Our therapists offer addiction counseling in Nashville, TN

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.

I am glad you are here. I'm Marissa, an LCSW with over a decade of clinical experience in mental health. I graduated from NYU's Silver School of Social Work in 2016 with honors. Prior to becoming a psychotherapist, I worked in law serving underserved populations, but found it difficult to make the impact I wanted, so I pivoted to this more balanced career. I bring knowledge of modalities like psychodynamic psychotherapy, EMDR, DBT, and CBT, along with a broad lens on systems from my law background. I am warm, relational, and love seeing my clients make progress. You will have my undivided attention and a safe space in every session.

My areas of focus include addiction—I've worked in detox, inpatient, and outpatient programs, and served as Clinical Director for two outpatient programs. Addiction and mental health often go hand-in-hand, so I treat both concurrently. I use EMDR for trauma, CBT and DBT for emotion regulation, and a psychoanalytic/psychodynamic approach in sessions.

Please do not hesitate to take this step with me. You will feel safe, heard, seen, assured, and positive in the initial session and following. I invite you to reach out and start your journey with me.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Tennessee with 30 years of professional experience. I specialize in helping individuals and couples manage stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, and addictions. I create a safe, open, and supportive environment where clients can share without fear of judgment. Taking the first step into therapy can feel overwhelming, but I am here to walk alongside you with compassion, encouragement, and respect for your unique journey.

I earned my Master’s in Social Work from West Virginia University. My approach integrates evidence-based practices such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, solution-focused therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy.

I understand that beginning therapy can feel intimidating, but I strive to make the process welcoming and supportive. My goal is to create a safe space where you feel heard and valued while building skills to support your growth. Together, we will work toward healing, resilience, and greater confidence in your everyday 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.)