Our therapists offer sexual abuse therapy in Knoxville, TN

I am glad you are here. I'm Marissa, an LCSW with over a decade of clinical experience in mental health. I graduated from NYU's Silver School of Social Work in 2016 with honors. Prior to becoming a psychotherapist, I worked in law serving underserved populations, but found it difficult to make the impact I wanted, so I pivoted to this more balanced career. I bring knowledge of modalities like psychodynamic psychotherapy, EMDR, DBT, and CBT, along with a broad lens on systems from my law background. I am warm, relational, and love seeing my clients make progress. You will have my undivided attention and a safe space in every session.

My areas of focus include addiction—I've worked in detox, inpatient, and outpatient programs, and served as Clinical Director for two outpatient programs. Addiction and mental health often go hand-in-hand, so I treat both concurrently. I use EMDR for trauma, CBT and DBT for emotion regulation, and a psychoanalytic/psychodynamic approach in sessions.

Please do not hesitate to take this step with me. You will feel safe, heard, seen, assured, and positive in the initial session and following. I invite you to reach out and start your journey with me.

Krystal Shaffer is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 13 years of experience in the mental health field. She has worked with a variety of populations including, children and youth, geriatric, crisis management, substance use and general mental health. Krystal received her Masters in Social Work from East Tennessee State University. She participated in an intensive training in trauma focused CBT and DBT for her first two years as a therapist and this has shaped her therapeutic path.

Here are some words from Krystal herself:

I am a trauma informed cognitive behavioral therapist with a focus on using interventions for somatic recovery and cognitive reframing.

I treat the following disorders:

Trauma and stress related disorders such as CPTSD, PTSD, Adjustment, OCD, Social Phobia, General Anxiety, Stress Management

Mood disorders including Depression and Bipolar. 

Crisis Care Management including Borderline Personality Disorder, Suicidality, self harm, and existential crisis 

ADHD, grief, women's health, outpatient substance abuse disorder, insomnia (behavioral interventions), emotion regulation, and self esteem

I am NOT trained in couples or family counseling, eating disorders, autism or gender dysphoria

I operate out of the following modalities and theories: CBT, DBT, ERP, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness Behavioral Interventions, client centered approach, Polyvagal theory, Trauma informed care (Cognitive Processing and Internal Family Systems). 

I am also aware that not everyone is seeking OR in need of a specific intervention type of therapy. Sometimes we are looking for a place to be heard and a place to work through our own thoughts. I can provide a nonjudgmental atmosphere where we can work on identifying triggers for the current ailment, uncovering root cause, provide a validating listening environment, and refer to other professions to help with your individual healing journey. (psychiatry, psych NP, nutritionist, medical PCP, holistic health practitioners, case management or other community resources such as AA, NA, homeless shelters, domestic violence shelters etc.)