Our Team
Misti Lira, LCSW
Owner and Therapist
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience. I have a passion to assist people in healing and growing. HOPE is my favorite word. There is no problem too big to be conquered. You are not alone.
I focus on the source of symptoms not just symptom alleviation. I focus more on why these symptoms are occurring not just how to fix them. I also find strengths and encourage growth. I incorporate EMDR, mindfulness and learning the mind/body connection in sessions.
I am a mother of 3. I love running, being outdoors, and going to concerts. I see patients via telehealth throughout Arkansas and Tennessee. I have offices in Marion and in Fayetteville, AR.
Courtney Porter, LCSW
Courtney is a licensed clinical social worker with over 6 years of experience working in the mental health field, providing evidence-based treatment to adult populations in inpatient settings and adults and youth in outpatient treatment settings. She has experience in helping clients with anxiety, depression, and other self defeating symptoms. She loves hosting the ‘My Therapy In A Box’ podcast on YouTube and podcast platforms, with her husband, discussing how self care is the key to success. She also enjoys giving presentations on various mental health topics.
Julie Wilson, LCSW
It takes a lot of courage to ask for help. I’d like to help by forming a partnership with you to address your mental health concerns and difficult life circumstances. If depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, family issues, or grief and loss are causing you to feel overwhelmed and unfulfilled – I’d like to help you feel satisfied, self-confident, and at peace. I have been a Therapist for 15 years and I love what I do!
I have extensive experience working with adults, adolescents and children with a broad range of mental health problems. I am passionate about helping my clients create the life they desire and find inner peace. I work with clients struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma/PTSD, substance abuse, ADHD, grief, family problems and stress.
I understand how it feels to talk to someone new about very personal aspects of your life. I’ve been in your shoes. I assure you that you will not judged. You will be treated with compassion and understanding. I am open-minded and a woman of Faith. I hope to hear from you soon so that I can share in your journey to feeling better.
James Edwards, LPC
I am an active listener who enjoys supporting clients with self-discovery and the development of personal goals. I believe in a helping relationship and I look forward to working with my clients to help them navigate through this thing called life.
I have worked in the mental health field for 9 years. I have also worked in a variety of settings including residential, partial hospitalization, outpatient, and addictions. I have had the privilege of serving individuals and families struggling with the difficulties associated with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, anger management, co-occurring and addiction. My theoretical approach will be Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Person Centered Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. My goal is to provide a genuine therapeutic relationship with each of my clients and help make them feel heard and respected, regardless of the issue or struggle they are facing. My clients will be treated with respect, genuine care, compassion and concern.
Theresa A. James, LCSW
If you are exhausted by the constant loops of negativity running in your head, I hear you. I know you want out of this loop but getting out of it seems impossible. I completely get this overwhelming feeling.
I am an LCSW, who has an extensive and diverse experience in the healthcare system in a variety of roles, most recently as a Registered Nurse. I believe in a holistic approach. I am prepared to validate, to support and to facilitate you in your journey towards transformation.
During our time together we will ignite your unique superpower. In this process we will create a sustainable healing that comes from within and ultimately leads to self-empowerment.
If this resonates with you, I am available for TeleHealth sessions throughout Arkansas through Hope Counseling Associates.
Specialties:
Addictions and Recovery
Trauma and PTSD
Anxiety/Depression
Suicidal Ideation
Allison Fullen, LCSW
I believe that every person is worthy of being the leader of their own fulfilled life. Sometimes we are overwhelmed by emotions, trauma, grief, pain or the memories of the past and it interferes with our ability to find our footing in an unsure world. Let’s work together to set goals, identify values, and make those changes that you are ready to make! With over 14 years of experience in working with individuals, children and families, I look forward to combining your expertise with various approaches to uncover your best self.
Angie Young, LMSW
It’s common to forget our own strengths and values in the hustle and bustle of living. This can set us up for depression, anxiety, and other complications. Therapy can help you to rediscover your inherent strengths and resilience. My approach allows people to make changes happen in their lives by giving them hope and helping them learn to confront irrational thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes. My wish for you is that at the end of each session you feel less isolated and more like the person you were meant to be.
My goal is to be as transparent as possible with my clients and to always meet them where they are in life. I am passionate about providing an affirming therapeutic environment the LGBTQ+ community and helping its members learn to navigate the challenges that we face living in a more rural state.
Life is often chaotic and challenging, and it is natural to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about how to move forward. Everyone deserves strong advocates to encourage healing, and I strive to help facilitate this with a supportive, authentic, and nonjudgmental space. I believe that everyone has the capability to feel better.
Brandy Brooks, MOAC
Office Manager
Brandy is an office administrator who has 10+ years working in the mental health field. She graduated from Henderson State University in 2010 with a BA in psychology. Since that time, Brandy has worked in hospital settings, an emergency children’s shelter, outpatient clinics and agencies and a men’s correctional facility.
Brandy worked for a large counseling practice within the state of Ark for almost 5 years and during that time, her skills and experience in administrative work grew. She opened her own small business in 2022 in hopes of offering professional and reliable administrative services to private practices, like Hope Counseling Associates, Inc.