Obsessive-compulsive disorder therapists & psychiatrists in Cookeville, TN

As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I'm committed to providing a safe and nonjudgmental environment for exploring pathways to psychological and emotional healing. Specializing in Dialectical and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, I believe everyone is worthy of love and happiness. I encourage people to see themselves through that same lens.

I work with people who feel stuck and are ready for change. Whether you’re facing stress, relationship issues, past hurts, or life transitions, I’m here to help you navigate what feels overwhelming. I’ve provided counseling to adults, youth, and couples in both community mental health and private practice. I’m licensed in Georgia and Florida and bring over 20 years of experience to our work together.

Many people come to therapy because something in their relationships isn’t working—conflict that keeps repeating, difficulty feeling close, or a sense of disconnection from themselves or others. Beneath these patterns, there is often something deeper: old wounds, protective strategies, and unmet longings that continue to shape how we show up in the present.

Hi, I’m Ashton, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

I provide compassionate, evidence-based mental health care for those seeking clarity, relief, and a sense of steadiness in their lives.

If you're feeling stuck — wrestling with anxiety that won't quiet down, a mood that swings without warning, anger that surfaces faster than you'd like, or the weight of past trauma — you don't have to sort through it alone. I work with adults who are juggling demanding lives while quietly carrying ADHD, depression, grief, chronic pain, or relationship strain that's hard to put into words.

I came to this work after 20 years as a broadcast operations engineer. When an injury changed my path, I earned my Master of Science in Social Work at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and I've been a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) since 2019. I've practiced in integrated medical clinics with clients of every age, in intensive outpatient care, and in residential settings, and today I work primarily with adults over telehealth across Tennessee.

I see my role as helping you understand where your struggles come from, get clear on what you want therapy to change, and build a concrete, step-by-step plan to get there

I have experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. I treat a wide range of mental health challenges including anxiety and stress, mood disorders, trauma, depression, coping with chronic illness, military family life, and life transitions. I have 30 years of working with service members, families and support system members.

I have over 27 years of experience in nursing and mental health care. I specialize in supporting individuals of all ages who are navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship challenges, and burnout.

I have a particular passion for working with caregivers, high-achieving professionals, and women who carry the emotional weight of others. My care blends evidence-based psychiatric treatment with holistic approaches to help clients achieve balance in mind, body, and spirit.

Dr. Murphy is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with nearly 40 years of experience in counseling individuals and families. She specializes in various areas of psychotherapy in including – Christian focused, Trauma focused, Addiction and recovery, Veteran PTSD and Military sexual trauma, depression/anxiety/bipolar disorder, Grief and victims of abuse.

Education:

Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from the University of Michigan in Flint, MI.

Master Social Work from Eastern Michigan in Ypsilanti, MI.

Doctorate in Behavioral Health and Integrated Primary Care from Arizona State University

Additional Credentials - Certified Master Addiction Counselor (PMAC), Certified Process therapy – trauma focused (CPT), Cognitive Behavioral Treatment in Chronic Pain (CBT-CP)

I’m a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with six years of experience helping adults navigate ADHD, mood disorders, anxiety, substance use concerns, and personality disorders. I trained at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing and have a background in neuroscience research, which shapes my practical, brain-based approach to care.

I believe people do best when they’re treated as whole humans—not just a diagnosis. I enjoy breaking down complex mental health concepts into clear, bite-sized explanations so patients understand why they feel the way they do and how treatment helps. My style is collaborative, direct, and supportive.

I’m comfortable working with complex or long-standing symptoms and don’t shy away from difficult cases. I also enjoy working with creatives in the Nashville community and understand the unique pressures that can come with creative work. My goal is to help patients feel empowered, informed, and supported as they move toward meaningful, sustainable change.