Alelia Higgenbottom
Licensed Therapist, MS, LPC
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My approach to treating OCD is gentle yet challenging. My aim is to increase your sense of autonomy and self-empowerment. There may be challenging moments in OCD therapy, but you are not alone on this journey. I'm here to provide support and guidance, with no judgment. I also specialize in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The symptoms and effects of OCD may relate to a traumatic event; they may also mirror anxiety or depression. Let me help you experience a more peaceful way of living.
My approach to treating OCD is gentle yet challenging. My aim is to increase your sense of autonomy and self-empowerment. There may be challenging moments in OCD therapy, but you are not alone on this journey. I'm here to provide support and guidance, with no judgment. I also specialize in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The symptoms and effects of OCD may relate to a traumatic event; they may also mirror anxiety or depression. Let me help you experience a more peaceful way of living.
Location
Licensed in Illinois, Tennessee, Virginia
About
Clinical Expertise
OCD, Anxiety, Depression, Phobias, Skin picking, Hair pulling, Nail biting, Tics, Children and Adolescents
Cultural competencies
Christianity
Education
University of Memphis
Insurance
Plans accepted by Alelia
Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Ascension SmartHealth, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, Cigna, Curative, Forest County Potawatomi, Horizon BCBS, Imagine Health, Independence Blue Cross, Kaiser Permanente, Key Benefit Administrators, Oscar Health, Partners Direct Health, United Healthcare,
Want to work with Alelia?
Talk with our team to learn more.
Get to know Alelia
How I create a safe, supportive environment in therapy
I try to lead with empathy, and provide a non-judgmental and safe space for you to share things that may be hard to say. I also make sure you know you're not alone in the things you're experiencing. I always share a bit of my personality, my story, and my journey as a professional in this field. As a mom, I've experienced anxiety. I've also experienced some pretty devastating losses, and being able to share this stuff, especially if we start to talk about trauma, helps people understand what a common human experience that is.
My personal connection to OCD and mental health
I have family members who've experienced anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder, which impacted me as well. I understand what it feels like to be in that seat of the therapist, but I also have experience being on the other side. I know what it feels like to be vulnerable with someone else. That's given me a lot of empathy and fueled me to want to support other people.
The most rewarding part of treating OCD
It's really rewarding when someone tells me, "I was able to face my fear today," or, "I challenged my intrusive thought today, and it helped me go about my day." A big benefit of what I do is seeing the progress people make—like, when someone says, "I wouldn't have been able to do this a year ago, and this is what I'm able to do now."
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