Why Play Therapy? This is a frequently asked question. I believe that through play, children express themselves in their own developmentally appropriate way. Through play and other expressive therapies, children can resolve problems, cope with difficult emotions,improve cognitive development and help resolve inner conflicts. Although I work mainly with children, my education and training also allow me the opportunity to work with adults on certain issues.

Abby is a Licensed Professional Counselor in both Tennessee and Georgia and is a Nationally Certified Counselor. Abby graduated from Richmont Graduate University in 2012 with a Masters in Professional Counseling and a Specialization in Trauma Counseling. She has since continued her education in trauma counseling with EMDR Training, training in healing attachment following trauma, the impact of trauma on religion and spirituality, and military culture training. Abby specializes in seeing people of all ages with a history of trauma or abuse, including rape, childhood abuse, combat PTSD, and more, as well as assisting couples with relational and communication issues.

Struggling with suicidal thoughts and urges can be one of the loneliest and most frightening experiences imaginable. I love working with suicidal clients, because as a DBT therapist, I have a powerful tool kit for literally extinguishing suicidality. This is incredibly rewarding work. I enjoy working with teens and adults who struggle with overwhelming pain and suffering. The amazing thing is that we have fun doing this work together. It is fun and moving and amazing. If you want to make significant changes in the way you experience life, Dialectical Behavior Therapy is powerful work.

"Where do I turn? What do I do now?" If you are asking these questions I welcome whatever you have to discuss. I love to see a client walk into the room, ready to burst with the issues carried on the heart, and experience the relief that comes from finally sharing the burdens of the soul. I see mostly women, adolescents, and married couples, plus a few men who want to dig deep. I work best with people who are ready to work, looking for change, but aren't sure of how to get there.

I enjoy working with clients to clear past trauma or current blocks and assimilate the gifts that they discover within the process of unlocking habitual patterns and rejecting internal lies. I use mindful practice to support clients as they learn to become less judgmental of themselves and others and more compassionate. I believe that within this spaciousness we are able to open up into more of our true selves so that we have more insight and a broader view of our experiences. I see this as a creative, healing process.

Stressed? Tired? Can’t seem to get ahead? Don't like yourself? Finding that sense of security and strength in the midst of changes, challenges, and relationships is difficult, and some feel that taking time to stop and reflect is impossible; yet often it is one of the most important steps in moving forward or getting unstuck. Stopping and working with a trained therapist can help facilitate change in meaningful and impactful ways. It can also help avoid a complete life derailment. I believe that the work I do with my clients is sacred, which is why I employee some of the most up to date and clinically validated treatment techniques.

Are you longing for a space to bring your whole self and know that who you are will be accepted regardless of your unique identity or sexual orientation? Many of us desire safe spaces to explore questions without judgement, coercion, or comparison. You crave the freedom to be your authentic self even if you aren’t quite sure what that looks like just yet. You are discovering that you are becoming someone who is the opposite of who you or your parents or church expected you would be. Are struggling to make who you are align with what you have always believed which no longer fits with the person you are today?

**Currently offering ONLINE therapy. I am not currently accepting new clients.** My philosophy combines a non-judgmental, compassionate approach to therapy, with honest, direct feedback. I specialize in EMDR to help clients overcome past issues which are keeping them stuck. I welcome people of all perspectives. I will be an active participant in working with you as you seek to address personal and relationship issues.

Sound familiar? You appear to “have it all together” and fear if anyone knew how hard you were working, how inadequate you felt, or how you truly see yourself, it would all unravel. You're worried one more thing on your plate would send you into a crisis, and you already feel like you're drowning in overwhelming thoughts & feelings. You're creative & resourceful at finding ways to cope with the stressors of life, but these methods ultimately make things worse in the long run.

I started Aptitude Behavioral Services, LLC to service school-age children in the East TN area. I love working with children through pre-teen ages and have also worked with a few higher-functioning teenagers. My typical day involves working with families that face challenges with behavior and working directly with children to decrease these behaviors while building skill deficits. I enjoy including family in my sessions and want to empower caregivers and family members so that they are equipped to handle behavioral challenges.

If you're anxious, depressed or have relationship issues, there's a reason. Let me work with you to find out why. I have 10+ yrs. of experience as a mental health therapist where I utilize an integrative, holistic approach to treating the "whole" person as I strongly believe in the mind/body connection when healing from trauma ("the body remembers"). If your goal is to find true healing & happiness & have meaningful connection in your most intimate relationships, then, I can help. I will empower you to overcome life-long barriers that have prevented you from achieving the success in your life you so desperately want!

During our lifetime, we humans go through many life transitions. Helping women, couples, children, and teens succeed through life's many demands is my focus and passion.Working with women who are experiencing a life transition is one of my primary strengths. The second area of focus within my practice is the couple's relationship. My focus with couples is working on communication, conflict resolution, relationship strengthening, and emotional attunement. The third strength of my practice lies in the counseling of children and teens. For children, sessions involve interactive play therapy techniques that address anxiety, depression, and self-esteem.

*For Louisiana and Tennessee Clients: Providing virtual therapy* Welcome! Starting therapy can be very challenging and I would love to begin working with you to best meet your goals. While therapy can be an overwhelming process, with the right therapist, it can be the most helpful step in facing life's stressors. I am down to earth, approachable and provide a warm and supportive environment for growth and change. I enjoy working with adults and adolescents to help them reach their best selves. I utilize a relational and interpersonal approach that looks at the entire individual emotionally, mentally and physically.

Are you or your teen struggling with regulating your emotions? An IOP is DBT and holistic therapy, 3 days a week, 3 hours a day of DBT group therapy online or in person, for 6.5 weeks. We are the only facility in Knoxville, Chattanooga, Tri-Cities and Charleston, SC that provides the Four Core Skills of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. "DBT" is an evidenced based treatment that teaches step by step to reduce impulsivity and reactivity. Our groups take place in a "Spa like", home environment and offer unique holistic treatments as part of the program. Please visit our webpages, themiddlepath.life or BarrierIslandspsychiatry.com.

Sometimes, looking for the right therapist can seem overwhelming, but the sheer fact that you are searching here says that you are ready for positive change in your life. I utilize therapy in a thoughtful and compassionate manner to help clients create the change they seek. If you're struggling with anxiety, overwhelming emotions, or ineffective relationship patterns, then I can help you to regain those inherent strengths and sense of peace and joy. I offer clients a relaxed, supportive environment where they can freely express themselves, gain new insights, learn new coping skills, and change ineffective thinking patterns.

Are you dissatisfied with on-going drama in your valued relationships? Do you wonder how you can restore peace in your relationship with God, others, or yourself? Are unresolved relationship issues keeping you awake at night as you struggle to find solutions? Well, you've come to the right place! I walk with women and couples like you who are motivated to restore peace, harmony and joy in their relationships at home, work and play! I provide needed support keeping you focused on your journey to spiritual and relational growth leading to a happier and healthier you and/or couple!

I'm a Christian and Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years experience treating people struggling with depression, grief, anxiety, anger management, PTSD and other trauma-related issues. I am EMDR certified and an EMDR consultant and trained in Clinical Hypnosis and Brainspotting level 1. All are treatments for trauma, depression, and anxiety according to the latest research in neuroscience. I enjoy partnering with adults and teenagers to help them work through whatever issues are interfering with their joy. If you have any questions, call or send me an email.

Are you or your child/teen struggling to cope with anxiety or a difficult life transition that’s creating feelings of hopelessness and overwhelm? Giving yourself or your child support through therapy is a gift that will provide a positive, lasting impact. Therapy fosters connection and attunement, naturally resulting in an increase in self esteem and integration of our authentic self.

Your story matters. I believe that everyone has a story to tell and I feel honored to journey with my clients through the ups and downs of each of those stories. I believe that growth occurs within a safe and nurturing environment with an occasional gentle challenge. One of my passions is to walk along side individuals who have experienced trauma, helping to rediscover hope and journey towards healing and recovery. I am also passionate about helping parents with young children learn practical tools to help reduce difficult behaviors and enhance the parent-child relationship through the use of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy.

I love working with a wide variety of clients, but I truly feel like I am operating in my gifting when I sit with clients who are working through depression, anxiety, or loneliness. Furthermore, my education combined with personal and professional experience has opened the door for me to work with clients who may be trying to leave an abusive relationship or who are trying to discern if they are are in an abusive/unhealthy relationship. That said, these are not the only issues I help clients with. If you have questions about how I work or the types of clients I see, give me a call.