Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Johnson City, TN

I’m a licensed therapist who truly understands how life’s challenges can feel overwhelming. I know what it’s like to want a safe space where you can just breathe and be yourself—that’s exactly the kind of environment I strive to create. My own experiences have shown me how healing comes through connection, and I bring that warmth and empathy into every session.

I earned my Bachelor’s degree from the University of Memphis and my Master’s degree from the University of Tennessee at Martin. Over the years, I’ve worked in schools, community mental health centers, and private practice, which has shaped my trauma-informed, relational approach to therapy. I’m deeply committed to providing culturally sensitive, client-centered care that honors your unique story.

I work with children (ages 6 and up), teens, and adults, supporting people through anxiety, depression, life transitions, trauma, identity exploration, and relationship challenges. Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just need a space to talk, I’m here to walk alongside you.

I am a licensed counselor in Georgia and Tennessee with over 25 years of professional counseling experience. I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work in 1992 and my Master’s Degree in Community Counseling from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 2000. I later completed my Post‐Master’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling Certification at Freed‐Hardeman University in 2019. I have worked in private practice and as a crisis assessor, supporting adults, couples, children, and families. I specialize in anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, grief and loss, family conflict, and crisis intervention. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and grounded in evidence‐based practices.

My specialty is adult love and creating bonding experiences in couples and families. I’m a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and an Addiction Specialist (LCAS). Helping people repair and reconnect after times of distress is my passion. I help people heal by increasing security, closeness and emotional connection in relationships. I help couples better understand their partners’ emotional responses, as well as their own. I also enjoy helping couples overcome addiction in relationships.

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.

Hello and thank you for taking the time to reach out! Do you ever have those days when things are especially difficult?? When "Life is Lifing" as we say?? Many of the people that I meet and work with are looking for support with mental health, substance abuse, and/or management of traumatic events. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker as well as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. I'm also a Mom of three and a dog Mom of two who likes to practice what I preach in my own life. As a strong believer in the mental/physical health connection, a lot of my focus is incorporating integrated health into our treatment approach. I also support an intimate hospice team in my area so I am comfortable having uncomfortable conversations about life. If you are interesting in giving therapy a shot, or just learning a bit more about my approach, feel free to reach out and we'll see where it takes us.

I am dedicated to providing an inviting and purposeful service for each client. I have been practicing therapy for 5 years. I have a background in using CBT, DBT techniques, solution focused practices.

My Philosophy On Healing

” I will not rescue you.

For you are not powerless.

I will not fix you.

For you are not broken.

I will not heal you.

For I see you, in your wholeness.

I will walk with you through the darkness as you remember your light.”

-Sheree Bliss Tilsley.