Schema Therapy in Mcminn County, TN

My focus is working with survivors of narcissistic abuse, first responders, and couples looking to recover from infidelity. I see individuals as well as couples and if appropriate, will alternate seeing a couple together and then separately for individual sessions. I use an integrative approach that combines evidence-based practices with a personalized, holistic perspective. Whether you are struggling with infidelity, trauma, anxiety, depression, or other challenges, I am here to provide a compassionate and non-judgmental space where you can explore your experiences and develop the skills and tools you need to achieve your goals.

Please note: You will get a faster response by emailing rather than calling. I work individually with adults to provide empathy, guidance, and support as they navigate through difficult times in life. I have worked with clients suffering from a variety of issues such as anxiety, depression, self-harm, relationship conflict, parenting problems, unresolved trauma, grief/loss, addictions, LGBT issues, sexual/physical abuse, and more.

I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 20 plus years’ experience. I have extensive training and expertise in mental health and chemical dependency. I utilizes evidence-based interventions and approaches to help individuals, couples, and families navigate through challenging life situations to improve their overall well-being.

Do you find it impossible to escape the patterns of thinking and behavior that have come to govern your life? Are you struggling to fulfill the expectations and needs of those around you as you fight to subdue, ignore, or avoid the oppressive memories, thoughts, or emotions that haunt you and refuse to relent? Maybe you’ve thrown yourself into your work, tried disappearing into hobbies, or sought the oblivion of substances to try and find relief, only to discover that your short-lived escape has compounded your problems and amplified your shame. If so, I get it.

I love to work with people from 20 to 90 whether you need someone to help you walk through a particularly rough patch or have had long term problems with abuse or trauma issues, substance use, depression, anxiety or self-harm. If you have childhood issues or problems in present day life I have an eclectic approach with a wealth of experience and expertise. If your goal is to identify what direction you want to go in and how to get where you want to be I am ready to take that journey with you.

Although my background is in trauma, I have clinical experience and training in assisting all people in dealing with the variety of life struggles. We all face different challenges in life and respond to them in our own ways. As such, each approach in treatment should be unique and person centered. My goal is to help each person along their journey in processing and overcoming their unique challenges so that they can thrive on their own.

Immediate openings! Taking Out-of-network (private pay) and United Health Care (Optum, UMR). I want to help you compassionately change your relationship with your feelings, connect to your own values, recognize your own strengths, and live a rich and meaningful life. Your goals for emotional wellness are important, and I believe that everyone has the capacity to heal.

The clients I work best with are those who are motivated to change, or curious to see what they could change, to improve their own mental health, and relationships. I enjoy work well with clients who recognize that "something" needs to change, even if they don't know what that "something" is yet. A client should hopefully come to the first session with some kind of goal, even if that goal is as simple as, "I want to feel less depressed/anxious/stuck/reactive/addicted."

Navigating the sea of life requires a different set of skills throughout life. What works when you are 16 years old doesn’t work so well when you’re 40 years old. Oftentimes when life is passing by so quickly, adapting to the changes requires better-coping skills, skills you've yet to acquire. Or maybe, your teen has all of a sudden became distant, argumentative, and secretive. You’ve tried to be supportive in their growing independence, yet still needing a home base, but the scales aren’t balancing out. This is when you understand that seeking outside intervention is necessary.

I am thrilled to introduce myself as a trauma-informed therapist, dedicated to providing compassionate and effective care to those in need. My approach is deeply rooted in the understanding that trauma can have a profound impact on an individual's mental, emotional, and physical well-being, and that healing requires a holistic and empathetic response. Throughout my career, I have worked with a diverse range of clients, each with their unique experiences, backgrounds, and needs. I have come to appreciate the importance of cultural humility, and I strive to create a safe and inclusive space for all.

"I don't need to talk about it." This may be what you have always believed, but life keeps happening and now you don't know what else to do. "It" could be that you feel like no one has ever really understood you or accepted you as you are. "It" could be something hurtful or traumatic that happened to you. "It" might be a relationship with someone you really love, but you just can't seem to make it work. "It" could also be the shame you feel after turning to substances or addictive behaviors to fill the emptiness. At some point, everything that used to work stops working and you wonder if you will ever be happy again.

Many individuals are confronted at certain times in their life with a set of challenges and difficulties that seem insurmountable or overwhelming. Others are seeking guidance or insight in how to rediscover a sense of direction or purpose in their lives. Seeking out help is an act of courage and self-validation. Stop putting it off.

I want to commend you for taking the first step towards regaining health and happiness over your life and relationship. Taking that step is not easy! Sometimes our life circumstances, what has happened to us, and even our own thoughts can limit our growth and well-being. This can leave us feeling hopeless, powerless, and defeated until we take the first step in bettering ourselves. Today, you can take the first step to regain health, hope, and happiness in your life through empowering, creative and client-tailored techniques that lead you closer to being your best self and be equipped you with lifelong tools to thrive.

I believe that clients have the innate ability to heal through accessing their innermost selves. Each client is traveling their own personal, interpersonal, and spiritual path and I act as a guide to help facilitate and co- create healing and wholeness. Through healing old wounds, past traumas, and solving relationship conflicts, I aspire to help individuals, couples, and families reach their highest potentials to aid in having richer and more fulfilling lives. My approach is Transpersonal, which means that I look beyond the ego into the spiritual to encourage wholeness in each client.

If you find yourself encountering emotional problems, engaging in addictive behaviors, or experiencing relational problems, I am here to help! Below is a checklist of specific issues you may have which I am qualified to work with and have significant training & experience in working with. I am also a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist Candidate who works with those struggling with problematic sexual behavior and pornography, but I am well suited to work with people on many other issues as well. You can visit my website and click on the client portal link to schedule an appointment today!

An ideal client would be anyone seeking growth in their life. I am a faith based therapist who fully believes that women's rights are human rights, Black Lives Matter, Love is Love, and science is real. I was raised in a protestant church try live a Christ filled life free of legalism and following the simple motto "Love God, Love Others." I practice a non judgmental approach with all people regardless of spirituality, race, sexual orientation and gender. I respect that faith inclusion in our work is completely your choice and work with people of faith, people questioning faith and people without specific faith practices.

One of my goals for a client is for them to gain self-efficacy for a self-directed plan of recovery.

Did you just reach your breaking point? Are you at risk for losing what you care about the most? I work with people experiencing anxiety, debilitating stress, relationship issues, and addictions. I help marriages survive problems like alcohol, drugs, infidelity, and other complicated issues. Problems can be destructive and overwhelming. Building a life you love in these conditions can seem impossible. But the right change, at the right time, in the right way makes a difference. Good counseling and coaching helps you win the fight of your life while trying to live it.

I UNDERSTAND! I understand trauma, addiction and I understand pain. I have been in recovery from substance abuse and everything that comes with it since January of 1991.I know what it means to journey from a place of brokenness to a place of wholeness. Addiction and other maladaptive behaviors are just SYMPTOMS of a deeper rooted problem. If you feel like you KNOW what to do but just cannot seem to make yourself do it chances are you have unprocessed issues. If you are in need of support for yourself, or a loved one I would love to help you navigate the road of this journey.