Grief counselors and therapists in Sparta, TN

I’m a therapist who creates a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can show up as your full, authentic self. I believe healing happens when we feel seen, heard, and challenged in a supportive way. I work with individuals and couples to navigate anxiety, relationship struggles, life transitions, and emotional overwhelm.

My approach blends evidence-based practices with real, honest conversation. I will help you build practical tools, increase self-awareness, and take accountability—while also giving yourself grace. My goal is to help you not just cope, but truly grow and feel empowered in your life.

Hi, I’m Stephanie Carmichael, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC. I am a dual-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with experience providing care in both medical and mental health settings. My background has allowed me to develop a strong understanding of how physical health, emotional well-being, stress, and life experiences are deeply connected.

I earned my Family Nurse Practitioner degree from East Tennessee State University and my Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner degree from Western Kentucky University. I have experience treating individuals across the lifespan with a variety of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, mood disorders, trauma-related concerns, stress, burnout, and life transitions.

My approach to care is warm, collaborative, and individualized. I believe clients deserve to feel heard, respected, and actively involved in treatment decisions. I focus on building strong therapeutic relationships and creating a comfortable, judgment-free environment where clients can openly discuss their concerns and goals.

I provide evidence-based medication management while also incorporating supportive, therapy-informed care, education, and lifestyle considerations into treatment. My goal is to help clients improve not only their symptoms, but also their overall quality of life and emotional well-being.

Outside of my professional role, I value authenticity, resilience, personal growth, and meaningful connection with others. I understand that seeking mental health care can feel vulnerable, and I strive to make the process approachable, supportive, and empowering.

Hi, I'm glad you're here. Reaching out for support isn't always easy, and I'm honored you're considering taking that step. I work with adults navigating anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, substance use, and life's many challenges and transitions. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, disconnected, or simply exhausted from carrying too much on your own, therapy can provide a space to slow down, process what's happening, and begin moving forward. My goal is to help you gain insight, develop practical coping skills, and create meaningful, lasting change while feeling supported every step of the way.

Are you feeling stuck in patterns that are hard to break—whether it’s addiction, codependency, or depression? You may feel overwhelmed, drained, or constantly putting others first while losing yourself in the process. I work with teens and adults across Tennessee who are navigating addiction, relationship patterns, and depression. Together, we create a supportive space where you can understand what’s driving these patterns and begin building a healthier, more balanced life.

As a licensed marriage and family therapist with 18 years of diverse experience, I proudly welcome people of all backgrounds. I provide therapy for individuals, couples and families and work with the following modalities:

• Somatic Therapy – Releasing trauma and stress stored physically in the body.

• EMDR – Processing distressing memories to reduce emotional triggers.

• Gottman Method – Strengthening communication and intimacy for couples.

• Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) – Healing relational bonds in couples and families.

• DBT-Informed – Managing intense emotions and building mindfulness skills.

• CBT – Reshaping negative thought patterns to change behaviors.

• Person-Centered – Providing a compassionate, non- judgmental space centered on you.

Hi, I'm Dr. Deborah DeFrieze, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 15 years of experience helping people work through anxiety, stress, trauma, grief, depression, and life's hardest transitions. If anxiety or overwhelm has been running the show lately, I'm here to help you take the reins back — with a warm, honest, and practical approach.

My path to this work has been a rich one. Alongside my social work career, I spent 33 years in public education — as a teacher in both regular and special education, an assistant principal, a principal, and an assistant professor — and I served as a missionary in Africa for 18 months. Those experiences taught me to meet people where they are, across every walk of life and stage of change. I hold a Master of Social Work from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and a doctorate in education from the University of Georgia, and I'm also a Licensed Massage Therapist, which deepens my appreciation for the mind-body connection in healing.

I draw on evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, tailoring our work to what will help you most.

Are you tired of carrying things that are just too heavy for you to carry alone anymore? As a licensed professional counselor, I can help you carry that load. In my 12 years as a counselor, I've worked with families, children, adolescents, and adults of all ages in homes, outpatient offices, and online. I have a Ph.D. in counselor education and supervision, and have taught in graduate counseling programs, but my first love is working directly with individuals who are dealing with the effects of trauma, grief, burnout, or anxiety. I am a Christian and would be happy to incorporate your spiritual beliefs, whether Christian or not, into our work together, if desired.

I have a broad variety of therapeutic experience to include crisis intervention and trauma informed care. I received my master's degree in professional counseling from Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA and have been practicing in the field for over 10yrs.

With over 30 years of experience as a therapist, I bring both deep expertise and genuine compassion to every client I work with. I specialize in helping individuals navigate anxiety, trauma, alcohol and substance use, and relationship challenges.

I believe that healing begins in a space where you feel truly heard. My approach is rooted in warmth, patience, and a deep respect for your unique story. Whether you're carrying the weight of past experiences, struggling with how you cope day to day, or feeling disconnected in your relationships, you don't have to figure it out alone.