Specializing in Children, Adolescents
and Young Adults for over 20 years
Meet Your Therapist, Miss Teri
EARLY HISTORY AS A CLINICIAN
I've always wanted to work with children of all ages as a career, and I can happily say, I've done just that! I began my 1st counseling job at Dede Wallace Center, now known as Centerstone, in 1995 as a School-Based Therapist. The needed set of skills and knowledge for this job calling began at The University of TN, Knoxville. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Child Development from the College of Human Ecology in 1993. I earned a Masters of Science in Educational Psychology with a specialty in Community Agency Counseling with Children and Families in 1995. It was here where my world opened up to allll the many ways I can impact a child or family's life in a meaningful way which is my mission.
GROWING AS A CLINICIAN
I spent several years as a School Based Counselor/Case Manager. This was one of the hardest, yet most rewarding opportunities for a young, ambitious therapist! Having the secondary role as Case Manager required I help and advocate for other life needs, beyond mental health. I became determined to find resources and be an advocate for my clients. I am a former Board member for The TN Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence. I have continued to build and utilize this skill with my clients. I often attend school 504 or IEP meetings for my clients with special academic needs. I currently have many hours on the stand across Middle Tennessee Family courts testifying on behalf of my young clients. Contact me if you are interested in knowing more about the specific services I offer which many other therapists do not. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with the Mental Health Service Provider designation in the state of Tennessee.
More Recent Experience and Other Techniques
Other past clinical experience includes working as an individual and group therapist at an inpatient, residential facility for adolescents, and working almost 5 years treating survivors at The Rape and Sexual Abuse Center in Nashville. It was here I truly refined my strength clinically, grew into a leader and received the beginning training for EMDR. I am certified to use EMDR and have had great results with the younger population I see. I went into private practice after this position and continued to serve people. I now see young adults and offer parenting and co-parenting support. I have also become very experienced in high conflict divorce and custody cases and court testimony.
My current specialties include treatment for anxiety disorders, depression and ADHD using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, as well as other evidence based practices such as Executive Skill Building, EFT, Mindfulness, ERP and humor. I use play, art, and sand tray therapy in session. My approach is an eclectic, evidence based approach to the unique needs of each client. I work with most common issues young people face in life, as well as the less common, more difficult cases. I enjoy working with neurodiverse people and adults with ADHD. Please reach out if you have any questions.