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Locker McDonald, MA, ALC

Locker McDonald

Therapist, MA, ALC
Qualifications
  • Masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Psychology from Liberty University

  • Licensed as an Associate Counselor AL

Specialties 
  • Men's issues

  • Substance use

  • Faith based

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

I am an associate counselor who is deeply committed to helping others lead fulfilling lives. I'm 31 years old, happily married to his wife Payton, and proud father of two children, Sophie and Liam. Understanding people's experiences and emotions is my passion, and I believe that every individual has the capacity to achieve their full potential with the right support.

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My journey towards becoming a counselor has been a unique one. I graduated from Athens Highschool in 2011 and went on to spend some time working towards an undergraduate degree at Auburn University before moving to China for two years to do mission work with Cru. After returning home, I worked as a welder for a while before finally completing an undergraduate degree with Liberty University. In 2023, I graduated from Liberty University with a master’s in clinical Mental Health Counseling, where I developed a passion for utilizing a client-centered approach and evidence-based theories to support my clients. I have experience working in community mental health, where I worked with clients from all walks of life. I have  worked with various issues including Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, Substance Abuse Disorder, and more.  

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I believe that the therapeutic relationship is the most important factor in helping clients achieve their goals. As the therapist Dr. Carl Rogers famously said, "the curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change".  That resonates with me and informs my therapeutic style. I also am deeply influenced by the words of Dr, Viktor Frankl, who said, "when we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves". My work as a counselor centers around empowering clients to take charge of their lives and make meaningful changes. Having attended a Christian University, I am comfortable integrating Christian spirituality into the therapeutic process, and am greatly influenced by Christian practitioners such as Curt Thompson, Dan Allender, and Henry Cloud.

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I use  interventions from evidence-based theories such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Strengths-Based approaches to help individuals develop the skills they need to overcome life's challenges and achieve their goals. I am also undergoing EMDR certification training.

Issues

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  • ADHD

  • Behavioral Issues

  • Bipolar Disorder

  • Borderline Personality

  • Child or Adolescent

  • Coping Skills

  • Dual Diagnosis

  • Grief

  • Life Transitions

  • Narcissistic Personality

  • Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)

  • Peer Relationships

  • Relationship Issues

  • School Issues

  • Self Esteem

Client Focus

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Age
  • Children (6 to 10)

  • Preteens / Tweens (11 to 13)

  • Adolescents / Teenagers (14 to 19)

  • Adults

  • Elders (65+)

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Gender

  • While men's issues are one of Locker's specialties, Locker works with men and women alike.

Treatment Approach

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Types of Therapy
  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

  • Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

  • Men's Issues

  • Strengths-Based

  • Faith Based

  • Person-Centered

  • Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)

Payment options

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Types of Therapy
  • Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

  • Men's Issues

  • Strengths-Based

  • Faith Based

  • Person-Centered

  • Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)

202 Sanders Street, Athens, AL 35611

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