Alyssa Warren MS, LMHC, CFMHE, CCCE is the founder and practicing clinician of Innovative Direction – Counseling and Evaluation Services in Pensacola, FL. Ms. Warren has years of experience successfully helping clients, using the most up to date psychological techniques. She is a firm believer in giving clients psychological tools and techniques that work and help clients live up to their full potential. Not only does Ms. Warren have exceptional success helping therapy clients she is also a certified forensic mental health evaluator and a certified child custody evaluator. As one of the mental health counselors herself, she runs her business with integrity.
Ms. Warren specializes in depression, anxiety/panic, relationship issues, divorce (pre,during, and post), and forensic evaluations (mental health and substance abuse). She accepts clients 12 and older for individual, couple, and family therapy; and all ages for evaluations.
Ms. Warren graduated from Troy University with a Master of Science in Clinical Counseling and Psychology. She is very involved in helping her community; she has volunteered with many local organizations and has served on the board of Powerful Women of the Gulf Coast as Vice President. Ms. Warren currently serves on the board for NorthWest Collaborative Divorce.
If you are in need of a caring counselor or an evaluation, please call or email Innovative Direction to set up an appointment today.
Heather Bryson is a Registered Mental Health Counselor intern (IMH18783) helping clients overcome short and long-term struggles. She has been working with clients for five years now, using a variety of therapeutic and behavioral strategies to assist clients in improving their mental health and overall well-being.
Heather has worked with clients experiencing addiction, anxiety, depression, smoking cessation, weight management, sleep, re-entry and transition, and trauma in a variety of treatment settings. Her nonjudgmental approach enables her to connect easily with clients from an array of backgrounds.
Heather graduated from the University of West Florida with a Master of Arts in Psychology. She also has a background in music and education. Heather can utilized these in therapy by request.
If you are looking to start a new journey today with Heather, please call or email Innovative Direction to set up an appointment today.
Brian Harper, LMHC is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) and a Registered Play Therapy (RPT). He has specialized in trauma recovery for over ten years and has had success with children, adolescents, and non-offending caregivers. He is experienced in individual, group, and family treatment and believes that everyone has the right to heal. Brian led a successful trauma treatment program at the Santa Rosa Kids for over five years and has supported the Gulf Coast Kids House as well. He has presented at conferences, trained clinicians, and has given speeches in the local community on trauma recovery.
Brian is also experienced in treating anxiety, depression, stress, LGBTQ, relationship struggles, and child/adolescent behavioral struggles. He is currently focused on becoming a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional – Child and Adolescent (CCATP-CA).
Brian uses empirically validated treatment methods such as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with an integration of expressive therapies such as play therapy, art, music, writing, and sandtray to help process traumatic events, thoughts and feelings, cognitive distortions, and life stressors. He uses a person-centered approach to connect with children, adolescents, and adults. He is focused on helping clients reduce their symptoms and reach their goals in innovative ways.
If you are interested in making an appointment with Brian or any of our other clinicians please call or email Innovative Direction to set up an appointment today.
Niki Kenley is a Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern IMH18586 clients from children to adults. Niki utilizes an interpersonal integrative approach, in which she pulls from cognitive-behavioral and humanistic techniques to assist her clients. She has experience treating clients facing 
depression, anxiety, adjustment difficulties, dissociation, relationship issues, and other complex life challenges.
Niki’s mission is to support, empower, challenge, and facilitate personal growth for her clients. She works collaboratively with clients to identify presenting and underlying issues and develop a treatment plan to meet client goals. She strives to help her clients develop a mindful, resilient, and authentic sense of self.
Niki graduated from University of West Florida with a Master of Arts in Psychology with an emphasis on mental health counseling. Niki’s interests include decreasing stress, controlling emotional responses, relationships, gender-based issues, and identity development.
If you are interested in making an appointment with Niki or any of our other clinicians please call or email Innovative Direction to set up an appointment today.
Jessica Hughes, Registered Social Work Counselor Intern
Jessica Hughes, Registered Social Work Intern (ISW13913), works with children, teens, and adults. Jessica utilizes a variety of evidence-based techniques to help each one of her clients in relation to their personal wants and needs. She has experience with depression, anxiety, life stressors, relationship problems, and mood disorders.
Jessica’s mission is to support and empower her clients and give them to the psychological techniques to live their best life. She works with her clients to identify the issue at hand and collaborates with the client to identify specific goals that ultimately result in personal fulfillment.
Jessica graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Masters in Social Work. She has worked in both private and corporate settings.
If you are interested in making an appointment with Jessica or any of our other clinicians please call or email Innovative Direction to set up an appointment today.