Gestalt Therapists in Knoxville, TN
While I work with all sorts of clients, I have carved out a niche working with people who are going through life transitions. These transitions might look like going through a divorce or major career change. As a therapist, I rely on my background in systems theory to help look at different areas of your life, and help understand how they all have lead you to where you are today. I use a strengths based approach to help you rebuild yourself into the person you want to be, and to avoid getting stuck in the problems of the past. A good client fit for me is someone who wants change, even if they are not sure how to do that yet.
While I work with all sorts of clients, I have carved out a niche working with people who are going through life transitions. These transitions might look like going through a divorce or major career change. As a therapist, I rely on my background in systems theory to help look at different areas of your life, and help understand how they all have lead you to where you are today. I use a strengths based approach to help you rebuild yourself into the person you want to be, and to avoid getting stuck in the problems of the past. A good client fit for me is someone who wants change, even if they are not sure how to do that yet.
Carrie's background and training is in Integrative Mental Health for Anxiety and Depression, Gender, and Substance Use (both abstinence and moderation goals) Therapy. After a very rewarding and joyful career of raising five children, Carrie discovered her passion for psychology, therapy, and the clients she has been honoured to work with. Nothing is quite as rewarding as watching a client during an "aha" moment or hearing about a particularly difficult challenge successfully overcome. Nothing touches the soul quite as much as someone trusting you with their deepest of pains.
Carrie's background and training is in Integrative Mental Health for Anxiety and Depression, Gender, and Substance Use (both abstinence and moderation goals) Therapy. After a very rewarding and joyful career of raising five children, Carrie discovered her passion for psychology, therapy, and the clients she has been honoured to work with. Nothing is quite as rewarding as watching a client during an "aha" moment or hearing about a particularly difficult challenge successfully overcome. Nothing touches the soul quite as much as someone trusting you with their deepest of pains.
Life is filled with ups and downs, which can be extremely difficult to navigate. I believe that my clients have the ability to persevere through even the toughest of obstacles, despite feeling like doing so is impossible. It is my hope that, through working collaboratively with one another, my clients are able to more effectively navigate the tough and seemingly unbearable parts of life.
Life is filled with ups and downs, which can be extremely difficult to navigate. I believe that my clients have the ability to persevere through even the toughest of obstacles, despite feeling like doing so is impossible. It is my hope that, through working collaboratively with one another, my clients are able to more effectively navigate the tough and seemingly unbearable parts of life.
My clinical work is grounded in trauma-informed care and shaped by years of experience working with first responders, veterans, and individuals from diverse backgrounds. I understand that while many people may experience similar challenges, no two stories are the same. Every person brings unique strengths, experiences, and goals to therapy, which is why I take an individualized, collaborative approach to treatment. I utilize evidence-based therapies, including EMDR, CBT, and DBT, to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs and supports meaningful, lasting growth.
My clinical work is grounded in trauma-informed care and shaped by years of experience working with first responders, veterans, and individuals from diverse backgrounds. I understand that while many people may experience similar challenges, no two stories are the same. Every person brings unique strengths, experiences, and goals to therapy, which is why I take an individualized, collaborative approach to treatment. I utilize evidence-based therapies, including EMDR, CBT, and DBT, to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs and supports meaningful, lasting growth.
Over the course of our lives, it can be easy to fall into patterns that keep us feeling stuck, whether in our relationships or on our own. In my therapy room, I strive to provide a safe and compassionate environment for you to explore the ways in which you've learned to interact with the world and gain greater understanding of yourself and your emotions. I hope to empower each of my clients through genuine care and acceptance as we journey into the difficult parts of life together.
Over the course of our lives, it can be easy to fall into patterns that keep us feeling stuck, whether in our relationships or on our own. In my therapy room, I strive to provide a safe and compassionate environment for you to explore the ways in which you've learned to interact with the world and gain greater understanding of yourself and your emotions. I hope to empower each of my clients through genuine care and acceptance as we journey into the difficult parts of life together.
The areas that I help my clients with are for those dealing with anxiety, depression, codependency, low emotional intelligence, addictions (especially sex/porn addiction), personality disorders and trauma. I find that people are looking for ways to deal and cope with the stress and challenges in their lives and unfortunately most people do not cope with their problems in a healthy way; instead they will find ways to cope by escaping, keeping themselves busy and distracted, basically never dealing directly with the problem and defer it for another time, but that time usually doesn't come.
The areas that I help my clients with are for those dealing with anxiety, depression, codependency, low emotional intelligence, addictions (especially sex/porn addiction), personality disorders and trauma. I find that people are looking for ways to deal and cope with the stress and challenges in their lives and unfortunately most people do not cope with their problems in a healthy way; instead they will find ways to cope by escaping, keeping themselves busy and distracted, basically never dealing directly with the problem and defer it for another time, but that time usually doesn't come.
Find the right connection for you:
Stephanie Viars specializes in treating women and children and runs a Worthy Women coaching program.
Shelby Harris specializes in the unique treatment needs by members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Julianna Saah specializes in Depression, Suicidal Ideation and Life Transitions with teens and young adults.
Polina Kopylova specializes in trauma (Accelerated Resolution Therapy) and substance use services to diverse populations.
Find the right connection for you:
Stephanie Viars specializes in treating women and children and runs a Worthy Women coaching program.
Shelby Harris specializes in the unique treatment needs by members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Julianna Saah specializes in Depression, Suicidal Ideation and Life Transitions with teens and young adults.
Polina Kopylova specializes in trauma (Accelerated Resolution Therapy) and substance use services to diverse populations.
Dr. Smelcer has over 18 years of clinical experience specializing in treating depression, anxiety, addiction disorders including behavioral addictions, trauma, grief, sexual identity concerns, premarital, life transitions, ADHD, LGBTQ and childhood disorders. The clinical team at Lyons View Counseling is passionate about helping clients gain insight and build from their strengths to make changes that improve their overall functioning.
Dr. Smelcer has over 18 years of clinical experience specializing in treating depression, anxiety, addiction disorders including behavioral addictions, trauma, grief, sexual identity concerns, premarital, life transitions, ADHD, LGBTQ and childhood disorders. The clinical team at Lyons View Counseling is passionate about helping clients gain insight and build from their strengths to make changes that improve their overall functioning.
Life can be stressful, and even oftentimes overwhelming. Stressors and trauma can impact our lives in many ways, negatively contributing to our physical and emotional health. I believe the mind has the innate capacity to heal. Therapy can provide the key to unlocking our own power to make positive changes, improving how we respond to life's challenges. The process of change and emotional growth is one that starts with the initial step of reaching out. Therapy can provide a safe, confidential, judgement free environment to explore how to manage stress and live life fully.
Life can be stressful, and even oftentimes overwhelming. Stressors and trauma can impact our lives in many ways, negatively contributing to our physical and emotional health. I believe the mind has the innate capacity to heal. Therapy can provide the key to unlocking our own power to make positive changes, improving how we respond to life's challenges. The process of change and emotional growth is one that starts with the initial step of reaching out. Therapy can provide a safe, confidential, judgement free environment to explore how to manage stress and live life fully.
Life is hard, it’s harder when the world doesn't feel like it was made for you. We all need someone to talk to, especially when depression keeps rearing its head and anxiety is an old friend. You deserve to be heard and I'm here to listen.
I’m easiest to contact through email, reach out to set up a free phone consultation or an appointment!
Life is hard, it’s harder when the world doesn't feel like it was made for you. We all need someone to talk to, especially when depression keeps rearing its head and anxiety is an old friend. You deserve to be heard and I'm here to listen.
I’m easiest to contact through email, reach out to set up a free phone consultation or an appointment!
Specialized therapy for anxiety, borderline personality disorder, and bipolar disorder.
You may look fine on the outside while feeling overwhelmed or unpredictable inside. Anxiety can feel constant, and emotions may shift quickly or feel hard to manage. I work with adults who want steadier moods and healthier relationships.
I am warm, straightforward, and engaged in sessions. We focus on understanding your patterns, building emotional stability, and feeling more grounded in daily life. I offer private pay therapy so care can be personalized, flexible, and focused on real change.
Specialized therapy for anxiety, borderline personality disorder, and bipolar disorder.
You may look fine on the outside while feeling overwhelmed or unpredictable inside. Anxiety can feel constant, and emotions may shift quickly or feel hard to manage. I work with adults who want steadier moods and healthier relationships.
I am warm, straightforward, and engaged in sessions. We focus on understanding your patterns, building emotional stability, and feeling more grounded in daily life. I offer private pay therapy so care can be personalized, flexible, and focused on real change.
After retirement from the USAF I pursued a degree that I could use to help others. The most effective therapy I could find is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). For about eight years now I have worked with clients of various ages and all walks of life to address their individual trauma. I have seen insecurity replaced with confidence. My goal is to assist my clients to have a better quality of life, to help you replace nightmares with a good night’s sleep. Trauma effects each individual differently from depression to memory gaps, to fits of rage or drug abuse, maybe it is time to come in and talk.
After retirement from the USAF I pursued a degree that I could use to help others. The most effective therapy I could find is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). For about eight years now I have worked with clients of various ages and all walks of life to address their individual trauma. I have seen insecurity replaced with confidence. My goal is to assist my clients to have a better quality of life, to help you replace nightmares with a good night’s sleep. Trauma effects each individual differently from depression to memory gaps, to fits of rage or drug abuse, maybe it is time to come in and talk.
“She is like a warm chocolate chip cookie counselor.” This is how colleagues have described me to clients. A warm chocolate chip cookie therapist doesn’t mean that deep therapeutic work is avoided. It means clients feel comfortable enough to let their guard down and do the deep work that led them to seek therapy. My trauma informed and person-centered approach offers an honest and supportive space. Together, we’ll slow down, quiet self-criticism, and practice gentleness—so you can reconnect with your most whole, authentic self. I also offer support for those who have financial shame or want to work on the mind-money connection.
“She is like a warm chocolate chip cookie counselor.” This is how colleagues have described me to clients. A warm chocolate chip cookie therapist doesn’t mean that deep therapeutic work is avoided. It means clients feel comfortable enough to let their guard down and do the deep work that led them to seek therapy. My trauma informed and person-centered approach offers an honest and supportive space. Together, we’ll slow down, quiet self-criticism, and practice gentleness—so you can reconnect with your most whole, authentic self. I also offer support for those who have financial shame or want to work on the mind-money connection.
My name is Bryce Schalk and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based in Knoxville, Tennessee and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I have found that my style and approach is a good fit for teens and young adults who may be dealing with challenges of life transitions, social pressures or dealing with previous trauma. This can often take the form of depression, anxiety and relationship difficulties. I work to help my clients navigate through difficult issues and to build the skills needed to help them feel better and be successful.
My name is Bryce Schalk and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based in Knoxville, Tennessee and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I have found that my style and approach is a good fit for teens and young adults who may be dealing with challenges of life transitions, social pressures or dealing with previous trauma. This can often take the form of depression, anxiety and relationship difficulties. I work to help my clients navigate through difficult issues and to build the skills needed to help them feel better and be successful.
You may be searching for a compassionate therapist in Knoxville who understands what you’re going through. You might be struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, relationship conflict, or parenting stress—and you’re ready for relief. Whether you’re an adult navigating life transitions or a parent seeking counseling for your child, you want to feel calmer, more confident, and connected. Together, we can build the tools and understanding you need to heal and move forward with purpose.
You may be searching for a compassionate therapist in Knoxville who understands what you’re going through. You might be struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, relationship conflict, or parenting stress—and you’re ready for relief. Whether you’re an adult navigating life transitions or a parent seeking counseling for your child, you want to feel calmer, more confident, and connected. Together, we can build the tools and understanding you need to heal and move forward with purpose.
Looking for the Right Therapist? Let’s See if We’re a Good Fit.
I know reaching out for help can feel like a big step—and sometimes a weird one. You scroll through a sea of therapists, wondering if any of them truly “get it.” Truth is, there are a lot of qualified professionals out there… but finding one who just clicks with you? That’s where the magic happens.
That connection often starts with empathy—my not-so-secret superpower. Empathy means seeing the world from your point of view, not just nodding along and asking, “And how does that make you feel?” (Though yes, I might ask that too—occupational hazard.)
Looking for the Right Therapist? Let’s See if We’re a Good Fit.
I know reaching out for help can feel like a big step—and sometimes a weird one. You scroll through a sea of therapists, wondering if any of them truly “get it.” Truth is, there are a lot of qualified professionals out there… but finding one who just clicks with you? That’s where the magic happens.
That connection often starts with empathy—my not-so-secret superpower. Empathy means seeing the world from your point of view, not just nodding along and asking, “And how does that make you feel?” (Though yes, I might ask that too—occupational hazard.)
Healing begins when we can understand ourselves and one another. I help individuals, couples, and families shine a compassionate light on their thoughts, feelings, and patterns of relating to find new possibilities beyond the habitual survival strategies that have helped you to defend against stress and trauma. Therapy can give you the tools and awareness to make the changes that you want to make while you learn to experience a greater sense of safety and resilience, recover from difficult experiences, find more acceptance, get your needs met with more clarity, balance connection with boundaries, and live life with greater meaning.
Healing begins when we can understand ourselves and one another. I help individuals, couples, and families shine a compassionate light on their thoughts, feelings, and patterns of relating to find new possibilities beyond the habitual survival strategies that have helped you to defend against stress and trauma. Therapy can give you the tools and awareness to make the changes that you want to make while you learn to experience a greater sense of safety and resilience, recover from difficult experiences, find more acceptance, get your needs met with more clarity, balance connection with boundaries, and live life with greater meaning.
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.
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.
I use specific techniques as needed (e.g. hypnosis, Gestalt role-playing, dream interpretation, EMDR--eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, stress management, relaxation exercises, guided imagery, visualization, art therapy, or play therapy with young children) within the context of a total treatment plan and therapeutic relationship.
I have been in professional psychological practice since 1979, been married many years, raised 2 children and shared in raising 3 step-children, so I have many years of clinical and personal experience on which to draw. However, I am always learning and growing, and enjoy sharing the journey of self-discovery with my clients/patients. I tailor my psychological treatment with individuals (adults, adolescents, and children), couples, and families to each person's unique situation. I utilize a variety of different treatment approaches, depending on the problems presented, ranging from cognitive-behavioral, insight, family systems, to supportive reality therapy.
I use specific techniques as needed (e.g. hypnosis, Gestalt role-playing, dream interpretation, EMDR--eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, stress management, relaxation exercises, guided imagery, visualization, art therapy, or play therapy with young children) within the context of a total treatment plan and therapeutic relationship.
I have been in professional psychological practice since 1979, been married many years, raised 2 children and shared in raising 3 step-children, so I have many years of clinical and personal experience on which to draw. However, I am always learning and growing, and enjoy sharing the journey of self-discovery with my clients/patients. I tailor my psychological treatment with individuals (adults, adolescents, and children), couples, and families to each person's unique situation. I utilize a variety of different treatment approaches, depending on the problems presented, ranging from cognitive-behavioral, insight, family systems, to supportive reality therapy.
My passion is to offer individualized, compassionate client care using a variety of methods. I work with adults, teens, and children. My clients range in age from five years old through adulthood, and they are usually having issues with adjustments, transitions, family, and relationships. They also may struggle with anxiety, depression, OCD, or substance use issues. I offer a non-judgmental and safe, healing space. I want to help clients meet their goals and offer hope where it may be lacking.
My passion is to offer individualized, compassionate client care using a variety of methods. I work with adults, teens, and children. My clients range in age from five years old through adulthood, and they are usually having issues with adjustments, transitions, family, and relationships. They also may struggle with anxiety, depression, OCD, or substance use issues. I offer a non-judgmental and safe, healing space. I want to help clients meet their goals and offer hope where it may be lacking.
See more therapy options for Knoxville
Nearby Gestalt Therapists Searches for Knoxville
See More Gestalt TherapistsNearby Searches for Knoxville
- Alcoa
- Clinton
- Concord
- Concord Farragut
- Corryton
- Farragut
- Lenoir City
- Louisville
- Maryville
- Oak Ridge
- Powell
- Seymour
Gestalt Therapists
What is gestalt therapy?
Gestalt therapy is based on the idea that to address unresolved negative feelings, emotions must be not only discussed but also actively expressed in the present moment. The term is from a German word meaning “whole,” and gestalt therapists believe that people should be considered whole entities made up of mind, body, and emotions. Gestalt sessions are rooted in the notion that a client’s total self must be discovered, explored, and confronted, so that they can take greater responsibility for themselves and their behavior, learn to satisfy their own needs while still respecting the needs of others, and reconnect with feelings they might otherwise deny.
How does gestalt therapy work?
Gestalt therapy sessions do not just involve talking with a therapist. Clients may take part in role-playing, re-enactment, or artistic exercises like drawing and painting, with the goal of becoming more aware of negative thought patterns that limit happiness. One common gestalt exercise is “the empty chair,” in which a client sits across from an empty chair representing a partner, relative, boss, or a part of themselves—and, with the therapist’s encouragement, improvises a dialog with it. The intention is to bring the emotions raised by past conflicts into the present and work through them in the moment.
How long does gestalt therapy last?
As with most forms of talk therapy, there is no set duration or end point for gestalt therapy; people who believe that they are making progress typically continue until they feel they’ve addressed the issues that had been holding them back. New patients should understand that it may take some time to become comfortable with gestalt exercises but once they do, they should expect sessions to extend for a number of months, typically spanning at least 12 sessions.
Does gestalt therapy work?
Gestalt therapy has generally been found to be as effective as other forms of talk therapy in helping people living with anxiety, depression, phobias, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders, as well as helping individuals reduce conflict in relationships. Gestalt techniques, on their own or in combination with other therapies, can also be effective in managing physical ailments including ulcerative colitis, migraines, and back spasms. It should be noted that some people may have trouble adapting to gestalt therapy’s lack of formal structure or to a therapist’s close observations of their body language and emotions; others may struggle to commit to techniques that feel unnatural, like the empty chair exercise.