Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Cookeville, TN

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.

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.

Hi! My name is Nicks Hasley. I graduated from Tennessee Technological University in 2022 I have experience working with kids, teens, and adults. I specialize in trauma and grief counseling. I also do career counseling along with counseling for depression and anxiety. I also have experience in with play therapy for children from 3-10 years old.

My name is Lacey Jackson, LCSW. I have been in private practice for 5+ years. My priority is to connect with clients while creating a trusting and comfortable environment.

For over 20 years I have had the pleasure of working with people from all walks of life in their journey of healing emotional pain. I value and respect the complexities that come with being human, recognizing that each person brings their own unique experiences and challenges. My approach centers on building trusting and compassionate relationships, which I believe are essential for healing. Through these supportive connections, many individuals have found recovery and growth, whether they are healing from childhood sexual abuse, rebuilding their lives after a divorce, or recovering from the pain of an affair

Hi! I'm a dual-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner, with 6 years working as an APRN with adults. My focus is ADHD, anxiety, and depression, you know, the stuff that shows up in daily life and makes everything feel harder than it should. I handle psychiatric evaluations and medication management, and I actually enjoy the process of figuring out what works for you, not just what works in general.

I’m Laura, a licensed therapist with 13 years of experience helping adults navigate life transitions, stress, and personal growth. I work with athletes, college students, new parents, and adults who want support managing challenges, building resilience, and finding balance. My approach is grounded, practical, and compassionate, drawing on my professional training as well as real-life experience. I create a safe space where clients feel heard, understood, and supported.