Bristol Counselors

Joshua D. Blackburn, MA

Self-pay only
$130 for 50 minutes
$199 for 90 minutes

“Love is the only sane and satisfactory answer to the problem of human existence.” – Erich Fromm

Joshua provides coaching to individuals and couples who appreciate the long-term value of investing in themselves and their relationships. Learning the skill of how to be loved and to love well was a class not offered in school. Yet, it is by far one of the most important part of our lives. Providing education from the latest in relationship science, communication skills, and intimacy building practices, Joshua helps clients bridge the gap between the love you have and the love you want. As a coach he is in your corner to help motivate and encourage you in the work of improving your relationships.

Joshua’s coaching is informed by interpersonal neurobiology, contextual behavior science, applied positive psychology, and existential philosophy. He holds a master of arts in clinical mental health counseling from the University of the Cumberlands and a bachelor’s in business administration from King University. In addition, Joshua has received training from The Couples Institute, The Gottman Institute, and the Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior Therapy.

Robin A. DeLoache, MS, MSW, LCSW

*Accepting appointments only*
Tuesday - Thursday: 9am - 6pm

I recently relocated to Bristol, Tennessee from Baltimore, Maryland where, for over 30 years, I have been helping men and women cope with and conquer the realities of life. I believe with proper insight, guidance and support, we all have the ability to enjoy a fulfilled and happy life. I primarily focus on working with men and women, in all stages of life, facing a variety of issues, who are seeking a new path. I have extensive experience with mood disorders, men’s issues, substance abuse problems, grief and trauma, and stage of life matters.

My primary philosophy of treatment is cognitive behavioral therapy. I assist treating problems and boosting happiness by modifying thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Therapy is based on understanding the connections between our thinking, our feelings and our actions. I focus on the fact that we feel what we feel because we think what we think. When we can change how we think, we can change how we feel.

I am licensed in Tennessee as a clinical social worker.   I  have a master of science degree in counseling psychology from Loyola College in Baltimore.  Subsequently, I earned a master of social work degree from the University of Maryland.  I have been a certified addiction counselor for over 30 years. I have also been a contracted employee assistance counselor for over 20 years, providing workplace services to employees, their families and companies nationwide.

My relaxed style, sense of humor and commitment to quality care makes the process non-threatening and mutually rewarding. I look forward to the privilege of joining you on your journey of choice and change.

Patricia E. Starbird-Fanning, MS, LPC/MHSP

Trish has a passion for helping adults and couples find a better way to live and relate to one another. She enjoys working with depression and anxiety that hasn’t responded well to medication, as she believes that often the negative messages we have about ourselves hinder that healing; messages such as “I’m not good enough,” “I’m a disappointment”, “I’m powerless”, and “It was my fault - I should have done something". As a EMDRIA-certified therapist, Patricia has specialized certification from the Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing International Association which allows her to proactively assist her clients in resolving problems at their root, resulting in lasting change. EMDR neutralizes the debilitating effects on self-esteem and empowerment. EMDR treatment is one of the most effective methods to address abuse and trauma as well. She has utilized this therapy to address veterans with combat trauma, adults abused while growing up or those who have been in abusive relationships.

Patricia has a compassionate, non-judgmental approach which provides a safe atmosphere for her clients to explore their thoughts and feelings in order to better understand themselves. She takes the time to listen to your concerns and which goals you would like to achieve and then engages in a problem solving method to find the best solution for each client.

Patricia is licensed in the state of Tennessee as a professional counselor and has worked with clients for over 20 years in a variety of settings. Patricia works with clients who are experiencing depression, anxiety, panic, abuse, and trauma. She has extensive experience working in the domains of marriage and family counseling, stress management, grief and loss challenges, life transitions, spiritual concerns, and substance abuse and/or dependence. She received her master's degree from the University of North Carolina, one of the top ten counseling programs in the country.

Amanda K. Chapman, MEd, LPC/MHSP

For over 20 years, Amanda Chapman has dedicated her life to helping families, couples, adults and children alike find hope and healing in the darkest of places. She has worked in several different environments over the course of her career, including inpatient and outpatient mental health centers, and assisted those in crisis and with in-home needs.

Amanda has vast experience counseling men and women who are struggling with issues such as depression, anxiety, grief, family and parenting stress, couples' issues, "life" adjustments and problems of all types. She has a special affinity for helping women successfully cope with issues such as self-esteem, infertility, assertiveness, codependency and relationship stress, and has facilitated several empowerment groups for women. Amanda has also received specialized training from the Employee Assistance Professionals Association and has achieved the classification of  Employee Assistance Specialist-Clinical.  Her certification allows her to provide services to employee assistance organizations, employees and family members. Additionally, she is a HearthMath Certified Practitioner and provides Heart Rate Variability (HRV) biofeedback for a variety of disorders and performance enhancement.

Her philosophy of treatment is grounded in the belief that everyone at some point in his or her life will suffer what may feel like overwhelming emotional sadness, pain and loneliness; however, those feelings do not mean that he or she is alone. Amanda truly wishes to provide a safe place for helping one make sense of their thoughts and feelings, and to rediscover peace from within. Her style of counseling consists of a multifaceted approach utilizing thoughts to help identify stories and core beliefs in order to construct new ones, acknowledging unresolved feelings to leave the past behind and embrace the future, and encouraging action to change unhealthy patterns with others. Amanda's style is empathic, relaxed and judgment-free.

As a graduate of East Tennessee State University, Amanda is a licensed professional counselor, with a designation as a mental health service provider in the state of Tennessee. She has a master of education in counseling, with a specialty in marriage and family issues. She is an active member of the American Counseling Association and was an award recipient of the American Association of Presidents.

Sydney R. Peltier, MS, LPC/MHSP

Sydney Peltier is a licensed professional counselor who has spent her career passionately serving the mental health needs of her community through counseling, training and teaching, and advocating for quality care. With a variety of skills and expertise Sydney enjoys working with individuals, couples, and families to feel better, experience more joy in life, and have meaningful relationships that work. She believes wholeheartedly that health and healing are possible, especially when people recognize their own value, purpose, and strengths in partnership with professional and experienced clinical care.

Sydney is a Registered Play Therapist - Supervisor (RPT-S) with the Association for Play Therapy and has extensive training and experience working with children, families, and the agencies that serve them so they can properly attach, play, grow, and feel and be safe in their world. Sydney greatly enjoys working with adults as well. She is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), which can be used to address a myriad of issues such as trauma, anxiety, depression and self-esteem. Sydney works with men and women to address different stage of life issues and to improve overall functioning and well-being with regard to mental, physical, and spiritual health. In addition, she works with individuals and couples to address premarital needs, communication problems, and sexuality in general and in specific relationships.

Sydney is a graduate of Appalachian State University, earned her master’s degree with honors in counselor education from Radford University, has a post-graduate certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders from Longwood University, and has completed specialized training at The Colorado School for Family Therapy. She is also an adjunct faculty member at King University and provides training and consultation opportunities to different agencies and programs in the region based on community needs.

It is Sydney’s goal for clients to feel comfortable, open, and at ease while working with her. Her style is thoughtful, personalized, relaxed, empowering, and fun. She looks forward to working with you and your family!

G. Michael Pilcher, PhD

*Accepting appointments only*
Tuesday & Wednesday: 8am - 2pm

Dr. Michael Pilcher has been helping people find peace, stability, and confidence in their lives even before completing his graduate studies together with maintaining an active practice since 2001. He has extensive training and experience working with most mental health issues including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and relationship problems. Dr. Pilcher approaches therapy from a values-based perspective, guiding his clients to investigate and solidify their core values and work toward rebuilding their lives around these beliefs.

Throughout his career, he has striven to provide quality services to individuals, couples, families and the community. He specializes in working with both adolescents and adults that are faced with substance misuse and/or process addictions e.g. gaming, shopping, exercising, etc. This culminated in being the recipient of the prestigious International Association of Addictions and Offender Counselors (IAAOC) Outstanding Addictions/Offender Professional Award, presented at the American Counseling Association (ACA) convention in Charlotte, North Carolina (March of 2009).

He received his master of arts and doctor of philosophy degrees in counseling and subsequently earned a master of science degree in psychology. Dr. Pilcher maintains designations as a licensed professional counselor-mental health service provider (LPC/MHSP) and licensed alcohol and drug abuse counselor (LADAC) in the state of Tennessee, internationally certified alcohol and drug counselor (ICADC) with the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium — a global leader in prevention, substance use treatment and recovery professionals.

Dr. Pilcher offers Substance Abuse Professional Consultation.
Learn more here or call (423) 573-6836 to schedule.