Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Cookeville, TN covered by Aetna

At an early age most people are taught to be independent, strong, and self-sufficient. But, there are times in life when difficult situations can become overwhelming. During these difficult times in life some individuals do not realize that it is okay "Not to be Okay." Asking for help can be hard.

As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I'm committed to providing a safe and nonjudgmental environment for exploring pathways to psychological and emotional healing. Specializing in Dialectical and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, I believe everyone is worthy of love and happiness. I encourage people to see themselves through that same lens.

I am a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who provides compassionate, trauma-informed mental health care to adolescents and adults. Value building a trusting therapeutic relationship and meeting clients where they are. I use both medication and supportive therapy to help clients manage anxiety, depression, mood disorders, stress, and life transitions. Believing that healing happens when people feel heard, understood, and empowered to take steps toward change at their own pace.

Maybe you’re the person who holds everything together, but inside you feel anxious, overwhelmed, stuck in your head, or exhausted from trying so hard to get things right. Or maybe parenting is bringing up emotions and patterns you never expected. I work with adults navigating anxiety, trauma, ADHD, perfectionism, relationships, and parenting. I’m an EMDR-trained therapist, and I’ll help you understand what’s happening underneath—not just manage what shows up on the surface.

If you understand why you feel the way you do but still can’t seem to change the patterns keeping you stuck, therapy can go deeper than simply talking about what’s wrong.

Hi, I’m Emily Burgess, LCSW, PMH-C, CMNCS, owner of Conduit Counseling Collective. I work with clients who may look like they’re functioning well on the outside but internally feel anxious, overwhelmed, disconnected, stuck in old patterns, or exhausted from holding everything together.

My approach is warm, practical, collaborative, and whole-person focused. We’ll make space to understand your story and where your patterns came from—but we won’t stop there. I believe insight is most helpful when it leads to meaningful change in everyday life.

My work integrates evidence-based therapy with parts work, somatic approaches, nervous system regulation, and the connection between mental and physical wellbeing. When appropriate, we may explore how sleep, movement, nutrition, stress, relationships, and daily rhythms are impacting the way you feel. Mental health doesn’t exist separately from the rest of your body or your life.

I’ve worked in mental health since 2013 and have specialized experience in anxiety, life transitions, women’s mental health, and perinatal mental health.

Therapy with me is supportive, but it’s also active. I’ll bring curiosity, compassion, perspective, accountability—and probably some humor. You don’t need to have the right words or show up with everything figured out.

My goal is to help you better understand yourself, build trust in yourself, and turn insight into change that actually carries into your life.

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.

You can START therapy THIS week! You don't have to get on anybody's waiting list. My first priority is to relate to each person or couple as unique. Everyone has strengths that can be drawn on to help make therapy a positive, enriching, and productive experience. Let's work together so you can live your best life. No matter where you've been, what you've been through there's ALWAYS hope!

As a fully licensed therapist, I work collaboratively with you to better understand your experiences, identify patterns that may be impacting your well-being, and develop practical tools to help you move forward. My approach is compassionate, strengths-based, and focused on meeting you where you are.

I recognize that every person’s story is different, and I do not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. Together, we can explore what is most important to you, build on your strengths, and create meaningful goals that fit your life.

You might look like you have everything together on the outside, but inside you feel overwhelmed, anxious, or mentally exhausted from carrying so much for so long. When you’re used to being the strong one, it can be hard to slow down or ask for help. You don’t have to do this alone. I provide a supportive space where you can understand your emotions, reduce stress, and begin moving toward feeling more balanced, confident, and in control.