Sexual Abuse Therapists in Tennessee

Poet Maya Angelou wrote: "There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you". Opening oneself is a courageous and vulnerable act and I want you to know that I will provide you a space to explore at your own pace, and a place to feel known, heard and accepted as you journey in your healing. As part of the process I help you identify and foster your strengths while allowing you to explore your personal path to healing. I utilize talk as well as expressive arts therapies to meet your unique needs and comfort level.

I serve individuals who have encountered trauma in their lives. They typically struggle with getting easily triggered and being in fight, flight or freeze mode a lot of the time. It often feels like anxiety so many of my clients come in saying they suffer with anxiety. Many of my clients also struggle with making decisions.

Providing strength-based attachment approaches to trauma symptoms is a specialty. It is a privilege and passion to be a resource and safe-space for those brave souls who are willing to put hard work into finding relief from anxiety, depression, PTSD, and dissociative symptoms. Whether it's personal growth, relationship hopes, recovery work, grief processing, complex trauma, or life-stages/transitions--I am committed to providing tools and strategies to help you feel empowered and supported in these pursuits.

Do you feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or numb? What about broken, trapped, or lost? We have times in life that can be exhausting and scary; where there seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel. Many times these experiences feel completely outside of our control. Maybe you’ve been experiencing this for a long time or just recently. You don't have to struggle alone! I’m passionate about working with people who are experiencing a difficult journey in life. I will walk with you, side by side, through the fire to help you get to the other side. Let me help you discover the phoenix within the ashes so you can feel whole again!

Tired of years of therapy and no true, lasting healing? I work with individuals that have tried many forms of therapy, but still feel the deep pain of feeling alone, stuck, in a toxic relationship again, frequently being triggered, and haunted by their past. I specialize in working with adults who experienced childhood sexual abuse, narcissistic abuse, and trauma. Childhood trauma doesn't have to continue to have its grip on you, and take away your happiness! True healing is possible with EMDR. Over the 30 years that I have been in this field, I have seen hundreds of clients get their life, joy and happiness back.

Welcome New Clients! Saturday & Sunday appointments available. I believe in the resilience of people who are doing the best they can and want better. You are capable. I've helped clients navigate challenges in their relationships, families, school & workplace. Together, we've addressed: anxiety & depression; substance use; grief, stress, & burnout; abandonment & neglect, shame & self-confidence; and trauma including rape, sexual assault, and child sexual abuse. I also provide licensure supervision. My mission is to ensure you feel heard, supported, & empowered to achieve your goals and experience your best life.

I consider it a great privilege to hear my clients’ stories and walk with them on their journey of hope and healing. I have experience working with individuals from preschool age through adulthood who have experienced trauma in the form of physical abuse, sexual abuse, grief and loss, attachment ruptures, bullying, domestic violence, anxiety, depression, and immigration trauma, among others.

If you are an adult and have experienced childhood sexual/emotional/physical abuse, an adult who was recently abused, or a person who has done their abuse work, but wants to restore sexuality, let us work together. If you are a partner who wants to understand, work through your own emotions and responses, I would like to hear from you as well. With 20 years at the Sexual Assault Center, as well as 1 year at the VA working with Military Sexual Assault, I would tell you, the path is hopeful.

My goal as a therapist is to cultivate a safe and accepting space for clients to find empowerment, reclamation, and healing. Many of my clients are survivors of physical and emotional abuse, neglect, relational and attachment trauma, and sexual assault. They have suffered from deep relational wounds that have led to anxiety, depression, grief, fear, addiction, a sense of powerlessness, and disconnection. I seek to help my clients reclaim themselves through addressing core wounds, negative beliefs, and learned ways of coping.

As an AASECT Certified Sexuality Counselor working with individuals and couples, I combine evidence-based best practices with experience as a Tantric Sexuality Educator and practitioner, offering a supportive environment for thorough and constructive exploration of sexual matters. Questions and concerns may be talked about openly without fear of embarrassment or criticism. As a Mind-Body Psychotherapist, I help clients talk through issues and learn to utilize emotions as embodied resources for healing and growth, encouraging awareness of connection between body, mind, and spirit. My background as a pastoral psychotherapist and experience with body therapies such as yoga, breath-work, and meditation inform my work.

Do you feel overwhelmed, isolated, anxious, depressed, and reliving past traumatic experiences, but hopeful for understanding, confidence, and peace? Through my work in sexual assault centers, domestic violence shelters, in private practice, and at Onsite Workshops I have learned how trauma is stored in the body, how it creates negative beliefs about the self, how it keeps us from living in the present moment and how it keeps us from connecting to those around us. Working with me feels like gentle confrontation and resource building in order to delve into past wounds with a deeply open, knowledgeable, and compassionate ally.

Seeking therapy for you or your child is a courageous step toward wholeness. Symptoms like lack of motivation, difficulty concentrating, or problematic mood changes are just a few reasons to seek help. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has worked with families for over 17 years. I have specialized experience treating children and adolescent victims of sexual abuse and other trauma. The power of healing is within us all. Yet, many times, we cannot do it alone. Teaming up with a qualified, practiced therapist can help achieve the emotional well-being you seek. I look forward to being on your team.

At Samara, we meet each person where they are to identify tailored goals and move toward an improved quality of life. Support is provided within a safe, highly confidential, & creative space. We offer decades of experience providing therapeutic services within the entertainment industry. When needed, we help our clients explore their needs and life experiences through the lens of trauma-informed and trauma-focused care. Individual, family, and group therapy options are available. Connect with us to talk through next steps.

I understand reaching out for help takes courage and bravery. I believe that we all need support in our lives to navigate the inevitable difficulties that arise. I hope to create a safe and empathetic space for you as you go through life’s challenges. I have experience working with children and adults who have experienced sexual abuse, partner abuse, grief and loss, and other forms of trauma. My goal as your therapist is to help you to gain confidence as you work through difficult situations. No issue is too big or too small.

Do you feel alone when dealing with adversity? Handling challenges independently is admirable, but sustaining that level of self-reliance is exhausting. You don’t have to do it on your own, and I can assist. Seeking help is a courageous choice, especially when you are used to doing things yourself. It may feel awkward at first, but you deserve to be heard. I can help you work through past trauma, trust others more, and increase your wellbeing. I will provide a space where you can share any concerns you have—even uncomfortable ones. Don't worry; safety, connection, and confidentiality are my top priorities.

Are you feeling miss understood, alone, depressed, anxious, scared, like life no longer has any meaning, and no one cares? I can help you overcome obstacles that are holding you back from the being the healthy, happy person you want to be. Have you been abused emotionally, mentally, or sexually? I can help you on the journey of healing. Do you have a child, or teenager struggling in school, or having trouble making and getting along with friends? I have a special place in my heart for young people and years of experience helping them. I am here to help you on your journey.

It's my belief that within relationships we are both hurt and healed. I practice from a relational approach, specifically Attachment Theory. Attachment shapes how we view ourselves and others, and influences how we "do" close relationships. We may unconsciously carry feelings of anxiety, pain, humiliation, or even abandonment from our relationships. For example, early childhood experiences of sexual abuse, neglect, grief, loss, or vicarious trauma impact one's perception of safety and security. As a result, we may find it difficult to form satisfactory relationships in adulthood. Navigating through this process alone can be hard.Thankfully, you don't have to do it alone.

My aim is to serve my clients by providing excellent caring and effective therapy while respecting each client's individuality. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist and a Christian minister. I love helping people heal and progress. I provide online therapy. I have extensive experience helping people not only as a clinical therapist but also as a consultant and approved supervisor. I am very experienced helping with trauma, anxiety, depression, and anger using EMDR and many other approaches. I am also highly skilled in doing marriage and family therapy and have helped many couples and families develop happy relationships.

The joy of therapy lies in tailoring my approach to fully leverage the unique strengths and skills of each individual client. I thoroughly enjoy cultivating an atmosphere of safety, encouragement, and hope for those whom I have the opportunity to serve. I endeavor to invite clients into a therapeutic relationship that enhances their ability to develop insight that leads to action.