Terry Simms, M.A., LPC, NCC, RPT
Oncology Counselor

Terry Simms is a licensed professional counselor, a national certified counselor, and a registered play therapist. Terry received her master's degree in counseling from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She is the oncology counselor and works closely with the Hematology/Oncology Division at Children's Hospital.

Terry assists children with cancer and their families from the initial shock and trauma of diagnosis through treatment and beyond, helping them to develop a fighting spirit and strong coping skills, empowering them to function at a higher level and helping them find hope. As a play therapist, Terry enables children to confront their problems in a protected environment and is witness to the transformation that takes place as they find creative solutions. Because families play an important role in children's healing processes, she often involves the whole family in the play therapy. Her interests include quality of life for long-term survivors, sibling issues, pain management, teaching positive parenting skills, systemic family therapy, training counseling students, and participation in multi-disciplinary teams.

Terry is often seen at Camp Smile-A-Mile, Alabama's camp for children with cancer, where she creates and facilitates many therapeutic and recreational activities for campers and their parents. She organizes and leads the annual Childhood Cancer Awareness celebration by collaborating with several community groups and was instrumental in bringing about Alabama's first childhood cancer awareness holiday tree. Terry also facilitates Candlelighters, a parent support group, as well as a support group for caregivers at Children's Hospital. She presents at schools and civic groups, explaining childhood cancer and related issues to children and educators, and has presented to professional organizations at the state and national level.

Children's Harbor, Inc.
1 Our Children's Highway
Children's Harbor, AL 35010-8620
Phone: (334) 857-2133
Fax: (334) 857-2516

Children's Harbor Family Center
at Children's Hospital
1600 6th Avenue South, Suite 200
Birmingham, AL 35233-1711
Phone: (205) 939-6123
Fax: (205) 939-6313