Christine Rykiel, LCSW, CEAP, BCD is the Owner and Executive Director of Gulf Shores Counseling Center, which she opened in 2023 with a mission to offer quality, affordable psychotherapy services rooted in client-centered, goal-oriented care. Dedicated to promoting personal growth and enhancing individual strengths, Christine champions a therapeutic approach that meets clients where they are and empowers them throughout life’s challenges.

Christine earned her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Maryland School of Social Work in 1994, obtaining her LCSW-C licensure in Maryland in 1997 and later in Florida in 2011. She is also certified as a Board Certified Diplomate (BCD) in Clinical Social Work Practice with Children and Families since 2005, and as a Certified Employee Assistance Professional (CEAP) since 2018.

With over 25 years of private practice experience since 1999, Christine offers counseling services for children, adolescents, and adults, with particular expertise in supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. She primarily utilizes cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), tailoring her interventions to each client’s unique needs while promoting resilience, coping skills, and personal empowerment.

Christine’s dedication shines through in every session, consistently providing compassionate, evidence-based care that helps clients navigate life’s complexities and move toward meaningful, lasting change.