Family therapy and counseling in Franklin, TN

Howdy, and welcome! My name is Alicia, and I'm a licensed professional counselor in Tennessee. I work with folks who might be dealing with the effects of trauma, anxiety, or depression.

Choosing the right provider is an important step in your healing, and I strive to make that decision feel safe, supportive, and empowering. I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who brings both professional expertise and personal understanding of mental health challenges into my work. I care deeply about creating a space where you feel genuinely heard, respected, and understood. I work with adolescents and adults ages 15 and older, helping individuals navigate concerns such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, and feeling stuck. I offer both in-person services near Knoxville and telehealth across Tennessee to make quality care more accessible.

With over a decade of experience, I offer tailored therapy for diverse challenges: Disruptive Behavior, Parental Stress, LGBTQIA Support, Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, Relationships, Grief, Life Transitions, BIPOC Concerns, and Personal Growth. I use a holistic approach integrating Trauma-Informed Care, CBT, and Behavior Therapy. Let's work towards healing and growth together!

Shaped by own life experiences, I became a social worker to help people navigate the uncertainties of life. We have all gone through transitions in life from career changes to family changes. It can be really hard to do that alone. After earning my degree in social work, I dedicated my career to roles helping adults, youth, and family systems. I understand how difficult it can be to go through a separation/divorce, family changes, job changes, growing into teen years and added stress - especially while also trying to manage the day to day life. Ive been there myself! My mission is to foster hope, stability, a listening ear, and skills you can walk away with.

I began my counseling career as a school counselor. I have been an LPC/MHSP since 2010. I am an empty nester with three successful adult sons that I raised on my own. I am highly neurodivergent and gifted at the use of multiple modalities in treating complex trauma. This is NOT talk therapy. This a working collaboration. I meet my client where they are and challenge them to reach their goals.

Sharmen Rutherford is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Mental Health Service Provider, Internationally Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, and a Ketamine Integration Therapist. She is currently accruing hours to earn her Certified Eating Disorder Specialist credential through the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals and has completed Vital’s Psychedelics Assisted Psychotherapy and Ketamine Integration Therapy Program.

With more than 17 years of professional clinical experience in the counseling field, Sharmen has helped clients facing addiction and substance use disorders, anxiety, co-occurring disorders, depression, eating disorders, trauma, PTSD, self-harm, school pressures, relationship issues, loss and grief. It is her passion to provide college students, young adults, women, and men with the tools and resources that they need to cope and make a better life for themselves.

Sharmen holds a Master of Arts degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Alabama. She has provided mental health services to adolescents and adults for numerous local mental health organizations, including an alternative school, the Alabama Department of Mental Health at Taylor Hardin Secure Medical Facility, two residential substance abuse treatment facilities, and a halfway house.

Sharmen is a former Advisory Board member and a Board of Directors member for 3 years for the Alabama School of Alcohol and other Drug Studies. She is also a former Board of Directors Hospitality Chair and Secretary of the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals for the Alabama Chapter.

Launched in June 2018, Sharmen is also the founder of All Things New Counseling Services, LLC located in Johnson City, Tennessee.

I am a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who is passionate about helping women feel supported, understood, and empowered in their mental health care. My practice focuses on women’s mental health, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, mood disorders, and perinatal mental health concerns throughout pregnancy, postpartum, and other major life transitions.

I believe mental health care should feel personal, collaborative, and judgment-free. My goal is to create a space where you feel comfortable being honest about what you are experiencing while knowing that your concerns will be taken seriously.

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.

I’m a therapist who creates a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can show up as your full, authentic self. I believe healing happens when we feel seen, heard, and challenged in a supportive way. I work with individuals and couples to navigate anxiety, relationship struggles, life transitions, and emotional overwhelm.

My approach blends evidence-based practices with real, honest conversation. I will help you build practical tools, increase self-awareness, and take accountability—while also giving yourself grace. My goal is to help you not just cope, but truly grow and feel empowered in your life.