African American/Black therapists in Knoxville, TN

I am a licensed professional counselor and mental health service provider (LPC-MHSP) with 8 years of experience helping individuals improve their mental health and overall quality of life. I work with adults navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, and addiction, and I have extensive experience supporting clients with a wide range of needs in community mental health settings.

I earned my doctorate in counselor education and supervision from Lindsey Wilson College, following completion of my master’s degree in counseling. I am trained in trauma-specific approaches, including EMDR, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, and emotion-focused therapy, and I work with both individuals and couples.

My goal is to create a safe, trusting space where you feel supported in being open about both the challenges and strengths in your life and relationships. Together, we will identify what you need to heal, grow, and move forward. If you are ready to begin or continue your healing journey, I invite you to schedule an appointment.

John Barsotti is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of Tennessee, and he has been practicing therapy for the past 8 years. John's counseling style is non-judgemental, empathetic, and compassionate. He uses a holistic approach to help clients identify their strengths to help manage a balance of self-care, mindfulness, and well-being. John uses several different evidence-based approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and solution-focused therapy. Using a client-centered approach, the focus is to identify and implement techniques to help clients manage their needs and goals.

John completed his Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences at the University of Memphis ('09). Then, he completed his Master of Social Work, also at the University of Memphis, in 2015. John has worked in community, residential, and outpatient settings. There is a wide variety of diagnoses he's worked with, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, child and family issues, anger management, and substance abuse problems. Trauma and abuse are other areas in which he's treated.

John is hopeful to help those trying to manage mental health disorders, whether mild, moderate, or severe. He believes the therapeutic process is valuable in making positive changes in pursuit of both short and long-term goals. If you are ready to engage in this professional relationship, schedule an appointment today!

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.)