Birmingham
 

I'm Odele, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) with over 10 years of experience in the mental health field, including leadership roles in both hospital and outpatient settings.

 

I specialize in working with trauma, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, anger management, men's issues, career changes, ADHD, behavioral issues, and more. I prioritize creating a supportive environment and respect all clients, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. I genuinely enjoy hearing the narratives of others and exploring family systems, offering support through unconditional positive regard. My humanistic and existential approach emphasizes meaning-making, helping clients explore their values and experiences for personal growth and self-discovery.

 

Together, let's embark on a journey toward healing, growth, and a deeper understanding of yourself. Counseling by Odele isn’t just about finding solutions; it’s an invitation to explore and embrace the beautifully complex story that is your life.

My name is Ariela Aaron. I completed a Bachelor of Science from Southern University A&M with an emphasis in psychology and a minor in French in 1997. After graduation, I moved back to Israel and lived there from 1997 to 2001. During this period, I reconnected with my roots and studied Jewish History, Hebrew Language, and English as a Second Language Instruction. My lifelong passion has been helping others in crisis situations, relating to people on their level by showing them they have options, and that the world is a small village where we are all connected. Teaching and volunteering in my native country gave me invaluable life experience, but my true passion has always been counseling.

 

In 2002, I was officially accepted into the University of Alabama, where I completed fellowships at the counseling lab and was introduced to various therapy modalities, including Play Therapy. In 2003, I earned a Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, followed by an Education Specialist Degree in Counselor Education in 2005, with a focus on Family, Marriage, and Community Counseling.

 

For the past 20+ years, I have been committed to serving both adults and children facing a wide range of mental health and substance abuse issues. Some of the areas I have worked with include domestic violence, play therapy for young children, adolescent mental health, and adult counseling for both men and women. I have extensive experience addressing anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, anger management, stress management, and suicidal or homicidal ideation.

 

My purpose is to provide compassionate and effective mental health services in Birmingham, Alabama, and surrounding areas. I am especially passionate about supporting college-age youth, children, and adults who are navigating the effects of trauma, emotional distress, and life transitions. Through personalized counseling, my goal is to help clients regain clarity, build resilience, and find hope in their healing journey.

My name is April Saffold, and I am an Associate Licensed Counselor (ALC) as well as an Internationally Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor (IC-ADC). I specialize in supporting individuals facing challenges related to substance use disorders, PTSD, trauma, anxiety, mood disorders, anger management, ADHD, and behavioral concerns.

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I provide a therapeutic space grounded in humanistic and existential principles, where clients are encouraged to explore their values, life experiences, and personal narratives. During our initial sessions, you can expect a safe and nonjudgmental environment where we will begin identifying patterns, clarifying goals, and working toward meaningful personal growth.

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What sets my practice apart is my unwavering commitment to unconditional positive regard and deep respect for every client, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. I am passionate about this work because I find great purpose in helping others find healing, clarity, and a deeper understanding of themselves. I believe that every person’s story is important and that each journey is a powerful path toward transformation and growth.