Therapists in Tennessee

Hello and welcome. It means a lot that you’ve taken this step. Every person carries such a unique story shaped by resilience and strength. Sometimes, those stories can feel heavy or overwhelming, and we may find ourselves needing a space to breathe and process. My hope is to create a safe and supportive environment where you feel heard and empowered to heal. In our work together, I take a compassionate and collaborative approach that meets you where you are, supporting you in working through current challenges while building toward the future that is possible. I typically practice in the Solution-Focused umbrella, incorporating Narrative Therapy into my work. Solution-Focused Therapy helps you identify your strengths and move toward your goals; while Narrative Therapy encourages exploring one’s personal story from the past, separating the individual from their problems, and envisioning how you want your story to continue. My experience consists of helping clients with family conflicts, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, mood disorders, anxiety, and depression. I have taught parenting classes for many years, which allowed me to help parents strengthen their relationships with their children and build more confident, nurturing connections. These experiences have deepened my understanding of the challenges families and individuals face, and reinforced my commitment to supporting each person’s unique journey toward healing and growth. I have over 20 years of experience in the mental health field, with 13 of those years dedicated to being a therapist. I am licensed to provide therapy to individuals across the state of Tennessee. It’s truly an honor to support people as they reconnect with themselves, rediscover hope, and move toward healing. Supporting others through life’s challenges is deeply fulfilling work, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be present with you on your journey.

I am a licensed marriage and family therapist and registered art therapist providing telehealth services to TN and CA residents. As a practicing visual artist for 22 years I understand the psychological, emotional, financial and lifestyle challenges that creatives face in a world that prioritizes capitalism over creativity. I will help you to use your unique gifts and talents in order to live your life in the fullest expression of yourself.

I received my Master's in Psychology from Pepperdine University and have specialized training in whole-body healing techniques like EMDR, Brainspotting, & Nutritional Psychology. My passion lies in empowering clients to develop adaptive skills and invite meaningful change into their lives. Together, we can explore new ways of being and break free from old patterns that may be holding you back. .

It's often difficult to know what you want and to pursue what you want. Especially, if broken patterns and negative family cycles are making you feel stagnant. There is an excitement that comes from building your own self-assurance and confidence as you stand securely in the story you want to live. Sometimes we wait to change our story because we don't feel ready. My hope is that we can all have the wisdom and courage to explore ourselves with compassion so that we can better love ourselves and love others. Let's create a foundation that allows us to live balanced personally, professionally, and relationally.

Welcome! I'm Melissa. Do you feel anxious, troubled, or unhappy most days? Do you simply want someone to listen, understand, and help? I'm in recovery for alcohol use disorder and am a combat veteran. I've had to learn coping skills or lose everything. I understand anxiety and depression, which helps me provide a compassionate, collaborative, and grounded approach. I specialize in helping individuals develop coping skills that can be used in real-time to alleviate negative moods and improve daily functioning. Whether you're facing a major life transition or seeking to learn coping skills, I'm here to walk with you through the process. Healing isn't linear, and therapy should be tailored to your unique goals and strengths. I can help you better understand the connections between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors: "What makes you tick?" Together, we can identify negative thinking and reshape it in a way that changes how you feel. I can help you challenge negative thoughts and identify more helpful/realistic thoughts. This will help you better enjoy your life because you will view it more positively. We'll create long-term change with tools such as quick and easy mental exercises. I also integrate journaling, mindfulness exercises, and stress-reduction techniques to support positive outcomes. Together, we can identify healthy coping skills that actually work. You deserve a life that brings you contentment and joy. Let's work together on this journey of healing.