Find a therapist in Johnson City, TN — covered by insurance

My name is Emily Hand, I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), an evidence-based therapy that is particularly effective for trauma. With 8 years of experience, I work with adults and have a diverse background of experience with trauma, addiction, compulsive behaviors, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, and relationship problems. I’m passionate about this work, because when we internalize pain we often believe there’s something wrong with us, but what I’ve found is that it’s not about who you are, but what has happened to you — and the ripple effects that follow.

I have been in private practice since 2015. I work mostly with adults around anxiety, depression, life changes and trauma. I provide a welcoming safe space for you to process your emotions and work on yourself.

Lisa Kruger PMHNP-BC. Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner -Board Certified. Attended Lincoln Memorial University for Nursing School and King College for Masters of Science in Nursing to obtain my Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Degree in Knoxville Tennessee. I have experience and passion for working with adolescent and teen patients. I have worked with the youth population in multiple capacities for many years. I also have experience treating all age populations for symptoms related to mild to severe depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, Oppositional Defiant disorder, anxiety, agoraphobia and divorce trauma recovery.

I believe that meaningful change happens in the context of safe, authentic relationships. Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, life transitions, or relationship challenges, my goal is to create a space where you feel genuinely heard, understood, and challenged in ways that promote lasting growth.

I earned my Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and work with adults, couples, and families. While relationships are a primary area of focus, I also work with individuals facing attachment wounds, overwhelming stress, emotional disconnection, and patterns that leave them feeling stuck. My approach is warm, collaborative, and practical. Rather than simply helping you manage symptoms, I want to help you understand what is driving them so meaningful change becomes possible.

I have over 20 years of experience providing psychotherapy across a wide range of settings, including acute and non-acute mental health, residential treatment, and outpatient care. Throughout my career, I've worked with adults, adolescents, individuals, and couples facing everything from everyday life stressors to more complex emotional and psychological challenges.

While I work with a broad range of concerns, I have particular interests in relationship counseling using the Gottman Method, chronic pain utilizing Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT), addiction, borderline personality disorder using DBT, and anxiety-related disorders. I also frequently help clients navigate life transitions, relationship difficulties, parenting, work stress, panic, and general emotional well-being.

One thing that deeply shapes my work is a genuine curiosity about the human condition. I believe every person's story makes sense when we take the time to understand it. Rather than viewing people through the lens of a diagnosis alone, I strive to understand the experiences, relationships, beliefs, and circumstances that have shaped who they are. I see therapy as a collaborative process of exploration, insight, and meaningful change.

I am an LCSW with a Master's of Social Work degree and have been in field over 12 years.