Meet the Team

  • I come to this field with a personal & professional understanding that therapy can be challenging, and in my opinion, good therapy should be challenging. Although empathy, compassion and care are at the forefront of my therapeutic practice, I believe my clients also need me to hold them accountable, challenge them, and push them forward toward personal reflection and growth. Over the past 15 years of experience as a counselor, I have acquired the knowledge to utilize a number of various therapy models through training and experience. During my client’s therapeutic process, we work together to identify and utilize the models and strategies that work best for you. Sometimes that means deep trauma work, some days that means the opportunity to vent about a challenging week, and other times it means finding humor and sharing a good laugh. This process is different for every individual because no client or therapeutic relationship is exactly alike. If you would like to meet with a formal academic that will give you processes to follow out of a workbook I am probably not the therapist for you. But if the idea of kicking off your shoes, drinking coffee (or tea) and allowing yourself to be comfortable and authentic sounds appealing, you’re in the right place. I can’t promise that it will be easy, but I can assure you that if you put in the work, it will be meaningful.

  • I predominately work with adults recovering from childhood trauma and/or relational issues.

    The types of therapies I utilize include:

    EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)

    TFCBT (Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)

    CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)

    Solution Focused

    Client centered

    Adlerian

    Attachment Based

    Eclectic

    Gottman Method

    Mindfulness

    Reality therapy

  • I approach my work with clients with a very person-centered focus. I believe every client is the expert in themselves and their experiences, and my role as their counselor is to help them identify what their “best self” looks like, and work in tandem with them to make the changes required in their life to become that best self.

    I believe working with my clients to find and heal the root cause of their current struggles is more effective than treating the present symptoms alone. This means I often start my work with clients building up their ability to cope with stressors, with the goal of eventually facing, challenging, and processing the painful things they have been carrying from their past.

    Over the past 3.5 years of working with clients, I have seen the healing power of empathy, and the importance of not taking a “cookie cutter” approach to supporting my clients. I believe every client is different, and what they need out of counseling is different, so my style is very collaborative. I value clients’ ability to give me honest feedback about what works for them and what doesn’t, and I am always seeking out continuing education opportunities to grow my toolbox of interventions and modalities so I can implement approaches that will be helpful for each of my clients.

    I strive to create a space where my clients feel seen, safe, and accepted, no matter what we personally have in common, or how we may differ. My office is a space where clients can fully be themselves and express themselves through spoken word, writing prompts, or visual art. Whether a client is dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, identity exploration, or trauma, my foundation is always compassion, connection, and acceptance.

    If you’re looking for a very directive approach to counseling, with someone who will tell you what to do, or what not to do, I’m probably not the therapist for you. But if you’d like a counselor who will not shy away from sitting in the hard emotions with you, while also respecting your pace when it comes to your healing, then you and I will be a great fit!

    Therapy isn’t always an easy process, and the work doesn’t end when you leave my office, but the changes that can come are worth it, and I’ll be there to support you every step of the way.

  • Making the decision to come to therapy can often be difficult. My goal is to provide a place of empathy, warmth and nonjudgement as we work together to resolve the distress you are experiencing. Sometimes that distress may be a result of a life transition, present circumstances, past abuse, grief, depression, anxiety, spiritual matters or some other difficulty that is proving challenging for you.

    I have had the opportunity for the past 15 years to work with a variety of populations. I believe this has been invaluable in learning how to best meet you where you are and then to work together to help you meet your goals. My style is very relaxed as I believe clients often gain the most insight and clarity when they are able to just be themselves and talk freely. I employ a variety of techniques, tailored to fit your personality and life situation, to assist you in building your own set of skills to manage challenging life circumstances.

    I would consider it an honor and a privilege to walk alongside you wherever your journey may lead.

  • As an accomplished administrative professional who seamlessly blends southern charm with a steadfast work ethic, Katlin brings a wealth of experience and dedication to our team and embodies the fusion of professionalism and personality. Originally hailing from the vibrant city of Tuscaloosa, she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from the esteemed University of North Alabama, laying the foundation for a successful career in the corporate world.

    With over four years of dedicated service in administrative roles, Katlin has honed her skills, primarily in the healthcare sector. Her commitment to efficiency and detail has made her an invaluable asset in supporting our team and ensuring the seamless operation of day-to-day activities.

    Katlin loves that Empower stays true to its name and empowers our clients to embark on their journey to self-improvement. An advocate for mental health, she understands that taking the first step and reaching out for help can be the hardest part. Whenever clients are ready, Katlin is instrumental in those first steps by assessing clients' needs and assisting with the onboarding process.

    Outside of the office, Katlin has a rich background in the arts; channeling her creativity into music and writing. She dedicated twelve years to mastering the violin, playing in the Tuscaloosa City Schools Orchestra and later joining the Shoals Symphony Orchestra while earning her degree. She also spends her spare time working on writing her first fantasy fiction novel.

  • Hi! I’m Jenn McGee. I have been a practicing therapist since 2015. I have a wide range of counseling experience including work with trauma, grief, LGBTQ+ related needs, addictions, domestic and intimate partner violence, adult children of addiction and other household dysfunction, self-esteem issues, mood disorders, and adult ADHD and Autism.

    I work with individuals 18 and up and use multiple therapeutic approaches depending on the needs of each client.

    I commonly use Dialectic Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Polyvagal Theory, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Attachment Theory, Polyvagal Theory, Motivational Interviewing, and The Gottman Method.

    I describe myself as warm, personable, and informal. I believe that a good client-therapist relationship is essential to the therapeutic process because it serves as a healing experience and allows for authentic discussion. I pride myself on being able to help without judgement.

    I will likely incorporate a healthy amount of education into our work so that you can take what you learn from therapy and thrive on your own. I want to emphasize that I do not have “the answer” or a cure to offer you. This is because I realize the roots of your problems are unique to you and not as simple as a “one size fits all” solution.

    I offer potential clients a free 15 minute phone consultation by request to answer any additional questions you may have about working together.

  • At some point in life, everyone feels overwhelmed by their life’s situation and the emotions that come with it. Asking for help in those times can feel scary or even shameful, but it is actually one of the most brave and honorable actions you could take. I consider it an honor to work with people who find themselves asking for help and would love to work with you as you take your next right step.

    Currently, I am an Associate Licensed Counselor (ALC), under the supervision of Sarah Cabler, LPC-S. I graduated with my Masters in Counseling from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and am trained to work with various types of presenting problems such as: trauma, depression, anxiety, stress, grief, shame, spirituality, cognitive distortions, couples therapy, individual therapy, group therapy, and family therapy.

    I seek to help individuals create healthy relationships with themselves, others, and God. I believe your best you is ahead of you. I will create a safe, healthy, authentic, and joyful environment for us to get there together.


  • Theo is our resident therapy dog (in training). He is an Australian Shepherd, born April 15, 2022 in Saint Florian, AL. Australian Shepherds are well known as “working dogs” and are happiest when given a job for which they can take true ownership. Due to Theo’s loving personality and gentle nature, it quickly became obvious that he would make an excellent dog to bring comfort and joy to those who may be struggling with a history of trauma or mental health needs. That being so, Theo was donated to Empower Counseling & Consulting, LLC. Theo has spent many of his early puppy days in our office learning the lay of the land and getting comfortable with our staff. During his adolescence, he has focused on basic training through a residential program and now works with the owner of Empower daily to strengthen his skills. During his time off the job, Theo loves to play fetch, cuddle and wrestle with his favorite toy (a purple and blue octopus), and find any way he can to do tricks for treats. While Theo is making significant progress in his training, most therapy dogs will not become certified to work in office consistently until around 2 years of age. Stay posted for his progress and it is possible you will see him visiting in office for on the job training from time to time.