Hi, there and welcome to The Wise Center! I’m Sam. I’m from northeastern Alabama, and my counseling journey began when I studied psychology at Birmingham-Southern College. After a brief internship at Piper Place, I knew counseling was my calling. That realization led me to Atlanta, where I continued my education in Clinical Counseling Psychology at Brenau University and started honing my skills in both community mental health and private practice settings.

In my work, I draw on my background in philosophy, blending existential, person-centered, and CBT approaches to help clients navigate challenges. I’ve had the privilege of working with a wide array of minority clients, addressing issues like depression, anxiety, trauma, gender and sexuality affirmation, personality disorders, and substance abuse.

When I’m not in the office, you’ll often find me diving into philosophy, hanging out with friends and family, listening to music, or doing what I like to call “Hozier Homework.”

Hi, there and welcome to The Wise Center! I’m Sam. I’m from northeastern Alabama, and my counseli... Read More

Hi, I’m Dr. Natalie Harrison, a licensed clinical psychologist with a passion for helping people of all ages navigate life’s challenges. Originally from Canada, I earned my bachelor’s degree from Simon Fraser University before moving to Alabama for my Ph.D. at the University of Alabama, where I specialized in child and adolescent forensic psychology. My training took me across the country—from working with kids and families at Shelby County Juvenile Court and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to my postdoctoral work at Harbor UCLA Medical Center, where I focused on trauma and suicide risk assessment. While there, I also helped launch an initiative dedicated to making mental health care more inclusive and equitable for diverse clients, students, and clinicians.

I love using evidence-based approaches like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) to support clients in building healthier relationships and managing emotions more effectively. Whether working with children, teens, or adults, my goal is to make therapy feel safe, collaborative, and—most importantly—helpful.

Hi, I’m Dr. Natalie Harrison, a licensed clinical psychologist with a passion for helping people ... Read More

Hi, I’m Anna! I’m originally from Alabama and started my career in healthcare after earning my Bachelor of Science from Southeastern Louisiana University. I spent 12 years as a nurse, much of that time in the ICU, where I saw firsthand how deeply emotional and psychological well-being impact physical health. That experience led me to pursue a new path in counseling, and I earned my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from UAB.

I’m passionate about helping people navigate life’s challenges and find meaning in their experiences. My approach to therapy is all about building real, authentic connections and creating a space where clients feel heard and supported. I integrate existential principles with Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), helping people develop resilience and a greater sense of inner peace.

Outside of work, I’m happiest when I’m outdoors—whether I’m surfing, hiking, or just enjoying the fresh air. I also love yoga, mindfulness, and continuous learning. And my dog, Jib, is always by my side, keeping life entertaining!

Right now, I’m practicing under the supervision of Michelle Pruett, M.Ed., Ed.S., LPC-S, as I continue to grow in this field. I love what I do and feel honored to walk alongside my clients as they work toward healing and fulfillment.

Hi, I’m Anna! I’m originally from Alabama and started my career in healthcare after earning my Ba... Read More

Hi there! I’m so glad you’re here. I love working with individuals and families of all ages, using a range of therapeutic approaches, including DBT for emotional dysregulation and AEDP for attachment-related trauma. If you’re looking for support with emotion regulation, distress tolerance, anxiety, depression, or relationship challenges, I would be honored to help. Together, we can create a compassionate, collaborative, and nonjudgmental space where you feel supported and empowered to move toward the life you want!

Hi there! I’m so glad you’re here. I love working with individuals and families of all ages, usin... Read More

Hi, I’m Sage! I’m originally from Alabama, but my love for adventure has taken me all over the world. I earned my Master’s in Social Work from Tulane University, graduating summa cum laude, and I’ve worked in just about every mental health setting you can imagine—community clinics, schools, inpatient and residential programs, outpatient care, and private practice. Along the way, I’ve developed a deep passion for trauma treatment, adolescent mental health, and human sexuality. I’ve also had the privilege of working with diverse populations, including folks in the criminal justice system, military families, people struggling with substance use, and the LGBTQIA+ community. Right now, I’m working toward becoming an AASECT-certified sex educator and therapist to further expand my ability to provide inclusive, affirming care.

Beyond therapy, I’m a lifelong learner and a bit of an adventurer. I’ve lived in five U.S. states and two other countries, traveled to 26 states, 16 countries, and four continents, and I speak fluent Portuguese and proficient Spanish. I’m also a night owl stuck in a morning person’s world. When I’m not working, you can usually find me knitting, cross-stitching, baking, doing yoga, or trying to keep my garden alive. My rescue dog, who has major separation anxiety, is basically my shadow. Fun fact: in college, I was a radio DJ! And my latest challenge? Renovating a fixer-upper, which has made me seriously question my ability to handle interior design stress.

I love helping people navigate life’s ups and downs, and I strive to create a space where my clients feel heard, valued, and supported. Therapy should feel like a conversation, not a lecture, and I’m here to meet you wherever you are in your journey.

Hi, I’m Sage! I’m originally from Alabama, but my love for adventure has taken me all over the wo... Read More

Hi, I’m Janelle and thanks for taking the time to get to know a little bit about me! I’ll also be delighted to get to know you!

I’m passionate about using creativity and connection to help people navigate life’s challenges. I earned my Master’s in Social Work from Samford University and have had the privilege of working with diverse populations in a variety of settings—everything from correctional facilities to outpatient therapy to community initiatives that focus on strengthening families.

Now, I’m a primary therapist at The Wise Center for DBT, where I offer individual therapy and facilitate a DBT Skills group for adolescents. I also have specialized training in addiction, substance abuse treatment, and trauma therapy from The Moore Institute. My approach is client-centered, and I use creative strategies to help individuals understand and navigate the complex social, relational, and personal challenges they’re facing, knowing that every single person has unique challenges that deserve needs unique solutions.

As a mother of three, I understand the unique dynamics and challenges that come with balancing personal, family, and professional life. I bring that empathy and experience into my work, recognizing the importance of support, patience, and resilience in both healing and growth.

As I’ve learned throughout my life and work, healing doesn’t always come in the ways we expect or hope for. Sometimes, it happens in unexpected ways or through connection with others in a safe space. I’ve always enjoyed creating that space for people—whether it’s through listening, supporting, or exploring the parts of life we tend to avoid or hide.

I found my way into social work because I wanted to blend my background in psychology and criminal justice with my love for art. I realized that the creative process I value in art could also be applied in therapy as a form of healing. And just like with creating art, I remind myself that healing takes time and patience, focusing on each client and their unique journey towards resilience and growth.

Hi, I’m Janelle and thanks for taking the time to get to know a little bit about me! I’ll also be... Read More

Hi, I’m Kathleen, and I’m so glad you’re here! I’m an Alabama native and earned my bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa before going on to complete my Master of Social Work at UAB.

I’ve worked in a variety of clinical settings, including acute care, residential treatment, and emergency environments. Before joining The Wise Center, I was a Mental Health Coordinator at a school, where I helped develop and oversee its mental health program. I’m passionate about providing LGBTQIA+ affirming care and have worked with clients facing challenges like anger, anxiety, depression, substance use, trauma, ADHD, grief, stress, and life transitions.

Outside of work, you can usually find me cooking, spending time outdoors, or hanging out with my golden retriever, Lemon, and my cat, Chester. They definitely keep life interesting!

Hi, I’m Kathleen, and I’m so glad you’re here! I’m an Alabama native and earned my bachelor’s deg... Read More