About Brion
Brion Carlson, ALC, NCC
This is a second career for me, and I'm so thankful for the opportunity. Becoming a counselor later in life gives me a unique perspective and different insights than I would have as someone who went straight through school. Life has brought me my own losses and difficulties, and I’ve emerged from these experiences both healed enough and scarred enough to become a relatable, effective therapist for others. While I do sometimes pine after an additional 20 years of clinical experience, I benefit from having the most current and advanced clinical education. And I come to my new career with a mixture of enthusiasm and freshness on the one hand and life experience on the other. I believe in that combination, and I believe I can help you.
I hold a Masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from UAB. I work full time as a Substance Abuse Counselor in the UAB Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, and I see TherapyWorks clients on weekends. I'm licensed to practice psychotherapy in the state of Alabama as an Associate Licensed Counselor (ALC) under the excellent supervision of Chuck Duer LPC-S. I'm a National Certified Counselor (NCC) with the National Board of Certified Counselors, a member of the American Counseling Association, and a member of the Association for Adult Development and Aging. Before taking this path, I held several senior positions in finance and business intelligence.
When I'm away from doing what I love at TherapyWorks, I enjoy exercising (I swear), pampering my dogs, and watching the sun set from my back porch with my wife Brandy. I'm truly fascinated by psychology and enjoy learning more about it almost every day.
My Approach
I stay close to the latest research on theraputic approaches and efficacy. But I’m convinced that if I’m not the right person for you right now, none of that matters. So my approach starts with relationship building, and that remains its center.
Through our theraputic partnership, we’ll agree on some goals, and we’ll organize our sessions around meeting them. I believe good therapy serves two roles—it supports you, and it challenges you. I try to find a balance between these two with each client. And we may spend stretches where our only goal is to make sure you are fully heard, understood, and respected. But I deeply believe that everyone can improve their lives. And so (fair warning), I will eventually bug you to pick some goals and do some work and make things better. It’s just how I’m wired.
When we encounter sticking points, we’ll keep our bearings with one of several nerdy therapy models I like to use to keep us moving forward. One example is the RAMPS model. Here the idea is that, if we are not being successful meeting your goals, it’s a call for us to examine…
The quality of our Relationship
Your level of Awareness and understanding around the issue
Your competing Motivations
The validity of the Plan (the steps themselves) we’re using
Making sure we’ve built the Skills you need to implement the plan
If we can build a trusting realtionship that permits you to explore your issues fully, I know we can raise your awareness, align your motivations, build new skills, and find and follow a plan to change your life.
Finally, let me say that I appreciate the strength it takes to reach out for therapy. But life is so short, and this is your moment. If you want to be both supported and challenged, if you want to change how you feel, and certainly if you're suffering, please reach out today. It’s my purpose to help
