Trauma Therapist - Trauma Therapy of Nashville

Hi, I’m Melanie!

I am the founder of Trauma Therapy of Nashville, a private practice serving clients struggling with Trauma, Women’s Issues, Relationships & Chronic Pain and Illness. We are located on Music Row in Nashville, TN. We are a group of practitioners that believe healing occurs by treating the whole person.

My belief that our mind and body are deeply connected has helped me develop a unique approach to mental health wellness with these things in mind. I use clinically tested and evidence-based interventions such as:

Animal Assisted Psychotherapy (AAP)
Brainspotting (BSP)
Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)
Trauma Informed Yoga and Mindfulness Practices

With extensive training in Trauma, Brain-based therapies, Integrative Cognitive-Behavioral and Mindfulness Therapies, I work to empower individuals to overcome personal obstacles and make lasting changes!

I do not meet with clients in the typical 1-hour, weekly session format. I offer Trauma Therapy Intensives to individuals that live in or travel to the state of Tennessee. Intensives focus on regulating the client’s nervous system (where trauma is stored) and processing trauma with brain-based, evidence-based modalities. Depending on the client’s specific needs and goals, they may choose a 5-Day Intensive or Extended Therapy Sessions, typically 2-3 hours.

How Do I Know If This is the Right Fit?

I work with clients that typically have experienced some or all of the following:

Acute Trauma
Attachment Trauma
Childhood Trauma
Complex Trauma
Developmental Trauma
Historical Trauma
Medical Trauma
Physical Trauma
Recent Event Trauma
Relational Trauma
Spiritual and/or Religious Trauma

Often times, clients have tried traditional talk therapies and did not see the benefits they were looking for. My clients have done the work that has created a strong foundation to their healing process, but are ready to dig deep and resolve issues that have been a struggle for many years.

Typical issues addressed in sessions

Affairs
Anxiety
Childhood Trauma
Coping Skills
Depression
Dissociation
Divorce
Emotional Abuse
Life Transitions
Mental, Social & Physical aspects of dealing with chronic pain conditions
Mood Related Challenges
PTSD
Relationship Dysfunction
Self-Worth/Self-Identity
Sexual Abuse/Assault
Spiritual Abuse
Substance Use and Abuse
Trauma Rooted in Eating Disorders
Traumatic Grief (losing a loved one to suicide, losing someone suddenly)

Therapy Sessions With Me

My style of therapy may be a little different from your typical therapist. As my client, I view you as the expert on your life. I do not view myself as the “know it all” in the room. I have some valuable information that my trainings have afforded me, but your life experiences are just as valuable to the work we will do together. We are a team in this process.

I am straight forward, honest and do not sugar coat things, which my clients have come to value in our sessions. I often have clients tell me “I knew it was something I needed to bring up in session because I didn’t want to hear your honest answer about it!” I like to throw in humor when I can, as I think laughter is good for the soul. We have hot coffee or tea, take our shoes off and pull our feet up, if it’s that kind of day… And one of my therapy dogs will most likely be curled up at your feet or snuggled on the couch next to you! I want you to have conversations you aren’t having or have been afraid to have out in the world, in the most safe environment possible.

A Little About Me

I have lived in Nashville since 2002 and consider this home. My favorite forms of self care are watching movies that hit every emotion, painting, art/theatre/comedy shows, interior decorating, being outdoors with my dogs and spending time with my friends. I also LOVE plants and currently have 60+ under my care!

Education & Trainings

Bachelors of Science in Human Development and Family Studies from Auburn University
Masters of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Trevecca Nazarene University
Certified Clinical Trauma Professional – CCTP
Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) – Level 2 Trained
Certified Brainspotting (BSP) Practitioner
Levels 1-3
Body Spotting – Brainspotting Trauma and Chronic Conditions in the Body
Generational Brainspotting with Somatic Archeology and Epigenetics
Brainspotting Master Class with David Grand: Neuro-Experiential Model for Complex Trauma, Attachment and Dissociation
I-EMDR Migraine Headache/Chronic Pain Protocol
Level 1 Trauma Sensitive Yoga
AAMFT Approved Supervisor