Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Montgomery, AL

My passion is helping women to regain a feeling of control and authorship in their lives. I specialize in helping women with postpartum depression/anxiety, self-esteem issues and stress from life transitions. I received my Ph.D. in counseling psychology from Ohio State in 2008. I'm a licensed psychologist with over 15 years of experience.

Healing happens when you feel seen, supported, and empowered to move forward. I work with individuals, couples, and families navigating anxiety, OCD, family conflict, anger management, and cultural & ethnic identity concerns while also helping clients facing depression, trauma, stress, grief, ADHD, relationship challenges, women's issues, physical health concerns, and life transitions. With more than 17 years of experience in mental health, I bring a diverse background that includes private practice, school counseling, and serving as an Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant. These experiences have strengthened my belief that lasting growth happens through meaningful connections—with ourselves, our relationships, and our communities. Whether you're seeking support during a difficult season or looking to create lasting change, I'm committed to meeting you where you are with compassion, respect, and practical guidance.

Sometimes life feels heavier than it looks on the outside. You may be carrying anxiety that never seems to quiet down, grieving someone you love, trying to hold a relationship together, or simply wondering why you don't feel like yourself anymore. Whatever brought you here, you don't have to pretend you're okay with me. My hope is that therapy becomes a place where you can finally exhale, make sense of what you're experiencing, and begin finding steady ground again.

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.

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’m a warm, supportive, and empowering therapist who believes you are the expert on your own life. I’ve been practicing counseling for four years and also facilitate IOP groups, giving me experience working with a variety of concerns and life experiences. I use humor when it fits, and I’m not afraid to challenge you when the moment calls for it. Most importantly, I want you to feel comfortable being your authentic self in therapy.

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!

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.

I specialize in supporting adults as they navigate identity, relationships, and life transitions, as well as children, teens, families, and adults dealing with stress, anxiety, emotional challenges, substance use concerns, and life changes.

My approach is culturally responsive, affirming, and warm, and I tailor treatment to meet each person where they are. I also incorporate clients’ faith and spiritual beliefs into the therapeutic process when desired, as part of a holistic approach to care.