Secular and Non-Religious Therapists in Knoxville, TN
Taking the first step toward healing can feel daunting, but reaching out for support is an act of profound courage. I see therapy as a collaborative journey where we work together to understand your experiences, strengthen resilience, and cultivate more fulfilling relationships—with others and yourself. Rooted in a Relational Cultural Therapy framework, my approach emphasizes connection and growth while addressing how systemic oppression and societal factors shape mental health. I have particular experience working with individuals who’ve experienced trauma as well as those navigating challenging life transitions.
Taking the first step toward healing can feel daunting, but reaching out for support is an act of profound courage. I see therapy as a collaborative journey where we work together to understand your experiences, strengthen resilience, and cultivate more fulfilling relationships—with others and yourself. Rooted in a Relational Cultural Therapy framework, my approach emphasizes connection and growth while addressing how systemic oppression and societal factors shape mental health. I have particular experience working with individuals who’ve experienced trauma as well as those navigating challenging life transitions.
Feeling disconnected from those close to you can feel lonely and provoke anxiety. Many people come to counseling feeling stuck and don’t know which way to go. I strive to listen to you to gain a better understanding of your life in a nonjudgmental environment. I work with people of all sexual orientations and genders and aim to create a safe place to allow clients to build more secure and supportive friendships, romantic relationships, as well as a relationship with themselves.
Feeling disconnected from those close to you can feel lonely and provoke anxiety. Many people come to counseling feeling stuck and don’t know which way to go. I strive to listen to you to gain a better understanding of your life in a nonjudgmental environment. I work with people of all sexual orientations and genders and aim to create a safe place to allow clients to build more secure and supportive friendships, romantic relationships, as well as a relationship with themselves.
I work best with folks who want therapy to feel active and focused. If you're looking for real progress, not just a place to vent, we might be a good fit. My approach is structured, collaborative, and goal-oriented. My practice’s motto, “where action meets insight,” reflects my belief that therapy isn't just about the one hour a week we meet. Real change happens in the hours you’re living your life outside of session. Our work will focus on building insight, using practical tools, and making meaningful shifts that last beyond therapy.
I work best with folks who want therapy to feel active and focused. If you're looking for real progress, not just a place to vent, we might be a good fit. My approach is structured, collaborative, and goal-oriented. My practice’s motto, “where action meets insight,” reflects my belief that therapy isn't just about the one hour a week we meet. Real change happens in the hours you’re living your life outside of session. Our work will focus on building insight, using practical tools, and making meaningful shifts that last beyond therapy.
You've gotten good at saying the right things to keep the peace. At knowing what parts of yourself to edit out before anyone could even know they were there. At keeping the peace. And for a long time, it’s worked fine. It's kept you safe. But now you're noticing you're tired. Exhausted from having to perform, mask, and shrink yourself into whatever shape keeps everyone else feeling good. From having to pretend that you don't have wants or needs. You learned growing up that something—or everything—about you seemed to be "too much" or "not enough". That there was something about you that was inherently wrong or fundamentally flawed.
You've gotten good at saying the right things to keep the peace. At knowing what parts of yourself to edit out before anyone could even know they were there. At keeping the peace. And for a long time, it’s worked fine. It's kept you safe. But now you're noticing you're tired. Exhausted from having to perform, mask, and shrink yourself into whatever shape keeps everyone else feeling good. From having to pretend that you don't have wants or needs. You learned growing up that something—or everything—about you seemed to be "too much" or "not enough". That there was something about you that was inherently wrong or fundamentally flawed.
My work centers around creating an inclusive and safe environment for individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those who identify as queer, LGBTQ, transgender, and non-religious.
I have years of specific expertise in supporting law enforcement and public safety professionals, individuals in recovery from addiction, and college students. Additionally, I have experience working with clients engaged in specialized programs related to healthcare, legal fields, transportation and railroads, and aviation.
My work centers around creating an inclusive and safe environment for individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those who identify as queer, LGBTQ, transgender, and non-religious.
I have years of specific expertise in supporting law enforcement and public safety professionals, individuals in recovery from addiction, and college students. Additionally, I have experience working with clients engaged in specialized programs related to healthcare, legal fields, transportation and railroads, and aviation.
Jocelyn Ivy
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S, MHSP, C-PD
4 Endorsed
Knoxville, TN 37923
Waitlist for new clients
I have always been interested in understanding the world from other people's points of view. My job as a therapist is to understand your story and how your worldview informs the way you react to life stressors. My goal is to help you utilize your own strengths and insight to feel calm, centered, and content in a world that often isn't. I enjoy working with adults of all ages, the LGBTQ/alternative lifestyle community, and I provide sex-positive treatment. A few fun facts about me that you will likely learn if we are working together: I'm a parent to 2 humans and 4 cats, I love to travel, I practice yoga, and I'm a bit of a Swiftie.
I have always been interested in understanding the world from other people's points of view. My job as a therapist is to understand your story and how your worldview informs the way you react to life stressors. My goal is to help you utilize your own strengths and insight to feel calm, centered, and content in a world that often isn't. I enjoy working with adults of all ages, the LGBTQ/alternative lifestyle community, and I provide sex-positive treatment. A few fun facts about me that you will likely learn if we are working together: I'm a parent to 2 humans and 4 cats, I love to travel, I practice yoga, and I'm a bit of a Swiftie.
It is my belief that every person has the ability to experience healing and personal growth if given the space and tools necessary. My goal is to offer a safe and collaborative environment to support my clients and encourage acceptance on their therapeutic journey. I welcome diversity of all kinds, including all genders, sexual orientations, races, cultures, faiths, abilities, sizes, and lifestyles.
It is my belief that every person has the ability to experience healing and personal growth if given the space and tools necessary. My goal is to offer a safe and collaborative environment to support my clients and encourage acceptance on their therapeutic journey. I welcome diversity of all kinds, including all genders, sexual orientations, races, cultures, faiths, abilities, sizes, and lifestyles.
Sheli Chambers
Pre-Licensed Professional, LPC(t), MHSP(t), NBCC, CCTS-I
1 Endorsed
Knoxville, TN 37923
Sometimes life gets hard and talking with someone is helpful. My approach to counseling is holistic and allows my clients to ground in their reality, explore their authentic self as well as find self-regulation through their personal competencies and experiences. We will partner together to help you formulate and understand this view of yourself.
Sometimes life gets hard and talking with someone is helpful. My approach to counseling is holistic and allows my clients to ground in their reality, explore their authentic self as well as find self-regulation through their personal competencies and experiences. We will partner together to help you formulate and understand this view of yourself.
I believe that everyone deserves a safe space to pursue healing and self-discovery. I am honored to provide that space and hear your story. I have experience working with mood and anxiety disorders, autism, chronic physical illnesses and disorders, communication/relational issues, LGBTQ+ concerns, and navigating sudden life changes. I work with ages 10+ and I have a passion for working with people of all ages struggling to find out who they are.
I believe that everyone deserves a safe space to pursue healing and self-discovery. I am honored to provide that space and hear your story. I have experience working with mood and anxiety disorders, autism, chronic physical illnesses and disorders, communication/relational issues, LGBTQ+ concerns, and navigating sudden life changes. I work with ages 10+ and I have a passion for working with people of all ages struggling to find out who they are.
The decision to start therapy is not always easy, and finding the right therapist can seem daunting. Whatever challenges life has thrown your way, you want a therapist who supports you with compassion, curiosity, and commitment. I believe that human connection is at the heart of healing, and I strive to develop a strong, client-centered therapeutic relationship based on trust and acceptance. I offer a safe and affirming environment for all clients. It is an act of bravery to embark on a healing journey, and I would be honored to be apart of yours.
The decision to start therapy is not always easy, and finding the right therapist can seem daunting. Whatever challenges life has thrown your way, you want a therapist who supports you with compassion, curiosity, and commitment. I believe that human connection is at the heart of healing, and I strive to develop a strong, client-centered therapeutic relationship based on trust and acceptance. I offer a safe and affirming environment for all clients. It is an act of bravery to embark on a healing journey, and I would be honored to be apart of yours.
OPEN (including weekend) as of 05/2026! Our identities impact each and every experience. By supporting, affirming, and empowering marginalized identities, with a focus on the LGBTQ+ and Consensual Non-Monogamy (CNM) communities, I work towards ensuring that the right to be seen, heard, and understood is experienced by all! My clinical focus is to create a safe space in which clients can shed the expectations, judgements, and stigmas wrongfully and unwillingly forced upon them. I assist clients with their self-expression, emotional regulation, boundary building, communication skills, relationship bonding, and more.
OPEN (including weekend) as of 05/2026! Our identities impact each and every experience. By supporting, affirming, and empowering marginalized identities, with a focus on the LGBTQ+ and Consensual Non-Monogamy (CNM) communities, I work towards ensuring that the right to be seen, heard, and understood is experienced by all! My clinical focus is to create a safe space in which clients can shed the expectations, judgements, and stigmas wrongfully and unwillingly forced upon them. I assist clients with their self-expression, emotional regulation, boundary building, communication skills, relationship bonding, and more.
OPEN (including weekend) as of 05/2026! Our identities impact each and every experience. By supporting, affirming, and empowering marginalized identities, with a focus on the LGBTQ+ and Consensual Non-Monogamy (CNM) communities, I work towards ensuring that the right to be seen, heard, and understood is experienced by all! My clinical focus is to create a safe space where clients can shed the expectations, judgements, and stigmas wrongfully and unwillingly forced upon them. I assist clients with their self-expression, emotional regulation, boundary building, communication skills, relationship bonding, and more.
OPEN (including weekend) as of 05/2026! Our identities impact each and every experience. By supporting, affirming, and empowering marginalized identities, with a focus on the LGBTQ+ and Consensual Non-Monogamy (CNM) communities, I work towards ensuring that the right to be seen, heard, and understood is experienced by all! My clinical focus is to create a safe space where clients can shed the expectations, judgements, and stigmas wrongfully and unwillingly forced upon them. I assist clients with their self-expression, emotional regulation, boundary building, communication skills, relationship bonding, and more.
I help anxious people-pleasers stop spiraling and reconnect with themselves. My clients struggle like you do. Despite being intelligent and capable women, life is hard. When they first come in, they feel overwhelmed and like there’s a battle going on inside themselves every day. They believe they are failing everyone around them because they can’t “do it all” the way others can. They want to set boundaries and tell people “no” but there’s a part of them that is afraid to do that. They lie awake at night ruminating about every mistake they made that day and worrying about everything that has to get done tomorrow.
I help anxious people-pleasers stop spiraling and reconnect with themselves. My clients struggle like you do. Despite being intelligent and capable women, life is hard. When they first come in, they feel overwhelmed and like there’s a battle going on inside themselves every day. They believe they are failing everyone around them because they can’t “do it all” the way others can. They want to set boundaries and tell people “no” but there’s a part of them that is afraid to do that. They lie awake at night ruminating about every mistake they made that day and worrying about everything that has to get done tomorrow.
Oftentimes, our "closets" become full of grief, unhelpful messages, survival skills, and trauma; and, I believe that counseling offers people the time and space to sort through those experiences and to decide what is helpful and what is not. It's a simple process; but, it's not easy and going through the mess can be overwhelming and sometimes painful. I'd be glad to offer you that space and support so that you can learn to be more mindful, more compassionate, and more authentic both to yourself and to others.
Oftentimes, our "closets" become full of grief, unhelpful messages, survival skills, and trauma; and, I believe that counseling offers people the time and space to sort through those experiences and to decide what is helpful and what is not. It's a simple process; but, it's not easy and going through the mess can be overwhelming and sometimes painful. I'd be glad to offer you that space and support so that you can learn to be more mindful, more compassionate, and more authentic both to yourself and to others.
You've done what you can on your own-what if it’s time for support that actually works? Let’s work together to untangle your thoughts and feelings and create a plan to tackle your chief concerns. With nine years of experience, I help people understand how their minds work, how they process emotions, and how to get to the root of their challenges. Therapeutic interventions can work wonders-but only if they fit how your brain works! I want to know-Are you a visual or auditory thinker? Where do you experience emotions in your body? Are you stuck repeating habits and routines that drain you? Let's brainstorm some solutions together.
You've done what you can on your own-what if it’s time for support that actually works? Let’s work together to untangle your thoughts and feelings and create a plan to tackle your chief concerns. With nine years of experience, I help people understand how their minds work, how they process emotions, and how to get to the root of their challenges. Therapeutic interventions can work wonders-but only if they fit how your brain works! I want to know-Are you a visual or auditory thinker? Where do you experience emotions in your body? Are you stuck repeating habits and routines that drain you? Let's brainstorm some solutions together.
I draw on empowerment and strengths-based theories and utilize a secular framework.
Are you experiencing stress, panic, or fear about the future? Have you been struggling to cope with a recent loss? Have you been using social media, toxic relationships, or substances to numb or distract yourself from your discomfort? You’re not alone. Lots of folks find it challenging to keep up while dealing with grief and loss. Many in marginalized groups are facing being discriminated against or targeted. Many also find themselves feeling isolated in a world that feels increasingly hostile. Your symptoms may be showing up to say "hey, I really need some support."
I draw on empowerment and strengths-based theories and utilize a secular framework.
Are you experiencing stress, panic, or fear about the future? Have you been struggling to cope with a recent loss? Have you been using social media, toxic relationships, or substances to numb or distract yourself from your discomfort? You’re not alone. Lots of folks find it challenging to keep up while dealing with grief and loss. Many in marginalized groups are facing being discriminated against or targeted. Many also find themselves feeling isolated in a world that feels increasingly hostile. Your symptoms may be showing up to say "hey, I really need some support."
Imagine a life full of joy, presence, and gratitude. Life can be hard at times with all of its troubles. It may feel like you're no longer a driver, but a passenger in your own life. You have difficulty seeing beyond the here and now, unable to find solutions, and you can't come back to a sense of self because everything else seems to be keeping you from peace. You are wanting to take control and live a life you've been dreaming of. I work specifically with depression, anxiety, substance use, and general life transitions.
Imagine a life full of joy, presence, and gratitude. Life can be hard at times with all of its troubles. It may feel like you're no longer a driver, but a passenger in your own life. You have difficulty seeing beyond the here and now, unable to find solutions, and you can't come back to a sense of self because everything else seems to be keeping you from peace. You are wanting to take control and live a life you've been dreaming of. I work specifically with depression, anxiety, substance use, and general life transitions.
Do you constantly feel like you are operating at max capacity? Does life feel void and joyless most days? I’ve been there which is one reason I’m so passionate about helping others facing similar circumstances. My niche is helping people dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, life changes and self-esteem. My journey to becoming a therapist started with my own experiences as a client. Seeing a therapist changed everything for me (for the better). Through our sessions together, I hope to earn your trust and guide you through navigating the challenges you are facing.
Do you constantly feel like you are operating at max capacity? Does life feel void and joyless most days? I’ve been there which is one reason I’m so passionate about helping others facing similar circumstances. My niche is helping people dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, life changes and self-esteem. My journey to becoming a therapist started with my own experiences as a client. Seeing a therapist changed everything for me (for the better). Through our sessions together, I hope to earn your trust and guide you through navigating the challenges you are facing.
I approach therapy through a holistic lens that emphasizes self-discovery and growth while also recognizing the complexity and uniqueness of each individual. As such, I tailor my approach to each individual’s needs and bring my authentic self to create a supportive and inclusive environment that empowers clients to bring their most authentic selves too. By providing LGBTQ+ affirming services and striving to implement cultural competency, I hope to assist all individuals to cope and heal through the challenges of life and working towards wellness.
I approach therapy through a holistic lens that emphasizes self-discovery and growth while also recognizing the complexity and uniqueness of each individual. As such, I tailor my approach to each individual’s needs and bring my authentic self to create a supportive and inclusive environment that empowers clients to bring their most authentic selves too. By providing LGBTQ+ affirming services and striving to implement cultural competency, I hope to assist all individuals to cope and heal through the challenges of life and working towards wellness.
You appear high-functioning, but internally you feel stuck. You may have experienced trauma, PTSD, or a cancer diagnosis that changed your sense of safety. The crisis may be over, yet your body still reacts as if it isn’t.
What weighs on you most aren’t just the memories — it’s the beliefs that formed afterward:
• “I’m not safe.”
• “My body betrayed me.”
• “I’m broken.”
• “I should be over this.”
• “I can’t trust myself.”
You’re tired of managing symptoms and want to heal at the root. You want to feel grounded again, trust yourself, and move forward without being defined by what happened.
You appear high-functioning, but internally you feel stuck. You may have experienced trauma, PTSD, or a cancer diagnosis that changed your sense of safety. The crisis may be over, yet your body still reacts as if it isn’t.
What weighs on you most aren’t just the memories — it’s the beliefs that formed afterward:
• “I’m not safe.”
• “My body betrayed me.”
• “I’m broken.”
• “I should be over this.”
• “I can’t trust myself.”
You’re tired of managing symptoms and want to heal at the root. You want to feel grounded again, trust yourself, and move forward without being defined by what happened.
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What is a secular and non religious approach in therapy?
Secular or non-religious therapy is a theoretical orientation used by many therapists and describes a therapeutic approach that does not rely on any specific religious or faith-based beliefs in the therapeutic process. Secular counselors will often approach therapy with an emphasis on evidence-based practices, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients, instead of relying on religious practices, such as prayer or belief in God.
Is secular therapy primarily for non-religious people?
Both religious and non-religious individuals can benefit from secular therapy. People exploring their religious or spiritual beliefs may find it especially useful to work with a secular therapist who is unbiased toward any specific religion. While religious individuals might value the connection and familiarity of seeing a counselor who shares their beliefs, secular counseling can offer them the chance to develop coping skills independent of their religious practice, which can be beneficial in various aspects of their lives.
Can a secular approach to therapy help with religious trauma?
One major reason clients may seek a secular therapist is to process previous religious experiences, including religious trauma. Secular therapists can help clients manage symptoms of the trauma through practices such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). They can also encourage clients through talk therapy or psychodynamic approaches to explore the roots of their religious trauma. Since secular therapists do not have any predetermined religious beliefs, they can be particularly helpful for clients looking to explore their own religious beliefs following a history of religious trauma.
What does non religious marriage and premarital counseling involve?
Marriage and premarital counseling typically involves a couple meeting with a therapist to discuss topics such as planning for marriage, navigating a new marriage, addressing relationship challenges, and developing better communication and conflict resolution skills. Non-religious therapists assist couples in achieving these goals without adhering to specific religious beliefs or frameworks, often emphasizing inclusivity and non-judgment, especially for "nontraditional" couples. However, seeking couples therapy from a non-religious counselor does not mean religious topics are off-limits. In fact, non-religious couples from different religious backgrounds may benefit from a secular therapist who remains neutral toward the beliefs of each partner.