Dual Diagnosis Therapists in Nashville, TN

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.

Individual Psychotherapy (TN residents as well as international clients, including but not limited to residents and citizens of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, Lebanon, Japan, Thailand, South Korea, Philippines, Switzerland, Serbia, Ukraine, Albania, Canada, Bahamas, Australia) Cross-cultural Communication Skills, Cultural Awareness. Areas of Interest- Trauma, Depressive Disorders, Self-esteem, Adjustment Disorders, Addiction

As a licensed psychologist in Tennessee and Alabama, I offer a collaborative approach to therapy, customizing treatment to address each client's unique needs. I specialize in individual therapy for adults, with a focus on early adulthood. My practice is grounded in evidence-based treatments for a range of issues, including anxiety, depression, role transitions, interpersonal challenges, grief, eating concerns, perfectionism, and postpartum depression.

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.

Hi, I’m Lauren! I’m so glad you’re here. I am passionate about working with individuals who have experienced complex trauma, struggle with eating disorders/disordered eating, weight and body image concerns, and anxiety. I am committed to guiding my clients towards profound healing and personal empowerment.

Everyone eventually comes upon a life situation that confuses or distresses them. I believe that is part of the human condition. Whether it be situational anxiety or depression, trauma, mental illness or addiction, nobody gets through life without experiencing something. These life events serve as wake up calls to help us make changes and live a more fulfilling life. It is helpful to have someone to navigate new territory with, someone who has been there themselves, to help find a better way. And that's what I am here to help you do, find a better way that leads to a more fulfilling life.

At the core of everything I do in therapy is the belief that true healing happens through empowerment and love, not fear. Therapy encompasses a bit of art, science, intuition, and loving kindness. What works in therapy is a real person connecting to a real person and I believe the best therapists are those who show you where to look, but don't tell you what to see. My approach is based on a model of healing and empowerment to help you reconnect with that whole, thoughtful, creative, fearless human being you are and to trust your inner wisdom.

Therapy is about connection. I provide a holistic, client-centered, relational approach. There comes a time when help is needed from a professional to cope with life’s ups and downs and ongoing challenges. Good therapy supports integrating your life experiences. It can help you to make sense of the world again after traumatic or stressful events and gives you the skills to move forward in a healthier and happier way. Therapy is different than other relationships you may have in your life because it is completely focused on You. The ultimate purpose of psychotherapy is to help an individual find a life with purpose and meaning.

My favorite all-time bumper sticker: Don't Believe Everything You Think! Obviously, everyone has problems in life, but both sages and scientists have discovered that how we think about our problems is a crucial variable in whether we grow through difficulties (past or present), or get mired in difficult emotions and unhelpful behavior patterns. While we all have unique histories and personalities, what leads to healing and change generally applies to all of us. But more than ever, we are living on "autopilot," and just trying to keep up. All the while, our busy minds provide a running commentary, often full of fear and criticism.

Together we will find the right path, and right set of practical tools, to help you overcome obstacles and become your best self. After over a decade-and-a-half working in mental health, I am skilled in the latest, evidence-based therapies available (e.g., Relational Mindfulness and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy). But no single approach works for all people at all times and, remaining flexible, we will create a safe therapeutic environment with the best combination of techniques that works for you. So many different psychotherapies exist today because there is no one approach that works at all times.

Many of us struggle with defenses and behaviors we have developed in order to escape the pain of our lives, whether it be in the form of substances, food, sex/relationships, work, perfectionism, dissociation, or something else, and in our understandable attempts to avoid this pain we become disconnected from our authentic self and body in the process. As a result, we can often wind up creating even more suffering for ourselves and begin to not only numb the pain, but the joys as well.

I believe we all have the intrinsic wisdom to know what we need to live balanced, fulfilling lives. Sometimes the behaviors and beliefs we learn to cope with overwhelming life experiences separate us from that wisdom. We learn to adapt in ways that help us survive. My hope is to provide a non-judgmental, compassionate setting to explore and address barriers to authentic living. I am trained in, and primarily work with, the internal family systems (IFS) model. IFS is a non-pathologizing, evidence-based model that helps us rediscover our authentic selves and explore our intricate systems.

We all have different parts of ourselves that show up in different ways at different times. It's often the case that what leads us to seek therapy is the feeling that some of our parts are showing up either as "too big" or overwhelming or as some sort of overreaction that we can't quite understand. My goal as a therapist is to help set the conditions we all need in order to better understand the different ways we show up in the world, and why. Anxiety, PTSD, depression and other trauma-related symptoms can improve in incredible ways when we take the time to understand why.

No matter if this is your first time coming for therapy or your 15th time to try again. Life happens. Experiences are different for each individual and these experiences can have a significant impact in our daily lives. Your mental health matters and I'm here for it. I also have years of experience helping children/adolescents explore more about themselves that can lead to healthier family interactions, behavioral goals, academics, and social skills.

I am passionate about empowering individuals to navigate life's challenges and discover their inner strength and resilience. I have dedicated myself to providing a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients can explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. I believe in tailoring my approach to meet the unique needs and goals of each client, utilizing techniques that resonate with their personal preferences and strengths.

I have over 10 years of experience in the mental health field in a variety of settings (private practice, community mental health, university counseling center, state hospital, and in-home services). My services include individual, family, and couples/marital therapy. I primarily work with adults and couples. I believe that disturbances of thought, feeling, and behavior are caused by ‘obstacles’ to healthy brain functioning. My role as a therapist is to remove the obstacles that stand in the way of you having 100% of your intellect, wisdom, passion, humor, curiosity, energy, logic, creativity, and joyfulness available to you!

Are you looking for support and guidance on your journey? You don’t have to do it alone. Showing your true colors can feel vulnerable, so it is my intention to hold space in which you can feel safe to be yourself without judgement. My practice is defined by a genuine desire to help you feel comfortable in your own skin. Therapy can act as an anchor, providing the stability and support to explore your identity safely. I will be there every step of the way to support you in forging new paths and helping you discover and build the life you have always imagined.

I am thrilled to work with clients of any age and background, and I especially love getting to work with individuals who no longer want to live with their past defining their present. Let's work together to help you reach your goals and live the life you were created to live!

Are you constantly contradicting yourself? A part of you wants to grow and transform into your “true” self, but then you feel as though you are self-sabotaging again. You question how you can work on yourself when you are the one preventing the growth. Pablo Neruda’s poem "We Are Many" describes the internal conflict that many of us feel. As a psychotherapist, I noticed that my clients needed something more than just traditional talk therapy. This realization led me to become a Certified Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapist to help people “befriend” the internal conflict and embrace it with love and compassion.