Ellis Counseling

Ellis Counseling Ellis Counseling offers professional counseling services for children, adolescents, adults, and couples.

We provide trauma-informed care, Christian counseling, addiction counseling, social skills groups, and support for life’s challenges. Services Provided:

Individual Therapy- If you are experiencing feelings of depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, anger, loneliness, grief, or if you are dealing with physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, the counselors at Ellis Counseling are here to help. We accept many different insurance policies and are currently accepting new clients. Couples therapy- The core of our relational counseling is helping couples develop a deeper connection. Conflict in relationships is simply growth trying to happen. Divorce, separation, and custody are also three stressful situations. At Ellis Counseling we have experience working with adults and children who have or are experiencing the stressors related to divorce and separation. It would be our pleasure to help during these stressful times. Children and Adolescent therapy- We work with children and adolescents, including those from foster care and adoptive backgrounds, as well as children and adolescents with problematic behaviors and self-esteem issues. Often teens are suffering from dealing with grief or sexual abuse. We have experience in these areas and often use play therapy, applied behavior analysis and cognitive behavioral therapy and brain spotting as approaches to resolving the issues. Perinatal Mental Health Counseling- 1 in 7 parents will experience severe mood changes and disruptions after birth. Perinatal mental health counseling is focused on alleviating and coping with the stressors associated with childbearing. Including the issues associated with miscarriage, infertility, birth trauma and childbirth. The utilization of evidence based on counseling techniques are proven to positively impact the lives of those involved. Brainspotting- Brainspotting is a powerful, focused treatment method that works by identifying, processing, and releasing core neurophysiological sources of emotional/body pain, trauma, dissociation, and a variety of other challenging symptoms. BSP makes use of the natural phenomenon of where you look affects how you feel through its use of relevant eye positions. Together the therapist and client pair a fixed eye position and body sensation to an unresolved issue. This rapid, highly affective mind/body centered therapy technique appears to go beyond the cognitive awareness and connects one tohis/her body's innate wisdom to heal itself. Substance Abuse Counseling- We have an addiction specialist credentialed to provide the ASAM assessment and addiction counseling. Often treatment centers require an ASAM for admission and we are able to offer the assessment and appropriate referral. Trauma Focused Counseling- Trauma affects many people and they struggle alone to have a healthy life and relationships. Years of scientific research have manifested counseling techniques that show promising results to alleviate the effects of trauma. We have many theoretical approaches we use to help clients function better and integrate their trauma positively into their life. Christian Counseling- We have counselors on staff that are able to address issues of Christian faith such as: cognitive dissonance, self loathing and losing faith. Using principles of Christian faith with biblical fidelity and a Christian worldview can aid clients in resolving their issues through faith.

04/02/2026

Mayor Gillespie has officially proclaimed the month of April as Autism Awareness Month, and today, April 2, as Autism Awareness Day in the City of Prattville.

This proclamation highlights the importance of promoting awareness, understanding, and acceptance of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It’s a time to educate our community about the challenges individuals with autism may face, celebrate their unique strengths, and advocate for inclusion and support.

Did you know?
• 1 in 36 children in the United States is diagnosed with autism
• Autism Prevalence Rate in Alabama - 2.89%
Source: 2025 ABN Annual Report

Autism is a complex developmental condition that impacts communication, social interaction, and behavior. While there is no cure, early intervention and therapy can make a meaningful difference—helping individuals build skills, gain independence, and live fulfilling lives.

Let’s work together to foster a more inclusive and understanding community for all.

To learn more, visit: https://www.autismspeaks.org/

Signs Your Child May Benefit from CounselingChildren don’t always have the words to express what they’re going through. ...
04/02/2026

Signs Your Child May Benefit from Counseling

Children don’t always have the words to express what they’re going through. Often, their emotions show up through behavior.

You might consider counseling if your child is experiencing:

• Frequent emotional outbursts or meltdowns
• Ongoing anxiety, worries, or fears
• Sudden changes in behavior or mood
• Withdrawal from friends, family, or activities
• Difficulty at school or trouble focusing
• Changes in sleep or appetite
• Trouble adjusting to major life changes

Every child faces challenges at times, but when these patterns begin to interfere with daily life, extra support can make a meaningful difference.

Counseling provides a safe space for children to express themselves, build confidence, and learn healthy ways to cope.

You don’t have to navigate this alone.

03/30/2026
Counseling FAQsHere are a few common questions we hear:How long does counseling last?  This varies for each person. Some...
03/26/2026

Counseling FAQs

Here are a few common questions we hear:

How long does counseling last?
This varies for each person. Some clients attend for a short period to work through a specific concern, while others choose longer-term support for ongoing growth.

How often will I need to come?
Many clients start with weekly sessions, then adjust frequency based on their needs and goals.

What if I don’t know what to talk about?
That’s okay. Your counselor will help guide the conversation. You don’t have to have everything figured out before you come in.

What if I am unsure about staying with my current counselor?
Finding the right fit is important. We have multiple providers and can help connect you with someone who best meets your needs.

Is counseling just talking?
Counseling is more than conversation. It can include learning coping skills, exploring patterns, practicing new ways of thinking, and working toward meaningful change.

How do I get started?
Simply reach out by phone, message, or through our website, and we will help you take the next step.

If you have other questions, we are always here to help.

03/21/2026

Research in neuroscience and psychology suggests that confidence often develops through repeated experience and behavioral feedback rather than waiting for certainty before acting. When people repeatedly engage in challenging tasks, the brain updates its expectations based on new outcomes.

This process is linked to neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to strengthen neural connections through repeated activity. Each time a person performs an action—especially under uncertainty—the brain records the outcome and adjusts predictions about future situations. Over time, these repeated experiences can reduce perceived threat and increase a sense of capability.

Brain regions involved in this process include the prefrontal cortex, which supports decision-making and evaluation, and the basal ganglia, which help reinforce learned behaviors through feedback and repetition. As actions are repeated, neural pathways associated with those behaviors become more efficient.

Psychological research also describes a related concept known as self-efficacy, where confidence grows as individuals accumulate successful experiences performing a task. Rather than emerging fully formed, confidence tends to develop gradually through repeated engagement and learning.

Studies of learning and behavior therefore suggest that experience and repetition play a central role in how the brain builds expectations about personal ability.

Source

Bandura, A. (1997). Self-Efficacy: The Exercise of Control.

Schultz, W. (2016). Dopamine reward prediction error coding. Annual Review of Neuroscience. PMID: 27069377

Draganski, B., et al. (2004). Neuroplasticity: Changes in brain structure during learning. Nature. PMID: 15004516

Disclaimer
Disclaimer: Educational information only. Not medical or professional advice.

03/21/2026

The most beautiful people we have known…

03/20/2026

Neuroscience studies have examined how moderate physical activity affects brain function and structure. Brain imaging research shows that activities such as walking can influence areas involved in memory, attention, and cognitive processing.

In one well-known study, researchers used MRI brain scans to examine how regular aerobic activity affects the hippocampus, a brain region essential for learning and memory. Participants who engaged in consistent walking over time showed measurable changes in brain structure and improved memory performance compared with less active groups.

Physical movement increases blood flow to the brain, delivering oxygen and nutrients that support neural activity. Exercise has also been linked to higher levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that supports the growth and maintenance of neurons and neural connections.

Even moderate activities like walking can activate networks related to attention, planning, and cognitive flexibility. Because of these effects, researchers often study aerobic movement as an important factor influencing long-term brain health and cognitive resilience.

These findings contribute to a growing body of research exploring how regular physical activity interacts with brain systems responsible for learning, memory, and mental performance.

Source

Erickson, K. I., et al. (2011). Exercise training increases size of hippocampus and improves memory. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. PMID: 21282661

Hillman, C. H., Erickson, K. I., & Kramer, A. F. (2008). Be smart, exercise your heart. Nature Reviews Neuroscience. PMID: 18511981

Disclaimer
Disclaimer: Educational information only. Not medical or professional advice.

03/20/2026

You bet trauma survivors get attached to our little routines, rituals, & places. Our lives have been chaos. We value stability where & when we can find it— & when we can find it— which means we're often attached to little things & seemingly "random" places.

It makes sense. You're not weird.

What to Expect in Your First Counseling Session:Starting counseling can feel intimidating, especially if you’ve never be...
03/19/2026

What to Expect in Your First Counseling Session:

Starting counseling can feel intimidating, especially if you’ve never been before.

Your first session is simply a conversation. Your counselor will take time to get to know you—what brings you in, what challenges you may be facing, and what you hope to gain from counseling.

There is no pressure to share everything right away. You can move at your own pace, and your comfort matters.

Counseling is a space where you can:
• Feel heard without judgment
• Explore your thoughts and emotions
• Begin developing tools to cope and grow

Taking that first step can feel difficult, but it can also be the beginning of meaningful change.

Feel free to reach out with any questions regarding the counseling process. We would love to help!

Welcome to Ellis Counseling!Our mission is simple: healing through hope. We are honored to support individuals, children...
03/12/2026

Welcome to Ellis Counseling!

Our mission is simple: healing through hope. We are honored to support individuals, children, teens, couples, and families as they navigate life’s challenges and move toward greater emotional health and connection.

A few helpful things to know when getting started:

• Several providers to choose from – Our counselors have different specialties, approaches, and availability so you can find the best fit for your needs.
• Referrals are usually not required – Most clients can contact us directly to schedule an appointment.
• Flexible appointment options – Some providers offer evening and weekend appointments by request.
• Insurance and self-pay options – We accept many insurance plans, and self-pay is also available.
• Concerned about cost? Ask us about additional options, including working with an Associate Licensed Counselor (ALC) or intern, which may provide lower-cost services.

If you or someone you love could benefit from counseling, we would be happy to help you take the next step.

Feel free to reach out with questions or to schedule an appointment.
We look forward to walking alongside you on your journey toward healing through hope.

Address

1820 Glynwood Drive Suite B
Prattville, AL
36066

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+13343582455

Website

http://www.elliscounseling.net/

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