Misty L. Yates, LPC, NCC

I am the owner of Grand Oaks Counseling and a practicing therapist licensed for the State of Alabama. I specialize in EMDR-informed therapy for couples and individuals. My approach is collaborative, trauma-informed, and grounded in neurobiology. I rely heavily on EMDR processing to help my clients process and repair the nervous-system impact of past harms, with particular expertise in childhood trauma and attachment-focused relational healing. I have a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from UAB, and a postgraduate certification in Marriage and Family Therapy from Grand Canyon University. I am also an EMDRIA trained EMDR Therapist.

Beyond my formal education, I have also pursued extensive hours of training in couples-focused EMDR including: Kenya Rocha, LMHC's "Deeper Connections: EMDR with Couples and Families"; Jessica Legg, PhD's advanced training in "EMDR Conjoint Couples Protocols"; and Venessa De La Cruz, LCSW's "Betrayal Trauma Beyond the Bedroom: EMDR Therapy When Shattered Trust Isn't Just Infidelity". Through taking a systemic understanding of relationship dynamics, I provide depth-oriented, evidence-based treatment for couples navigating high-conflict or cyclical disagreements, attachment ruptures, complex trauma, betrayal history, and nervous system dysregulation — supporting their path toward restored intimacy.

I also hold a certification in Religious Trauma Studies from the Global Center for Religious Research. This training has deepened my ability to support clients whose mental and emotional well-being has been affected by their experiences within religious systems — whether they remain actively engaged in their faith community or have chosen to step away from organized religion altogether. Wherever a person may fall on that spectrum, my approach is to honor their beliefs, autonomy, and pace, rather than direct them toward or away from any particular path. I also use EMDR therapy in helping clients process the nervous system impact of religious harm — which often includes shame, fear-based conditioning, and ruptures in trust — allowing for healing that respects each person's ongoing relationship with faith, meaning, and community. 

• New Intake appointments; approx 55-minutes- $175
• Each additional session; approx 55-minutes- $150
• 90 minute sessions (more common with Couples and EMDR processing sessions)- $200

See our Rates Page for more information on the rates of different therapists in our practice and the ways Grand Oaks Counseling is committed to helping individuals for whom finances may prevent access to the care you need. 

If you would like to schedule an appointment, or chat about the ways I could help, call our office at Grand Oaks Counseling (256-542-1482).  I look forward to hearing from you.