About Ellen

I’m a licensed LPC-MHSP and Tennessee-based therapist. I earned my Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lipscomb University, with specialized training in substance use and play therapy/expressive arts. I also hold a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. I’ve worked in both residential and outpatient settings, providing individual and group therapy to clients ages 4 through 65+.

Outside of the therapy room, you’ll often find me outdoors, needlepointing, painting, or getting lost in a good fantasy novel. National Parks especially inspire me and remind me that growth unfolds in its own time. I love slow mornings, sunsets, creative afternoons, and spending time with my husband and our pets, Elvis, Arvi, and Baby Boo.

My self-care usually includes fresh air, imagination, long walks with friends, and a very cold, crisp Diet Coke along the way.

My Approach

My approach is collaborative and grounded in curiosity, compassion, and respect for your unique story. When helpful, I integrate person centered creative and expressive modalities to support deeper self-understanding. I believe growth is rarely neat or predictable, and some of the most meaningful change happens when we allow ourselves to sit with the hard moments rather than avoid them.

I especially enjoy incorporating sandtray and expressive arts into sessions, as creativity often helps us express what feels hard to put into words. My goal is to create a space that feels warm, supportive, and genuine, where you can show up exactly as you are. Therapy doesn’t require you to have everything figured out. Together, we’ll explore what’s happening in your life, build on your strengths, and develop tools to help you move through challenges with greater clarity and balance.

  • Traditional talk therapy is an important part of the work we do together. Through thoughtful conversation, reflection, and emotional support, we may explore patterns, relationships, and life experiences that may be impacting your well-being.

    This space is:

    • Collaborative

    • Compassionate

    • Non-judgmental

    • Centered on your goals and values

    • Centered in the the idea that you are the expert on your own story and have everything you need to grow already within.

    • My role is to walk alongside you with care, curiosity, and support.


  • Sandtray therapy provides a nonverbal way to explore emotions and experiences that may feel difficult to put into words. Using miniature figures and the sandtray, clients can express inner thoughts, memories, and feelings in a safe and creative space. I have completed advanced training in sandtray therapy and enjoy using it with individuals across the lifespan.

    This approach can support:

    • Emotional expression and regulation

    • Trauma processing

    • Identity exploration

    • Increased self-awareness and insight

    • No artistic skill is needed—only openness and curiosity.


  • I incorporate expressive and creative approaches into therapy, such as drawing, painting, writing, movement, sound, and storytelling. I am currently pursuing Level 1 training in Trauma-Informed Expressive Arts to deepen my ability to thoughtfully integrate these approaches into my work.

    Expressive arts can help you:

    • Connect with feelings that are hard to put into words

    • Ease stress, overwhelm, and anxiety

    • Build coping skills and emotional balance

    • Explore healing in a gentle and empowering way

    No artistic experience is needed. The focus is simply on expression, curiosity, and what the experience means for you.