Callie Ledford
MA, ALC, NCC
Supervised by Courtney Shields, MEd, LMFT, LPC-S
205-201-1212
Callie@courageandhope.net
Meet Callie
I’m Callie Ledford, an Associate Licensed Counselor and Nationally Certified Counselor serving the Birmingham, Alabama area. From a young age, I’ve felt a strong pull toward helping and serving others. While I always knew I wanted to pursue a helping profession, it wasn’t until later in my undergraduate journey that I discovered my true calling: counseling.
That realization began during my freshman year, when I nervously stepped into the counseling offices on my university’s campus. That moment marked the beginning of a transformative journey. It was there that I first experienced the power of healing and growth and, in doing so, found both clarity in my own story and the direction for my career.
I graduated from Samford University with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science in 2022, and most recently graduated from the University of the Cumberlands with a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2025.
I have experience working in a residential treatment facility with adolescents, where I supported youth navigating significant emotional and behavioral challenges in a structured therapeutic setting. These experiences deepened my appreciation for the courage it takes to begin the healing process and the hope that emerges along the way.
My faith is very important to me and provides strength to me in all aspects of my life. In my free time, I enjoy attending sporting events, shopping, going to Disney to visit my twin sister at work, and hanging out with my niece and nephew.
My Approach
My approach to therapy is grounded in person-centered theory, which emphasizes the belief that individuals are the experts in their own lives. I strive to create a supportive and nonjudgmental space where clients feel empowered to explore their experiences, strengths, and goals. By incorporating a variety of therapeutic modalities tailored to the unique needs of each person, I aim to provide the most effective treatment for my clients.
I am trained in Brainspotting, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP-the gold standard for OCD and anxiety disorders), and Emotion-Focused Individual Therapy, allowing me to draw on different techniques to best support my clients’ healing and growth.
Recognizing that therapy is not a one-size-fits-all approach, I am committed to continuously updating my training toolbox so I can offer the most current and effective methods available. I deeply resonate with Brené Brown's quote, "This journey belongs to no one but you; however, no one successfully goes it alone." I believe that while the journey of self-discovery and healing is deeply personal, the support of a trusted therapist can be instrumental in navigating the process with courage and hope lighting the way.
Whether you’re an adolescent, young adult, or adult struggling with anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, emotional regulation, or the daily stressors of life, I’d be honored to walk alongside you. Healing takes time, and it takes bravery. But with courage, hope, and the right support, meaningful change is possible. You don’t have to do it alone.