Psychoanalytic Therapists in Smyrna, TN

Welcome! My passion is to help empower individuals broken in spirit to attain hope and healing. I extend a non-judgmental and safe demeanor. I specialize in ADOS2 Testing, Diagnosing and Treating Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Neurodiverse/ Neurotypical Relationships, Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, PTSD, Crisis, Holistic Self-Care & Nutrition, Grief & Loss, Miscarriages/ Infant Loss, Personality Disorders, Self-Harm, Suicide Ideation, Drug/ Alcohol/ Addictions, Self-Esteem/ Self-Worth, Eating Disorders/ Wt., Body Image, Communication Skills & Relationships, Sexual Abuse/ Assault, Rape/ Domestic Violence recovery, and Behavior Issues.

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.

To begin, Distance Counseling is offered for clients who cannot make face to face sessions. I believe barriers seldom produce opportunities for change. On another note, I am usually asked, what person is best suited or needs counseling? Honestly, there are many ways and templates (Word document and Google Search) geared to answer this question. Those methods sound enticing. Yet, they operate from the focus of a proprietor. Another clinician may indicate the best suited clients are willing and committed. I don't need the BEST SUITED CLIENT, just those who ask for help. Let's Work Together.

I understand that life can be difficult, some things are within our control and other things just aren't. I also know for some there is a challenge to seek support. Let me first congratulate you in making a tough, yet hopeful choice. I have worked with clients from a wide variety of backgrounds, with a wide variety of needs. I am excited to work with you, whether dealing with depression, anxiety, grief, relationship issues, trauma, or just seeking a better quality of life. If you are motivated to do the work, I will provide one of a kind support for your journey!

I provide a warm, compassionate, and accepting approach, emphasizing humanistic principles. I believe you have everything you need within you to heal yourself. My role as a therapist is to help guide you to discover your own unique capabilities and qualities so you can connect with your inner self and live a mentally healthier life.

I do not believe it is an accident that you are here right now. I do not believe it is a coincidence either. My journey has led me to this place at this point in time. My journey has included thousands of clinical hours helping people all over the world overcome real life battles. I have learned something new from every person that I have met and I will share what I know for sure. I know that you face difficult challenges every day. I know that you feel that there is no place in this world where you actually fit.

Choosing a psychotherapist is a very important decision. Talking to someone new about yourself can be intimidating. I provide a setting that is comfortable, safe, and completely confidential. I ask what brings you to see me and what kind of help you feel you need. Sometimes it can be helpful to interview other professionals. Finding a good match is essential and my interest is always in what is best for the client. I do my best to make treatment recommendations and provide services most likely to help you.

Accepting New Clients Are you always a little bit afraid to be yourself? Have you been hit with what feels like more than you can handle alone? I know those feelings exactly! I am honored to work with those in the LGBTQ+ community as well as individuals who struggle with substance use issues, trauma, anxiety/depression. I work from a psychoanalytic perspective to offer a safe space for those striving for a more fulfilling life.

In the depth psychology tradition, we consider the Greek use of "psyche" which is inclusive of soul, mind, body, and nature itself. Life experiences including traumatic events can result in disruptions in these connections to self—to psyche—and loss of internal resources. As a result, when faced with challenges and transitions, we can feel overwhelmed and disoriented. Therapy can help provide a supportive relationship where these experiences can be explored—recovery of lost or devastated parts of the self can begin.

Good therapy helps promote clarity and progress toward change. I believe that therapy can provide the safety needed for self-exploration and for support in times of stress. And I believe that this safety is created through a trusting therapeutic alliance, which I rely heavily on in my practice. As a clinical social worker, I provide psychotherapy to children, adolescents, and adults who have a broad range of reasons for seeking therapy - these may include anxiety, depression, family conflict, low self-esteem, relationship struggles, parenting concerns, trauma, and loss.

Are you struggling with managing drugs or alcohol? Are you having a lot of conflict with your loved ones? Do you feel unhappy with yourself and your circumstances in life? You likely have tried many times to feel better but only end up feeling worse. This makes it difficult for you to be understood by others because they don't understand your struggle. I commonly see people who have a difficult time cutting back on addictive behaviors, feel excessive guilt for their actions, and have a hard time managing the pressures of work. If you relate to this, then you are not alone. I work with many others who have the same struggles.

You put your best foot forward but struggle to acknowledge the good in your life. You put on a brave face and constantly show up for others but neglect your own needs. You have been conditioned to say “everything is fine” and hide how you really feel. Sometimes you may even feel like you don’t deserve joy.

In our work together, we can focus on better understanding your relationship patterns, understanding and managing your anxiety, learning ways to cope with depression, process past and/or ongoing trauma, & more. My style of therapy is best described by psychodynamic theory where we focus on repressed emotions and/or childhood experiences that may be affecting your current relationships with others and yourself. We will work on enhancing relationships with the people in your life, as well as, practicing boundaries, compromise, and healthy balance in relationships.

I have over 25 years of experience as a therapist and have been practicing with a doctorate in counseling psychology for almost 20 years. I have worked with people who have a wide range of disorders.

Isolated? Fearful? Tired of doing it alone? It's a new day, and I can help. I adhere to the belief that nobody's story is too painful to be heard or healed-even yours. With an emphasis on empowering my clients for long-term change, I have helped hundreds of people coping with trauma, grief/loss and painful relationship patterns to achieve lasting change. I would be honored to help you too. I am the author of Trauma Intelligence and offer trauma and grief recovery workshops for organizations.