Therapists in Tusculum, TN

*NO LIVE SESSION AVAILABILITY AT THIS TIME* *PLEASE NOTE AT THIS TIME I AM AVAILABLE FOR ASYNCHRONOUS MESSAGING ONLY* "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV "I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought." 1 Corinthians 1:10 Regardless of what you have been through, Jesus loves you deeply and He hurts when you hurt. At this time, your journey may be more difficult than you thought and more lonely than it should be, but trust me when I say, you are NOT alone. Your past doesn’t have to define your future… God gives second chances. Even if and when people turn their back on you, God will never leave you. Your life does have a purpose and you are significant. I would love to have the opportunity to work with you to help you learn more and/or strengthen your relationship with Christ and how living a Christ-centered life can be more fulfilling than you ever imagined! As a Christian based therapist, my goal is to help others live a healthier and more fulfilling God-centered life, in which one can look back on in 20 years and say, “Yes I have had struggles, and yes I have been challenged, but they didn’t define who I became!” I truly believe we are creatures of habit and are all a work in progress. We can limit ourselves by choosing to avoid uncomfortable and unfamiliar emotions that are associated with change. I believe by utilizing a holistic approach in examining all areas of our lives, we can only then be knowledgeable and intentional about taking responsibility for and making necessary changes to truly allow us to be the truest and healthiest version of our self. Together we will explore and improve your emotional, behavioral, and relationship functioning by utilizing skills learned through Solution-Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, among other evidence-based therapeutic approaches. Between academia, career, and life experiences in general, I have been blessed to encourage, challenge, and empower many others to live their best life. A life they are in control of and can wake up in the morning, look in the mirror, and be proud of who they have become and are still aspiring to be. If you are uncomfortable in the life you’re living, stuck in your own head and patterns, then let’s talk and get to work! I challenge you to seek therapy and to be intentional about not only surviving but thriving in this amazing God given journey called life. Through our sessions, we will be working together to establish where you are in your faith and living a Christ-centered life. We will be exploring goals to help you reach your unlimited potential. I would be honored to be by your side every step of the way! If at any point you feel we’re not making progress or we are not a good fit, we can discuss alternative treatment options, such as making a referral to someone who might be a better fit for your unique situation. “Learn to work harder on yourself than you do on your job. If you work hard on your job you’ll make a living, but if you work hard on yourself you’ll make a fortune” - John Rohn My personal statement of faith is in direct alignment with that of Faithful Counseling's online platform: Statement of Faith "I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought." 1 Corinthians 1:10 Paul's message for the Corinthian church calls us to a very high standard. When we observe the many denominations and theological rifts within the Christian church today, it can seem a daunting task to be "perfectly united in mind and thought." Despite this, I believe that these differences in thought that exist in the church needn't outweigh the greater truths that bind us together, and it is important that all members of Faithful Counseling--therapists and members alike--make an effort to strive toward being united in Christ under what matters most. I believe this will lead to the most successful therapy sessions, and any further details around theological leanings needn't be pressed. In order to reach common ground on what I believe are the most fundamental truths, and being a member of this platform, have agreed to the following core tenets of faith: 1. I believe that the Bible is the word of God, a collection of divinely-inspired writings that have been preserved for each generation, inspired by the Holy Spirit, and the only authoritative and infallible rule of Christian faith and practice. ("All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV) 2. I believe in the Triune nature of God (Trinitarianism), that He is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in one. ("Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." Matthew 28:19-20 ESV) 3. I believe the only true basis of Christian fellowship is Christ's (agape) love, which is greater than differences one may possess, and without which we have no right to claim ourselves Christians. ("Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6 ESV) 4. I believe salvation is by God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ who died for our sins and rose again, providing eternal redemption to those who believe. It is not by our works or works of the law. ("For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV)

I am an LCSW in the states of Tennessee, New York and Virginia, with over 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in several therapy modalities including Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral therapy, Trauma focused Treatment and EMDR. I am here to help clients with stress and anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. 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.

Why did you decide to become a counselor? I have always found that making connections with others is what drives change. I want to be able to provide others with that connection to help them find the best version of themselves and to help them through challenging situations in their lives. With my own personal experiences in my childhood, my goal has always been to help others overcome their circumstances, to show them they are not limited by their experiences and trauma. What would you say to a potential client? *This world is full of things and situations that make us feel powerless and not in charge of out own lives. My philosophy, and what drives my approach to therapy, is about learning to take control over yourself despite what is going on around you, or what has happened to you. You are the ultimate driver in your life, you find power within yourself. How does your personality influence your approach to therapy? *I am a no nonsense, down to Earth individual. I feel that I am straight forward and that helps me challenge clients to address the most difficult areas in their lives, the areas in which that hold them back from their full potential. I also believe that education is key, understanding how the brain works and how trauma affects the brain, it’s about using these concepts to help drive change. Brief description of Work Experience? *I did my internship at a Domestic Violence shelter for women and children as well as therapeutic day counseling in school settings. I have worked the past 7 years in residential treatment, 1 year doing outpatient, specializing in kids and teens with complex and severe trauma. I have worked extensively with self-harm, suicidal ideations, depression, anxiety, personality disorders, anger, aggression, defiance/conduct, family conflict, sexualized behaviors, trauma (sexual, physical, neglect, mental/psychological). I currently work outpatient therapy seeing both adults and children. Brief description of Education background? *BS in Pre-med Biology, Chemistry, and Psychology from Bluefield College in 2012 *M.Ed. In Human Services and Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lindsey Wilson College in 2015 My modalities include, but are not limited to, TF-CBT, Client Centered, Solution Focused, Motivational Interviewing, DBT. I do not believe in a one size fits all therapy approach and try to cater my therapies to the need of the client. My modalities include, but are not limited to, TF-CBT, Client Centered, Solution Focused, Motivational Interviewing, DBT. I do not believe in a one size fits all therapy approach and try to cater my therapies to the need of the client.

I am fully licensed in Tennessee and Kentucky, have telehealth permits with South Carolina and Florida, and have 30 years of professional work experience in virtually all settings and modalities. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, anger management, & motivation, substance use issues,self esteem, and confidence. I have worked with all age groups from ages 3 through 70. 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, and we will formulate realistic goals with concrete, measurable outcomes. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

I am licensed in Tennessee with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & bipolar disorder. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. 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 licensed in Tennessee with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with grief and loss, parenting issues, anger management, & coping with life changes. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I'm pleased to introduce myself to you. I'm Deborah Richardson, LCSW, but most people call me "Deb". All of my life I've had people tell me things in confidence. When you're a minor, that can be a little scary at times; but that's the beginning of a therapist. Now I know it's scarier for the person who has a secret that needs to be told. I didn't set out to be a therapist. I thought I'd be an administrator in a social services agency until I realized I can't balance a Profit and Loss Statement because I have numbers dyslexia. You see, my mind isn't perfect. Like everyone, there are many things I can't do well. Then I found myself covering for a full-time therapist and suddenly I found my joy, and I've continued to find it everyday for forty-plus years. Along the way I picked up two husbands, two daughters, a dozen pets, and thousands of clients. I divorced one husband, buried another, watched two little girls fly away, and now I wait for grandchildren. I also completed a teaching degree followed by a master's degree in social work from The University of Tennessee. Then there's my fur-baby, the ten pound Shih Tzu Amanda-Grace, who was the office pet therapist when I saw clients face-to-face. She became very depressed when we stopped having clients in the office: laying around, not eating or playing. She came to life again when she discovered YouTube videos of cats, dogs, and talking birds. She's happiest, though, when hearing your voices on my speakers. Don't worry, she's the most ethical therapist there is. Everything is totally confidential with Gracie. Over the course of four decades I've worked with all ages from many walks of life. I've worked in-patient, out-patient, a nursing home, a group-home, and a prison. I did forensic psychiatry for fifteen years and private practice for twenty-four. I've used whatever therapeutic techniques worked for an individual. We've walked in the sunshine, listened to music, painted emotions, and written about heartache. We've read "The Giving Tree", watched "Attack on Titan", and sang "It's Not Easy Being Green". Through my professional work experience, I've learned that using a lot of professional jargon isn't as important as remembering someone's birthday, and keeping it real is synonymous with empathy. I found that "normal" is very broad and "average" is very small. Acceptance of one's self is harder to do than acceptance of others, but judgments comes quickly and punishments even swifter. I find that many people believe life is a yellow brick road with a pot of gold at the end, or perhaps Elton John playing piano. Either way, it's a journey they hope for but never think they can take. I believe life can be a yellow brick road, if that's what you want, but all roads have pot holes no matter where they lead or what color they are. My job is to teach each client how to fill their pot holes, or build a bridge, or knock-down a wall, or mend a broken heart for themselves. What I do isn't as important as who you are at the end of this journey together. I hope you will join me at Better Help to travel your road, where ever it goes, safely and in peace.

I am licensed in Tennessee with over 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Welcome! I truly believe in the power of therapy to bring about meaningful change and help people live their best lives. It’s my passion to walk alongside individuals as they navigate challenges, offering support every step of the way. Whether you’re a teen facing life’s ups and downs or an adult striving for lasting change, I’m here to help you reach your full potential. I’ve been inspired time and again by the incredible resilience of people who felt lost or overwhelmed, only to rediscover their inner strength. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you can express your emotions, build coping skills, and create the future you envision. I work with teens and adults aged 13 and up, offering a compassionate, non-judgmental approach. From low self-esteem to trauma, I specialize in a variety of challenges, always striving to empower clients to set meaningful goals and make progress at their own pace. My approach blends evidence-based therapies including EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Person-Centered Therapy. EMDR is especially helpful for processing trauma, while CBT and Person-Centered Therapy encourage healthier thinking patterns and greater self-awareness. I also take a strengths-based approach, helping you recognize and build on your unique abilities and resilience. With more than 22 years in the mental health field and eight years as an LPC-MHSP, I bring extensive experience and knowledge to our time together. I’m committed to helping you heal, grow, and thrive, and I look forward to supporting you on your journey.

I am licensed in Mississippi with 5.5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! Please note that I’m available for video and phone sessions only.