Divorce Therapists in Chattanooga, TN

I believe that everyone needs a safe space in which to be heard, to share their pain, to explore, to heal, and to grow. We were created for connection, and healing happens in relationship. It is a privilege to listen to and hold each client’s story with great care and hope. I know that it can be intimidating to take the first step to begin counseling, but you are welcome here just as you are.

I work with individuals, couples, and families desiring to gain deeper insight, overcome difficulties, and find healing within the context of a safe and secure therapeutic relationship. I have experience working with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, grief and loss, trauma, obsessive-compulsive disorder, career direction, and identity issues.

People come to a counselor for a myriad of reasons, but usually not without having tried to solve their problems or resolve their conflicts on their own. It can be difficult to admit that you need help and even harder still to ask for it. If the way forward seems unclear, then counseling may be the next step on your pathway to healing. My clients come with issues ranging from mood disorders (i.e. anxiety, depression) to trauma. They have personal and/or relationship struggles. What they have in common is that they want a change in their life.

Abby is a Licensed Professional Counselor in both Tennessee and Georgia and is a Nationally Certified Counselor. Abby graduated from Richmont Graduate University in 2012 with a Masters in Professional Counseling and a Specialization in Trauma Counseling. She has since continued her education in Trauma counseling with training in a variety of Trauma Processing methods, healing attachment following Trauma, and military culture. Abby specializes in seeing people of all ages with a history of trauma or abuse, including rape, childhood abuse, combat PTSD, and more, as well as assisting couples with relational and communication issues.

Whether you are a new mother, working mom of three, a teenager striking out socially, a single man struggling with failed relationships, an "empty nester" trying to figure out what comes next or you are facing challenges with your partner, things can seem just so hard. The stresses and strains of life sometimes overwhelm our ability to cope. That is when counseling can provide restorative benefits.

Depression, Anxiety, family conflict and general reactivity are each common experiences in one's life. I work to provide an individualized treatment plan for each person walking through these common experiences. I believe that by fostering curiosity and compassion about ourselves and our own experiences, we learn to react to others in this same way. I work with a wide range of clients varying in age, demographics, beliefs, backgrounds and goals. I work to facilitate this curious and compassionate environment in which my clients can work toward decreasing reactivity through increasing self understanding.

Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. That knowledge is what led me to become a therapist ... how effective and life-changing therapy can be. I start where you, the client, is and we make a treatment plan together to reach the goals you would like to achieve. We will develop a working hypothesis that may change over time as new information is obtained. Many mental health issues begin with an event and the mental health issue, be it anxiety, panic attacks, depression, anger, unrelated phobia, facial tic, chronic pain, avoidant behavior, dysfunctional relationship pattern, stress and/or insomnia is the resulting symptom.

My intention is to create a safe, accepting, and respectful therapeutic environment in which you can express yourself freely and begin the process of moving towards the life you want. My role as a therapist is to help you find a sense of peace and resolution by encouraging insight, exploring new coping tools, and connecting or re-connecting with inner resources for resilience.

"You are the author of your own life story". As a therapist I strive to provide a safe and confidential environment where people can discuss their struggles and know that they will not be judged or criticized for talking about how they feel or think. I am experienced in the treatment of ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, behavior problems, family conflict, gender identify, grief, trauma and life stressors. I enjoy working with preteens, adolescents and adults by meeting the client where they are in life. I would enjoy the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your needs and work together to begin improving your current situation.

I own a dynamic group practice in Chattanooga called Ascend Coaching and Therapy. We work with clients in-person at our office in downtown Chattanooga, virtually via phone or video, and outside in the beautiful forests of TN via ecotherapy sessions. I offer Life Coaching, Clinical Hypnotherapy and Integrative Psychotherapy to help you make and keep personal and professional changes, fulfill your potential, improve your health, and heal from the negative experiences and beliefs that hold you back.

Jackie is a Licensed Clinical Psychotherapist (LCPT) with over 25 years of experience working with adults, including individuals, families, couples, seniors, people with disabilities, dancers, and athletes. Her expertise has supported those experiencing the loss of a loved one, dramatic life changes, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, trauma, eating disorders, and gender issues, as well as end-of-life issues.

HI! Thank you for checking out my profile. My goal as a therapist is to create a warm, safe, and supportive environment for my clients to identify and make the changes they are seeking in their lives. I work with adults on a variety of issues including anxiety, grief/loss, depression, stress, breaking unwanted habits, and trauma (including complex trauma) . I am dually licensed as a LCSW in both Tennessee and Florida, and I have over 25 years of experience in my field. I love sharing my knowledge of neuroscience to help my clients gain understanding, and to bridge the gap between what they know and what they feel.

Life is hard and we all need a supportive safe space from time to time to process and heal. I walk with my clients through the trials of life with compassion and 30 years of experience bringing an accepting presence, clinical expertise and if desired, the wisdom of a Christian worldview.

I seek to make therapy a comfortable way to do significant work. . I provide a non-judgmental, honest, and oftentimes, humorous approach when helping clients make the needed changes to live a healthier happier life. I make therapy accessible and convenient by offering in-person sessions in Chattanooga and telehealth sessions throughout Tennessee, New York, and Virginia. My office setting and practices have been designed with your comfort, convenience, and privacy in mind. Online scheduling allows you to see all that I have available and allows you to schedule and make changes at your convenience.

We all experience relationship conflict, overwhelming/traumatic events, and internal struggles. My therapeutic approach is focused on helping my clients to better understand themselves and how their history has impacted their present. Along this journey, I empower clients to use certain tools and resources to move forward into the vision that they want for their future. I approach experiences and beliefs from a trauma lens, utilizing EMDR to reduce distress, regulate nervous system functioning, update neural pathways, and bridge the gap between the brain and body.

Life can bring overwhelming challenges. I understand the struggle and mixed emotions. Choosing a therapist during this time can also be difficult but, together, we can work to make this time manageable as we gain understanding of daily conflicts and concerns. I begin each therapeutic relationship based on empathy, compassion and trust while providing a comfortable, safe environment to establish goals, build healthier relationships and achieve life changes. I use resources from cognitive behavior therapy along with other integrative approaches to meet individual needs and help find productive solutions to daily struggles.

I believe that people make sense within their context. And so, I am mindful of context - cultural background, attachment style, family and relationship history, etc. I enjoy the process of listening and attending, especially to those whose voices may feel unheard, such as teens, women, and trauma survivors. My work is informed by an integrative and embodied approach, utilizing various family system theories and trauma-informed interventions. Through establishing a sound therapeutic relationship and safe environment, I am hopeful that your difficult emotions will "make sense," and a story of resilience and compassion will be heard.

My ideal clients are adults (ages 18+) navigating connection in relationship. This can look like relationship to self ("What's going on with me? Why do I feel this way? What needs do I have? Am I allowed to think these things?") or relationship to others ("Do they really love me? Am I important to them? Why do I feel so anxious with them? Will I ever feel known or understood?"). There are plenty of questions and struggles in relationships. With openness and curiosity, you can find helpful and healthy answers that soothe the anxiousness and confusion about what it is to be connected.

Relationships are hard! The drama and emotional roller coaster are exhausting. After trying diligently to give all that you can, you end up dumped, rejected, or betrayed again. Beating yourself up, inevitably feeling unlovable. So you hide your emotions and stay busy to protect yourself. But inside, it's impossible to ignore that sadness and loneliness are growing. All you want is someone who cares and who can be there for you. But it's hard to attract the right person. Your friends are moving on with their lives, while you wonder if happiness just wasn't meant for you. You're so tired of trying that you feel resentful and empty.