Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Montgomery, AL covered by Aetna

Welcome!

Seeking therapy takes a leap of courage to dare imagine that you are deserving of a more fulfilling life. Whether you are dealing with the grief associated with life transitions or working through persistent anxiety & depression, I provide a compassionate, warm, and judgment free space where you feel genuinely heard and validated and we can work together toward meaningful change.

Starting therapy can feel like a big step, especially if you've been carrying anxiety, grief, relationship challenges, stress, or the effects of trauma on your own. You may be feeling overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, or unsure where to begin, and that's okay. I'm Ann Marie Nowak, a Licensed Professional Counselor with over six years of experience helping adults navigate life's most difficult moments with compassion, understanding, and practical support. I entered the field of Counseling later in life, returning to school at age 50. I have learned about life through the many experiences and challenges that came my way.

My background has allowed me to work with individuals facing a wide range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, relationship concerns, stress management, and end of life issues. I believe every person's story is unique, and I'm committed to meeting you where you are while honoring your strengths and experiences. I am able to work with mature clients, since I can well relate to the experiences and challenges that come about in our later years.

I am a family-oriented individual who understands the importance of balanced living, self-care, and healthy relationships. My formal education as a master's-level social worker, personal trials and errors, and 20-plus years of work experience with youth, individuals, and families have taught me that we are all unique human beings with our own life experiences with a shared desire for happiness. The difference in levels of individual and family satisfaction is often attributed to intentional effort to establish and maintain healthy relationships, mindsets, and perspectives. The goal of my practice is to empower hope, healing, & healthy relationships!

Clients should know that I am deeply committed to creating a space where honesty, healing and emotional safety can exist without judgment. I understand that coming to therapy often requires courage, especially when life feels overwhelming, complicated, or uncertain. My approach is grounded in respect, authenticity, and clinical integrity. I value the therapeutic relationship and believe that meaningful change happens when clients feel seen, heard, and understood - not rushed, dismissed, or judged.

I bring both professional expertise and real-world understanding into my work. Due to having worked in a forensic psychiatric setting for over 16 years, I have experience working with complex emotional, behavioral, and trauma-related challenges. I approach each client with the belief that behavior is often a response to pain, and healing begins when we understand the story behind the behavior.

Clients should also know that I am direct, compassionate, and intentional in my work. I will support you, but I will also gently challenge patterns that may be keeping you stuck. My goal is not just to help you cope, but to help you grow, heal, and move toward a more grounded and peaceful version of yourself. I deeply respect each client’s pace and process. You are not expected to have everything figured out when you arrive. Therapy is a space for exploration, reflection, and growth.

Above all, I believe that healing is possible, change is achievable, and no one is too far gone to begin again.

Whatever brought you here — anxiety, depression, grief, the weight of a past trauma, family conflict, or just the accumulation of everyday stressors — I'd be glad to help. I'm passionate about helping people find real solutions to life's challenges. I earned my bachelor's in social work from the University of North Alabama and my Master of Social Work from the University of Alabama, and over eight years I've worked with clients facing alcohol and drug-related issues, severe and persistent mental illness, depression, anxiety, grief, and the ordinary pressures that can quietly become too much to carry. That range means very little you bring will surprise me, and nothing you say here will be met with judgment.

I have been practicing in the counseling business for 16 years and current own my own practice. When I set up my business I made sure everyone knows it is Christian based using God's word and the scriptures to help us work through problems my clients are having. I have been an addiction counselor and helped clients with substance use and abuse issues. Today most of my clients are ones that have problems in their marriage and their relationships. I prefer to work with client that are 25 years old or older. For Individual counseling I help clients with stress, anxiety, depression and ADHD. My education is a Masters in Counseling for the University of North Alabama.

Life can feel overwhelming—and you don’t have to navigate it alone. I’m an LICSW who creates a judgment-free space where you can show up as you are. Together, we focus on your strengths, your goals, and real tools to support growth and healing.

I am a Clinical Social Worker providing tele-health psychotherapy to adolescents, adults, and seniors across Alabama and Florida. My goal is to provide the evidence-based treatment, education, and encouragement necessary for you to achieve a more purposeful and fulfilling life.