About

My name is Julia Corinne Simmons. I prefer to be called Corinne. I have been a Licensed Professional Counselor since 2010 and have worked with children and families for nearly 30 years. I received a Bachelor of Science in 1990 from Tougaloo College, a Master of Public Policy and Administration in 1993 from Mississippi State University, and a Master of Science in Counseling and Educational Leadership in 2005 from Columbus State University.


My initial career path was not at all focused on doing therapy. My goal was to become a bureaucrat. Fortunately, I was hired as a Children’s Medicaid Therapist after I left MSU. Back then, when I interviewed for a case management position at local counseling service, the interviewer decided I would be a better therapist because of how I talked about my love for children and youth. I was sure that I was mismatched, but I discovered that people talk with me rather easily. After I started working with my first clients, I was totally bitten by the therapy bug!

Since then, I have worked with children and youth dealing with depression, personality disorders, anxiety, ADHD, and parent/child relationship issues. I have also worked with youth who identify as LGBTQ+. Although most of my work has been with children from at risk populations, I am open to working with all children regardless of race, religion, gender identity, etc. In order to provide support for a range of children and youth experiences, I employ Cognitive Behavioral, Solution Focused, and Client Centered therapies. I also like to focus on the solution, and not the problem. As a result, even though my work has primarily focused on children, I believe that the whole family system should be part of the solution.

I believe therapy with children and youth should be fun and interactive. Most children and youth are not able to focus on their feelings for 40 to 50 minutes which makes stimulating games, activities, and homework an important part of therapy. Music and art can also factor in a great deal when working with children and youth. Play opens the doorway to creativity and a safe place for them to share their thoughts and feelings. That is why after my initial job as a Children’s Medicaid Therapist, I find myself still focused on children and youth and talking with them about their concerns. And at the end of the day, children and youth want the same thing adults want; they want to know that someone genuinely cares and will listen to them. I look forward to offering children and youth the benefit of that nurturing and accepting space.