Cocky Business: Counseling for All Ages at Brooks & Hurst Counseling - Kristin Hurst (‘14 & ‘18)
By Brittney Kimber
Kristin Hurst alongside her husband.
Jax State alumna Kristin Hurst (‘14 and ‘18) knew she wanted to be a counselor since the 11th grade. She began working with her current business partner, who already had a thriving practice, in 2022, and together they felt they could help the community even more. They formed Brooks and Hurst Counseling in Anniston, Alabama, offering counseling services for all ages.
Brooks and Hurst Counseling offers services for individuals, families and couples. Hurst said they are the only locally owned Mental Health Agency that is certified in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Counseling. “I am not familiar with anyone in the surrounding areas that is certified in this,” Hurst said. “My business partner and I both completed a post-graduate certificate program in 2023 in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health.”
Their team includes three additional clinicians who see clients daily and oversee at least one intern each semester.
“We offer counseling for all ages and practically every mental health diagnosis there is,” Hurst said. “We have a clinician on staff who is trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing). All of our clinicians are always learning through in-person and online training. I myself have almost completed all the required training to become a Registered Play Therapist.” Hurst notes that while they use play therapy, it is not just for children. It can be great for adults, too.
She said one of the most rewarding aspects among her professional journey is the honor when clients or their parents tell her how much she has helped them. “Also, when they share with their friends who might be experiencing similar situations, they recommend me,” Hurst said.
When deciding where to attend college, Hurst said she had heard amazing things about the Jax State Counseling Program. “Jax State is such a beloved place not only for locals, but for those who come from out-of-state and other countries,” Hurst said. “I felt like my education would mean more in Calhoun County and the surrounding areas if it came from our local university.”
Hurst said she was always welcomed at Jax State with open arms and never made to feel like she didn’t belong.
“Jax State was very supportive during my time there. I have had amazing mentors while completing my licensure and even after,” Hurst said. “I know many talented clinicians that I can call on any time I feel like I need guidance. We also have very knowledgeable clinicians within our practice who are great to run ideas by.”
Hurst said the one thing she loves about Jax State is that, even though it is a major university, it still has that small-town feel. “Jax State made it easy for me to know what to expect every semester,” Hurst said. “They made sure I was set up for success by making everything very personable. If I had questions, there was always someone who was knowledgeable and willing to help.”
She also acknowledged her husband’s support throughout her career. “I would not be where I am today without the support of my husband. Becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor takes a lot of time and money, and he supported me through that every step of the way,” Hurst said.
She enjoys being located near the university and being able to be involved with Jax State alumni events. “My business was recently a part of the wellness event on campus,” Hurst said. “We look forward to being invited back to attend more professional events.”
For more information on services or to schedule an appointment with Brooks and Hurst Counseling, visit bhcalabama.com. The office is located at 1302 Noble Street, Suite 3F, Anniston, Alabama, 36201.