Our therapists provide life coaching in Johnson City, TN

Caitlin Merritt is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 6 years of experience working with clients of all ages. Caitlin is also passionate about working with children and adolescents, though her scope of practice has included working with individuals across all life stages. She specializes in treating a variety of mood disorders, trauma, stress-related disorders, ADHD, behavioral concerns, and adjustment disorders as well as family conflict.

Caitlin completed her Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, after obtaining her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Louisiana State University-Shreveport. Thanks to her personal and professional experiences thus far, Caitlin has a knack for helping children, teens, families, and individuals work through their own life stressors while providing a supportive environment for growth. To do this, Caitlin utilizes evidence-based approaches (including but not limited to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), narrative therapy (NT), Humanistic therapy (HT), and play therapy techniques (PT) to provide integrative care for her clients.

It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps toward change. Caitlin is confident in her ability to support and empower you on this journey. If you are interested in taking that next step for yourself or your child, schedule your appointment with her today.

Lance Pritchard is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with 10 years of experience in the mental health field. Lance is passionate about helping people identify and conquer the obstacles that stand in the way of them achieving the wellness and stability that they are striving for. He specializes in addictions, anxiety, depression, grief, and stress. After working in substance abuse treatment facilities for most of his career, Lance has accumulated a lot of experience working with folks struggling with addictions and the associated mood, relational, and other issues that frequently go along with that.

Lance completed his Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Southern Adventist University in beautiful Collegedale, TN. He has a great deal of experience using behavioral interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), as well as integrating motivational interviewing and some solution-focused ideas into his therapeutic work. Lance brings a combination of real-world experience and technical knowledge to the table in a way that helps his clients feel heard, understood, and cared for. He emphasizes creating lasting change through identifying and changing negative beliefs that a client may have about themselves, the world around them, and their own ability to interact with that environment.

Lance will work with you to amend impaired thinking, change negative behaviors, and to develop a meaningful spiritual connection with a higher power of your own understanding. Maintaining a sense of wellness or making lasting positive change in your life is difficult even when things are going well around you. When you consider the amount of turmoil and chaos present in our society today, it is causing people who would normally be very functional and stable to struggle and falter under the pressure. This environmental stress also hurts those who may already be struggling with mental health or addiction issues, causing these conditions to worsen. This is nothing to be ashamed of, but also not something to be ignored. Lance doesn't have any magical answers, and doesn't promise that things will suddenly get easier; but he has the experience, empathy, and compassion to help you on the next leg of your journey to wellness. If you are looking for someone to empathetically walk with you through your current struggles, and to help you navigate upcoming hurdles as well, you are welcome to schedule an appointment with Lance today!

Nona Kelly is a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist (LMFT) with over 20 years of experience in both the public and private sector. Nona enjoys working with individuals, couples, and families who are wanting a healthier life. She has extensive experience treating many issues and diagnoses, including depression and anxiety, women’s issues, family issues, addiction, and life transitions. 

Nona completed her master’s degree at Loma Linda University and is licensed both in California and Tennessee. Nona has contributed to publications in Women’s Health, HealthScope Magazine and The Tennessean Publication. She brings an energetic and flexible approach to her work with clients, while also offering a supportive, empathic, and safe place to process client concerns. Nona appreciates the whole person and utilizes cognitive-behavioral and person-centered techniques in her approach to therapy. 

Nona seeks to journey alongside you, encouraging self-growth by active listening and giving feedback that will assist you in meeting your established therapeutic goals. Let’s get started working towards your best life!

Krystal Shaffer is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 13 years of experience in the mental health field. She has worked with a variety of populations including, children and youth, geriatric, crisis management, substance use and general mental health. Krystal received her Masters in Social Work from East Tennessee State University. She participated in an intensive training in trauma focused CBT and DBT for her first two years as a therapist and this has shaped her therapeutic path.

Here are some words from Krystal herself:

I am a trauma informed cognitive behavioral therapist with a focus on using interventions for somatic recovery and cognitive reframing.

I treat the following disorders:

Trauma and stress related disorders such as CPTSD, PTSD, Adjustment, OCD, Social Phobia, General Anxiety, Stress Management

Mood disorders including Depression and Bipolar. 

Crisis Care Management including Borderline Personality Disorder, Suicidality, self harm, and existential crisis 

ADHD, grief, women's health, outpatient substance abuse disorder, insomnia (behavioral interventions), emotion regulation, and self esteem

I am NOT trained in couples or family counseling, eating disorders, autism or gender dysphoria

I operate out of the following modalities and theories: CBT, DBT, ERP, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness Behavioral Interventions, client centered approach, Polyvagal theory, Trauma informed care (Cognitive Processing and Internal Family Systems). 

I am also aware that not everyone is seeking OR in need of a specific intervention type of therapy. Sometimes we are looking for a place to be heard and a place to work through our own thoughts. I can provide a nonjudgmental atmosphere where we can work on identifying triggers for the current ailment, uncovering root cause, provide a validating listening environment, and refer to other professions to help with your individual healing journey. (psychiatry, psych NP, nutritionist, medical PCP, holistic health practitioners, case management or other community resources such as AA, NA, homeless shelters, domestic violence shelters etc.)

Phillip is a Licensed Professional Counselor with Mental Health Services Provider Status (LPC/MHSP) in Tennessee with over 19 years of counseling experience. Phillip has worked in a variety of settings assisting clients with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, dysfunctional relationships, ADHD, poor coping skills, grief, infidelity, and more. Phillip is passionate about helping others achieve their potential at work, at school, and even at play.

Phillip enjoys the outdoors, hiking, biking, crafting, and volunteering as a way to give back to the community. It is the interactions with others and their environments that helps us really get to know one another, and then we can support and encourage each other. Every person has been specially gifted. When discovered, these gifts help us know who we are and how we can help others. Phillip will help you become aware of your gifts, causing you to make better choices when dealing with life’s challenges.