Licensed to practice in Tennessee and accepts 9 insurances. Specializes in Addiction / Substance Use, Couples Counseling, Anger Management and 10 more.
New to Grow
My name is Gail Mullen, and I am a graduate of Freed-Hardeman University, where I earned my degree in 2003. I have more than 20 years of experience providing professional counseling services to individuals and families with diverse clinical needs. In addition to my counseling experience, I served for 20 years in the United States Army, an experience that strengthened my ability to establish rapport, build therapeutic alliances, and effectively communicate with individuals from diverse backgrounds. My clinical experience includes providing individual, family, marital, and couples counseling. I have extensive knowledge and experience in working with individuals presenting with a variety of mental health and behavioral health diagnoses. My therapeutic approach is grounded in respect, empathy, professionalism, and a nonjudgmental perspective. I strive to create a safe and supportive therapeutic environment in which clients feel comfortable discussing their concerns and working toward meaningful change. My primary goal as a therapist is to assist clients in identifying and understanding the underlying concerns contributing to their emotional, behavioral, and interpersonal difficulties. I work collaboratively with clients to develop appropriate coping strategies, improve problem-solving and decision-making skills, and strengthen emotional regulation. Ultimately, my goal is to empower clients to develop the skills necessary to manage their challenges effectively and function successfully across the various areas of their daily lives.
During the first therapy session, clients can expect to be welcomed into a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment. My primary goal is to begin establishing a trusting therapeutic relationship and to help clients feel comfortable discussing the concerns that brought them to therapy. The initial session provides an opportunity for me to learn about the client’s current concerns, personal history, relationships, strengths, challenges, and goals for treatment. I will listen carefully to the client’s perspective and work to understand their experiences without judgment. Clients will also have an opportunity to ask questions about the counseling process and discuss what they hope to accomplish through therapy. Clients can expect the first session to be collaborative. Together, we will begin identifying the issues that may be contributing to emotional, behavioral, relational, or other difficulties. We will also begin identifying strengths and resources that can support the client’s progress. By the end of the first session, clients should have a clearer understanding of the therapeutic process and begin developing a plan for moving forward. Depending on the client's needs, we may identify initial treatment goals, discuss coping strategies, and establish practical steps the client can begin implementing between sessions. Most importantly, clients can expect to be treated with dignity, respect, empathy, and compassion. My goal is for clients to leave their first session feeling heard, understood, and hopeful that positive change is possible.
I bring a combination of professional experience, personal resilience, empathy, and a strong commitment to helping clients achieve meaningful change. With more than 20 years of counseling experience, I have developed the ability to work effectively with individuals presenting with a wide range of emotional, behavioral, relational, and mental health concerns. This experience allows me to approach each client as an individual and tailor interventions to their specific needs, strengths, and treatment goals. One of my primary strengths is my ability to establish rapport and develop a strong therapeutic alliance. My 20 years of service in the United States Army strengthened my communication skills, adaptability, discipline, and ability to remain calm and focused during challenging situations. These experiences have helped me connect with clients from diverse backgrounds and create an environment in which they feel respected, heard, and supported. I bring a nonjudgmental and empathetic approach to each therapy session. I recognize that clients may enter treatment with difficult experiences, personal struggles, or behaviors that they may find difficult to discuss. I strive to create a safe therapeutic environment where clients can be open and honest without fear of criticism or judgment. Another strength I bring to therapy is my ability to balance empathy with accountability. While I believe it is important for clients to feel understood and supported, I also encourage them to take responsibility for their choices and identify areas in which they can make positive changes. I assist clients in developing practical coping skills, improving emotional regulation, strengthening communication, and developing healthier decision-making and problem-solving strategies. Ultimately, I bring authenticity, compassion, clinical experience, resilience, and a genuine desire to help others. I view therapy as a collaborative process and work alongside each client to identify their strengths, address barriers to progress, and develop the skills necessary to improve their overall functioning and quality of life.
My ideal client is an individual who is willing to engage in the therapeutic process and is motivated to make positive changes in their life. I enjoy working with clients who may be experiencing emotional, behavioral, relational, or situational challenges and who are willing to explore the factors contributing to their difficulties. My ideal client does not have to have all the answers or be fully prepared for change; rather, they are willing to be honest, participate in treatment, and take gradual steps toward improvement. I particularly value working with individuals who may be struggling with anger management, emotional regulation, substance use, trauma-related concerns, relationship difficulties, poor decision-making, or challenges with daily functioning. I enjoy helping clients identify patterns of behavior that may be interfering with their personal, family, academic, occupational, or social functioning and assisting them in developing healthier alternatives. My ideal client is someone who benefits from a supportive yet accountable therapeutic relationship. I believe clients make meaningful progress when they feel respected and understood while also being encouraged to take responsibility for their choices and behaviors. I strive to meet clients where they are while helping them identify their strengths, establish realistic goals, and develop practical coping and problem-solving skills. I also enjoy working with clients from diverse backgrounds and life experiences. My military experience and more than 20 years of counseling experience have strengthened my ability to connect with individuals from different backgrounds and circumstances. I believe every client brings unique strengths, experiences, and perspectives to therapy, and I approach each person with empathy, respect, and without judgment.
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as an evidence-based approach to help clients understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. I believe that the way individuals interpret situations can significantly influence how they feel and respond. Through CBT, I help clients identify unhelpful patterns of thinking and develop healthier, more realistic ways of responding to challenges.