Our therapists offer DBT / dialectical behavior therapy in Chattanooga, TN

Brian Kjelvik is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Mental Health Service Provider (LPC-MHSP) in the state of Tennessee with over 6 years of experience assisting clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting struggles, career challenges, divorce, loss, and emotional abuse. 

Brian earned his Master's degree in Clinical Psychology from Austin Peay State University. His approach combines cognitive-behavioral (CBT), humanistic, solution-focused brief therapy, and mindfulness. Brian will tailor the dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step the Brian is here to support and empower you.

His goal is to help you find a way to heal and grow from what you are processing. Brian believes in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and he does not believe in stigmatizing labels. Team up with him to get expert insight and guidance as you start down the path toward self-discovery. 

I am a licensed professional counselor with a mental health service provider designation (LPC-MHSP) and 21 years of experience supporting adults ages 18 to 99. I specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, life transitions, relationship concerns, and identity exploration. I also help clients navigate career stress, caregiving demands, academic pressure, and the impact of cultural and systemic stressors.

I earned my master’s degree in counseling from Freed-Hardeman University. My approach is collaborative, strength-based, and trauma-informed, integrating cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused techniques, and mindfulness-based strategies. I am committed to ongoing education and cultural humility in my work.

If you are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure of your next steps, I am here to walk alongside you. Together, we will build practical tools to strengthen emotional regulation, develop healthier thought patterns, and create meaningful, lasting change in your life.

Krystal Shaffer is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 13 years of experience in the mental health field. She has worked with a variety of populations including, children and youth, geriatric, crisis management, substance use and general mental health. Krystal received her Masters in Social Work from East Tennessee State University. She participated in an intensive training in trauma focused CBT and DBT for her first two years as a therapist and this has shaped her therapeutic path.

Here are some words from Krystal herself:

I am a trauma informed cognitive behavioral therapist with a focus on using interventions for somatic recovery and cognitive reframing.

I treat the following disorders:

Trauma and stress related disorders such as CPTSD, PTSD, Adjustment, OCD, Social Phobia, General Anxiety, Stress Management

Mood disorders including Depression and Bipolar. 

Crisis Care Management including Borderline Personality Disorder, Suicidality, self harm, and existential crisis 

ADHD, grief, women's health, outpatient substance abuse disorder, insomnia (behavioral interventions), emotion regulation, and self esteem

I am NOT trained in couples or family counseling, eating disorders, autism or gender dysphoria

I operate out of the following modalities and theories: CBT, DBT, ERP, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness Behavioral Interventions, client centered approach, Polyvagal theory, Trauma informed care (Cognitive Processing and Internal Family Systems). 

I am also aware that not everyone is seeking OR in need of a specific intervention type of therapy. Sometimes we are looking for a place to be heard and a place to work through our own thoughts. I can provide a nonjudgmental atmosphere where we can work on identifying triggers for the current ailment, uncovering root cause, provide a validating listening environment, and refer to other professions to help with your individual healing journey. (psychiatry, psych NP, nutritionist, medical PCP, holistic health practitioners, case management or other community resources such as AA, NA, homeless shelters, domestic violence shelters etc.)