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Ann Marie Nowak is a Licensed Professional Counselor in rural Alabama. She works with couples and individuals, adults of all ages, teenagers and children age 5 and up. Many of Ann’s clients come in to address anxiety, depression, parenting and many other of life's challenges. Ann is particularly passionate about working with a diverse client population.
Ann is trained in CBT and DBT, in which we examine thought patterns and false beliefs that create problems for clients in their daily lives. We examine experiences together to assess the validity of impressions gleaned from those encounters. In the session, Ann focuses on working with clients to provide anxiety relieving tools such as mindfulness, breathing exercises and journaling. As a result of working with Ann, clients learn to look at the issue a client is working on and examine the perceptions from many angles, often providing clarity. Much of the work of therapy is done after the therapeutic session has ended, when clients process the topics we discussed.
Ann's style is non-judgemental, warm, engaging and sometimes humorous. Ann came into the counseling field late in life, when she returned to graduate school at the age of 50. With life experience, she feels she can assist clients understand the joys and challenges we all face in life. When clients first start therapy, she learns about the client and their experiences, helping tp identify the issue and work towards a mutual therapeutic goal.
Years of Experience: 8 years
Anxiety - Coping with excessive worry, nervousness, or stress; intense discomfort in social settings (social anxiety); sudden and intense feelings of panic (panic disorder)
Depression - Providing support and promoting healing of hopelessness, low motivation and energy, sadness, irritability, sleep disturbance, and loss of interest and pleasure in life
LGBTQIA, gender, & sexuality topics - Exploring topics of sexuality, gender, and identity; coping with discrimination and oppression; navigating relationship, family, and cultural challenges
Life transitions - Coping with difficult or impactful life changes, such as moving to a new area, relationship transitions, child rearing, or career changes; learning self-care to better manage resulting stress
Loss, grief, and bereavement - Emotionally preparing for the anticipated passing of a loved one; managing feelings and reactions to a death or loss of significance; support during the process of healing and acceptance
Stress management - Strengthening effective ways of coping with the stress of life and change; managing expectations of self and others