About Us
At Gulf Shores Counseling Center, our counseling clinicians have experience working with clients of all ages, providing individual, group, couples and family therapy services. We offer Individual, Couples, Group, Family, and Telemental Health Services
Our Team
Christine Rykiel, LCSW
Executive Director
941-893-3755, EXT 103
email
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Christine Rykiel, LCSW is the owner and Executive Director of Gulf Shores Counseling Center. Ms. Rykiel opened GSCC in 2023 with the goal of providing quality, affordable psychotherapy services that are focused on promoting client-centered, goal oriented counseling that develops and enhances client strengths. Ms Rykiel graduated with her Masters of Social Work degree from the University of MD School of Social Work in 1994. She earned her LCSW-C in Maryland in 1997 and in Florida in March 2011. Ms Rykiel is also certified as a BCD in Clinical Social Work Practice with Children and Families since 2005 and she is also certified as a CEAP- Employee Assistance Professional since 2018.
Ms. Rykiel provides counseling services to children, adolescents, and adults. She has been working in private practice since 1999. She possesses a unique ability to work specifically with individuals with developmental disabilities. Ms. Rykiel primarily utilizes a cognitive-behavioral therapy model in her work with her patients.
Connie Reinhard, LCSW
Clinical Director,
941-893-3755, EXT 105
email
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Connie Reinhard is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Masters degree in Social Work from the University of Kentucky. She has over 25 years of experience providing counseling, supervision, crisis management and program management and development. She is a Qualified Supervisor in the state of Florida.
She has been an active member of the Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) team for over 11 years working with law enforcement and first responders to help them recognize and process their acute trauma. She has also served on the suicide prevention task force for 8 years. She has been trained in de-escalation and crisis prevention intervention (CPI). In 2016 and 2017 she received a city award for providing “Best Personal Care” counseling services to the city of Newark, Ohio. She was also recognized by the Governor of Ohio for her services in Mental Health. She has partnered with community agency’s to provide acute trauma care after a traumatic incident. She has also partnered with law enforcement in providing emergency clinical care to victims. She is well respected in the field by first responders and has provided a much needed service to their community of responders.
She has worked in community mental health, managed care, psychiatric hospitals, intensive outpatient, private practice and EAP (employee assistance program).
She has worked with children over 8 years of age, adolescents, young adults, adults and seniors. She has worked with law enforcement for many years providing de-briefing for officers in the field. She has also worked with first responders, military and veterans.
She provides trauma informed care. She has an eclectic style of therapy including psychotherapy, solution-focused, strength based, mindfulness, CBT, reflective listening, motivational interviewing and stages of change,and brief therapy, all based on the need of the individual. She is also trained in EMDR therapy.
She has worked with individuals who suffer from mood disorders, anxiety, personality disorders, substance abuse, co-occurring disorders, dissociative identity disorder, relational conflict, grief/loss, trauma/PTSD, first responders, adjustment disorders, anger, and self esteem issues.
She believes that every person has a story, every person has worth but sometimes they need guidance discovering their value.
“Mindfulness is the miracle by which we master and restore ourselves” Nhat Hanh
Group Therapy
What is Group Therapy? It is a therapeutic group that typically focuses on one issue and whose participants experience the same or similar mental health disorders.
Telemental Health
Telemental Health Services is online therapy and an amazing tool for clients who want or need to incorporate mental health counseling sessions into their lives without going to a physical in-office appointment.
Trauma Counseling
GSCC understands the need for compassion and skill when it comes to trauma counseling. Many clinicians at GSCC are trained or certified in the most current and beneficial therapeutic modalities to assist you in resolving your traumas.
Individual Therapy
Life can be stressful and overwhelming leading to unhealthy choices and conditions. Individual counseling (sometimes called psychotherapy, talk therapy, or treatment) is a process through which clients work one-on-one with a trained mental health clinician in a safe, caring, and confidential environment.
Couples Therapy
In relationships, most problems stem from a lack of communication. For some couples, fighting can become the norm. You and your spouse may feel overwhelmed or wonder if your marriage can even be salvaged. Conversations leave both partners feeling frustrated and not feeling heard. Couples Therapy is a safe place to learn, use, and practice new communication tools as a couple.
Family Therapy
Families do not always live in harmony. Life changes such as divorce, loss, or lifestyle adjustments can create conflict and tension. Feeling hostility in the home, or a disconnect in family communication is disruptive to a healthy family unit.
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