Therapist Affiliations
Mikala Pickens, ALC
Hi, I’m Mikala. I’m an Associate Licensed Counselor (ALC) based in Birmingham, Alabama, practicing under the supervision of Courtney Benjamin. Before becoming a therapist, I worked as a high school teacher, a case manager for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and a college counselor. These experiences shaped the way I show up in the therapy room: curious, compassionate, and committed to meeting people exactly where they are. I offer both in-person and virtual sessions to fit your needs. I work with teenagers ages 15 and up, college-aged young adults, and adults of all ages. Many of my clients come in navigating social anxiety, low self-esteem, anxiety, peer or relationship concerns, anger, depression, grief, burnout, or major life transitions. My goal is to help you feel understood, supported, and empowered as you move through whatever you are facing. As a certified Prepare-Enrich facilitator, I also support couples in exploring their strengths, communication patterns, and areas of growth. If you would like, this work can be faith-based. I am a neurodivergent therapist, and supporting neurodivergent individuals is especially meaningful to me. Whether you are navigating ADHD, Autism, or OCD, dealing with burnout from masking, or working through stigma and misunderstandings, either individually or within a relationship, I am here to help you feel seen and valued for who you are. Above all, I want therapy with me to feel like a safe, inclusive, and compassionate space that is free from judgment and open to all the parts of you. You are welcome here exactly as you are.
My name is Christina Ayers‑Klose. I’m a Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist (LCAS), Associate Licensed Counselor (ALC), and Certified Clinical Supervisor Intern (CCS‑I). I provide counseling services in Alabama under the supervision of Courtney Benjamin, LPC-S, PMH-C. I also offer services throughout the state of North Carolina. Supporting mental health is at the heart of what I do. In our work together, I strive to help you understand your experiences, build emotional resilience, and move toward a life that feels more grounded and manageable. I’m dedicated to creating a compassionate and nonjudgmental, yet focused space for healing, growth, and meaningful change. My work centers on supporting individuals and families through some of life’s most challenging experiences, including trauma, addiction, transitions, and the impact of overwhelming emotions. I believe deeply in people’s capacity to heal, and I approach each person with respect, curiosity, and a genuine commitment to understanding your story. I have experience working with veterans, aiding in the navigation of the emotional and relational effects of military service, transition, and trauma. I also support families involved in the foster care system, offering guidance through the uncertainty, grief, and resilience that often accompany these experiences. My work with women includes addressing identity shifts, life transitions, relationship patterns, and the unique pressures that shape women’s mental health. I also provide care for individuals navigating eating disorders, borderline personality traits, and addiction, using trauma-informed, evidence-based approaches to support greater stability, strengthen emotional regulation, and reconnect with a sense of self-worth. My goal is to help you understand your experiences with clarity and compassion while developing tools that support long term wellness. My approach is relational and collaborative, centering your autonomy, your story, and your capacity for growth. I draw from cognitive‑behavioral strategies, somatic grounding, motivational interviewing, emotional regulation skills, and values‑based work, always tailoring the process to your needs and pacing. Whether you’re seeking support for yourself or your family, beginning therapy for the first time, or returning with new goals, I strive to create a space where you feel understood, supported, and empowered to make changes that align with your values.
Chania Mitchell, ALC
Hi, I’m Chania. I’m an Associate Licensed Counselor in Alabama, and I work with teens and adults who are carrying more than they often say out loud. If you’re navigating anxiety, OCD, depression, trauma, grief, recovery, or a major life transition, I offer a space where you can slow down, breathe, and sort through what’s happening at a pace that feels right for you. I also have specialized training in perinatal and postpartum mental health and support mothers, birthing people, partners, and families through pregnancy, postpartum, parenting, and loss.
My approach is grounded, relational, and deeply human. I don’t expect you to show up pretending everything is fine. I believe healing happens when you feel seen, understood, and supported without pressure to rush or perform. We pay attention to what’s happening in your mind and body and make space for the parts of you that have been working so hard. As a mother, a trained End‑of‑Life Doula, and a mental health counselor, I bring warmth, steadiness, and real‑life humanity into the room. And because joy matters too, I’m a lover of deep laughter, a good burger, and anime - the small things that remind us we’re allowed to be whole people, not just our pain.
I’ve spent nearly a decade supporting people in settings ranging from correctional facilities to community programs. I’ve worked with survivors, people in recovery, and individuals navigating trauma, identity shifts, and complex life transitions. Those experiences taught me to lead with humility, curiosity, and deep respect for the strength people carry, even when they don’t feel strong. If you’re looking for a space to sort through what’s happening in your life with someone who will meet you with honesty, steadiness, and care, I’m currently accepting new clients for telehealth sessions. I accept Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, AllKids, and Ulliance EAP through Benjamin Counseling and Consulting and I also offer self‑pay options through my private practice, Seasons Therapy Center. ​