Therapists in Tennessee

One of my beloved aspects of being a therapist is having conversations about life helping my clients to grow into their full potential. I create a safe environment for clients to share intimate moments of their life they have never disclosed prior. My approaches include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Psycho-education, Existentialism, and Motivational Interviewing. My range of experience includes phase of life issues, parenting, trauma, anxiety, depression, addictions work, mood disorders, career issues, life coaching aspects, infertility issues, and many other areas of mental health development. I am sensitive to the needs of the LGBTQIA community and family conflict issues.

Hello, and welcome to BetterHelp! I commend you for taking this step to reach out and improve your quality of life. I know from experience that it takes courage to initiate change and ask for help, and I’m so glad you’re here. My name is Kelly, and I am a licensed counselor in both Tennessee and Iowa. I obtained my undergraduate degree in Psychology, and I completed my Master’s degree in Professional Counseling in 2004. For more than 15 years I have been in the counseling field, and offering help and hope to others has been one of the greatest joys of my life. I have experience working with varying ages, backgrounds, and presenting problems. Some of the issues I have seen the most frequently include depression, anxiety, relationship conflicts, and life transitions. I have also been trained in EMDR, a therapy model that is helpful with reprocessing trauma and improving cognitive distortions. I consider my approach to be eclectic and tailored to each individual’s needs and goals. I incorporate elements of person-centered and solution-focused therapy along with some cognitive-behavioral strategies. However, I truly believe that the most important factor in therapy and the best indicator of success is the client-counselor relationship. I strive to display warmth, empathy, compassion, genuineness, and acceptance with each person I am privileged to serve. My desire is to work with you to help you live your best life, maximizing the strengths you already have and making positive changes in your need areas. I would like to assist you in improving your insight and empowering you to achieve lasting personal growth. I believe there is always hope, and sometimes a fresh, unbiased perspective is invaluable. I am really looking forward to being part of your journey toward greater health and wholeness.

Sara Jane Tinker, MS, MSW, LCSW, EMDR, SEP (SE) is a licensed Clinical Psychotherapist and trauma counselor licensed in the state of Tennessee with over twenty-five years' experience, offering trusted, confidential, personalized, and effective research supported interventions. An interesting mix of professional training, skills and life experience adds a unique richness to what I offer clients. Crossroads experiences in my late teens got me onto a path of self-discovery that led to my present career, which I love and consider my true passion. I love to stay up to date and learn new techniques that can help clients, so more recently I trained in EMDR through the Personal Transformation Institute and am enrolled in the two-year Advanced EMDR Certification program approved by EMDRIA. I am also enrolled in Dr. Peter Levine’s Somatic Experiencing, gentle and effective treatments for trauma resolution. I am a member of the Southern Sandtray Institute Group and work with all ages in sandtray therapy as well as family & couples therapy. Psychodynamic, Self-Psychology, Object Relations, Systems & Family Therapy are my foundational lens while utilizing Somatic Experiencing (SE), EMDR, Person Centered, DBT, and Attachment work. My counseling style is warm , interactive, and engaging and I believe a trusting, therapeutic relationship is the foundation for the therapy. I treat everyone with respect, dignity, sensitivity, and compassion. I view people as more than stigmatizing labels, diagnoses, past "mistakes" and instead, build on your strengths, your hopes, and the possibilities. In the 1980’s my love for the mind-body-spirit connection led me to a graduate degree in Exercise Physiology & Wellness, completing my research thesis on Aerobic Fitness & Stress Perception. Next, I studied Yoga & Meditation at the Pennsylvania Himalayan Institute, later traveling & studying in India and Nepal. My graduate training at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville included stints at a clinic for victims of sexual abuse, community mental health, and later after working in acute adolescent psychiatric/A & D and in-home adolescent/child treatment, I opened a private practice in 1992. More recently, I had the opportunity to train with Rev. Becca Stevens, Founder of Magdalene in 1997, now called Thistle Farms, designed to heal, empower, and employ female survivors of human trafficking, prostitution, and addiction. I also worked with Mending Hearts, whose mission is to provide shelter, hope and healing to women who may be homeless due to addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. Other common issues brought to therapy: Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorders, Trauma, Relationship problems, Mood Swings, Stress, Chronic Pain, Communication issues, anxiety, depression, premarital counseling, spiritual or church trauma, gender identity issues, family problems, raising teens /children, and chronic pain due to autoimmune disorders such as fibromyalgia, lupus, arthritis, Crohn’s, and Sarcoidosis. One of the reasons I connect so well with my clients is that I’ve had such a diversity of experiences. I know the stress of the work, a long-distance relationship, losing family, career confusion and change, chronic pain, loss, dealing with a loved one’s addiction, recovery, blended families, spiritual crisis & searching, divorce after a long marriage, and dealing with aging loved ones and dementia. I have experienced the healing of therapy, support groups and body-energy work, and can offer hope from my own experience, as well as from my professional training. I help clients create a life of joy despite the challenges. I genuinely enjoy helping people, and have both the tools and the experience to help guide you through better communications, deeper connections, family issues, healthier boundaries, major decisions, health problems, becoming your authentic self, and most importantly the healing process. It takes courage to pick up the phone and call when there is this feeling "I should be able to handle this myself." Being strong doesn't mean you don't get help; it means you know when to ask for help, you can face your fears and anxieties about actually asking for help, and you're willing to look at yourself, your relationships, and your life honestly. Just give me a call; we can see if we are a good fit and if we think we can work together to help you make the changes you want to see in your life.

Nancy Truett is a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and Licensed Professional Counselor-Mental Health Service Provider (LPC-MHSP) and Approved Supervisor in Tennessee with over 20 years of experience in counseling, clinical mental health, and substance abuse treatment. Ms. Truett has worked across populations and ages in a variety of settings including agency, private practice, K-12, and college settings to include working with adolescent male sex offenders in residential treatment, alternative school high school students, and adults in residential treatment for substance abuse. She is a trauma-informed clinician certified in EMDR. Currently, Ms. Truett is the Director of Counseling Services at a community college. Ms. Truett earned a master’s degree from the University of Tennessee in Educational Psychology-Community & Mental Health Counseling. She earned a BA in Literature-Creative Writing from the University of North Carolina and often uses arts-based approaches in counseling. She is currently a doctoral candidate at the University of Tennessee in the College of Education in the Educational Psychology & Research, Adult Learning Program. Ms. Truett's specialty as a clinician and researcher is women, abuse, and trauma, specifically focused on psychological and emotional abuse. She has earned advanced certifications in grief, loss, and trauma and cultural studies in education which focuses on diversity and marginalized populations.

I am dedicated to helping my clients build bridges to a healthier, happier life. Are you going through a big change? Life calls us into constant change. Whether planned and joyful or unexpected and grief filled: changes in relationships; parenting; or career - they take their toll on each of us. Healing through grieving, stretching, adjusting, and growing can be blocked when you feel overwhelming emotions, when you are fearful and avoidant of what is to come, and when you simply don't know how to move ahead. I listen to, support, and teach my clients to help reduce anxiety, depression, and stress that comes with life transitions. I specialize in helping individuals make changes in the way they work, resolve difficult issues, take action and move forward with their plans. Maybe you feel you have reached a glass ceiling and want to move your personal and professional life forward, yet you don't or can't find the time and space to work ON rather than IN your business. I will work with you to process the changes, to cope when the hard times are upon you, and to learn skills to improve the daily choices that you make I know that the decision to begin therapy. To admit that you're not sure what comes next in your life, to imagine yourself in a better place takes courage, and I consider it an honor to help.

I am a Counseling Psychologist with over 10 years experience providing therapy services. I have worked extensively with clients on issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma and the impact of growing up in an unsafe environment, family conflict, and a host of other problems. I have a penchant for working with young adults as most of my work has taken place on college campuses, but I have also conducted therapy in substance abuse treatment facilities and in domestic violence centers. I have also worked and lived abroad, and have an understanding of acculturation concerns and culture shock. I practice therapy from a collaborative standpoint, where my responsibility is to create a atmosphere of trust and acceptance whereby you can feel comfortable talking about the good, the bad, and the ugly. I strive to truly understand each person's unique circumstances, including how they got there and where they want to go, I enjoy the metaphor that, for therapy, the client drives the car while I sit in the passenger seat. You direct the session and I navigate where I think we can go to find a better way. I respect all my client's and their decision to open up to me or anyone else. If we work together, I hope I am able to help, and if not, point you in the right direction. Cheers, James

I am licensed in Tennessee with 19 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients coping with addictions, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & coping with life changes. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Mississippi and Tennessee with over 10 years of professional work experience. I have assisted clients in resolving conflicts, working through anxiety, motivation, and addressing self-esteem issues. I have a passion for helping others while maintaining healthy boundaries and respecting thoughts and ideas. My goal is for us to work together to develop a plan to meet the specific needs of all clients. It takes courage to step outside of your comfort zones and seek assistance, but it is my goal to support and empower you throughout this journey. If you are willing, we can take this step by step.

I am licensed in Tennessee with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, & family conflicts. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor licensed in Tennessee with over 15 years of experience working in clinical practice. I’ve worked in various settings including community health clinics, children’s advocacy centers, non-profit counseling centers, and addiction and recovery centers. I’ve worked with a wide variety of ages and those who have experienced a wide range of symptoms and concerns including; depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, stages of life changes, career challenges, OCD, ADHD, addiction and recovery. I have also worked with many individuals who’ve suffered from traumatic events, abuse, and neglect. I feel that my therapeutic approach is much more of a guiding force than giving my clients specific directives. Ever heard the saying, “You can lead a horse to water…” Well my approach to therapy is very much the same. I don’t give you the answers or tell you what to do. Instead, my sessions are much more about question-answers in order to help you figure out the problem, and guide you to the right path toward healing and growth. No one knows you better than you, so who am I to come in and tell you what to do? However, sometimes we are so distracted with clutter, pain, and hurt that we are unable to see the problem, let alone find a path through the suffering to healing and growth. That’s where I come in. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and do not believe in stigmatizing labels. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I look forward to working with you!