Grief counselors and therapists in Knoxville, TN

When anxiety feels like it's running your life, or when thoughts keep looping no matter what you try, 25 years of experience makes a real difference. I'm Dr. Pamela Dobbins, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with more than two decades of practice working with adults through anxiety, panic, depression, and grief. I bring clinical depth and a direct, practical approach to every session. Clients often describe me as steady, clear, and genuinely invested in helping them build skills that last.

If you're feeling stuck — wrestling with anxiety that won't quiet down, a mood that swings without warning, anger that surfaces faster than you'd like, or the weight of past trauma — you don't have to sort through it alone. I work with adults who are juggling demanding lives while quietly carrying ADHD, depression, grief, chronic pain, or relationship strain that's hard to put into words.

I came to this work after 20 years as a broadcast operations engineer. When an injury changed my path, I earned my Master of Science in Social Work at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and I've been a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) since 2019. I've practiced in integrated medical clinics with clients of every age, in intensive outpatient care, and in residential settings, and today I work primarily with adults over telehealth across Tennessee.

I see my role as helping you understand where your struggles come from, get clear on what you want therapy to change, and build a concrete, step-by-step plan to get there

As a therapist with over a decade of experience, I recognize that taking the first step toward seeking therapy can be difficult, which is why I want to help clients feel comfortable discussing some of life's most challenging topics. As I near the end of my education in Counseling Psychology, I have honed my experience in trauma-informed care. I have experience in working with individuals across the lifespan, but have focused my recent work with adults aged 18+ with extensive trauma and anxiety.

Great to meet you. Reaching out for support can feel overwhelming, especially when you're carrying emotional pain, relationship challenges, or life circumstances that have left you feeling stuck or disconnected. I work with adults and adolescents experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, relationship issues, family conflict, trauma, grief and loss, identity concerns, and major life transitions. I understand that every person's story is different, and I believe healing begins by creating a space where you feel heard, understood, and supported. Whether you're struggling with overwhelming emotions, navigating changes within your family, coping with loss, or trying to better understand yourself, therapy can provide an opportunity to gain insight, build healthier coping skills, and reconnect with what matters most to you. My goal is to help you move toward greater balance, emotional wellness, and a more fulfilling life.