(she/her)
Hi, I am Dr. Rolanda Harris. I hold a Doctorate in Social Work and am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Alabama and Florida, as well as a Qualified Supervisor in Florida. I am the owner of Intentional Counseling and Consulting, LLC. I have 24 years of experience supporting and empowering individuals to navigate and cope with life's challenges. I am an intentional counselor who proactively plans my interactions and interventions based on a clear understanding of your situation and desired outcomes. I seek to understand your needs, strengths, and values to develop a tailored plan that aligns with your goals and promotes positive change. Intention is more than wishful thinking; it is willful direction. As an intentional counselor, I have had the privilege of working with chronically and terminally ill patients and their families, supporting them as they manage the emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual impact of their illness. I have experience working with college students needing support adjusting to college life, building confidence, navigating social situations, and managing stress and anxiety. I have spent years walking with bereaved individuals as they process intense emotions, attempt to understand the grieving process, and find meaning after loss. It has been an honor to support elderly individuals managing grief, the fear of mortality and aging, adapting to retirement, addressing social isolation, and experiencing a range of mental health challenges. I have also had the pleasure of supporting single mothers as they navigate the emotional impact of motherhood, mental health issues, financial stress, and building a support system. In my practice, I do not solely rely on one specific theory but may draw upon different theoretical perspectives. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Mindfulness-Based Therapies, Reminiscence Therapy, and Grief Therapy.
The initial session focuses on building rapport and establishing a comfortable, trusting relationship while providing information about the therapeutic process and gathering information. The sessions are designed to be a safe space where you can share your thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment or criticism. My goal is to help you gain a deeper understanding of your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. I aim to empower you to find your own solutions and strategies for managing challenges. Sessions with me involve a focus on purpose and proactive planning, aiming to create impactful, intentional, and fulfilling experiences. These sessions often include a check-in on how things have been since the last meeting, followed by processing your emotional and cognitive aspects of your concerns. Sessions will emphasize planning and guiding you towards creating actionable steps.
I am warm, compassionate, my authentic self, and have a heart for people. I meet people where they are without judgment. I tailor my knowledge and experience to the uniqueness of each client. I am fully present in the moment, both with myself and the client, and am mindful of the impact my words and actions have on the therapeutic relationship. By being patient, exploring options, and listening more, I can help clients find their solutions and work together to create sustainable outcomes that fit their reality.
I have had the opportunity over my 24-year career to work across a variety of clinical settings with diverse populations: college students, the elderly population, the chronically ill, the terminally ill, grieving individuals, and single mothers. If you desire to create a more purposeful, intentional life and face life’s challenges with the support you need, then it would be an honor to be that intentional counselor for you. Ask yourself these questions: What do I want more of in my life? What do I want less of in my life? What do I want to experience? How do I want to feel? What matters to me?
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a mental health therapy that focuses on acceptance and commitment to live a meaningful life, even when facing difficult emotions or experiences. It emphasizes being present, accepting thoughts and feelings without judgment, and taking actions that align with values. I use ACT with individuals dealing with grief and chronic or terminal illness.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that can negatively impact their mental and emotional well-being. This is used in therapy to help individuals cope with chronic pain.
Grief therapy, also known as grief counseling or bereavement counseling, is used to help individuals process and cope with the emotional and psychological impact of a loss, whether it's the death of a loved one or another significant loss in their life. It provides a safe space for individuals to explore their grief, develop coping mechanisms, and adjust to life after a loss.
Mindfulness-based grief therapy, which often incorporates techniques like mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) or mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), is used to treat the emotional and mental challenges associated with grief, bereavement, and loss. It helps individuals cope with the pain, isolation, and other difficult emotions that arise after a loss, promoting acceptance, emotional regulation, and overall well-being.
Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) is used to help people develop solutions to their problems and achieve their goals. It emphasizes identifying and building upon existing strengths and resources to create positive change rather than focusing on the root causes of problems. SFBT is effective for a wide range of issues such as life transitions, academic issues, and mental health concerns.