About Renewal Counseling Center

Ruth Mote, M.S., ALC

Hello and welcome! My name is Ruth Mote and I'm a Associate Licensed Counselor in the state of Alabama. I believe that we have all experienced heartache in life and have hope that true healing occurs within relationships. Because I value the power of relationship, I want you to know that I have personally experienced hard things too. My own experiences with anxiety, loss and trauma all contribute to my caring, compassionate and personalized approach in therapy. I also believe that every behavior has a purpose and a payoff. If we can understand what drives the behavior, then we can begin work on strategies that will develop new skills to help you.

 My professional background includes many years in community mental health with lots of different people struggling with life challenges. I love helping people and believe in a practical and solution focused approach to work through the problems that led you to seek assistance. I believe that it takes courage to reach out for help, and I will honor the bravery that you have shown to take this step. We will work together to help you achieve insight, learn new skills and find strategies that will move you toward change and growth.

What I help with: 

• Stress, Anxiety
• Trauma
• Couples
• Depression
• Coping with life changes
• Bi-Polar

Also Experienced in: Trauma and abuse, Anxiety and Depression, Anger Management, Abandonment, Attachment Issues, Caregiver Issues and Stress, Parenting Challenges, Blended Family Issues, Family and marital Conflicts, Divorce and Separation, Family Challenges and more.

My Approaches: 

EMDR, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Existential Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy, and more. 

Joy Townsend, LCSW

Hi, I’m Joy Townsend, MSW, LBSW, CM, and I’m so glad you’re here.

For over 25 years, I’ve worked in the field of social work, and in recent years I’ve had the privilege of providing counseling to individuals and families as they navigate some of life’s most challenging—and transformative—moments. My path began in my hometown of Meridian, Mississippi, where I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Mississippi State University. After moving to Foley, Alabama, in 2018, I completed my Master’s in Social Work at the University of Alabama and have been working in both inpatient and outpatient settings ever since. If you’re ready to take the next step, I’d be honored to be a part of your journey. Please feel free to reach out—I’d love to connect.

 Throughout my career, I’ve supported people through a wide range of experiences: grief and loss, life transitions, caregiver stress, trauma, anxiety, depression, and the impact of chronic illness, including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. I’ve also had the honor of working closely with veterans, adolescents, and older adults across mental health facilities, clinics, long-term care centers, and schools. 

My approach is warm, supportive, and grounded in evidence-based practices. I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, and Solution-Focused Therapy, tailoring each session to meet your unique needs and goals. I also draw from Strengths-Based and Person-Centered approaches, believing deeply in your ability to heal, grow, and move forward, even when things feel uncertain or overwhelming.

Also Experienced In: 

• Anxiety and depression
• Grief and loss
• Dementia and Alzheimer’s support
• Family and caregiver stress
• Life transitions and aging
• Trauma and PTSD
• Chronic illness support
• Self-esteem and personal growth
• Veteran mental health
• Adolescent and family challenges

My role is to create a safe and judgment-free space where you can feel heard, supported, and empowered to take meaningful steps forward. Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply need someone to walk with you through a difficult season, I’m here for you. I truly believe this: No matter what path you’re walking on, you don’t have to walk it alone. 

Emily Chavis, LMFTA - Applicant

Hi, I’m Emily Chavis, MS, and I’m truly grateful you’ve taken a moment to connect. With a deep passion for helping others heal and grow, I bring over a decade of experience in the mental health field, supporting children, adolescents, and adults as they navigate life’s challenges. My journey began in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where I earned both my Bachelor's in Social Work and Master's in Human Development & Family Studies from the University of Alabama. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of working across a variety of settings, including outpatient clinics, schools, and community programs throughout Alabama and Florida.

Today, I serve as both an Intensive Outpatient Therapist and Clinical Assessment Specialist, providing comprehensive care for individuals seeking change, support, and a path forward. Whether I’m leading group therapy, conducting clinical intakes, or working one-on-one with clients, my approach is always grounded in empathy, collaboration, and evidence-based care.

What I Help With:

• Addiction and substance use 
• Anxiety and depression 
• Life transitions 
• Parenting and family support 
• Trauma and PTSD 
• Children and adolescent therapy 
• Coping skills and emotional regulation 
• Relapse prevention and recovery planning 
• Self-esteem and personal development
   

My Approach:
I believe that healing happens in safe, supportive spaces where people feel seen, heard, and empowered. My therapeutic work integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Person-Centered techniques to create individualized care that meets clients where they are. I also bring years of experience with group therapy and psychoeducation, particularly for clients facing addiction and recovery-related challenges. Having worked in clinical, educational, and home-based environments, I understand the complexities families and individuals face, and I strive to provide a calm, encouraging presence through every stage of the process.

If you're feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, or simply ready to take a step toward something better, I’d be honored to walk with you. You don’t have to do this alone—support is here, and your story matters.

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