Compassion Focused Therapists in Louisville, KY
Scott Thomas Phd
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LADAC, CDVC3
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Louisville, KY 40204
We all want to feel joyful and fulfilled in our lives and relationships. The 30+ years I have been in practice include running treatment centers, teaching / college level, national seminars, and training other therapists. I am licensed as both a clinical social worker and an addictions therapist. My experience and training has allowed me to integrate clinical knowledge with cultural understandings from the elders I grew up with. I help people achieve change through insight and solutions based in consciousness of internal and external conflicts.
We all want to feel joyful and fulfilled in our lives and relationships. The 30+ years I have been in practice include running treatment centers, teaching / college level, national seminars, and training other therapists. I am licensed as both a clinical social worker and an addictions therapist. My experience and training has allowed me to integrate clinical knowledge with cultural understandings from the elders I grew up with. I help people achieve change through insight and solutions based in consciousness of internal and external conflicts.
Catherine Eleson
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LCMHCA , LPCC-S
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Louisville, KY 40213
If you are motivated to understand the conscious and unconscious forces and meanings that shape your experience and relationships; If you feel you are without choices; if you are struggling with questions of self-worth; if you are grieving; if you feel hurt, betrayed or abandoned, I encourage you to take the brave first step toward your self by entering into this safe space of non-judgment. I desire to create a safe and therapeutic space where individuals feel the safety to be seen and known.
If you are motivated to understand the conscious and unconscious forces and meanings that shape your experience and relationships; If you feel you are without choices; if you are struggling with questions of self-worth; if you are grieving; if you feel hurt, betrayed or abandoned, I encourage you to take the brave first step toward your self by entering into this safe space of non-judgment. I desire to create a safe and therapeutic space where individuals feel the safety to be seen and known.
Kristen Duncan
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Louisville, KY 40223
Waitlist for new clients
Has family life not turned out how you hoped? Do you feel disconnected from your child, your teen or your spouse? Are traditional discipline methods just not working with your child? Are you or your child struggling with anxiety, depression, or just feeling stuck? Do you need support through a difficult transition in your life? Kristen Duncan & Anchor of Hope Counseling’s mission is to serve children, teens, adults, couples, and families, helping them thrive in their relationships and in their lives.
Has family life not turned out how you hoped? Do you feel disconnected from your child, your teen or your spouse? Are traditional discipline methods just not working with your child? Are you or your child struggling with anxiety, depression, or just feeling stuck? Do you need support through a difficult transition in your life? Kristen Duncan & Anchor of Hope Counseling’s mission is to serve children, teens, adults, couples, and families, helping them thrive in their relationships and in their lives.
Rachael Coker
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSSW, CSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Louisville, KY 40204 (Online Only)
Working on ourselves is hard. Finding a therapist that makes us feel safe enough to begin that work shouldn’t be hard. I didn’t go to graduate school and study mental health to become wealthy; I just want to help. I care about people and I hope to leave the world better than I found it. If you’re struggling, or if you’re simply working on being your best self, I would love to speak with you.
Working on ourselves is hard. Finding a therapist that makes us feel safe enough to begin that work shouldn’t be hard. I didn’t go to graduate school and study mental health to become wealthy; I just want to help. I care about people and I hope to leave the world better than I found it. If you’re struggling, or if you’re simply working on being your best self, I would love to speak with you.
Holly Sumner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSSW, LCSW, LCADC
Verified Verified
Louisville, KY 40222
Do you feel overwhelmed, stressed, anxious? Has an addiction or the addiction of a loved one stolen years of your life? Are you angry, scared, feeling alone? Reaching out for help is the first step towards a whole new life. Life can be amazing, we just have to find our path to the life we want. Today can be the start of a whole new life. The life you have always wanted and now is the time to take the steps to creating this amazing life. Together we will make a plan for change. You have the power to make a life you love and I am here to help you find the power within.
Do you feel overwhelmed, stressed, anxious? Has an addiction or the addiction of a loved one stolen years of your life? Are you angry, scared, feeling alone? Reaching out for help is the first step towards a whole new life. Life can be amazing, we just have to find our path to the life we want. Today can be the start of a whole new life. The life you have always wanted and now is the time to take the steps to creating this amazing life. Together we will make a plan for change. You have the power to make a life you love and I am here to help you find the power within.
I enjoy working with couples, teens and adults. Using a gentle, yet direct approach, I work collaboratively with you to empower you to make positive changes in your life. Whether you are struggling with relationships, communication, depression or anxiety, I can help you identify barriers and provide you with the tools needed to successfully progress towards living a more rewarding life. Through a collaborative therapeutic process, I provide support as you work to develop coping and communication skills that lead to establishing healthier relationships and improvement of symptoms of anxiety and depression.
I enjoy working with couples, teens and adults. Using a gentle, yet direct approach, I work collaboratively with you to empower you to make positive changes in your life. Whether you are struggling with relationships, communication, depression or anxiety, I can help you identify barriers and provide you with the tools needed to successfully progress towards living a more rewarding life. Through a collaborative therapeutic process, I provide support as you work to develop coping and communication skills that lead to establishing healthier relationships and improvement of symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Life can be difficult no matter our situation and it can be helpful to have a support who we know will listen to us with compassion. Over the past 6+ years, I have gained experience working with a variety of concerns from everyday stress to trauma to severe mental illness. As a therapist my entire focus is the well-being of my client and utilizing my experience to assist them in finding peace.
Life can be difficult no matter our situation and it can be helpful to have a support who we know will listen to us with compassion. Over the past 6+ years, I have gained experience working with a variety of concerns from everyday stress to trauma to severe mental illness. As a therapist my entire focus is the well-being of my client and utilizing my experience to assist them in finding peace.
Welcome! I am a Marriage & Family Therapy Associate who enjoys working with adolescents, adults, older adults, couples, and families of all backgrounds. My approach to therapy centers on the idea that we are all deeply influenced by the world around us. At times, those pressures can become consuming. You may struggle to keep up and feel miles away from who you used to be, maybe who or where you hoped to be. You feel stuck in cycles that no longer serve you, your relationships, or accurately reflect what you value in life. You're ready for a change and are here, wanting to take a step toward a life you envision for yourself.
Welcome! I am a Marriage & Family Therapy Associate who enjoys working with adolescents, adults, older adults, couples, and families of all backgrounds. My approach to therapy centers on the idea that we are all deeply influenced by the world around us. At times, those pressures can become consuming. You may struggle to keep up and feel miles away from who you used to be, maybe who or where you hoped to be. You feel stuck in cycles that no longer serve you, your relationships, or accurately reflect what you value in life. You're ready for a change and are here, wanting to take a step toward a life you envision for yourself.
Rachel Potts-Wells
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Louisville, KY 40222
***Accepting new clients*** We all strive for healthy and satisfying relationships, but sometimes we don’t have all the tools we need to get there on our own. As human beings we all crave connection, belonging, and to be seen and known by others. That is where therapy comes in, to help provide some new tools and empower you in day-to-day life. I believe in walking alongside you as you seek to make changes in your life and relationships. Change is often small and incremental, but you will be surprised to see how change can add up over time. My therapeutic approach is compassionate, open, collaborative, and trauma-informed.
***Accepting new clients*** We all strive for healthy and satisfying relationships, but sometimes we don’t have all the tools we need to get there on our own. As human beings we all crave connection, belonging, and to be seen and known by others. That is where therapy comes in, to help provide some new tools and empower you in day-to-day life. I believe in walking alongside you as you seek to make changes in your life and relationships. Change is often small and incremental, but you will be surprised to see how change can add up over time. My therapeutic approach is compassionate, open, collaborative, and trauma-informed.
Perfect Peace Counseling & Consoling LLC
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MAMFT, MFTA
Verified Verified
Louisville, KY 40218
Hello I'm Evonna Dorsey, proprietor of Perfect Peace Counseling & Consoling (PPCC)- a faith based practice located in Kentucky. I implement effective psychotherapy methods to instill self-understanding among patients and encourage them to adopt new attitudes and feelings towards life situations. It is essential to keep in mind that therapy is not a magic pill or a quick fix. Therapy is a healing process that necessitates participation and investment from the patient and caretaker alike. In the end, making small changes to self-defeating behavior and coping with feelings of sadness, fear, and pain can bring life-altering results.
Hello I'm Evonna Dorsey, proprietor of Perfect Peace Counseling & Consoling (PPCC)- a faith based practice located in Kentucky. I implement effective psychotherapy methods to instill self-understanding among patients and encourage them to adopt new attitudes and feelings towards life situations. It is essential to keep in mind that therapy is not a magic pill or a quick fix. Therapy is a healing process that necessitates participation and investment from the patient and caretaker alike. In the end, making small changes to self-defeating behavior and coping with feelings of sadness, fear, and pain can bring life-altering results.
Maren Schikler
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MAMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Louisville, KY 40220
I believe that you know your life best and that I am here as a companion as we move towards growth. I work collaboratively with my clients, holding compassion and my client's needs at the center of our work. I enjoy working with late adolescents and adults. I specialize in issues such as anxiety, stress, burnout, relationship struggles, exploring sexual orientation/expression, religious trauma, and those in the LGBTQIA+ community. My job as a therapist is to support, engage with empathy and wonder, offer hope, and acknowledge the stories and experiences clients express as they reflect.
I believe that you know your life best and that I am here as a companion as we move towards growth. I work collaboratively with my clients, holding compassion and my client's needs at the center of our work. I enjoy working with late adolescents and adults. I specialize in issues such as anxiety, stress, burnout, relationship struggles, exploring sexual orientation/expression, religious trauma, and those in the LGBTQIA+ community. My job as a therapist is to support, engage with empathy and wonder, offer hope, and acknowledge the stories and experiences clients express as they reflect.
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I am non-binary transwoman and my pronouns are she/they. I've been practicing for 14 years. I've worked with clients across the life span and from many varied backgrounds. My areas of expertise are gender and sexuality, particularly LGBTQ issues, and trauma. I have been an advocate and educator as well as a member of the LGBTQ community for over 30 years.
I am non-binary transwoman and my pronouns are she/they. I've been practicing for 14 years. I've worked with clients across the life span and from many varied backgrounds. My areas of expertise are gender and sexuality, particularly LGBTQ issues, and trauma. I have been an advocate and educator as well as a member of the LGBTQ community for over 30 years.
I offer guidance and support to people dealing with emotional and mental trauma, depression, anxiety, relational issues and other life difficulties. My approach is centered on empowering clients and validating your experience, whether you are coping with recent traumatic events, grief, or life's transitions.
I offer guidance and support to people dealing with emotional and mental trauma, depression, anxiety, relational issues and other life difficulties. My approach is centered on empowering clients and validating your experience, whether you are coping with recent traumatic events, grief, or life's transitions.
With all the ebbs and flows that life takes us through daily, having someone to talk to when life gets overwhelming can bring you inner peace and comfort. As a therapist, I offer an empathetic and safe space where people can express openly with no judgment. I meet my clients where they are in their healing process and help them navigate smoothly through their therapeutic journey. Perhaps you may need to process a traumatic experience that you have faced in the past or present or maybe you need someone to help you navigate your anxiety and depression.
With all the ebbs and flows that life takes us through daily, having someone to talk to when life gets overwhelming can bring you inner peace and comfort. As a therapist, I offer an empathetic and safe space where people can express openly with no judgment. I meet my clients where they are in their healing process and help them navigate smoothly through their therapeutic journey. Perhaps you may need to process a traumatic experience that you have faced in the past or present or maybe you need someone to help you navigate your anxiety and depression.
Shannon Gambill
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Louisville, KY 40222
Finding the true origin of an issue or challenge, as well as exploring skill sets and solution paths to address this, is an ever-evolving and interesting journey. I enjoy embarking on this journey with kids, teens and adults. I utilize a strengths-based, reality-based, motivational approach. Interventions are guided by evidence-based practices and good ol' trial and error... since every person is unique. My therapy dog, Boss Paws, sometimes joins in. He may give a nudge of support or simply look cute (like fuzzballs do) and provide an element of anxiety relief. He's cool like that!
Finding the true origin of an issue or challenge, as well as exploring skill sets and solution paths to address this, is an ever-evolving and interesting journey. I enjoy embarking on this journey with kids, teens and adults. I utilize a strengths-based, reality-based, motivational approach. Interventions are guided by evidence-based practices and good ol' trial and error... since every person is unique. My therapy dog, Boss Paws, sometimes joins in. He may give a nudge of support or simply look cute (like fuzzballs do) and provide an element of anxiety relief. He's cool like that!
Marvea Johnson
Art Therapist, MEd, ATR-BC, LPAT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Louisville, KY 40222 (Online Only)
I believe that beautiful things can happen after the worst day of your life, and failure is not in falling down, but in staying down. Whether you are looking for insight, or attempting a full life overhaul, I specialize in utilizing the creative process to gain insight and understanding into yourself, others, and the encompassing world we navigate. As a lifelong learner, my passion is to accompany anyone curious or courageous enough to consider that doubt is a calling to investigate; and growth can be the reward of experience. I am licensed, nationally credentialed, board-certified Art Therapist with years in the field.
I believe that beautiful things can happen after the worst day of your life, and failure is not in falling down, but in staying down. Whether you are looking for insight, or attempting a full life overhaul, I specialize in utilizing the creative process to gain insight and understanding into yourself, others, and the encompassing world we navigate. As a lifelong learner, my passion is to accompany anyone curious or courageous enough to consider that doubt is a calling to investigate; and growth can be the reward of experience. I am licensed, nationally credentialed, board-certified Art Therapist with years in the field.
You are welcome here- Navigating this crazy rollercoaster of life comes with unexpected twist and turns. Do you find yourself giving and taking care of others often times neglecting your own needs? Feeling stressed, confused, and overwhelmed in your current situation? I offer a supportive place to process and sort things out- change and growth opportunities can come from some of our most challenging times. My hope is to offer guidance and support to find the solution within you. This is a compassionate judgement free zone. I believe BLM & Love is Love.
You are welcome here- Navigating this crazy rollercoaster of life comes with unexpected twist and turns. Do you find yourself giving and taking care of others often times neglecting your own needs? Feeling stressed, confused, and overwhelmed in your current situation? I offer a supportive place to process and sort things out- change and growth opportunities can come from some of our most challenging times. My hope is to offer guidance and support to find the solution within you. This is a compassionate judgement free zone. I believe BLM & Love is Love.
Lindsey M Lowe
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPCC-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Louisville, KY 40222
The most common form of suffering I see in people is when they no longer trust themselves. If you are struggling with habits that are harmful; whether it be drug or alcohol addiction, eating or spending money in harmful ways, there is hope that you can trust yourself again. Suffering comes in many forms, but for all in pain there is a way to heal and to feel safe again. My job is to help you find that.
The most common form of suffering I see in people is when they no longer trust themselves. If you are struggling with habits that are harmful; whether it be drug or alcohol addiction, eating or spending money in harmful ways, there is hope that you can trust yourself again. Suffering comes in many forms, but for all in pain there is a way to heal and to feel safe again. My job is to help you find that.
Haley Wohner
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, LMFTA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Louisville, KY 40222
Whether you are the person who has it all together or the person who is barely holding it together, it's essential to know that you have outside help from a reliable, welcoming source. Whatever season of life you are currently in, we will work through it together. Therapy should be a beneficial experience for individuals, and I want to ensure it is as positive an experience as possible.
Whether you are the person who has it all together or the person who is barely holding it together, it's essential to know that you have outside help from a reliable, welcoming source. Whatever season of life you are currently in, we will work through it together. Therapy should be a beneficial experience for individuals, and I want to ensure it is as positive an experience as possible.
When faced with life challenges we can often feel alone and misunderstood. I strive to make people feel heard and validated in their experiences. The relationship between you and I can be one of the most foundational elements to change by providing you with a safe place that is nonjudgmental, empathetic, and honest. It can be difficult navigating our mental and emotional processes and responses, and our social environments. My goal is to help you explore and overcome your challenges, and empower you to make change.
When faced with life challenges we can often feel alone and misunderstood. I strive to make people feel heard and validated in their experiences. The relationship between you and I can be one of the most foundational elements to change by providing you with a safe place that is nonjudgmental, empathetic, and honest. It can be difficult navigating our mental and emotional processes and responses, and our social environments. My goal is to help you explore and overcome your challenges, and empower you to make change.
See more therapy options for Louisville
Nearby Compassion Focused Therapists Searches for Louisville
- Anchorage
- Crestwood
- Elizabethtown
- Jeffersontown
- Lyndon
- Middletown
- Prospect
- Radcliff
- Saint Matthews
- Shelbyville
- Shepherdsville
Compassion Focused Therapists
How does compassion-focused therapy work?
Compassion-Focused Therapy is based on the idea that humans have at least three emotion regulation systems, including one that responds to threats and another that allows us to self-soothe. Those who experienced serious childhood adversity, the theory goes, have a hyperactive threat system and an underperforming self-soothing system, leaving them vulnerable to shame and a hypercritical mindset. CFT focuses on bringing these systems back into balance, helping the client be kinder to themselves and better able to accept kindness from others.
Is compassion-focused therapy a type of CBT?
Compassion-focused therapy is closely related to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and employs many of its techniques. In addition to CBT, CFT also draws from the fields of biology, evolutionary psychology, neuroscience, developmental psychology, and Buddhism. It also has similarities to some types of trauma-focused therapies.
Is compassion-focused therapy evidence based?
Evidence suggests that CFT can be helpful in the treatment of anxiety, mood disorders, eating disorders, personality disorders, psychosis, and other mental illnesses. It has also been shown to be beneficial for individuals who may not have diagnosable psychiatric disorders but who still struggle with persistent self-criticism and feelings of shame.
What are the limitations of compassion-focused therapy?
Compassion-focused therapy is still a relatively new therapy, and research on its efficacy is still in its early stages; while some studies have found positive results, many have suffered from quality issues or small sample sizes. And while most CFT clients find it difficult to practice self-compassion at first, some—especially those who actively fear compassion or are deeply uncomfortable being cared for—may not be fully open to the tenets of CFT, potentially limiting the therapy’s long-term effectiveness.