Kathryn Ely, MA, LPC, NCC

Therapist and Founder of Empower Counseling

Meet Kathryn

Hi, I’m Kathryn.

Therapist, dog person, explorer, problem solver.

“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” – Mary Oliver

What I Do:

I truly want to know your answer to Mary Oliver’s question above. And I want to help create your individualized plan to get you there.

I help clients identify who and what is most important to them and guide them in those directions so they can have more satisfying relationships and more fulfilling lives.

I help anxious perfectionists overcome Imposter Syndrome so they can finally feel good enough to pursue their dreams and achieve their goals.

I teach overwhelmed procrastinators how to gain control of their lives so they can feel calm and be productive.

Kathryn Ely, Founder of and Counselor at Empower Counseling

Kathryn Ely

Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor, Advanced trained in ACT

Now, Let’s talk about you.

How is anxiety and perfectionism taking over your life?

You are so busy you feel like life is happening to you instead of you controlling the direction of your life.

You are unable to turn off your brain and all of the anxious, and negative thoughts your brain is feeding you.

You tend to focus on your flaws and past mistakes and just can’t seem to stop thinking about them.

Decisions are difficult because there are too many options, leaving you feeling stuck.

You probably have difficulty relaxing because you feel like you should always be doing something productive.

You feel overwhelmed and have trouble prioritizing because of the length of your to-do list so you get nothing done.

You have a good life on paper but it doesn’t feel like it because you can’t really enjoy it.

You don’t understand those people who look like they can handle it all with ease … but you want to be one of them.

Kathryn Ely, Counselor at Empower Counseling and Coaching

You want to…

Drop the self-doubt and be confident.

Let go of anxiety, be present and enjoy your relationships.

Stop struggling with decisions, prioritize, and be your most productive self, while feeling calm and content.

You want to have clarity, direction, and a sense of purpose.

Kathryn Ely, Counselor at Empower Counseling and Coaching

What is Therapy like with Kathryn?

As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, advanced trained in Acceptance Commitment Therapy, (and a former practicing attorney) I use my specialized expertise and guidance to help you uncover who you want to be.

I use the best proven methods to help you clarify, simplify, change habits and behaviors, so you can live life with intention.

Clarify

We start by finding clarity.

We will clarify the root cause of the unwanted issues you are experiencing. We will clarify what is going on in your current life that you don’t want to experience. We will clarify what you want your one wild and precious life to look like, and who you want to be within that life.

Design

Next, we take that life you want to have and create a process to move you past the obstacles that have been keeping you stuck, and toward that life you want.

Experience

Through mindfulness practice and intentional actions and behaviors toward what and who you value, you move from designing your life to experiencing that more satisfying and fulfilling life.

How ACT with Kathryn Can Help You

Imagine waking up in the morning with excitement about your day, instead of worry and dread.

Imagine feeling productive rather than busy.

Imagine being able to look at your own thoughts and having the ability decide which ones you want to engage with and which ones you want to let go.

Imagine feeling in control of your life, rather than life happening to you.

Imagine feeling confident, calm and self-assured instead of struggling to make the right decision or choice.

You can finally replace your anxiety and perfectionism with:

  • Calm contentment
  • A sense of control and direction
  • Self-confidence
  • And you can finally feel like you are enough
You need a therapist who understands your life, can help simplify it, and make it more fulfilling. Let’s work together so you can be the person you want to be, living the life you really want live.

Make This Investment in Yourself

Now is the best time for you to have a caring and compassionate space for your fears, worries-and dreams.

A place where you don’t have to be afraid to talk about what you are feeling and what keeps you up at night.

A place where you can discuss your relationships so you can have better ones.

A place where you can discover your worth.

A space where we can find solutions to the problems in your life.

Now is the best time for you to have a problem-solving explorer in your corner.

Life is Complicated and Messy

You need a therapist who understands your life, can help simplify it, and make it more fulfilling.

Let’s work together so you can be the person you want to be, living the life you really want live.

Kathryn Ely, Counselor at Empower Counseling and Coaching

What Sets Me Apart as a Therapist in Birmingham, AL

I am an Licensed Professional Counselor in Birmingham, Alabama. I have a Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health and advanced training in Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT). My educational background includes:

  • Master of Arts, Clinical Mental Health from University of Alabama, Birmingham
  • Law Degree (Juris Doctor) from University of Alabama
  • Bachelor of Arts, Political Science from Birmingham-Southern College
  • UAB Community Counseling Clinic, a one year counseling internship

I specialize in working with teens, college students, young adults, and professionals experiencing:

  • Perfectionism
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Low self-esteem
  • Procrastination
  • Overwhelm
  • Goal setting and goal achievement
  • Difficult life transitions

I use the same evidence-based advanced training in ACT to achieve success with my coaching clients that I use with my counseling clients.

The Fun Stuff

I love my dogs, Cooper and Otis. They are so funny. Cooper is a black Labrador Retriever and Otis is a chocolate Lab. Ever since Cooper was a small puppy, he would trot up to Otis and sit down on him, then slide down into the crook of Otis between his front legs and his back legs. Sometimes he just lays his head on top of Otis or Otis lays his head on Cooper.

Kathryn Ely, Counselor at Empower Counseling and Coaching

I have 3 children, 2 boys and a girl. You can imagine the dynamic.

If I could only choose one food to eat for the rest of my life, it would be lobster. If I could choose a second food, it would be chips and salsa.

Kathryn Ely, Counselor at Empower Counseling and Coaching
Kathryn Ely is a Licensed Professional Counselor and founder of Empower Counseling in Birmingham, AL

Let’s Get Started

I offer many services through online therapy in Alabama and in my Birmingham-based counseling clinic. My services include counseling for anxiety, depression, and perfectionism. As an online therapist in Alabama, I also work with college students at Samford, University of Alabama, and Auburn via online therapy. In addition, I work with teens and young adults. When you’re ready to get started, follow these steps:

1. Contact Kathryn by filling out the form below.

2. Get to know your caring and compassionate therapist.

3. Start your journey to a more fulfilling life today and tackle the problems that are in your way.

Contact Kathryn

If you would like to make an appointment with Kathryn, or have any questions, please call (205) 730-6570.

If you would like to email Kathryn, please complete the contact form below.

Contact Empower