Licensed to practice in Alabama and accepts 9 insurances. Specializes in Anxiety, Trauma and PTSD, First Responders/Healthcare Workers and 5 more.
New to Grow
Jeffrey Lamar Eiland, LCSW, LICSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with specialized expertise in trauma-informed care, PTSD/C-PTSD, substance use disorders, and military/veteran mental health. As Founder of Wise Mind Psychotherapy, LLC, he provides compassionate virtual therapy, while serving as a clinician at Bradford Health Services, where he supports residential clients in recovery and addresses the unique needs of each client. Trained in EMDR (EMDRIA-approved Parts I & II), Brainspotting (Phases I & II), and holding Certified Clinical Trauma Professional II (CCTP-II) credentials, Jeffrey integrates evidence-based modalities such as DBT-informed “Wise Mind” approaches and shame-informed counseling. He is an ASBSWE Board-approved Clinical Supervisor and is actively expanding his practice through Grow Therapy and insurance credentialing. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran with lived experience in long-term recovery since 2009, Jeffrey brings deep authenticity and cultural competence to his work with each client. He is passionate about post-traumatic growth, moral injury healing, and community-based veteran suicide prevention (Fire Watch Watch Stander). Committed to ethical, client-centered practice, Jeffrey continues to pursue advanced training in Jungian dream strategies with EMDR, addictions, and veteran-specific issues through PsychArmor and other leading providers.
Before the Session You’ll receive intake forms (if not already completed) covering basic background, current concerns, and any relevant history. These help me prepare to support you effectively. Our session will be held via secure telehealth video. You’ll need a quiet, private space with a reliable internet connection. During the First Session (Typically 50–60 Minutes) Building Connection & Safety We’ll start by getting to know each other. I’ll share a bit about my approach (trauma-informed, collaborative, and strengths-based) and answer any questions you have about therapy, confidentiality, or logistics. Understanding Your Story You’ll have space to share what brings you to therapy right now, whether it’s trauma/PTSD, anxiety, depression, substance use recovery, military/veteran-related stress, relationship challenges, or something else. There’s no pressure to share everything at once. We go at your pace. Assessment & Goals I’ll ask targeted questions to understand your background, strengths, and what you hope to achieve. This helps us create a personalized treatment plan. We may briefly discuss tools like EMDR, Brainspotting, or coping skills if relevant. Practical Details We’ll review session frequency, policies (cancellation, payment, emergencies), and how we’ll work together. After the Session You may feel a range of emotions — relief, tiredness, or even hope. That’s completely normal. I’ll send a brief summary or next steps if helpful. You’re encouraged to reach out with any questions that come up. My Goal for the First Session To create a safe, non-judgmental space where you feel heard and respected. Therapy works best when it feels collaborative, your input matters every step of the way. I look forward to working with you. You’ve already shown courage by scheduling this appointment.
My approach is grounded in authenticity, compassion, and respect. Having walked the path of recovery myself, I believe deeply in the power of hope, resilience, and connection. Whether supporting someone through early recovery or helping them heal from recent or long-standing trauma, I strive to create a safe, non-judgmental space where real healing can occur. I have a deep passion for helping individuals heal from anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, and the invisible wounds of military service. As a Marine Veteran and a person who has experienced anxiety, trauma, and is in long-term recovery since February 11, 2009, I bring both professional expertise and lived experience to my work. My academic journey has equipped me with a strong foundation in mental health and human behavior. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Counseling, a Master of Science in Mental Health and Wellness, and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Alabama. I am licensed as an Independent Clinical Social Worker with Supervisor designation in Alabama. I specialize in trauma-informed care and hold several advanced certifications, including: • Certified Clinical Trauma Professional II (CCTP-II) • Brainspotting Phases I & II • EMDRIA Approved EMDR Therapist These evidence-based approaches allow me to support clients in processing trauma, regulating the nervous system (anxiety), and building meaningful lifelong quality of life. I am particularly passionate about helping individuals navigate PTSD, moral injury, and substance use disorders.
I work best with adults who are ready to do meaningful work and are seeking a trauma-informed, compassionate, and practical therapist. My ideal clients are typically: Individuals navigating PTSD, moral injury, deployment stress, transition challenges, relationship challenges, or the intersection of trauma and substance use. Men and Women who want a straightforward, non-judgmental space to address trauma, shame, anger, relationship patterns, or life transitions. People in recovery from substance use disorders (alcohol, opioids, meth, etc.) who are committed to sobriety and healing underlying trauma or co-occurring anxiety/depression. Trauma survivors (single-incident or complex/C-PTSD) who are motivated to process difficult experiences using approaches like EMDR or Brainspotting. Individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, shame, or relational wounds who value a “Wise Mind” (DBT-informed) balance of acceptance and change. Qualities That Make Someone a Great Fit Ready and willing to engage in therapy (even if nervous or unsure at first). Open to exploring both past experiences and present-day coping skills. Appreciates a therapist who brings both clinical expertise and lived experience in recovery. Values authenticity, structure, and measurable progress. Committed to attending sessions regularly and completing between-session work when necessary. I am especially passionate about helping clients who feel “stuck” — whether in patterns of self-sabotage, emotional numbness, hypervigilance, or the lingering effects of trauma, military service, or addiction. If you’re seeking real healing, greater self-compassion, and tools for lasting resilience, and an improved quality of life, we’re likely a strong match.
Other specialties
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I use a DBT-informed approach (rather than full, comprehensive DBT skills groups) because it is highly adaptable and effective for the clients I serve, especially those dealing with trauma/PTSD/C-PTSD, substance use recovery, anxiety, emotional dysregulation, and veteran/military issues. What “DBT-Informed” Means in My Practice DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) was originally developed by Marsha Linehan to help people with intense emotions, self-harm, and borderline personality traits. I draw from its core principles and skills without requiring clients to commit to a full DBT program. Instead, I weave DBT concepts naturally into individual sessions. Key Ways I Integrate DBT Wise Mind (Core Philosophy) This is the foundation of my practice (hence “Wise Mind Psychotherapy”). I help clients find the balance between Emotion Mind (intense feelings) and Reason Mind (logic/facts) to reach Wise Mind — a calm, centered state where they can make effective decisions. This is especially helpful for veterans with hypervigilance or trauma survivors who feel overwhelmed. Core DBT Skills Taught as Needed Mindfulness: Simple practices to stay present, observe thoughts without judgment, and reduce reactivity. Distress Tolerance: Crisis survival skills (e.g., self-soothing, radical acceptance) for high-distress moments or cravings in recovery. Emotion Regulation: Identifying emotions, understanding triggers, building positive experiences, and opposite action. Interpersonal Effectiveness: Skills for setting boundaries, asking for needs, and maintaining relationships, very useful for relationship issues and life transitions. Dialectics (The “Both/And” Mindset) I help clients move away from all-or-nothing thinking (e.g., “I’m either weak or strong”) toward holding opposites: “I can accept where I am and work toward change.” This is powerful for shame, moral injury, and self-compassion in trauma work. Integration with Other Modalities With EMDR/Brainspotting: DBT skills help clients regulate emotions before, during, or after trauma processing so they feel safer and more grounded. With Trauma & SUD Work: Distress tolerance skills support sobriety and prevent overwhelm during trauma processing. In Supervision: I teach supervisees how to use Wise Mind and basic DBT tools with their clients. Clients don’t need prior DBT experience — I explain everything clearly and adapt to your pace and needs. The goal is practical, usable tools that reduce suffering and increase life effectiveness.
EMDR
How I Use EMDR in Therapy EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is one of the most effective, evidence-based therapies for processing trauma, PTSD, C-PTSD, anxiety, and distressing/disturbing life experiences. I am EMDR-trained through an EMDRIA-approved intensive program (Parts I & II with Dr. Andrew Dobo) and use it regularly with clients. What EMDR Is (In Simple Terms) EMDR helps your brain reprocess “stuck” traumatic memories so they no longer trigger strong emotional or physical reactions in the present. It uses bilateral stimulation (usually guided eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones) while you focus on a memory, thought, or body sensation. This mimics the natural processing that happens during REM sleep. How I Incorporate EMDR in Sessions Thorough Preparation (Safety First) Before any processing, we spend time building trust, strengthening coping and resource skills (including DBT-informed tools like grounding and distress tolerance), and ensuring you feel safe and stable. This phase is especially important for complex trauma, veterans, or those with dissociation. Targeted Processing We identify specific memories, beliefs, or triggers that are causing current distress (e.g., combat experiences, assault, childhood trauma, moral injury, or events tied to addiction). You don’t have to talk about every detail, EMDR works even if you prefer not to describe the memory out loud. The EMDR Process We use bilateral stimulation while you hold the memory in mind. Your brain does the healing work, many clients report that the memory loses its emotional charge and feels more distant. We also install positive beliefs (e.g., "I am good enough" “I am safe now” or “I did the best I could”). Integration with Other Approaches With Brainspotting: I may combine or alternate modalities depending on what feels most effective for you. With DBT/Wise Mind: DBT skills help with emotional regulation before, during, and after EMDR sessions. For Veterans & SUD Clients: EMDR is excellent for processing trauma that fuels cravings or hypervigilance. What Clients Often Experience Sessions are typically 55–60 minutes. You stay in control, we go at your pace and stop if needed. Some people feel relief after just a few sessions; others need more depending on the complexity of the trauma. Temporary increase in emotions or vivid dreams can occur as processing happens (this is normal and usually passes). Who EMDR Works Well For EMDR is particularly helpful for single-event traumas, complex/developmental trauma, performance anxiety, grief, phobias, and body-stored trauma responses. I customize EMDR to your needs and always prioritize safety and consent. Many of my clients (especially veterans and trauma survivors) report significant reductions in nightmares, flashbacks, anxiety, and shame after EMDR work.
Brainspotting
How I Use Brainspotting in Therapy Brainspotting is a powerful, brain-based therapy that helps access and process trauma, emotions, and body-stored experiences that are often difficult to reach through talk therapy alone. I am trained in Brainspotting Phases I & II and use it regularly, often alongside EMDR, for clients dealing with trauma, PTSD/C-PTSD, anxiety, performance issues, and addiction recovery. What Brainspotting Is (In Simple Terms) Our eyes are directly connected to the brain. By finding a specific “brainspot” (a position where your eyes naturally focus), we can activate the deeper parts of the brain where trauma, pain, and stuck emotions are held. This allows the body and nervous system to process and release what talk therapy sometimes cannot reach. How I Incorporate Brainspotting in Sessions Assessment & Safety We begin by building trust and ensuring you feel grounded. I’ll explain the process fully and answer any questions. Brainspotting is very client-led, you remain in control at all times. Finding the Brainspot Using a pointer or your own focus, we locate the eye position connected to the issue you want to work on (a memory, emotion, body sensation, or current trigger). You might notice tightness, heat, tension, or emotional activation in your body. Processing You simply focus on that spot while noticing whatever comes up (thoughts, feelings, body sensations, images, or memories). I provide attuned support and may use bilateral sound (music or tones in headphones) to enhance processing. Many clients experience deep release, insight, or a sense of “something shifting” without needing to talk extensively. Integration & Closure We help the nervous system settle, install resources (calm, strength, safety), and discuss any insights or next steps. Common Ways I Use Brainspotting Trauma & PTSD: Processing combat experiences, moral injury, assault, or childhood trauma. Veteran & Military Issues: Releasing hypervigilance, guilt, or stored physiological stress. Anxiety & Somatic Symptoms: Working with body-based anxiety, chronic tension, or “stuck” emotions. Addiction Recovery: Addressing underlying trauma that fuels cravings or relapse patterns. Performance & Shame: Clearing blocks related to self-worth, relationships, or life transitions. What to Expect Sessions are typically 50–60 minutes. It is gentle yet profound, many clients report feeling lighter, more grounded, or “unstuck” afterward. You don’t have to relive every detail of the trauma. The brain does most of the work. Effects can be noticeable after one session, though multiple sessions are usually recommended for deeper issues. Brainspotting pairs beautifully with my DBT-informed “Wise Mind” skills for regulation and with EMDR when a client benefits from both modalities. I always tailor the approach to what feels most helpful and safe for you.