LGBT therapists in Sparta, TN

Sometimes your mind understands what’s happened, but your body still holds the impact. I’m trained in EMDR and Brainspotting, approaches that help gently process those deeper layers. My work integrates mindfulness and somatic awareness to support nervous system regulation, so change doesn’t just feel intellectual, it feels real, grounded, and lasting.

I’m Amanda, and I became a therapist because I believe everyone deserves a place where they can show up exactly as they are. I bring warmth, authenticity, and even a bit of humor into the room when it feels right. I want you to feel genuinely seen—not judged—and supported in whatever you’re working through.

I’ve been in the counseling field for over 15 years and hold a PhD in Counselor Education from the University of Tennessee. My experience ranges from private practice and telehealth to correctional mental health, hospitals, and leadership roles in community programs. A. Simms Resume copy

I work with adults experiencing mood challenges, anxiety, identity concerns, life transitions, and LGBTQIA+ experiences, as well as individuals who are justice-involved or adjusting to major life changes. My approach integrates CBT, ACT, and Reality Therapy, giving us room to explore both deeper patterns and practical skills.

Clients describe me as encouraging, steady, and real—someone who helps them feel grounded and capable while taking meaningful steps toward a more balanced and authentic life.

Hi, I’m Anna. I believe mental health is one of the most universal—and most human—experiences we share. Everyone deserves the opportunity to feel grounded, confident, and at peace. My passion for this work comes from seeing how transformative therapy can be when people are given the space and support to truly understand themselves.

With over five years of experience in the treatment field, including three years as a Clinical Director, I specialize in substance use, acute mental health, and life transitions. I work with adults navigating stress, uncertainty, and major turning points, helping them gain insight and move toward stability and self-awareness.

Before becoming a therapist, I worked in the business world, which taught me the value of clear communication, structure, and solution-oriented thinking. I bring those same principles into therapy—blending empathy with practicality to help you take achievable steps toward a life that feels more stable and fulfilling.

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.