LCMHC, 18 years of experience
Hello! I am a licensed professional counselor and see clients in Tennessee and North Carolina. I help adults who have experienced trauma, whether from a single incident, lifelong patterns, or developmental experiences. They struggle with excessive worry, emotional reactivity, strained relationships, and feeling stuck in survival mode, often having tried traditional therapy but are now seeking a faster, lasting solution. I also specialize in anxiety, ADHD and sexual issues. Using Rapid Resolution Therapy, Somatic Experiencing, neuroscience education, and mindfulness, I create playful, engaging sessions that shift trauma rapidly. Clients leave feeling calm, centered, and fully present, with a deep sense of well-being and freedom from flashbacks or the need to "try" to do things differently—it just happens naturally.
In your first session with me, you can expect a warm and welcoming environment where we will briefly introduce ourselves. There will be some mindfulness exercises to create a calm/relaxing and safe environment for the work to be done. Then we will focus on what brought you to therapy and where you would like to see yourself ideally.
Having been a therapist for almost 2 decades and also teaching neuropsychology at the university level, my approach focuses on teaching how the brain and nervous system works; and empowering clients to use this knowledge to change symptoms into strengths. My greatest strengths lie in creating a deeply attuned, compassionate, and empowering space where clients feel seen, heard, and safe to explore. I bring over 18 years of experience as a licensed professional counselor with advanced training in somatic therapies, trauma resolution, and neurodiversity-informed care. Clients often tell me they appreciate my ability to gently yet effectively get to the root of what’s keeping them stuck—without judgment or pressure. What stands out about my approach is how I integrate evidence-based methods like Somatic Experiencing, Rapid Resolution Therapy, and parts work with a keen understanding of nervous system patterns, trauma responses, and ADHD. My work is collaborative, practical, and rooted in the belief that symptoms are signals—not problems to be silenced, but messages to be decoded with curiosity and compassion. Together, we’ll shift unhelpful patterns, build emotional resilience, and help you reconnect with clarity, calm, and confidence.
It gives me joy to come alongside you as a partner in your journey towards being your best self. If you have felt like grief, trauma and anxiety have been holding you back from all you aspire to be, we can work together towards a life that is intentional and fulfilling. I love working with people who have experienced trauma, anxiety, and grief to clear out concerns that have impacted their mental health.
3 ratings with written reviews
May 5, 2025
Darlene is always so good at getting me out of my head and into my feelings. She feels like a guide who knows the answers, but lets you figure them out on your own with her there to help if you need or want it. She has such a great way of looking at things that makes them seem more manageable. I look forward to every conversation we have!
March 10, 2025
My first visit was so easy going that it felt like I already knew her, allowing me to open up more easily. I am looking forward to our next session.
February 9, 2025
Darlene is the prime example of what it means to be a therapist. There aren’t enough words to explain the growth and help she’s provided me so far. I’m extremely grateful to have found someone like her and she’s given me hope about continuing therapy because every single session I have with her, I take away valuable, useful information to use in my daily life. Absolutely adore my time with her and increasing my livelihood.
My counseling practice is centered around the belief that the mind and body are deeply interconnected. Somatic therapy focuses on this connection, using body-centered techniques like breathing, body-awareness and gesture exploration to help clients access and process their emotions, traumas, and psychological issues. This holistic approach acknowledges that psychological stress and trauma are often stored in the body, and by addressing these physical manifestations, clients can achieve deeper healing and self-awareness.
Early life experiences have a big impact on current relational patterns. By exploring attachment styles and their impact on current relationships, we work together to foster secure and healthy connections. My approach integrates mindfulness, empathy, and evidence-based techniques to create a safe, nurturing environment for personal growth and emotional healing.
Using guided relaxation and focused attention clients access their subconscious mind and achieve positive change. This approach is effective for managing anxiety, overcoming phobias, breaking bad habits, moving forward from trauma and enhancing personal growth. By creating a safe and supportive environment, I help clients harness the power of their inner mind to resolve issues and reach their goals.
Sessions also include practical skills and strategies to manage stress, anxiety, depression, and other challenges. My focus is on empowering clients to achieve lasting change and improve their overall well-being by fostering a more positive and constructive mindset.