Welcome to SOAR

We specialize in helping individuals overcome anxiety, trauma, depression, and navigate life transitions. Whether you’re struggling with past experiences, daily stress, or finding your path, our compassionate therapists offer a safe space for healing and growth.

Therapy Made Accessible

We understand that therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all. We offer sliding scale options based on income and work with your insurance provider to maximize your coverage. Plus, you can choose in-office or virtual sessions to fit your schedule.Learn more about our therapist and schedule an appointment today.

About Us

Life can be tough, and sometimes we all need a little help navigating challenges. At SOAR Counseling & Consulting, we get that. We’re a group practice here in Cullman where licensed therapists use innovative, body-centered approaches to help you heal from past experiences and build a brighter future.

Here’s what sets us apart:

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Ready to take flight?

Contact us today and see if SOAR is the right fit for you.

Our Therapists

Sarah Daily, founder of SOAR

Meet our Owner

Sarah is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPCS) based in Cullman, Alabama, with over 20 years of experience helping individuals navigate  life’s challenges.

Here’s what makes Sarah special:

Whether you’re facing divorce, relationship issues, substance use, or simply need support, Sarah can help.

Meet our Counselor

Brianna is a licensed professional counselor at SOAR, is here to help you navigate those challenges and find your way back to happiness.

Why work with Brianna?

Brianna’s goal is to provide a safe and welcoming environment in working together to find both peace and joy in life.

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Candice

Meet our Counselor

Candice Lawhorn, a Licensed Professional Counselor based in Alabaster, Alabama, focuses on assisting individuals, couples, and families in managing challenging emotions and relationship issues.

What makes Candice unique?

Additionally, she specializes in aiding veterans, blended families, adolescents, and individuals in open or non-traditional relationships.

Meet our Therapist

As a therapist, I am passionate about helping individuals, couples, and families navigate the complexities of life with empathy and support. I integrate a Person-Centered, Psychodynamic, and Action-Oriented approach to create a safe and supportive environment for healing and growth.

I am currently a student at the University of Montevallo, interning and training as a Couples and Family Counselor. My research focuses on developmental and complex trauma, as well as couples and marriage challenges. In addition to my counseling services, I am a seasoned birth and bereavement doula and a HypnoBirthing® Childbirth Educator. This background enhances my ability to offer compassionate, trauma-informed care during life transitions, including loss and grief.

From the perinatal period through the lifespan, I incorporate evidence-based practices to help individuals needing support through anxiety and depression, to helping couples build stronger, more resilient connections.
Specialties

Services Provided

Meet our Therapist

Elizabeth is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy Associate with experience working with couples, families, and individuals 5+ to improve their relationships and guide them through finding new ways to adapt to life’s challenges.

Elizabeth specializes in working with clients who are struggling with ADHD, autism, executive functioning difficulties, anxiety, depression, trauma, parenting, and learning disorders.

We specialize in

Anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome. It’s a normal human emotion that everyone experiences occasionally. However, when anxiety becomes excessive, lasts for a long time, and interferes with daily life, it can be a sign of an anxiety disorder.

Key Signs:

    • Physical Symptoms: 
      • headaches
      • muscle tension
      • fatigue
      • rapid heartbeat
      • shortness of breath
      • sweating
      • nausea
      • dizziness
    • Emotional Symptoms: 
      • Feelings of worry
      • nervousness
      • fear
      • dread
      • difficulty concentrating
      • feeling restless or on edge
      • irritability
      • sense of impending doom
         
  • Behavioral Symptoms: 
    • Avoiding situations that trigger anxiety
    • difficulty sleeping (either falling asleep or staying asleep)
    • restlessness
    • fidgeting

It’s important to note that occasional anxiety is normal.  However, if you experience several of these signs for extended periods and they significantly impact your daily life, it’s recommended to consult a healthcare professional to discuss potential anxiety disorders and treatment options.

Depression is a mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed.

Key Signs:

  • Emotional Symptoms:
    • Feeling sad, empty, or hopeless most of the day, nearly every day
    • Irritability, frustration, or anger
    • Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyable
    • Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
    • Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions
    • Thoughts of death or suicide
  • Physical Symptoms:
    • Changes in appetite or weight (weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting)
    • Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
    • Loss of energy or fatigue
    • Restlessness or feeling slowed down
    • Physical aches or pains that don’t respond well to treatment
    • Decreased sex drive

It’s important to remember:

  • Everyone experiences sadness or low moods occasionally. Depression is different in that it’s more severe and lasts longer (typically for at least two weeks).
  • Not everyone experiences all these symptoms. Some people experience only a few symptoms, while others experience many.
  • The severity of symptoms can also vary. Depression can range from mild to severe.

If you are experiencing several of these signs for most of the day, nearly every day, and they are interfering with your daily life, it’s important to seek help from a mental health professional. They can help you determine if you have depression and develop a treatment plan that’s right for you.

Life transitions are significant changes in your life circumstances that can disrupt your normal routine and emotional well-being.

Key Signs to Consider Therapy During Life Transitions:

  • Emotional Distress: Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, angry, or a combination of these emotions due to the transition.
  • Difficulty Coping: Struggling to adjust to the new circumstances and having trouble managing daily tasks or responsibilities.
  • Changes in Behavior: Significant changes in sleep patterns, eating habits, social interaction, or substance use.
  • Relationship Issues: Strained relationships with family, friends, or romantic partners due to the transition.
  • Physical Symptoms: Experiencing physical problems like headaches, stomachaches, or difficulty sleeping due to stress from the transition.
  • Feeling Stuck: Having difficulty making decisions or feeling paralyzed by the changes.
  • Longing for the Past: Constantly reminiscing about the way things were before the transition and struggling to move forward.

Examples of Life Transitions that can Benefit from Therapy:

  • Starting a new job or career path
  • Ending a romantic relationship or getting married
  • Having children or becoming a parent
  • Dealing with the loss of a loved one (death, divorce)
  • Moving to a new city or country
  • Experiencing a major illness or health issue
  • Facing financial difficulties
  • Dealing with retirement
 
Remember: Therapy can be a helpful resource even if you’re coping well with a life transition. It can provide a safe space to process your emotions, develop coping mechanisms, and gain support during this time of change. There’s no shame in seeking help. Therapists are trained professionals who can equip you with tools and strategies to navigate life transitions in a healthy way.

Substance abuse is a pattern of unhealthy behavior involving the use of a substance (alcohol, drugs, etc.) that negatively impacts your physical and mental health, relationships, work, or school.

Key Signs That Might Indicate Substance Abuse:

  • Increased Use: Consuming substances more frequently or in larger quantities than in the past.
  • Tolerance: Needing to consume more of the substance to achieve the same desired effect.
  • Withdrawal Symptoms: Experiencing physical or psychological discomfort when you try to stop or cut back on your use.
  • Continued Use Despite Problems: Continuing to use the substance even though it’s causing negative consequences in your life.
  • Cravings: Having strong urges or cravings to use the substance.
  • Neglecting Responsibilities: Failing to meet work, school, or family obligations due to substance use.
  • Risky Behavior: Engaging in risky or dangerous activities while under the influence of the substance.
  • Financial Problems: Financial difficulties due to spending money on the substance.
  • Relationship Issues: Strained relationships with family, friends, or romantic partners due to substance use.
  • Legal Problems: Legal trouble arising from substance use (e.g., DUIs, arrests).
  • Health Problems: Experiencing health problems related to substance use.
  • Hiding Use: Trying to hide your substance use from others.
  • Loss of Interest: Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed due to substance use.

It’s important to note:

  • Not everyone who uses substances experiences all of these signs. Some people may only experience a few symptoms.
  • The severity of substance abuse can also vary. It can range from mild to severe.
  • If you are concerned that you or someone you know may be struggling with substance abuse, it’s important to seek professional help. A therapist can help you assess the situation, develop a treatment plan, and connect you with support resources.

Remember:  Substance abuse is a treatable condition. Therapy can be a valuable tool in addressing the underlying causes of substance abuse, such as stress, anxiety, or depression. A therapist can provide a safe and supportive environment to help you overcome substance abuse and reclaim your life.

Trauma is an emotional response to a terrifying or distressing event that overwhelms your ability to cope. This event can be a single incident or a series of experiences.

Key Signs That Might Indicate Trauma:

  • Re-experiencing: Having flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive thoughts about the traumatic event.
  • Avoidance: Avoiding people, places, situations, or reminders that trigger memories of the trauma.
  • Negative Cognitions and Mood: Developing negative beliefs about yourself or the world, feeling detached from others, experiencing difficulty trusting people, feeling hopeless, or having difficulty experiencing positive emotions.
  • Increased Arousal: Feeling irritable, angry, on edge, or easily startled. This can also manifest as difficulty sleeping or concentrating.
  • Physical Symptoms: Experiencing physical symptoms like headaches, stomachaches, chest pain, or fatigue.

It’s important to note:

  • Not everyone who experiences trauma develops Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). However, PTSD is a common type of trauma-related disorder.
  • People can experience trauma at any age.
  • The symptoms of trauma can vary depending on the individual and the nature of the traumatic event.
  • Some people may not experience symptoms immediately after the trauma. Symptoms may develop days, weeks, or even months later.

If you are experiencing several of these signs for an extended period and they are interfering with your daily life, it’s important to seek professional help from a therapist trained in trauma treatment.  Here’s why therapy can be beneficial:

  • A therapist can help you understand your symptoms and develop healthy coping mechanisms.
  • Therapy can provide a safe and supportive space to process your experiences.
  • Therapy can help you develop a sense of empowerment and control over your life.
  • There are different evidence-based therapies available to address trauma, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). A therapist can help you determine the best approach for your individual needs.

Remember: Trauma is a serious issue, but it is treatable. With professional help, you can heal from your experiences and build a brighter future.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a psychotherapy approach used to treat trauma and emotional distress. It helps individuals process disturbing memories and associated negative emotions.

Key Aspects of EMDR:

  • Focuses on Traumatic Memories: EMDR targets specific traumatic memories and the emotions, thoughts, and physical sensations connected to them.
  • Eye Movements: During EMDR sessions, the therapist will guide the client through bilateral eye movements, which can be achieved visually following a moving light or hand, or auditorily with headphones producing alternating clicks.
  • Desensitization and Reprocessing: The eye movements and focus on the memory are believed to help desensitize the emotional charge associated with the trauma and facilitate reprocessing the memory in a healthier way.
  • Individualized Approach: EMDR therapy is tailored to each client’s specific experiences and needs. The therapist will work with the client to identify target memories and develop a personalized treatment plan.

Here are some additional points to consider about EMDR:

  • Not a Cure-All: EMDR is not a one-size-fits-all treatment, and it may not be right for everyone. It’s important to discuss your individual needs and preferences with a therapist to determine if EMDR is a suitable approach for you.
  • Combined Treatment: EMDR is often used in conjunction with other therapy approaches, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to provide a more comprehensive treatment plan.

Remember:  EMDR can be a powerful tool for healing from trauma. If you are interested in learning more about EMDR, it’s important to consult with a qualified therapist trained in this approach.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to emotional distress.

Key Aspects of CBT:

  • Focus on the Present: CBT emphasizes examining current thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, rather than dwelling on the past.
  • Cognitive Restructuring: CBT helps individuals identify and challenge unhelpful or unrealistic thinking patterns (cognitive distortions) that contribute to negative emotions and behaviors. The therapist works with the client to develop more balanced and realistic ways of thinking.
  • Behavioral Activation: CBT often incorporates behavioral strategies to help individuals engage in activities that promote positive emotions and overall well-being. This could involve creating a schedule of enjoyable activities, practicing relaxation techniques, or developing better communication skills.
  • Goal-Oriented: CBT typically sets specific and measurable goals for therapy. This helps individuals track their progress and stay motivated.
  • Collaborative Approach: CBT is a collaborative process where the therapist works with the client to develop and implement a treatment plan.

Here are some additional points to consider about CBT:

  • Evidence-Based: CBT is a well-researched and evidence-based therapy approach that has been shown to be effective in treating a wide range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and eating disorders.
  • Structured and Short-Term: CBT is typically a structured and short-term therapy, often lasting for several weeks or months. This structured approach can be appealing to individuals who want to see results relatively quickly.
  • Focus on Skills Development: CBT equips individuals with skills and strategies that they can use to manage their symptoms and improve their overall well-being, even after therapy ends.

Remember:  CBT is a flexible therapy approach that can be tailored to address individual needs and specific mental health conditions.  If you’re seeking therapy to address negative thought patterns, emotional distress, or unhealthy behaviors, CBT could be a valuable approach to consider.  It’s always best to discuss your individual needs and preferences with a qualified therapist to determine if CBT is the right fit for you.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of psychotherapy helps individuals struggling with emotional dysregulation, self-destructive behaviors, and difficulty maintaining healthy relationships.

Key Aspects of DBT for Therapy:

  • Focus on Emotional Regulation: DBT equips individuals with skills to manage intense emotions in a healthy way, reducing the risk of self-harming behaviors or impulsive reactions.
  • Mindfulness: DBT emphasizes mindfulness techniques to help individuals stay present in the moment, observe their thoughts and feelings without judgment, and respond rather than react.
  • Distress Tolerance: DBT teaches skills to tolerate distressful situations without resorting to unhealthy coping mechanisms. This includes techniques for tolerating emotional pain, accepting reality, and radical acceptance (accepting what you cannot control).
  • Interpersonal Effectiveness: DBT helps individuals develop healthier communication skills, set boundaries, and build stronger relationships. This includes assertiveness training, conflict resolution skills, and how to maintain self-respect while respecting others.
  • Distress Identification: DBT helps individuals identify the early warning signs of emotional dysregulation so they can utilize the learned skills before a crisis arises.
  • Validation: Therapists validate the client’s emotions while also guiding them towards more effective coping mechanisms.

Here are some additional points to consider about DBT:

  • Structured Approach: DBT follows a structured format, often incorporating individual therapy sessions, group skills training sessions, and phone coaching between sessions for additional support.
  • Focus on Skills Development: Like CBT, DBT emphasizes teaching practical skills that individuals can utilize long-term to manage their emotions, relationships, and overall well-being.
  • Collaborative Process: DBT is a collaborative effort between the therapist and the client, working together to achieve treatment goals.

Remember: DBT can be a valuable tool for individuals struggling with emotional regulation, self-destructive behaviors, and troubled relationships. If you identify with these challenges, discussing DBT with a qualified therapist can help you determine if it might be a suitable approach for you.

Sexual abuse therapy is a form of psychotherapy designed to help survivors of sexual assault or abuse heal and move forward. It can be a very effective way to manage the emotional and psychological effects of sexual trauma.

Key Signs:

It’s important to remember that these signs and symptoms can also be caused by other factors, but if you notice them in someone you care about, it can be a reason to reach out and offer support. Here are some key areas to be aware of:

Behavioral:

  • Changes in mood or personality: This could be withdrawal, depression, anxiety, anger, or sudden mood swings.
  • Difficulty sleeping or nightmares
  • Changes in eating habits
  • Self-harming behaviors
  • Substance abuse
  • Risky or impulsive behaviors
  • Regressive behaviors in children (bedwetting, thumb-sucking)
  • Fear of intimacy or physical touch
  • Inappropriate sexual behavior (depending on age)
  • Difficulty concentrating in school

Emotional:

  • Feelings of shame, guilt, or worthlessness
  • Flashbacks or intrusive memories of the abuse
  • Feeling isolated or disconnected from others
  • Difficulty trusting people

Physical:

  • Unexplained pain in the genital or anal area
  • Difficulty walking or sitting
  • Bruising or bleeding in the genital or anal area
  • Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
  • Frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
  • Bedwetting (in older children)

It’s important to:

  • Not pressure someone to disclose abuse
  • Let them know you believe them and care about them
  • Encourage them to seek professional help if they are ready

Therapy for Sexual Abuse Trauma

  • Therapists with specialized training: Therapists who work with sexual abuse survivors typically have experience and training in trauma-informed therapy. This means they understand the impact of sexual abuse and can create a safe and supportive environment for healing.
  • Types of therapy used: There are several evidence-based therapies used for sexual abuse, including:
    • Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT): This helps identify and challenge negative thoughts and beliefs related to the abuse.
    • Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): This can help reduce the intensity of disturbing memories and emotions.
    • Other approaches may include psychodynamic therapy, art therapy, or group therapy.
  • Focus of therapy: Sexual abuse therapy can help survivors in a number of ways, including:
    • Processing the trauma and developing healthy coping mechanisms
    • Reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD
    • Regaining a sense of safety and control
    • Improving self-esteem and body image
    • Building healthy relationships
Couples therapy, also known as marital therapy, is a form of psychotherapy designed to help couples improve their relationship. It can be a valuable tool for couples at any stage of their relationship, whether they are experiencing conflict, struggling to communicate, or simply want to strengthen their bond.

What a Couples Therapist Does:

A couples therapist acts as a neutral third party who facilitates communication and helps couples identify and address underlying issues in their relationship. Here are some key things a couples therapist will do:
  • Create a safe space: The therapist will establish a safe and supportive environment where both partners feel comfortable expressing themselves openly and honestly.
  • Improve communication: The therapist will help couples develop effective communication skills, such as active listening and assertive communication.
  • Identify patterns: The therapist will help couples identify negative patterns of interaction that may be contributing to their problems.
  • Develop coping mechanisms: The therapist will teach couples healthy coping mechanisms for dealing with conflict.
  • Set goals: The therapist will work with the couple to set realistic and achievable goals for their relationship.

Key Signs That Couples Therapy Might Be Helpful:

  • Frequent arguments or conflict
  • Difficulty communicating effectively
  • Emotional detachment or disconnection
  • Infidelity or betrayal
  • Lack of intimacy (sexual or emotional)
  • Difficulty making decisions together
  • Considering separation or divorce
  • Major life changes that are causing stress (e.g., job loss, illness, birth of a child)

Here are some additional things to keep in mind:

  • Couples therapy is not a magic bullet, and it takes commitment from both partners to be successful.
  • Therapy can be emotionally challenging, but it can also be very rewarding.
  • If you are considering couples therapy, it is important to find a therapist who is qualified and experienced in working with couples.

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