Emotionally Focused Therapists in Nashville, TN

My approach to therapy is eclectic, shaping the experience to your story, but I find grounding in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Therapy, and Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT).
Life is often a tapestry woven from moments of joy and trial. If you find yourself navigating through the complexities of relationships, personal struggles, or existential questions, I am here to offer support and a helping hand as you find your way forward. I am committed to helping individuals, couples, and families cultivate lives of deep meaning and connection. I believe in creating a safe and collaborative space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences without judgment.
My approach to therapy is eclectic, shaping the experience to your story, but I find grounding in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Therapy, and Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT).
Life is often a tapestry woven from moments of joy and trial. If you find yourself navigating through the complexities of relationships, personal struggles, or existential questions, I am here to offer support and a helping hand as you find your way forward. I am committed to helping individuals, couples, and families cultivate lives of deep meaning and connection. I believe in creating a safe and collaborative space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences without judgment.

J. Gregory Briggs, Ph.D., LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
9 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37203
I practice an evidence-based approach to therapy that includes cognitive-behavioral and emotionally focused interventions.
My private practice is different than most therapy practices. First, my role as President of The Briggs Institute, Inc. allows me to limit my caseload size. This assures that my clients receive the attention they deserve. Second, my experience in academia places me at the forefront of the field of marriage and family therapy. This means that my practice is informed by scientific research that most private practice therapists can't easily access.
I practice an evidence-based approach to therapy that includes cognitive-behavioral and emotionally focused interventions.
My private practice is different than most therapy practices. First, my role as President of The Briggs Institute, Inc. allows me to limit my caseload size. This assures that my clients receive the attention they deserve. Second, my experience in academia places me at the forefront of the field of marriage and family therapy. This means that my practice is informed by scientific research that most private practice therapists can't easily access.

Premarital (as well as pre-engagement) and marital counseling, as well as Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy.
I work with individuals and couples and families who seek to improve their communication, intimacy and overall health in their own lives and relationships. I offer respectful, non-shaming, honest and insightful help for interacting with others in romantic, social and work environments. I have compassion, wisdom and insights for those that have experienced trauma, addiction, blurred boundaries and all levels (too much, or lack) of emotions in their upbringing, and current life situations and relationships. Life can be stressful, I offer tools and insights to help you navigate challenges.
Premarital (as well as pre-engagement) and marital counseling, as well as Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy.
I work with individuals and couples and families who seek to improve their communication, intimacy and overall health in their own lives and relationships. I offer respectful, non-shaming, honest and insightful help for interacting with others in romantic, social and work environments. I have compassion, wisdom and insights for those that have experienced trauma, addiction, blurred boundaries and all levels (too much, or lack) of emotions in their upbringing, and current life situations and relationships. Life can be stressful, I offer tools and insights to help you navigate challenges.

I am a Certified Emotionally Focused Couples Therapist (EFCT), a Certified Emotionally Focused Individual Therapist (EFIT) , a Level 2 Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy Therapist (AEDP), and a Certified Enneagram Coach/Trainer.
I see the therapy office as a place to practice safe connection and emotional processing so that you can continue to have secure relationships and better emotional health the rest of your life. We all need a place to practice in order to improve at anything. Getting better at managing emotions and relationships is no different.
I am a Certified Emotionally Focused Couples Therapist (EFCT), a Certified Emotionally Focused Individual Therapist (EFIT) , a Level 2 Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy Therapist (AEDP), and a Certified Enneagram Coach/Trainer.
I see the therapy office as a place to practice safe connection and emotional processing so that you can continue to have secure relationships and better emotional health the rest of your life. We all need a place to practice in order to improve at anything. Getting better at managing emotions and relationships is no different.

Kelsey Riddle Therapy & Wellness
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
6 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37216
Through the use of Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy and Gottman Method Couple Therapy, I help clients to become aware of negative patterns keeping them stuck, and change them.
I show up in my sessions with authentic, honest, and direct support. My process is unique to the client I am working with; I integrate and tailor my approach to work for you as I learn more about you, your patterns, and your strengths. I am empathetic and passionate, and I will be your biggest champion in your work and in your life.
Through the use of Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy and Gottman Method Couple Therapy, I help clients to become aware of negative patterns keeping them stuck, and change them.
I show up in my sessions with authentic, honest, and direct support. My process is unique to the client I am working with; I integrate and tailor my approach to work for you as I learn more about you, your patterns, and your strengths. I am empathetic and passionate, and I will be your biggest champion in your work and in your life.

My approach to therapy is informed by the latest research, and includes emotionally focused, narrative, cognitive, trauma informed, somatic, and attachment based interventions.
There is something beautiful about becoming the most authentic version of yourself. My passion lies in helping individuals and couples work to uncover what is keeping them stuck and develop a more fulfilling life. Through therapy, we will develop a relationship where you feel heard, understood, and respected while working to recognize and change the unhelpful thoughts, behaviors, and patterns in your life that are no longer serving you. Our sessions will feel like a conversation, where I will offer a fresh perspective and tangible ways to achieve your therapy goals.
My approach to therapy is informed by the latest research, and includes emotionally focused, narrative, cognitive, trauma informed, somatic, and attachment based interventions.
There is something beautiful about becoming the most authentic version of yourself. My passion lies in helping individuals and couples work to uncover what is keeping them stuck and develop a more fulfilling life. Through therapy, we will develop a relationship where you feel heard, understood, and respected while working to recognize and change the unhelpful thoughts, behaviors, and patterns in your life that are no longer serving you. Our sessions will feel like a conversation, where I will offer a fresh perspective and tangible ways to achieve your therapy goals.

I utilize a mixture of CBT, DBT, Mindfulness, Brene Brown's, EFT, SE, TEB, TST, BASE, SOM-EX, Brainspotting, Sound, CRM, and EMDR during sessions.
My clients desire change yet don't always know how to get there. My hope is to walk with you during life's challenges, conflicts in relationships, trauma, addictions, and old deep wounds. I love to see my clients heal and grow in ways they did not think possible. In sessions, clients learn their negative interactional patterns, begin to experience real closeness and intimacy with their significant others. My goal is to help you work through life's messes, discover the beauty of forgiveness, mine the depths of true joy, teach the art of grieving well and to help you discover your most authentic self.
I utilize a mixture of CBT, DBT, Mindfulness, Brene Brown's, EFT, SE, TEB, TST, BASE, SOM-EX, Brainspotting, Sound, CRM, and EMDR during sessions.
My clients desire change yet don't always know how to get there. My hope is to walk with you during life's challenges, conflicts in relationships, trauma, addictions, and old deep wounds. I love to see my clients heal and grow in ways they did not think possible. In sessions, clients learn their negative interactional patterns, begin to experience real closeness and intimacy with their significant others. My goal is to help you work through life's messes, discover the beauty of forgiveness, mine the depths of true joy, teach the art of grieving well and to help you discover your most authentic self.

I integrate Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT), polyvagal theory (also known as “the science of safety”), and expressive arts interventions, all through a trauma-informed lens.
Healing happens in connection—with ourselves and others. I help people reconnect with their inherent worth by exploring the adaptive strategies that once kept them safe, offering compassion to those parts, and creating space for their authentic self to emerge. I work with adolescents and adults navigating addictions recovery, trauma symptoms, depression, anxiety, life transitions, relationship challenges, and self-esteem struggles. From my experience in various intensive settings, I deeply appreciate the strength it takes to seek support and the importance of meeting clients exactly where they are.
I integrate Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT), polyvagal theory (also known as “the science of safety”), and expressive arts interventions, all through a trauma-informed lens.
Healing happens in connection—with ourselves and others. I help people reconnect with their inherent worth by exploring the adaptive strategies that once kept them safe, offering compassion to those parts, and creating space for their authentic self to emerge. I work with adolescents and adults navigating addictions recovery, trauma symptoms, depression, anxiety, life transitions, relationship challenges, and self-esteem struggles. From my experience in various intensive settings, I deeply appreciate the strength it takes to seek support and the importance of meeting clients exactly where they are.

Trained in EFT, I will help you make sense of the painful patterns you're in that leave you feeling unhappy, disconnected, and stuck (AKA "tracking your cycle").
Anxious in love? You’ve read the books, listened to the podcasts, and called your friends a hundred times to analyze every detail—but you're still stuck. Whether it’s relationship stress, low self-esteem, or just feeling off, you’re not alone (and I’d be honored to support you). Simply put, I help individuals reconnect with themselves and couples reconnect with each other. Together, we’ll build a strong foundation for secure love, confidence, self-compassion, and a life that actually feels good.
Trained in EFT, I will help you make sense of the painful patterns you're in that leave you feeling unhappy, disconnected, and stuck (AKA "tracking your cycle").
Anxious in love? You’ve read the books, listened to the podcasts, and called your friends a hundred times to analyze every detail—but you're still stuck. Whether it’s relationship stress, low self-esteem, or just feeling off, you’re not alone (and I’d be honored to support you). Simply put, I help individuals reconnect with themselves and couples reconnect with each other. Together, we’ll build a strong foundation for secure love, confidence, self-compassion, and a life that actually feels good.

My ideal client is one that wants help learning to navigate life's struggles through the lens of emotionally focused therapy.
I specialize in creativity and bringing that into the counseling room to create a safe environment that gently invites vulnerability and ultimately growth with attachment needs and fears. Creative tools such as sand, toys, paint, art, and other mediums are used to express how a person is truly feeling but is unable to otherwise express in their life.
My ideal client is one that wants help learning to navigate life's struggles through the lens of emotionally focused therapy.
I specialize in creativity and bringing that into the counseling room to create a safe environment that gently invites vulnerability and ultimately growth with attachment needs and fears. Creative tools such as sand, toys, paint, art, and other mediums are used to express how a person is truly feeling but is unable to otherwise express in their life.

I'm trained in EMDR, EFT, and Brainspotting.
I work with individuals and couples around helping change old maladaptive patterns and living in new places of growth. I believe that we have the capacity to break the cycle and live out of our authentic self but we sometimes get stuck. We long to be fully seen and known. The challenge comes in allowing ourselves to be known. My main specialty is are around trauma particularly Complex PTSD and from that anxiety, depression and addiction arises. I have received extensive specialized training in treating trauma and believe learning to sit with ourself is the greatest and most rewarding task in our life.
I'm trained in EMDR, EFT, and Brainspotting.
I work with individuals and couples around helping change old maladaptive patterns and living in new places of growth. I believe that we have the capacity to break the cycle and live out of our authentic self but we sometimes get stuck. We long to be fully seen and known. The challenge comes in allowing ourselves to be known. My main specialty is are around trauma particularly Complex PTSD and from that anxiety, depression and addiction arises. I have received extensive specialized training in treating trauma and believe learning to sit with ourself is the greatest and most rewarding task in our life.

We'll set goals together and use tools like Solution-Focused Therapy, CBT, or EFT to help you feel more in control and connected.
You might be feeling overwhelmed by racing thoughts, difficulty focusing, or the emotional toll of depression. Maybe you’re navigating ADHD while trying to stay on top of life’s demands, or you’re part of a couple hoping to reconnect and strengthen your relationship, or to build a strong foundation before marriage. My ideal clients often feel stuck and are searching for relief, balance, and clarity. They want to feel more grounded, to better manage life’s challenges with confidence, and to experience deeper connection, whether with themselves or their partners.
We'll set goals together and use tools like Solution-Focused Therapy, CBT, or EFT to help you feel more in control and connected.
You might be feeling overwhelmed by racing thoughts, difficulty focusing, or the emotional toll of depression. Maybe you’re navigating ADHD while trying to stay on top of life’s demands, or you’re part of a couple hoping to reconnect and strengthen your relationship, or to build a strong foundation before marriage. My ideal clients often feel stuck and are searching for relief, balance, and clarity. They want to feel more grounded, to better manage life’s challenges with confidence, and to experience deeper connection, whether with themselves or their partners.

I am trained in EMDR, Brainspotting, IFS and EFT- all evidenced based practices proven to be effective for treating trauma, depression, anxiety and other issues.
I can help you find the best answers for yourself. If you are looking for a space to process everyday life or past traumatic experiences, learn how to become your best self, get curious and comfortable with all parts of you then I could be a good fit for you!
I am trained in EMDR, Brainspotting, IFS and EFT- all evidenced based practices proven to be effective for treating trauma, depression, anxiety and other issues.
I can help you find the best answers for yourself. If you are looking for a space to process everyday life or past traumatic experiences, learn how to become your best self, get curious and comfortable with all parts of you then I could be a good fit for you!

I am trained in Brainspotting (Phase I & II), Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples and am a RYT-200 (Yoga).
I am passionate about the ability therapy has to change lives for the better - how it helps people heal and build authentic, real relationships. I believe in empathy, vulnerability, authenticity, and trying to stay in the present moment. I am both creative and analytical and am excited when therapy is referred to as "a science and an art.” I believe in exploring the mind-body connection, especially the impact of breathwork in dealing with anxiety and stress. I love the power of understanding ourselves and how our minds work to create change. I work particularly well with anxiety, perfectionism & religious injury to name a few.
I am trained in Brainspotting (Phase I & II), Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples and am a RYT-200 (Yoga).
I am passionate about the ability therapy has to change lives for the better - how it helps people heal and build authentic, real relationships. I believe in empathy, vulnerability, authenticity, and trying to stay in the present moment. I am both creative and analytical and am excited when therapy is referred to as "a science and an art.” I believe in exploring the mind-body connection, especially the impact of breathwork in dealing with anxiety and stress. I love the power of understanding ourselves and how our minds work to create change. I work particularly well with anxiety, perfectionism & religious injury to name a few.

These findings are applied to the therapeutic process to the benefit of first time marriages, re-marriages, and co-habitating couples through Emotionally Focused Therapy.
Have you experienced pain, loss, disappointment or unexpected change? I am here to help individuals, young adults, couples and families process these experiences in a safe and compassionate environment. Together we can unpack the pain and navigate the issues you are facing. You don't have to face it alone. We can identify realistic goals and relationship strategies as well as boundaries and strategies for growing forward. My desire is to facilitate communication and conflict resolution that is emotionally healing and beneficial. For couples, this process fosters interactions that increase and strengthen attachment and bonding.
These findings are applied to the therapeutic process to the benefit of first time marriages, re-marriages, and co-habitating couples through Emotionally Focused Therapy.
Have you experienced pain, loss, disappointment or unexpected change? I am here to help individuals, young adults, couples and families process these experiences in a safe and compassionate environment. Together we can unpack the pain and navigate the issues you are facing. You don't have to face it alone. We can identify realistic goals and relationship strategies as well as boundaries and strategies for growing forward. My desire is to facilitate communication and conflict resolution that is emotionally healing and beneficial. For couples, this process fosters interactions that increase and strengthen attachment and bonding.

We use Somatic Experiencing, Brainspotting, Emotionally Focused Therapy and Internal Family Systems to address therapeutic concerns.
Sometimes life's challenges can overwhelm us and exceed our capacity to work through them on our own. My practice is focused on providing a safe, non-judgmental environment to help those who need support moving past difficult life events and trauma experiences. I use a culturally sensitive lens and practice from a strengths based perspective to support those who have difficulty accessing their emotional self, are innately neurodivergent, or have experienced stressful or painful situations, relational trauma and issues that involve spirituality or faith.
We use Somatic Experiencing, Brainspotting, Emotionally Focused Therapy and Internal Family Systems to address therapeutic concerns.
Sometimes life's challenges can overwhelm us and exceed our capacity to work through them on our own. My practice is focused on providing a safe, non-judgmental environment to help those who need support moving past difficult life events and trauma experiences. I use a culturally sensitive lens and practice from a strengths based perspective to support those who have difficulty accessing their emotional self, are innately neurodivergent, or have experienced stressful or painful situations, relational trauma and issues that involve spirituality or faith.
Emotionally Focused Therapy, Family/Marital systems thinking, and trauma-focused strategies are utilized when working with couples or individuals healing from past experiences.
We are a mental health counseling center and provide counseling services to adults, children (ages 6+), and adolescents in individual, couple/family, marital/premarital, and group sessions. We strive to create a safe place for each client to explore and be their best self so they can live their best life. We are a very diverse group of professionals united by our care for you, our clients. We are proud to offer affordable services to the community at a reduced cost of $50 for sessions provided by our interns. All are actively pursuing completion of masters-level counseling programs with intent to pursue licensure.
Emotionally Focused Therapy, Family/Marital systems thinking, and trauma-focused strategies are utilized when working with couples or individuals healing from past experiences.
We are a mental health counseling center and provide counseling services to adults, children (ages 6+), and adolescents in individual, couple/family, marital/premarital, and group sessions. We strive to create a safe place for each client to explore and be their best self so they can live their best life. We are a very diverse group of professionals united by our care for you, our clients. We are proud to offer affordable services to the community at a reduced cost of $50 for sessions provided by our interns. All are actively pursuing completion of masters-level counseling programs with intent to pursue licensure.

Since I believe that therapy is a dynamic, individualized process, I have been trained in and use a variety of modalities in my practice: Talk therapy, EMDR, Brainspotting, Psychodrama, Gestalt, EFT Tapping, Matrix Reimprinting, AIT, Adventure Therapy Experiential Therapy and Sound Bath.
Sometimes life can feel overwhelming or just plain hard. Do you need someone to walk with you on your individual journey toward healing? If you struggle with affects of trauma, reactivity to difficult life events or people, relationship issues, feeling stuck, self criticism, emotional turmoil, codependency, burn out, or transition, I'd like to face it with you. Together we can look at your challenges and approach them in ways that feel right to you. It's never too late to move toward having the life you really want.
Since I believe that therapy is a dynamic, individualized process, I have been trained in and use a variety of modalities in my practice: Talk therapy, EMDR, Brainspotting, Psychodrama, Gestalt, EFT Tapping, Matrix Reimprinting, AIT, Adventure Therapy Experiential Therapy and Sound Bath.
Sometimes life can feel overwhelming or just plain hard. Do you need someone to walk with you on your individual journey toward healing? If you struggle with affects of trauma, reactivity to difficult life events or people, relationship issues, feeling stuck, self criticism, emotional turmoil, codependency, burn out, or transition, I'd like to face it with you. Together we can look at your challenges and approach them in ways that feel right to you. It's never too late to move toward having the life you really want.

Life can be difficult at times. Perhaps you are wanting to make some changes in your life, or relationship. I believe that most of us CAN make the changes we deeply want to, particularly if we have a kind and knowledgeable advocate to that process. You may have reservations about asking for support. Know that when you do, you are bravely moving yourself forward to a better tomorrow. I strive to be a compassionate, trustworthy, and enthusiastic partner to my clients' growth processes.
Life can be difficult at times. Perhaps you are wanting to make some changes in your life, or relationship. I believe that most of us CAN make the changes we deeply want to, particularly if we have a kind and knowledgeable advocate to that process. You may have reservations about asking for support. Know that when you do, you are bravely moving yourself forward to a better tomorrow. I strive to be a compassionate, trustworthy, and enthusiastic partner to my clients' growth processes.

I am trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Emotion-Focused Individual Therapy ( EFT), Narrative Therapy, and certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
I believe in providing women and girls with tangible resources and tools in therapy. My approach is hands-on, collaborative, and goal-oriented. Through this approach to therapy, I work to help my clients learn coping strategies to use in day-to day-life while exploring past events that could be playing a role in current emotions and relationships. I have experience working with women and girls on variety of issues such as anxiety and panic, concerns related to pregnancy, depression, disordered eating patterns, body image concerns, trauma, mood disorders, and more.
I am trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Emotion-Focused Individual Therapy ( EFT), Narrative Therapy, and certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
I believe in providing women and girls with tangible resources and tools in therapy. My approach is hands-on, collaborative, and goal-oriented. Through this approach to therapy, I work to help my clients learn coping strategies to use in day-to day-life while exploring past events that could be playing a role in current emotions and relationships. I have experience working with women and girls on variety of issues such as anxiety and panic, concerns related to pregnancy, depression, disordered eating patterns, body image concerns, trauma, mood disorders, and more.
See more therapy options for Nashville
Nearby Emotionally Focused Therapists Searches for Nashville
- Antioch
- Bellevue
- Berry Hill
- Brentwood
- Franklin
- Goodlettsville
- Hendersonville
- Hermitage
- Madison
- Mount Juliet
- Oak Hill
- Old Hickory
Emotionally Focused Therapists
Who is emotionally focused therapy for?
Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) is for couples who are emotionally distressed, stuck in an unsatisfying relationship pattern or feeling deeply alienated. They may even believe the relationship is beyond repair. Very often, the partners display intense anger, fear, grief, loss of trust, or a sense of betrayal in the relationship. In addition, EFT is helpful to couples and individuals who have difficulty expressing emotions and those who have trouble regulating emotions.
Why do people need emotionally focused therapy?
People need emotionally focused therapy because the need for others is built into the brain, but the pressures of daily life can erode feelings of love, and couples often do not have the skills to find their way back to the comfort of each other. Instead, they may be stuck in repetitive patterns of anger, fear, grief, loss of trust, or a sense of betrayal. Emotionally focused therapy regards such strong negative feelings as expressions of protest over the loss of connection and turns them into pathways of reconnection.
What happens in emotionally focused therapy?
Over the course of eight to 20 weekly sessions, couples de-escalate their negative emotional reactivity to one another so that they can listen to each other and be responsive to each other’s needs. Then the deep emotional and physical bond is restored, giving partners a sense of comfort and security, which they can use to solve whatever problems come their way. The therapist plays an active role, helping partners understand how anger and withdrawal are actually misguided cries for connection.
What problems does emotionally focused therapy treat?
EFT is designed to help couples stuck in dysfunctional relationship patterns regain closeness and rebuild their relationship. Typically, such couples experience considerable distress, with partners feeling alienated and distrustful of one another, not certain their relationship can survive. EFT is also helpful to individuals experiencing attachment-related fears of loss; it helps them learn to use their fears as a way of eliciting the closeness they desire.