Our counselors in Nashville, TN offer child therapy

I am a licensed professional counselor with a mental health service provider designation (LPC-MHSP) and 21 years of experience supporting adults ages 18 to 99. I specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, life transitions, relationship concerns, and identity exploration. I also help clients navigate career stress, caregiving demands, academic pressure, and the impact of cultural and systemic stressors.

I earned my master’s degree in counseling from Freed-Hardeman University. My approach is collaborative, strength-based, and trauma-informed, integrating cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused techniques, and mindfulness-based strategies. I am committed to ongoing education and cultural humility in my work.

If you are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure of your next steps, I am here to walk alongside you. Together, we will build practical tools to strengthen emotional regulation, develop healthier thought patterns, and create meaningful, lasting change in your life.

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!

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.

I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with 28 years of experience in behavioral health. I specialize in cognitive behavioral therapy and support individuals navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, and challenges related to resilience and independence. I am passionate about helping clients build practical tools that foster lasting growth and emotional well-being.

I earned my Master of Social Work from Florida International University. I completed professional training through the Beck Institute and have used CBT as the foundation of my work since 2006. I also incorporate motivational interviewing, psychodynamic approaches, and acceptance and commitment therapy into treatment.

I approach therapy with kindness, empathy, and unconditional positive regard. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you feel heard and empowered. Together, we will work to develop strategies that strengthen resilience and help you move forward with confidence.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor–Mental Health Service Provider with over 26 years of experience supporting individuals, couples, and families through life’s emotional and relational challenges. I specialize in helping clients struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, and codependency. My approach is warm, compassionate, and collaborative, empowering clients to develop insight, self-awareness, and emotional balance while fostering personal growth and resilience.

I hold a Doctorate in Psychology from North Central University. I integrate cognitive-behavioral, person-centered, and relational approaches, creating a safe space for emotional exploration and healing. My goal is to help clients strengthen boundaries, improve relationships, and develop lasting tools for wellness.

I believe healing begins when you feel truly understood. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, trauma, or life transitions, you don’t have to face it alone. Together, we can explore what’s been holding you back and build new pathways toward peace, confidence, and authentic connection.

Lee Sinnott is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 6 years of experience, working with a wide variety of people. He is passionate about helping his clients in those around him to find their personal power and developing skills to live a life of their own, making in line with their goals and dreams.

Lee completed his Master's degree in Counseling at Milligan University. We found a love and affinity for existential therapy and the application of mindfulness to the therapeutic process.

Life can be challenging at times. The question is, what can we learn from these challenges? If we choose to, we can use the pain that life has to find a deeper sense of joy, and connecting us with the world around us. Schedule your first session with Lee today.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Tennessee with 30 years of professional experience. I specialize in helping individuals and couples manage stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, and addictions. I create a safe, open, and supportive environment where clients can share without fear of judgment. Taking the first step into therapy can feel overwhelming, but I am here to walk alongside you with compassion, encouragement, and respect for your unique journey.

I earned my Master’s in Social Work from West Virginia University. My approach integrates evidence-based practices such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, solution-focused therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy.

I understand that beginning therapy can feel intimidating, but I strive to make the process welcoming and supportive. My goal is to create a safe space where you feel heard and valued while building skills to support your growth. Together, we will work toward healing, resilience, and greater confidence in your everyday life.

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.

Valerie McKinney is a Licensed Professional Counselor – Mental Health Care Provider. She enjoys working with adults (18 and over) who are interested in addressing issues that are holding them back or hindering them from reaching their potential in any or all areas of their lives. She has experience working with individuals who struggle with depression, anxiety, grief issues, forgiveness issues, and other life stressors.

Valerie is a graduate of the University of Memphis and has over 16 years of experience. She uses an eclectic approach in the therapeutic process with an emphasis on developing therapeutic rapport while using reality therapy, cognitive therapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Valerie encourages, supports, and asks thought-provoking questions as the client identifies and explores life-changing issues.  

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.

Jackie is a Licensed Clinical Psychotherapist with over 25 years of experience working with adults, including individuals, families, couples, seniors, people with disabilities, dancers, and athletes. Her expertise has supported those experiencing the loss of a loved one, dramatic life changes, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, trauma, eating disorders, and gender issues, as well as end-of-life issues.

Jackie utilizes therapy modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Approach, Psychoanalytic; Psychodynamic Therapies, and Mindfulness Techniques as appropriate, in order to tailor a comprehensive plan that is unique to each individual, couple, or family.

Formerly a professional ballet dancer, Jackie understands the importance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle in our competitive world and striving to reach life’s goals while remaining grounded in strength, integrity, and stability. She is a positive, warm, and compassionate person who believes in the importance of reducing stress and cultivating self-acceptance. She emphasizes her core value of self-love, which can guide her clients to a richer, more fulfilling 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.)