Therapists in Davidson County, TN

My clients don't come to therapy to hear someone nod and agree with everything they say—that's not worth their time or money. They want real help. They want to know "what to do" and "how to fix it" because they're struggling with depression, severe anxiety, relationship problems, trauma, suicidal thoughts, parenting issues, and other painful situations. They are looking for a true expert that they can actually talk to. I am a member of PSYPACT which means I can see clients in every state that is a member of PSYPACT and I'm also licensed in MA.

I believe that therapy is a unique opportunity to have a safe and empathic place to share one's story. It is a privilege for me to journey alongside others as they discover who they are in the midst of that story. I approach therapy in an eclectic manner, and have experience in a variety of therapeutic issues. I work with both individuals and couples interested in seeking treatment for depression, anxiety, relational distress, conflict resolution, and personal growth.

I've been in private practice for over 15 years and enjoy diversity in my office. My approach is really dependent on my clients unique needs. I would describe myself as caring and direct and have been told by my clients that my challenges to them are as beneficial as my empathy towards them. My hope is to sit with people in a focused, loving and generative way, helping my clients move towards a deeper sense of vitality, self-awareness and authenticity.

Each of us shapes and is shaped by the relationships we have with others, with our bodies, with our stories, with our cultures, and with our worlds. We find ourselves here and now because of where we’ve been and what has happened, because of how we carry our experiences forward and how they have made us. I am awed by the creative resilience with which we integrate or shoulder the burdens we’ve felt. I find astonishing and courageous the ways in which we not only survive, but find ways to thrive, to express ourselves, and live into the fullness of human experience despite those things that have hurt us and that hurt us now.

My goal as your therapist is to create a relationship that you can use for your own growth. While I only practice evidence-based treatments informed by the latest research, I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Therapy is an art as much as a science, one that is meant to honor your unique story and specific goals. Together we will explore your inner world and identify the beliefs and patterns that are keeping you from experiencing your life in the healthiest, most fulfilling, and most meaningful ways.

I believe that in order to be healthy and happy, the individual must be focused on growth and change. If you are not healthy or happy, then change is needed. However, several factors complicate this simple truth. We give too much or allow our power to be stolen rather than exchanged; Fear, anger, and sadness can override logic and wisdom. How we act and think affects our experience of reality. I work clients to help increase their sense of self-direction, align their behaviors with their goals, and replace the negative thoughts and behaviors with a more positive perspective.

It is my honor to work with clients on paths of exploration, personal growth, and healing. Because of the pain that often brings us to therapy, I believe that safety, unconditional positive regard, and authenticity are of the utmost importance in the therapeutic relationship. My theoretical orientation in counseling is primarily psychodynamic and interpersonal within a humanistic framework. I believe that past experiences inform current understanding, and exploring such issues can be healing. Change can also be related to a new understanding of relational patterns and a new experience of relationship with the therapist and others.

Choosing a therapist can be intimidating. I work to create a safe, supportive, and confidential space for you to take that step. I offer an authentic and personal connection with my clients so they can express and process their unique journey. Many of my clients struggle with emotional expression, connections with others, relationship issues, and trauma. I also have experience in addictions and family issues.

Missy has worked in the field of mental health for over fifteen years as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She is experienced in working with individuals, couples and youth in the areas of trauma, attachment, depression, anxiety, grief, relational issues, body image, personal growth and self care. In addition to being a mental health clinician, Missy is a registered yoga teacher, with well over 500 hours of training, and an additional 300 hour certification in yoga therapy.

"Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional." Haruki Murakami. I will hold a safe space for you to process life and its inevitable pains--change, loss, grief, and trauma. I will join you without judgement: where you are, as you are. Our time together will be collaborative and supportive—a partnership. You will gain an experience of trust and of personal power. You will be equipped with tools and skills relative to the goals that you establish, enabling you to thrive independently. Relationships, "stuckness", trauma, etc. will be addressed and resolved. Together, we will manifest your inherent creativity, purpose, and joy.

By curiously hearing and understanding your life story through our professional relationship, I hope to unburden you of your pain and help you remove road blocks which might be keeping you from experiencing greater pleasure. I work with adults ranging in age from 18 through post retirement years and specialize in treating life transitions, relationship concerns, depression, anxiety, trauma, infertility, adoption, postpartum depression, grief, loss, and divorce. I'm sensitive to issues of diversity and inclusion, am interested in working with people from various cultural backgrounds, and am a LGBTQ ally.

Asking for help when dealing with mental health issues takes great courage. As your therapist, I will offer you presence, focused attention and a collaborative effort to understand your inner life. Together, we will work to bring about the changes necessary to empower you to live authentically, with purpose, and to achieve your full potential. I tend to work well with individuals who see their mental health as a journey or who are motivated to understand and work through the underlying causes of their difficulties in longer-term therapeutic relationships.

Are you interested in discovering more about yourself? Improve self-esteem, dignity? Set better boundaries? Explore patterns? I see 18 years+ Treatment areas include exploration of Shame, Self-Esteem, Self-Compassion, Trauma, PTSD, Depressive Disorders, Anxiety Issues, Shyness, Phobias, Grief and Loss, Boundaries, & Interpersonal Issues. I work well with men and women who want to find more joy in life while increasing mood stability, self-curiosity, & healthy relationships. My philosophy incorporates an egalitarian, collaborative approach steeped in Relational-Cultural Theory; & a belief that clients are the experts on themselves.

Is this you: "I'm tired of feeling stuck". I can help with that. It requires courage to change and making the decision to pursue counseling is one of the bravest steps you can take. Keeping that in mind, I feel honored to assist you in taking that step. I have extensive experience working with adults on a wide range of issues and I welcome diversity in my clients. I believe in providing a warm, supportive, judgement free environment for the therapy process, and I use a variety of therapeutic approaches based on your specific needs.

**EVENING APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE** I enjoy working with individuals, marriages, and couples who have the courage to enter the heartache of their past or current struggles, and creatively collaborate to find new ways to thrive and live and love more fully. I have experience with anxiety, depression, anger, grief, marital dissastifaction, OCD, and divorce. As a professional counselor, my goal is to provide a safe and nurturing environment where a person can acknowledge their current limitations and begin to move forward in positive strides.

Seeking help is a courageous step in many of our lives and I am honored to be given the opportunity to share in the journey of healing with my clients. I work with individuals, couples, and families to provide counseling on a wide variety of life issues. I have experience helping clients work through depression, anxiety, life transitions, trauma, grief, divorce, marital issues, job satisfaction, and family conflict.

Making that initial contact is by far the hardest part. I appreciate you reaching out to me. Making it easy to discuss difficult topics is my job, and that happens by making sure you know you are in a safe, supportive, non-judgmental environment. People may seek out counseling due to a wide variety of feelings: fear, anxiety, stress, depression, anger, sadness, confusion, apathy, heartbreak, grief, or any other aspect of the incredibly complex human experience. I'm honored to help you on your journey towards emotional recovery and growth. I try to keep costs reasonable and affordable.

Accepting new clients... You want unconditional love. You want peace and happiness. You want to laugh, and feel good about yourself again. You have decided, that now is the time, for your pursuit of happiness, to begin. You are ready to move forward, towards the life you dream of having for yourself. I have helped numerous clients, move beyond their traumatic experiences, to achieve their personal goals, and I will do the same for you. Together, we will work on identifying the underlying issues and relational patterns that sabotage your chance at an incredible life.

I recognize that the journey that brought you to therapy may not have been an easy one. I work to assist you in your self-exploration, learning, and growth by creating a safe, nurturing, respectful, yet challenging environment. I prioritize your autonomy and personal responsibility throughout the healing process.