Family Therapy in Rutherford County, TN

Accepting New Clients - Grief, low self-esteem, trauma and shame are a part of addiction. Whether you are living in addiction, loving someone in addiction or grieving the loss of someone you love - it is exhausting! What could have been done to prevent it? How do you take care of yourself and begin to heal when addiction seems to have taken everything? I am passionate about helping individuals/families create strategies to overcome barriers that keep them stuck in unhealthy thought patterns and choices. I have a heart for providing a safe space to heal and to begin to explore life on the other side.

As a Christian Psychotherapist, I offer a faith based practice which allows my clients' spirituality to be as much of the process as they would like. My formal education is in Clinical Psychology. My practicum work as well as two Post-Masters Internships were in Marital and Family Therapy. I have two professional practice licenses granted by the State of Tennessee Department of Health Related Boards. I am a Licensed Senior Psychological Examiner and a Licensed Professional Counselor with Mental Health Service Provider designation. I am also a Nationally Certified Counselor. I have been in practice for 30+ years.

I recognize that opening up to someone and addressing one’s personal struggles can be difficult. However, it is my belief that every person deserves to live their lives to their ultimate potential. It is my goal to provide a caring and supportive environment for each person while strengthening and empowering them. I believe that I am most effective in improving the self-efficacy of my clients by providing an environment of safety and trust. I have been a clinician for 16 years working with children, adolescents, young adults, and families.

Therapy is more than talking about the past. It is a safe, non-judgmental atmosphere in which past hurts are resolved and healing takes place. Traumatic experiences can serve as blocks, preventing present and future peace.  At Wilkinson Family Therapy, we enjoy connecting with our clients as they travel along their journey. Through intentionality and training, we create a comfortable, supportive space for our clients to grow and process their experiences.

My work as a therapist is guided by the humanist theory that people can heal and grow if they have assistance that is genuine, empathetic, and accepting. I believe that when we accept ourselves exactly as we are, then we can find the strength to change behaviors that are not serving us. I specialize in working with people who have substance use, anxiety, depression, and interpersonal conflict issues. The approaches I use are informed by dialectic behavioral therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), neurobiology, motivational interviewing, positive psychology, attachment theory, family systems theory, and EMDR.

Are you looking for effective counseling techniques, experience and excellence in counseling? I have been practicing for 20+ years, have trained throughout those years in proven techniques including cognitive behavioral therapy, reality therapy, mindfulness and meditative therapies, positive psychology, emotional intelligence and intimacy building, and I have specialized training for marriage, couples and family therapy. If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, relationship or any adjustment issue (illness/grief/loss, divorce, or any life transition) we will work together to implement known techniques that address and improve your life experience. All individuals are welcome. I do not discriminate based on any factor.

I am an energetic, personable therapist who enjoy helping others find solutions that they can adapt to for a more productive lifestyle. My mission statement focuses on being "committed to HEALING the WHOLE family". With this mission in mind, I offer individual and family therapy to persons who are ready and willing to work on barriers that may be impacting their lives in a negative manner. I embrace diversity without being judgmental. Willingness to be open to options are the types of clients I have found to best fit the services offered.

Accepting new clients! Every name has a story and every story is worth telling. Finding the best fit for a new therapist can be challenging and scary as you step into a place of vulnerability. We all experience challenging seasons and chapters in our lives and sometimes we need support and guidance to navigate through them. I'm passionate about helping people write their own stories, learn how to move through emotions, embrace where they are at, and gain the skills to thrive and live life abundantly.

YOU CAN... reach your full potential, increase skills to navigate and cope with life stressors, address mental health and other challenges and establish a healthier, happier you. Are you struggling with relationship issues, depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss or life transition struggles? I can help. My experience includes working with clients of various cultures, races, religions, socio-economic statuses and sexual orientations. Beyond mental health therapy, I am experienced in adoptions counseling, premarital counseling, pastoral support, blended family counseling, prison reentry counseling as well as group counseling.

I believe we are created for relationships, which is why having healthy relational dynamics among family, friends, coworkers, or other individuals is crucial to our well being. There are many obstacles we face in our daily lives. Some situations we can easily navigate, while others can be more challenging and cause us to question ourselves and our ability to persevere and overcome. Life is hard and we are not meant to do it alone. It is important to know that you are not alone in your situation and that there IS help and support for you.

Overwhelmed? Anxious? Experiencing family conflict? Stuck with traumatic memories? Your value is not impacted by facing these common problems in life. There is hope for you and your relationships! It may be difficult to see that hope in the darkness of depression or stress, but let's work together to find the hope that is already there!

“What happens when people open their hearts?" "They get better.” ― Haruki Murakami. I'm a Licensed marriage a family therapist with a specialization in addiction. I have a passion for helping people remember who they were before the world got a hold of them. We all have strengths and gifts. Let me help you identify and remember yours.

My mental health practice came about from my own struggles. I experienced mental health issues in my family of origin and acquired a need for help myself. I know firsthand the negative consequences of mental health issues. I have learned that mental health recovery is more than a one-time event, rather, a lifestyle change. Improvement in one’s mental health occurs faster with a wholistic approach, seeking wellness of body, mind, and spirit.

Meet Dr. Reeder: He is a Certified Anger Management specialist (CAMSII) with the National Anger Management Association (NAMA). He holds a Masters Degree in Counseling (MMFT), A Doctoral Degree in Counseling Education (D.Ed.Min). For over a decade Dr. Reeder has provided court approved anger classes to thousands of individuals. He has extensive training in helping individuals, couples, and family members to positively identify their triggers, learn coping and other strategies, reframe responses to anger. He teaches individuals what is good about anger, how to process it, and respond to it in a healthy manner. www.scottreeder.org

Life can sometimes get messy, and while they are normal experiences, anxiety, depression, past trauma, family and relationship conflict, and various other factors can rob us of our ability to find peace in the here-and-now. We often get stuck in patterns rooted in past experiences that continue to show up in the present in unhelpful ways. Without the right tools and supports, it can feel as if we do not have the ability to find meaning in the mess or become unstuck in our patterns that are holding us back from living emotionally healthy lives. It is so common to hold these burdens alone in silence to avoid judgment.

I work with teens, adults, families and couples looking to navigate life's transitions, learn to cope with anxiety and depression, strengthen bonds, learn effective communication skills and heal through trauma to mental wellness. I am looking for clients who want to feel better, who will do the work to get to the other side, of whatever is holding you back from being happy and well. I work with people ready for a real positive change, be that from day to day anxiety, mood disorders, PTSD, relationship struggles or negative family dynamics.

At work, you’re a rock star! You can handle anything that comes your way. Whenever there’s a problem, you’re the one who fixes it. It’s your show and you’re killing it. So why do you feel so unfulfilled? On paper, you’re successful – making your family proud. But inside, something is still missing. A longing emptiness sits deep in the pit of your stomach. You’ve always worked so hard to pursue goals “at any cost,” but you’ve begun to realize that the cost was your well-being. All of your relationships seem to be out of obligation. You never have any time to care for yourself. Unless something changes, things will only get worse...

My heart reaches out to you as you search to make the best decision for yourself, your spouse, your child and others. Like you, so many face challenges related to marital/family issues, school, depression, anxiety, anger, pregnancy, trauma, self-esteem and other life changing events that come our way. Regardless of where you fall, at the end of the day if it matters to you, it matters (period). There is no reason to feel guilty for wanting to feel stronger and happier with yourself and in your relationships. With 20 years of experience, I hope that this adds comfort and that my office is a safe haven for you to grow and to be heard.

Nakia Thomas is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) #1821, an Imago Therapist in Training, and an AAMFT Approved Supervisor in Mentorship. My goal is to make each and every one of my clients feel comfortable, valued, and heard. My approach is direct, relational and intimacy driven, walking with you on your journey to live life on purpose. I work with individuals, couples, and families towards healing to transform our communities through the blending of theory, practice, experience, and beliefs. Relationships are my passion, beginning with the relationship one has with self, the foundation of every relationship.