
Mari Carter
"You don't get to rewrite your past, but YOU get to decide how your story ends!" My counseling philosophy is the belief that individuals have power, choice, voice. I have five years counseling experience with individuals with addiction issues, unresolved trauma, and grief and loss. I aim to assist individuals in reconnecting with his or her power of choice and voice, as well as, guiding one toward healing through development of healthy coping skills and peer support. My counseling style is non-judgmental, warm, respectful, and compassionate. My approach to counseling combines Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy. No one individual is the same - treatment plans and dialogue will reflect the specific needs of each individual. Taking the step toward healing can be a daunting task, but I hope to encourage you and help you find peace, happiness, and well-being while on this journey. I look forward to working with you!

Dr. Charnequa “Nena” Kennedy
I am a licensed clinical and national board-certified counselor who has been a counseling professional with experience in educational and clinical settings for several years. I have additional years of experience in the non-profit sector, leadership development, and student success within higher education. I work with clients across the lifespan to address different issues that include and are not limited to depression and mood disorders, anxiety, stress, leadership and performance, ADHD, giftedness, and learning/ behavioral issues, grief and loss, and adjustments/transitions. Additionally, I have worked with athletes and performers at different levels (law, medicine, arts/entertainment, business, leadership, and technology) to address clinical concerns and mental skills. My current focus areas are clinical and leadership, sport, and performance. With my experience spanning settings for integrated behavioral health, private practice, and collegiate mental health, I also focus on assisting clients with concerns that disrupt wellness across domains (physical, emotional, professional/academic, spiritual, etc.). My approach to therapy is integrative, and my primary orientations are client-centered, cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, strengths-based, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing. I strive to provide affirming services grounded in multiculturally proficient knowledge of multiple identities that support clients' personal growth. Beginning counseling is a courageous step towards being one's best self. My role in the therapeutic relationship is to walk alongside clients and facilitate that process by creating a safe, brave, and comfortable space that empowers clients. Developing therapeutic goals is a collaborative process focusing on a client's strengths and values for optimal functionality. I look forward to working with you as you begin your journey towards growth that aligns with areas of overall wellness and life satisfaction for you.

Dr. John Slate
I have been a counselor for over 45 years. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Mental Health Service Provider with a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. My specialty areas include: working with adult children of dysfunctional families, addictions, PTSD, anxiety, depression, relationships, domestic violence, obsessive disorders, and schizophrenia. I have worked in a state-run mental health hospital, in an addiction treatment center, and in non-profit organizations. I recently worked as the clinical manager over two locations of 12 clinicians in private practice. I have been married to my wife for 50 years. Life has often been difficult and confusing for me; therefore, clients find me compassionate and non-judgmental. Perhaps you have issues that are overwhelming. I have discovered that it is never too late to change, to walk a more positive and happy life. Together, we can develop a plan and work through your stressful situations to recovery and healing.

Kelly Sheets
I am a licensed professional counselor and mental health service provider (LPC-MHSP) in TN. I have over 5+ years of experience in treating PTSD, specifically combat-related; substance use disorder; borderline personality disorder in men primarily; OCD; and other issues typically found in a mental health setting. I've spent the majority of my career working in a residential alcohol and drug program, which afforded me the opportunity to work with co-morbid disorders/issues that feed into addiction. I have assisted people in confronting personality issues, trauma, and have helped clients learn to balance their intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. I am also actively involved in research in a university setting. I received a Bachelors of Science in Clinical Psychology and a Masters of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from East Tennessee State University. My therapy style is highly conversational and casual with a primary foundation in Existential therapy. I utilize other modalities as needed or as is appropriate to the individual and situation. I have a background in social psychology, which I find beneficial during therapy as the principles are often at the core of many behaviors and attitudes/beliefs. Understanding social psychological theories and how they present within individuals serves to normalize our human experiences by showing that we are not alone. I believe that every individual knows the best way to live their lives, but sometimes may need someone to provide insight, guidance, or serve as a sounding board for thought processes/emotions/fears. I have a specific interest and a research background in PTSD surrounding combat. Seeking help in general, but especially following a traumatic event, is courageous. The first step is reaching out and I am here to assist you in this experience.

Angela Jackson
I am a licensed professional counselor in the state of Tennessee with NCC certification (meeting national counselor standards). I earned my M.A. degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Argosy University-Nashville. As a licensed mental health professional, I have experience working with children, adolescents and adults who are challenged with anxiety, depression, impulse control, communication and overall adjustment to life changes. My work with adults include group settings, couples and family counseling. Also, I am passionate about working with newly diagnosed patients with autoimmune deficiencies to address the initial adjustment, anxiety, and depression that comes with chronic conditions and sudden life changes. While I provided services for a diverse group of clients, I extends my reach in underserved black communities and people of color offering support, psycheducation, and resources. I have served over 16 years in the helping field blazing trails as a mentor, educator, advocate, therapist, clinical supervisor, author and transformational speaker. My therapeutic approach is client-centered, solution- focused and humanistic in nature.

Dr. Heide Schlack
Hello! I wish you well on your counseling journey. I am a licensed psychologist in the Middle Tennessee area and have been in the field of mental health for over 30 years. I see counseling as a partnership where I am a consultant. Everyone gets stuck at times. It can be very helpful to tell our stories to trusted others to work through our concerns. Family and friends can be helpful, and sometimes a trained counselor can offer unbiased, positive support. I often feel like an interviewer asking specific questions in a curious and non-accusing manner. You are the focus of my hour, and I want to learn as much about your story as I can. I also want to know where you want to take your story. Humor, curiosity, self-kindness, creativity and increased self-awareness (mindfulness) help in the process. Clients who do well are willing to entertain different perspectives of themselves and of their situations. New behaviors can be learned with practice. Sometimes what we mainly need to do is accept things we cannot change and let go of constricting beliefs and "rules" for ourselves. Sometimes our daily patterns are disconnected from our feelings and values. I try to help people gain more awareness of their feelings, life dreams and what is truly important to them. I offer systematic ways of exploring these issues and making plans to sort of knit together more coherently one's thoughts and feelings, past and present, and habits and values. We have self-healing capacities within ourselves that I try to facilitate and not get in the way of! I use strategies from cognitive-behavioral-mindfulness therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, narrative therapy and trauma-informed therapy. Exploring our past interpersonal patterns can help us redirect our social behaviors to more satisfying relationships. Sometimes I might act more like a coach to help you spring forward from the present. I love working with ADD/ADHD clients. Dealing with my own ADD, I know intimately the challenges, struggles and even the upsides of ADD! Finding creative, ADD-informed ways to manage our space and time is something I often do with clients. Other frequent issues are depression, anxiety, social anxiety , lack of motivation, self-doubt, communication and relationship issues, sleep and weight, work issues, trauma and loss. I am also comfortable working with the LGBQ+ populations, transgender dysphoria and clients in polyamorous relationships. I look forward to meeting new clients and do not take personally decisions not to return. There are a number of reasons for client choices. Like most relationships, including work colleagues, we look for compatibility. And sometimes we glean things from one-time meetings.

Autumn Altamirano
Hello! My name is Autumn and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 9 years of experience providing therapy services. I have worked in a wide range of therapeutic settings including: private practice, outpatient, and school-based. I work with clients affected by depression, anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem, lack of motivation, life transitions, family conflicts, and relationship challenges. I was born and raised in Orange County, California, and currently reside in Nashville, Tennessee. I received an undergraduate degree in Psychology and a Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California. I use a client-centered approach. This means that I begin where you are and view you as the experts on your life. It also means that you determine the direction and depth of therapy. I primarily use evidenced-based techniques, including: cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused therapy. However, based on your needs/presenting problems, I may also incorporate attachment-based therapy and psychodynamic therapy. I would describe my style as warm, real, and supportive. For me, the therapeutic relationship is important. I want you to not only feel comfortable with me but also to trust me. Therapy requires one to be vulnerable, which doesn’t happen if there isn’t a good rapport and therapeutic alliance. Collaboration is also important. Together we will work on establishing goals and steps for you to help overcome your current problems. Outside of my work as a therapist, I enjoy playing soccer, watching sports, reading, cooking, spending time with my husband and children, and traveling to new places. Thank you for taking the time to learn about me! I look forward to helping you in any way I can!

Naomi Boothe
I am licensed in Tennessee and Georgia with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Lela Gregory
I am licensed in Tennessee with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Julia Hanneken
I am licensed in Tennessee with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Find a therapist serving clients in Tennessee
Types of therapists available to clients in Big Sandy
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist. Be sure to narrow your search for therapists in Big Sandy that can offer psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy depending on your needs.
Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp's online platform
Mental health therapists in Big Sandy available through BetterHelp are accredited to help individuals and couples. Big Sandy therapists' credentials can include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, Big Sandy therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Big Sandy region and in the state of Tennessee.
How a therapist can help you destress, manage your emotions, and guide you towards the life you want
Therapists in Big Sandy can help clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples challenges, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family life, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist in Big Sandy may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment.