< Back Birmingham Business Journal's Women to Watch 2020 Previous Next

Strive is committed to serving our clients. We offer Telehealth services.   Strive uses the easiest Telehealth HIPPA Compliant Video Conferencing. Contact Strive to schedule your session.​  Inquire about your Behavioral Health Coverage, Out of Pocket cost, and Health Savings Account (HSA) Payment Options. We will need to verify if your insurance covers Telehealth. Mental Health Services Telehealth Strive is committed to serving our clients. We offer Telehealth services. Strive uses the easiest Telehealth HIPPA Compliant Video Conferencing. Contact Strive to schedule your session. Inquire about your Behavioral Health Coverage, Out of Pocket cost, and Health Savings Account (HSA) Payment Options. We will need to verify if your insurance covers Telehealth. Schedule your next session with one of our licensed Therapist Schedule An Appointment

< Back Mullen-Johnson: Overworked and exhausted? Here’s how to prevent burnout By Crystal Mullen-Johnson Somewhere there is a person who is overworked, exhausted, unmotivated, pessimistic, feeling helpless, and struggling to get out of the bed each day. Their coworkers are preparing for a presentation, and they do not have the energy or motivation to contribute task assigned by their boss. Does this person sound familiar? This individual has classic signs and symptoms of burnout. Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It occurs when you feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and unable to meet constant demands. Are you guilty of overworking, meeting the needs of others and neglecting self-care needs? Am I preaching to the choir? In a 1974 article, Psychologist Herbert Freudenberger described burnout as the state of becoming exhausted by making excessive demands on energy, strength, or resources in the workplace. However, burnout can apply to anyone experiencing chronic workplace stress. It’s important to recognize if you are experiencing chronic stress, in the workplace or at home, to avoid burnout and its symptoms. Chronic stress causes mental and physical health problems. You may feel tired, experience headaches, and find it difficult to cope. It is essential to recognize factors in your life that are causing stress, to effectively manage it. Some companies support their employees’ efforts to manage stress by offering Employee Assistant Programs (EAPs). EAPs assist employees with mental health challenges address their mental well-being. Check with your company to determine if you have EAP benefits. How To Avoid Burnout In order to avoid burnout, examine your work commitments. Maintain a realistic schedule to complete tasks and manage personal responsibilities. Seek support from your co-workers/boss if you have work assignments you need help completing. Have a conversation with your boss about your schedule and request deadline extensions. Allow yourself time to decompress at the end of your workday. Establish healthy eating habits and eat balanced meals daily. Get adequate sleep each night. Set healthy boundaries with family, co-workers, and friends. Don’t overextend yourself to seek approval from others. Remote workers are guilty of working longer hours, especially if they do not have good time management skills or a healthy work life balance. If you work remotely, allow yourself time to do work related task as if you were working in the office. Make sure you take a lunch break each day. Save the laundry for when you are off work. Consider getting dressed for work in comfortable clothing. Do not juggle too many tasks. Be patient and realistic with the things you want to accomplish on a daily basis. Mentally Healthy Parents It is important for parents to take care of themselves so they can attend to the mental health needs of their kid(s). As kids transition to school it is imperative parents are emotionally and physically present in their kids’ lives. Remember, an empty cup cannot pour out anything. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) a national mental health crisis was declared in 2021 by pediatricians, children’s hospitals and child psychiatrists. Create realistic schedules for your kids. If your child experienced a trauma or mental health crisis, see a clinical therapist, communicate what happened, and ask the therapist for additional support to help the child thrive mentally and academically. It truly takes a village for a child to succeed. To prevent burnout “allow” yourself to practice these easy self-care skills to manage stress. A – Allow time to pause activities during and at the end of your day to prioritize self-care. Taking short breaks is a simple task that does not require a lot of time. If you have time, further engage in relaxation activities to decompress. L – Learn to let go of negative thoughts. Ruminating about thoughts can impact your sleep, health, and relationships. L – Learn to embrace silence. Detach from electronic devices, rest, relax, and spend quality time with family. O – Only make realistic commitments. Avoid the “I will be there” trap. Maintain a calendar, use reminder cards, and maintain a realistic schedule. W – Write down positive statements that encourage positive thinking. You deserve the right to be happy and create happy moments. The stress brought on by burnout will dominate your life if you do not control it. Simplify your life by utilizing your support system or make connections with people who are willing to provide the support you need. Be present and maintain healthy boundaries. Schedule a day to plan a schedule. Communicate your needs if you are overwhelmed. Be aware of your kids’ mental health status. Remember, you have a supportive community that includes your kids’ school, your relatives, your friends, and your therapist. If you need help, it is there. All you have to do is reach out. You are never alone. Crystal Mullen-Johnson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Registered Play Therapist in Birmingham, AL with more than 16 years of experience in providing counseling. She is the owner and founder of Strive Counseling Services a private practice located in downtown Birmingham that offers therapeutic mental health services to children (play therapy), adolescents, and adults. Strive offers evidence-based therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Contact us at (205) 721-9893 to inquire about Telehealth Services or visit www.strivebhm.com She is a published author of the, “21 Day Journey to Strive for a Healthier You” which can be purchased here . She is also the Founder/President of Nurture, LLC, a non-profit organization in Birmingham, AL. Learn more about nurture by visiting www.nurturebham.com . 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. As a second-generation business owner, Crystal drew inspiration from her family's entrepreneurial legacy and her own life experiences to establish a practice addressing the growing need for accessible, compassionate, and high-quality mental health services in her community. About Strive Mental Health Services 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. As a second-generation business owner, Crystal drew inspiration from her family's entrepreneurial legacy and her own life experiences to establish a practice addressing the growing need for accessible, compassionate, and high-quality mental health services in her community. Crystal’s journey was profoundly shaped by personal experiences with grief, particularly the unexpected loss of her mother during her adolescence. These challenges instilled in her a commitment to create a safe and supportive environment where others could find the help she lacked during her own struggles. Armed with over 20 years of experience in social services, a robust educational background, and unwavering compassion, Crystal brings a unique blend of empathy, expertise, and resilience to her practice. In addition to her role as a therapist, Crystal is an accomplished author of *The 21-Day Journey to Strive for a Healthier You, a book that inspires and empowers individuals on their path to healing. She is also the founder of *Nurture of Alabama, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to mental health and support. Crystal meets each client where they are, fostering a safe and nurturing environment for personal growth. Her philosophy, Change begins with you. Strive with me,”* encapsulates her dedication to helping individuals take meaningful steps toward a healthier, more fulfilling life. Strive Counseling Services was built on a foundation of empowering individuals to overcome adversity and achieve personal growth. Its mission reflects Crystal’s unwavering belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to heal, thrive, and reach their full potential. The name “Strive” symbolizes persistence, resilience, and the continuous pursuit of self-improvement. With a focus on serving adolescents and adults facing mental health challenges, Strive Counseling Services has become a trusted resource in Birmingham, Alabama. Its success has led to the planned opening of a second location in Demopolis, Alabama, in November 2024, further expanding its reach and impact on the community. Meet The Team Our team of mental health professionals is dedicated to providing you with the best care and quality service. 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.... Read Crystal's Bio Dr. Demechiko French, the owner of Mechi Mental Wellness is a Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner, with training and experience treating patients with psychiatric disorders across the lifespan and practice settings, from hospitals to outpatient service and corrections. Dr. French is married to Monique Rusell French, and they have two wonderful kids, Harlee Elizabeth and Daxton Russell French. Read Dr. French's Bio Ashley Shivers was born and raised in Douglasville, Georgia. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Business from The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and a Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling... Read Ashley's Bio Angela Walker is a compassionate therapist who meets you exactly where life may have you at the moment... Read Angela's Bio Carliea Barckley 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. Read Carliea's Bio Jenalyn Santos is a Medical Virtual Assistant based in the Philippines, supporting healthcare practices with reliable administrative and operational services. She has experience in insurance verification, eligibility and benefits coordination, patient scheduling, and managing daily virtual office tasks. Read Jenalyn's Bio Amber Hendrix is an Associate Licensed Counselor and Nationally Certified Counselor under the supervision of Waynette Smith Ed.S., LPC-S, NCC. Amber is passionate about supporting children, adolescents, young adults, and families through life’s challenges and transitions. Read Amber's Bio Jamette Goston is a Master’s-level therapist passionate about helping children, adolescents, adults, and families navigate life’s challenges with compassion, empathy, and evidence-based care. Her goal is to create a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where clients feel heard, valued, and empowered to grow while enhancing their overall emotional health and wellness. Read Jamette's Bio Testimonials Angela Watkins, Birmingham, AL “Excellent presentation! Crystal Mullen-Johnson was a breath of fresh air for our staff at Smith Middle School. She left us with some devices to use to keep ourselves mentally well during the school year. I would recommend her expertise to anyone/team who needs a refresh or ways to deal with the day to day life and work stressors."

< Back The City of Birmingham #Strong Her Campaign By Crystal Mullen-Johnson Crystal Mullen-Johnson’s mother died when she was 14. Then, she buried her mother one day before her 15th birthday. Although Crystal had family support to get through tough times, she did not have professional counseling to address the deeper pain of losing her mother at such a pivotal time in her life. It wasn’t until Crystal was enrolled at Alabama A&M University, her mother’s alma mater, that Crystal realized what she needed: stronger mental health options. And with that, Crystal pursued studies to become a mental health care expert. She secured a degree in social work. For 16 years, Crystal has been helping people cope with stress, depression, anxiety and more. Clients have sought counsel from her on everything from divorce and the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina to most recently, coping with the threat of COVID-19. Through her company in downtown Birmingham, Strive Counseling Services, she provides therapeutic counseling to address mental health conditions. “It’s my social responsibility, as a mental health provider, to raise awareness about mental health,’’ said Crystal, 39. “In 2019, I started the Community Mental Health Awareness Initiative, in partnership with the City of Birmingham, to host free, monthly educational learning sessions at the downtown Birmingham library. These meetings, which involve licensed mental health or healthcare professionals, are held for one hour, once a month on a Saturday. Times and dates vary.’’ “This program is game changer for Birmingham in that it educates attendees about mental health, provides free resources and removes the stigma about mental health,’’ she said. (Because of the coronavirus threat, Community Mental Health Awareness Initiative sessions have been postponed until further notice. To learn more, visit www.strivebhm.com .) #StrongHER Previous Next

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