Counseling
Children's Aid Society of Alabama's APAC program is dedicated to providing comprehensive counseling and referral services to support Alabama's adoptive families, utilizing trauma-informed practices. Our services cater to both adoptive families and those awaiting adoption finalization. While priority is given to DHR families, we happily assist all adoptive families throughout Alabama. We understand the unique challenges and concerns that can arise during the adoption journey, and we are here to help.
Our Range of Services Includes:
Intake and Assessment: We offer a thorough intake and assessment process to understand the specific needs and concerns of adoptive families. This helps us tailor our counseling and support services to address your individual circumstances.
Ongoing Counseling: Our licensed and experienced counselors specialize in adoption and trauma-related issues. All of our therapists have received adoption-competent certification. We provide ongoing counseling sessions to support families who have concerns related to their adoptions. These sessions are designed to provide guidance, coping strategies, and emotional support as you navigate the intricacies of adoption.
Crisis Intervention: We understand that adoption stability can sometimes be a cause for concern. Facilitating permanency and strong, healthy connections are our goal. That's why we offer crisis intervention sessions for families facing immediate challenges or uncertainties regarding their adoption. Our counselors are here to provide prompt support and guidance during difficult times.
Flexible Locations: Counseling sessions can be conducted either in-office or in-home, based on the specific needs of the family. We strive to create a comfortable and convenient environment for our clients, ensuring that counseling services are accessible and accommodating.
Most Services are completely FREE of cost.
We believe that every adoptive family in Alabama deserves access to the support they need. Therefore, most of our services are offered free of charge, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder your ability to seek help and guidance.
Our Professional Counselors:
Our APAC counseling team consists of licensed, masters-level professionals who specialize in adoption and trauma-related issues. With their expertise and compassionate approach, you can trust that you will receive the highest quality of care and support.
Get in Touch:
For more information about our counseling services or to schedule an appointment, please feel free to contact any member of our APAC counseling team directly. We are here to provide the assistance you need throughout your adoption journey.
Remember, APAC is committed to supporting individuals and families across the state of Alabama throughout every step of the adoption journey.
Counseling Team
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Buddy Renahan, MSW, LICSW
500 Interstate Park Drive, Suite #508
Montgomery, Al 36109
Phone (334)721-9306Buddy is the Clinical Coordinator for APAC. He earned his BS in Psychology from Alabama Christian College before it became Faulkner University and his Masters in Social Work from the University of Georgia. His clinical focus is child-centered/family-focused trauma-informed services. He is trained in adoption competency having completed C.A.S.E's TAC Trainer's program in 2019. He has worked with foster and adoptive families in Alabama for many years and has a heart for children and families.
“This is the journey. It’s all a win for us, pushing gently and trying to get beyond a former spot of challenge…”
Becky Rosenberg; mother of an autistic child. -
John M. Douglass, III, MA., LPC
jdouglass@childrensaid.org
205-943-5353John joined APAC as Family Counselor in June 2010 with his first day taking place during Camp APAC! Prior to joining APAC John was a counselor with Impact Family Counseling and United Methodist Pastoral Care and Counseling. He began a Counseling and Family program at Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church after serving 12 years as Youth Director for 6th—12th grades. John graduated from the University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Arts and received his Master of Arts in Agency Counseling from the University of Alabama in Birmingham. He completed two years of post-graduate work in Pastoral Marriage and Family Therapy. John is a Licensed Practicing Counselor with the state of Alabama. He is trained in adoption competency having completed C.A.S.E's TAC training program in 2019. John grew up in Birmingham. John is a member of the University of Montevallo Counseling Program Advisory Council. His community activities include: Past Leadership Vestavia Hills Board of Directors, Vestavia Hills Board of Education Strategic Planning Team, Past League Director for Vestavia Hills Youth Baseball, and currently serves as a Youth Sunday School teacher at Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church. He and his wife have 2 sons. John enjoys spending time with his family, attending his son’s sporting events, traveling, wildlife management, and being part of a barbecue club.
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Kendra Alley, MS, LPC
kalley@childrensaid.org
256-384-9473Kendra is a Family Counselor in the APAC Huntsville office. Kendra has lived in Madison, Alabama, her entire life. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Alabama in Huntsville and received a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Alabama A&M University. She is licensed through the Alabama Board of Examiners in Counseling. Kendra has worked with children and families in a therapeutic capacity for over 10 years. Before joining APAC in 2015, she worked as a foster care counselor and placement specialist, finding loving homes for foster children throughout the state of Alabama. She has also provided intensive therapy for seriously emotionally disturbed children, preventing out-of-home placements. She is trained in adoption competency having completed C.A.S.E's TAC training program in 2019. Kendra is also trained in Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
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Debra Fredenburg, LCSW
dfredenburg@childrensaid.org
251-345-6841Debra is the APAC Family Therapist in Mobile. She has a Master's in Social Work and is certified as a Trauma and Loss Consultant and School Specialist. She is trained in adoption competency having completed C.A.S.E's TAC training program in 2019. Debra has worked as an administrator of non-profit programs and has extensive experience working with families and children providing individual, family, and group clinical services as well as in crisis intervention, assessment services, screening for psychiatric hospitalizations, and educational instruction. Throughout her career, she has worked collaboratively with social service agencies, the court system, schools, and medical providers.
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Tiffany Duchesneau, MSW, LMSW
tduchesneau@childrensaid.org
334-721-9390Tiffany is the Family Therapist for Children's Aid Society of Alabama's, (CAS) APAC Montgomery office. She received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Bishop’s University in Quebec and received her Master’s degree in Social Work in 2022 from Boston University in Massachusetts. She has been working with children and families in crisis and in need of mental health resources since June 2015. She moved to Alabama in June 2022 and has been with CAS since February 2023. Tiffany believes in the healing power of family connection as well as the importance of integrating play and fun in our lives to support our overall well-being. She is currently training to receive her certification as an adoption-competent provider through C.A.S.E’s Training for Adoption Competency, (TAC) program, with a planned completion in 2024.
