Therapists in Nashville, TN

I work with clients seeking to not only recover from substance abuse, but also thrive in life. Whether you're trying to be more mindful with your use, newly sober, or trying to strengthen or compliment your existing recovery program, I believe I can be of service to you. Mental wellbeing is like a garden - you can't simply remove the weeds and expect beauty to develop on it's own. You must learn how to both manage the weeds and tend to the flowers if you want a garden that'll provide lasting benefits. Together we can work through and beyond obstacles including co-occurring mental health issues, trauma, self-sabotage, and more.

In this life there is always something that makes us change. Human nature says that it is love or the loss of something or someone. If you think you need help to achieve your goals or make the necessary changes to be successful, you have to give yourself a chance. During therapy you have the necessary space to talk about the different barriers that are a challenge for you. I work with different people who are going through different personal situations, having challenges with their families, or struggling in their marriage.

We are meant to live in relational wholeness. The therapist-client relationship is based on trust. In a warm and welcoming environment – free of judgement – you will have the opportunity to be fully seen and heard, safe to share your struggles. This is an invitation to simply show up and sit amidst kindness and gentleness, to uncover, identify, and process what lies beneath the heart’s pain.

I work to identify the strengths of my client and then utilize these as we collaborate, accomplishing the client's life goals, navigating stressors and bringing balance and hope to the client's life. Are you tired of sabotaging your success? Do you wish you could get a grip on your anxiety? Why am I so angry all of the time? Other people can quit, why can't I? Will I ever be enough? I believe in creating a safe space of healing, hope and refuge where you can achieve your goals and desires for your life.

Growth requires a willingness to be vulnerable and honest, both with ourselves and others. True healing can only occur when we are brave enough to shine a light on the darkest corners of our souls. My professional experience includes working with previously incarcerated individuals, those facing addiction, and clients dealing with trauma and relational issues. Therapy works when clients bring their courage, openness, and honesty into session. The work is not always a pleasant stroll in the park; rather, it's a challenging trek that requires resilience and determination.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I received my Master of Social Work degree with a specialization in mental health and substance use disorders. I have experience working in both inpatient and outpatient settings with adults struggling with co-morbid mental health and substance use disorders. I have a passion for continuing education and I enjoy learning about new techniques and research to provide evidence-based treatment and best practices. I am a big believer in finding balance within life’s ups and downs and I understand the importance of processing thoughts, emotions, and experiences in a safe and meaningful way.

“You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.” — Maya Angelou Hello! My name is Sarah and I would love to get the chance to provide a safe relationship that would give you the space for personal growth and healing. I am here to help you at the pace that fits your needs. You are the expert in your own life and everyone deserves happiness.

Making the choice to see a therapist is the first and often the scariest step on the journey to emotional wellness. It is also a rewarding one because eventually it can lead you to your goal of a more balanced and fulfilling life. I would like to help you achieve your goals by offering a safe, supportive and confidential environment where you can develop these tools and techniques to navigate your life’s most difficult times.

My overall objective is to provide a safe, supportive environment for clients where they can gain insight and when needed create change to move towards living a more authentic life. I work with clients on a wide range of issues including but not limited to mood disorders, anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, grief and loss and life transitions. I have experience working with adolescents and their families, individuals managing a diagnosis of a mood disorder or anxiety disorder, domestic violence survivors, seniors and their adult children and postpartum women.

My clients are often those struggling with anxiety, self-worth, and life transitions/adjustments. I also have particular specialities and experience with grief, substance addictions or those who are the loved one of a person with addictions, and trauma. When you read the word "trauma" it doesn't have to mean only abuse, car accidents, etc. There are various stressful life experiences that register as trauma, such as divorce, neglect/abandonment, health related issues and diagnoses, miscarriages, and many more. All that is needed from you is a desire to be present in the counseling space. The rest we walk through together.

We all at times feel inadequate, have a loss of direction, identity, and/or authenticity which transitions into a loss of real relationship. Our feelings, anxiety, depression, life losses, medical conditions, and other mental health challenges can knock us off balance. I am here to walk alongside others in finding a healthy path and learning to deal with reality in a positive way. My goal is to equip clients with healthy tools to live their best lives- a life that is true to themselves, that is whole, authentic, and empowering, providing contentment & fulfillment.

Being human. Along with the beautiful parts of life comes pain, struggle, and trauma. Everyone deserves a safe person with whom they can address these things and achieve real healing. Real relief. My first goal when beginning work with clients is to create that place where they can be their authentic selves...and feel accepted. To give them unconditional support without judgement. With this relationship formed, the deeper and holistic work can begin. Healing can happen. If you're struggling with self-esteem, trauma, mood disorders, substance use...or just struggling at all, we can work together to help you find peace.

Meeting with a therapist is an important part of overall health, not to mention, the best way to sort out difficult life circumstances. The work I do with my clients is focused on bringing them to a place of "something better" in their lives. I don't have any magical answers, but I can provide validation, fresh perspectives, a touch of guidance and a completely safe and non-judgmental environment for you to resolve the issues that have you on this site looking for a therapist.

Asking for help and support is a courageous first step toward wholeness. I provide a safe and non-judgmental space for individuals and couples to navigate their unique struggles and challenges. We will work together to help you identify your goals for building a healthier and more fulfilling life. In our time together we will develop techniques to help you practice and integrate skills to meet your goals. I am trained in Somatic and Attachment focused EMDR trauma therapy with experience working with clients who have experienced trauma or addiction/codependency directly or within their family systems. I am certified in dream work.

I have always said a willing client is my favorite kind of client. It is likely you do not want to feel unwanted emotions, you don't even have to engage in self-improvement but the question is... are you willing to take a leap of faith towards personal healing?

We support you in finding the therapist who's right for you! We offer a safe place to address anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship issues, premarital counseling, grief and loss, spiritual abuse, trauma, and stress, among other concerns. We serve individuals, couples, and families of all ages and from diverse backgrounds. Whether you have been struggling with a particular issue for years or you just want to try to make your life a little better, we are here to help.

Accepting new couples who desire a better relationship. Reactivity and emotional turmoil in relationships are often signs of potential growth. One of the most satisfying experiences in my work is coaching a couple or family toward a new way to communicate. A way that increases their connection to one another. It is an honor and privilege to facilitate and witness it everyday. As a licensed Marriage and Family, and Certified IMAGO Therapist, improving communication and increasing connectivity are what keep me motivated and charged to do what I do, day in and day out. I welcome the challenge of your relationships.

I have spent my entire professional career supporting people become their best selves. After working 25 years as a special education and inclusion specialist, I transitioned to a career in social work and have been working in the field for 12 years. I believe in self-care, wellness and the strength and resilience of all individuals. I am currently EMDR Institute Trained, and am offering EMDR, as this technique is highly effective and proven to reduce the effects of past trauma as a way to create freedom and positive beliefs towards self and others. Please feel free to contact me with any questions.

Welcome to Integrate counseling services, the private counseling practice of Sara Darby Smith, MS, LPC MHSP, NCC, SomEx, RYT-200 where the mind and body are brought to balance to fulfill a healthy and happy life. It is my mission to work with clients to help them use their mind and body to learn to cope with all psychological disorders and symptoms of emotional distress. Empowering, teaching, and coaching clients, couples, and families to be equipped to handle all of life’s challenges is what inspires me to love what I do.