Jason McNaughton & Sarah Harper Baggett

JASON MCNAUGHTON, M.A., LPC, NCC: When I began my own recovery journey in 2008, I had no idea that the gift of this process would be a continuous discovery of my own identity - of who I really am outside of any behavior, mask, or strategy. This ongoing exploration continues to facilitate a growing embodiment of what we are ALL actually created for - safety and connection. My personal story has greatly impacted how I want to show up with my clients. I do not believe behaviors and labels fully explain what a person is experiencing. Gabor Mate’ says that “knowing oneself comes from attending with compassionate curiosity to what is happening within.” I believe that approaching everyone with curiosity and kindness can be the first steps towards safety and connection creating an invitation to engage in the harder parts of our stories. This is the foundation of a therapeutic relationship. I approach all of my clients through the lens of trauma and attachment understanding that our often “labeled" responses to human suffering are attempts to ease pain. They are not flaws, weaknesses or indictments of our character. The amazing thing is that our pain often illuminates our pathway to wholeness, and it is a privilege to bear witness to another’s journey. “Trauma is not what happens to us, but what we hold inside in the absence of an empathetic witness.” - Peter A. Levine. EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE Bachelor of Science in Health & Physical Education from Berry College Master of Arts in Marriage & Family Counseling from Amridge University Licensed Professional Counselor National Certified Counselor EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) Trained Master Level NARM (NeuroAffective Relational Model) Therapist  IASIS MicroCurrent Neurofeedback Practitioner SARAH HARPER BAGGETT, M.ED, ALC, NCC (under the supervision of Heather Parker) My approach to counseling aligns with Dr. Irvin Yalom’s idea of being a “fellow traveler” with clients. Having traveled through my own story within the safe attendance of a trusted counselor, I have grown to embrace, rather than deny, my humanity. I can show up authentically with myself and others knowing that our shared human experience reflects the ebb and flow of life in this temporal world: suffering and delight, grief and hope, shame and freedom... and so much more. I believe we have each been created by God with deep intention and uniqueness. Because of this, I want to meet clients where they are in their personal needs as we engage in the therapeutic relationship. It is my aim to create a space for clients in which they feel seen, heard, safe, and supported in their humanity and authenticity. I don’t do this with perfection, but through grace, curiosity, and kindness. Based on my personal recovery experience, I believe we truly can be equipped to care for our mind, body, and spirit by safely engaging painful parts of our stories for the purpose of healing. It is a genuine privilege for me to help others navigate their own stories and life experiences with dignity and compassion. EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health from the University of Montevallo Associate Licensed Counselor National Certified Counselor Currently in training as a NARM (NeuroAffective Relational Model) Therapist