Every story carries both brokenness and beauty.
Every person carries a story, and within that story are both the wounds that weigh us down and the hopes that draw us forward. Our approach is rooted in listening deeply, creating a safe space to uncover what has shaped you, and walking with you as new meaning begins to emerge. Narrative Focused Care isn’t about fixing you — it’s about helping you see your journey with honesty, compassion, and possibility.
Dream it
When we give ourselves permission to imagine more, we begin to see that our story is not finished. Dreaming is about uncovering what freedom, healing, and growth could look like for you and daring to believe it’s possible. Together, we’ll explore the hidden longings within your narrative and shape them into a vision for the life you want to live.
Build it
Change happens when your story takes shape in new and tangible ways. Through guided coaching, practical tools, and steady support, we’ll turn vision into steps you can carry into daily life. Building it means moving forward with courage — not perfectly, but faithfully — as you live into the next chapter of your story.
Some chapters are filled with joy, while others hold pain, questions, or transitions that leave us searching for meaning. Our calling is to walk with people through both—the struggles and the new beginnings.
Narrative-Focused Coaching was created as a safe place for you to do just that. Here, you don’t need to have it all together. You simply need the courage to show up with your story—the joyful chapters and the hard ones alike. Our role isn’t to give you all the answers, but to walk with you as a fellow traveler, helping you name your story, see it more clearly, and step forward with hope.
Sutton Shults, ma, LPC
Sutton is a Licensed Professional Counselor who works with individuals seeking healing from trauma, heartache, and harm. He holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a Graduate Certificate in Trauma Counseling from Richmont Graduate University. Sutton is also certified in Narrative Focused Trauma Care (NFTC) through the Allender Center in Seattle, Washington, and is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
At the heart of Sutton’s work is a belief that healing is possible when we honestly engage our stories in the presence of a kind and curious witness. He is particularly drawn to working with those who have experienced various forms of trauma. He also enjoys working with athletes.
He lives in Birmingham, Alabama, with his wife, Caitlin, and their three children. As a family, they love spending time outdoors.
Hilarie rhea, M.Ed, ALC
I am a licensed therapist practicing in Birmingham, Alabama. I completed three years of training in Narrative Focused Trauma Care (NFTC) with The Allender Center and am a certified NFTC practitioner. I love this work, and am passionate about helping others get out from under the debilitating burden of shame and into the brilliant beauty of the life they were made for. It is my firm belief that if we have the courage to be honest about our pain and sit in the darkness, bolstered by kindness, presence, and curiosity, resurrection will show itself in surprising and life-altering ways.
I believe that you, and all of the stories you hold, are worthy of good care. I would consider it an honor to walk with you, even and especially in the dark places.
Outside of doing this work, I enjoy going on adventures of any kind with my husband and three children, spending time with friends, and practicing defiant joy.
David Dodd, MA
For more than a decade, I’ve served as a pastor, counselor, and guide for individuals, couples, and communities. Through those years—and through my Narrative Focused Trauma Care (NFTC) training with The Allender Center—I’ve learned that true transformation doesn’t come through quick fixes. It emerges when we slow down, listen deeply, and begin to recognize how redemptive fingerprints are woven throughout our stories.
When I’m not coaching, you’ll find me with my wife of more than 20 years and our four kids, or out on the water surfing. My love for health, wellness, and community shapes the way I show up here as well: fully present, encouraging, and committed to helping you flourish.
Your story matters. And I’d be honored to walk with you as you discover what is being written in this next chapter.