LGBT therapists in Johnson City, TN

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 work with people who feel stuck and are ready for change. Whether you’re facing stress, relationship issues, past hurts, or life transitions, I’m here to help you navigate what feels overwhelming. I’ve provided counseling to adults, youth, and couples in both community mental health and private practice. I’m licensed in Georgia and Florida and bring over 20 years of experience to our work together.

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.

As a licensed marriage and family therapist with 18 years of diverse experience, I proudly welcome people of all backgrounds. I provide therapy for individuals, couples and families and work with the following modalities:

• Somatic Therapy – Releasing trauma and stress stored physically in the body.

• EMDR – Processing distressing memories to reduce emotional triggers.

• Gottman Method – Strengthening communication and intimacy for couples.

• Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) – Healing relational bonds in couples and families.

• DBT-Informed – Managing intense emotions and building mindfulness skills.

• CBT – Reshaping negative thought patterns to change behaviors.

• Person-Centered – Providing a compassionate, non- judgmental space centered on you.

Sometimes your mind understands what’s happened, but your body still holds the impact. I’m trained in EMDR and Brainspotting, approaches that help gently process those deeper layers. My work integrates mindfulness and somatic awareness to support nervous system regulation, so change doesn’t just feel intellectual, it feels real, grounded, and lasting.

I am a licensed therapist specializing in anxiety, trauma, addiction and relationship challenges. I work with children, adolescents and adults to create a supportive space where healing and growth feel possible.

Specific modalities are Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Nurturing Parenting, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT), Psychotherapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Family Therapy, Solution-Focused, Mindfulness and Muscle relaxation.

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.

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 Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience helping clients. I am trained in EMDR, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Brainspotting, Trust Based Relational Intervention (TBRI), Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, and Trauma-Sensitive Yoga.