back The grief of losing a loved one and sibling to suicide Sym Posey | The Birmingham Times Dec 7, 2023 If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, reach out to the 24–hour National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255; contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741; or chat with someone online at suicidepreventionlifeline.org . The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours. To lose a sibling is painful, and the weight of grief can seem almost unbearable and be even more profound during the holidays, according to professionals. Rather than times of family togetherness, sharing, and thanksgiving, holidays can bring feelings of sadness, loss, and emptiness for those who have lost loved ones. Crystal Mullen-Johnson, CEO and founder of Birmingham-based Strive Counseling Services, knows firsthand what the holidays can be like for someone who has experienced the loss of a loved one. In June 2022, Mullen-Johnson lost her nephew, Edward Avery Mullen Jr., “EJ,” to suicide. EJ was a Pinson High School graduate with a full ride scholarship to Alabama State University. “For me, I understand grief,” said Mullen-Johnson. “After the catastrophic death of my nephew, my family stayed with me for about a month and a half. I took care of them. I gave them permission to grieve. It’s very important when we are supporting others that we allow them time and not force the grieving process.” “The holidays can be a challenging time for those that have lost those significant persons in their life,” she added. “Grief is a natural process that we should go through, but some have complications. They have complications because they are not aware that the emotions they are feeling are grieving emotions.” A wide range of factors can contribute to suicide risk . Experts recommend family members keep an eye out for warning signs, check in with children experiencing stress and seek out professional help if possible. ‘It has been hard’ Crystal’s niece and EJ’s younger sister, Alaina Mullen, remembers her brother as a “bright spirit.” “He loved doing art. It was his focus, and it is what he was going to study. Every time you were around my brother, you were happy or laughing,” recalled Mullen, 16, who is the youngest of three siblings; she has another older brother. This past year has been hard, Mullen said: “Therapy has helped me a lot with getting through [my] grief. At the point I am now, I am coping better, and I have accepted it into my life, but it has been hard.” Mullen and her family say they don’t have traditions but, they “talk about [EJ] and keep him in the conversation” as a way to honor and celebrate his life. “It gets better. It’s not going to be hard for the rest of your life. Find a hobby that you enjoy and that distracts you. … I pray, I journal, that what helps me,” she said, adding that she also finds strength in her family. “My family is supportive. They are a listening ear, although they are going through their own things. They show up for me in everything I do in school,” said Mullen. Mullen’s aunt, Mullen-Johnson, said that, even as a therapist, she has someone to speak with: “I have a therapist that I talk to process my thoughts and my emotions.” Mullen-Johnson’s downtown Birmingham private practice, Strive Counseling Services LLC, offers services that are tailored to meet the needs of each client according to their presenting problems and mental health condition. “There are a lot of myths associated with grief,” Mullen-Johnson said. “When someone experiences the death of a loved one, society expects that person to return to normal within two or three months, but that’s not how grief works. Acute grief can last an average of 18 months, with the most difficult part hitting around the six-month mark. “The holidays can be challenging because you must think about all the memories that those, we, or those persons formed with the one that they lost. Consider the daily interactions you have with your loved ones. When that person passes on, depending on the circumstances, it is a catastrophic event. … They are no longer a part of your life, so now you are stuck with that feeling of loneliness, guilt, even fear. “Not being able to share in those sentimental moments or rituals and spend the holidays with those you love can cause a roller coaster of emotions, such as emptiness, and that can [cause someone] to spiral into a depressed mood, she said. ‘No expiration date’ “Grief has no expiration date,” Mullen-Johnson continued. “It is a lifelong journey that you will carry with you for the rest of your life. No simple guidelines exist that will take away the hurt one may be feeling. Each individual grieves differently, and that can be based on the level of the relationship or the dynamic of the family.” Matthew Bunt, a licensed professional counselor-supervisor, is an outreach coordinator for The Amelia Center at Children’s Alabama , a grief counseling center that provides support for those dealing with the loss of a loved one. Bereaved siblings often describe feeling sad, lonely, and different from their peers, he said. The impact of the loss may be felt most by the brother or sister who shared the most significant amount of “life space” with the one who died. Siblings who shared a room, played, or spent their spare time together are likely to be most profoundly affected. Just like adults, many children who lose a sibling can experience intense feelings of guilt. When a brother or sister dies, they may recall all the fights and name-calling, seeing themselves in their memory as the “bad” child and the dead sibling as the good one. This can result in feeling that they are not good enough, Bunt said. At The Amelia Center, he said, “We work with families trying to decide as a unit, ‘How do you incorporate the person who died into the festivities?’ … [It helps to have] a plan, whether it’s lighting a candle or talking about their grief. Memories are one of the best legacies that exist after the death of someone loved, and holidays always make you think of times past. Instead of ignoring these memories, share them with your family and friends. … A lot of the time it’s the anxiety that the person is not going to be there that [can be] even worse than the actual day of the holiday.” Bunt explained that a child’s experience of losing a sibling depends partly on their understanding of death, which is associated with age and developmental level. Some grief reactions cut across all age groups and developmental levels, and children may show their grief in many ways. “For many families, there is a period of acute grief that can last 18 to 24 months after a significant death. During that period, grief counselors focus on helping clients handle a return to normalcy,” he said. “Maybe their sibling was their best friend, or they were always together, [but] that’s not always the case,” Bunt added. “Maybe they weren’t that close in age, they weren’t that close, or they didn’t have [shared] groups of friends. You kind of see both, so it’s hard to say if a sibling grieves more.” Opening its doors in 1997, The Amelia Center provides a place of hope for thousands of grieving children, parents, and families in the greater Birmingham region. Annually, The Amelia Center assists more than 1,100 individuals and 375 families in a caring, compassionate environment. To learn more about The Amelia Center, please visit their website . To learn more about Strive Counseling Services, LLC, please visit their website . Read Original Article Here Previous Next

Strive Counseling Services began as the vision of Crystal Mullen-Johnson, a dedicated professional driven by a deep passion for mental health and social work. Check out our upcoming events! The Month's Events August 2026 Today Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 6

Carliea’s clinical experience includes providing individual and group counseling, with specialized focus areas in addiction treatment, crisis intervention, mental health stabilization, and trauma-informed assessments and interventions. She has guided families in accessing essential community resources, supervised habilitation services, and consistently advocated for the needs of vulnerable populations. Meet The Team Carliea Barckley , MS, ALC Associate Licensed Therapist Carliea is an Associate Licensed Counselor (ALC) with a strong foundation in trauma-informed care, addiction recovery, and developmental disabilities. With more than seven years of experience in the human services field, she has supported children, adolescents, and adults in diverse therapeutic environments—including residential homes, inpatient and outpatient clinics, and community-based programs. Carliea earned her Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Services from Alabama State University and her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Grand Canyon University. Carliea’s clinical experience includes providing individual and group counseling, with specialized focus areas in addiction treatment, crisis intervention, mental health stabilization, and trauma-informed assessments and interventions. She has guided families in accessing essential community resources, supervised habilitation services, and consistently advocated for the needs of vulnerable populations. Carliea is passionate about serving individuals from all walks of life. Believing that healing is holistic, Carliea strives to create a therapeutic space grounded in empathy, respect, collaboration, and measurable progress. Her goal is to empower every client to move toward emotional wellness, resilience, meaningful change, and becoming a healthier version of themselves. Schedule A Session Schedule Online for Fast and Secure Service