Hello! You have reached Forward Counseling’s Blog where we tackle mental health topics in an open, honest way in hopes that our stories will inspire you. Read, comment, and reach out to us!
Ryan Pepperman, a seasoned mental health professional with a bachelor's degree from the University of North Texas and an Ed.S. from Middle Tennessee State University, is now a provider at Forward Counseling. With experience as a school counselor in Tennessee and a global perspective, he aims to help individuals achieve their optimal well-being.
Read MoreEmily Newbury is a PsyD, LPC-MHSP (temp) and she has been a therapist for about five years.
It often feels like life gets more complicated as you move into adulthood. It can feel impossible to cope with the daily demands: work, school, relationships, food, family, friends, and self-care. It’s hard to juggle it all.
With these, Emily can help you manage the chaos and create calm. She specializes in working with young adults who are in transition and who struggle with disordered eating, anxiety, depression, chronic stress, and trauma. Perfectionism and inner critics make things worse, deepening depression, ramping up anxiety, and complicating our relationship with food and our bodies.
Can you relate?
She offers therapy specifically for college students, young adults, and early career professionals. Emily will help you break free from living in chronic stress mode by understanding the mind-body connection and collecting body-based regulation tools to create a sense of safety. You will work hand-in-hand with Emily through your concerns together and quiet that loud inner voice that says, “I’m not enough.”
Emily's job is to establish a calming, anchoring, non-judgmental presence while you face difficult situations and move into adulthood. As a trained psychologist, she has worked with college students and emerging adults for almost a decade. She is passionate about helping burned-out folks feel more connected!
Shae Pugliese, a therapist at Forward Counseling, prioritizes building strong connections with clients. She acknowledges the difficulty of finding a therapist and emphasizes creating a safe space for healing. Her techniques include trauma-informed care and mind-body practices to help clients move beyond coping and achieve their goals.
Read MoreDoes negative self-talk or life changes bring you down?
Therapy can help! Joshua Dotter, LMSW at Forward Counseling, uses various techniques to help clients understand themselves and their experiences.
Build trust, safety, and self-compassion in a non-judgmental environment.
Develop strengths, set goals, and navigate challenges to increase fulfillment in life.
Read MoreSeeking a path to self-discovery and inner peace? Quinlan Rhodes, a mental health counselor at Forward Counseling, tailors her approach using creative techniques like art therapy and meditation to help clients achieve their goals and cultivate fulfilling lives.
Read MoreDr. Marissa Gray, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a Doctorate in Nursing Practice from The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, has joined Forward Counseling as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Mental Health Nursing. With extensive experience in pediatric, adult, and recovery mental health, she specializes in resilience, holistic wellness, and trauma-responsive psychiatric care. Gray's interests include advocacy, education, community networking, and program development, aiming to empower healthcare providers and leaders in interdisciplinary teamwork to promote mental health, wellness, and resilience.
Read MoreCy Jones is a Licensed Master Social Worker who focuses on helping people achieve their goals by blending evidence-based practices with a strong therapeutic relationship. He sees clients as agents of change and creates a safe space for them to be their whole selves. He has experience working with college students and young adults, as well as the LGBTQ+ community. Cy uses various therapeutic approaches, including humanistic therapy, solution-focused therapy, and CBT, which are effective for depression, anxiety, stress, and low self-esteem. He graduated from Mississippi College with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and later earned a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Memphis. He values lifelong learning and cultural humility.
Read MoreElizabeth “Liz” Ferzacca, LMSW of Forward Counseling, offers profound insights into the transformative nature of life transitions. With a focus on holistic self-healing and building strong relationships with oneself, Liz helps individuals facing various life challenges, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and significant life changes. She combines a range of therapeutic techniques to create a safe and supportive space for clients. Let's delve deeper into Liz's perspectives on life transitions and learn how these pivotal moments impact our lives and well-being.
Read MoreHeather Brooke is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) with over ten years of experience. She offers teletherapy for individuals aged four and older in Colorado, Georgia, and Tennessee, as well as in-person sessions in Tennessee. Heather offers neurofeedback intensives and life coaching for couples, families, and groups nationwide. Born and raised in Central Texas, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and an Associate of Arts in Business from the University of Phoenix, as well as a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Adams State University. She is a member of the Chi Sigma Iota National and Professional Honor Society, the Colorado Counseling Association, and the National Board of Certified Counselors.
Read MoreRashelle Reynolds is a pre-licensed marriage and family therapist with a bachelor's in psychology and a master's in marriage and family therapy. With over 10 years of experience, she specializes in anxiety, trauma, stress, grief, and relationships. She uses her skills and tools to assist clients seeking peace and internal joy, providing a warm, safe space for clients to be themselves. She believes in the importance of peace and security for everyone.
Read MoreSarah Catherine Trumbull is a holistic therapist who believes healing comes from relationships and creating a safe environment for clients to feel heard and cared for. She works with individuals of all ages and walks of life, particularly those experiencing depression, anxiety, eating disorders, grief, low self-worth, trauma, and other life adjustments. She integrates cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness, and psychodynamic theory while acknowledging each person's unique story. Trumbull believes counseling offers a safe space to engage in one's story, reminding them of their worth and value, and helping them move towards wholeness and empowerment.
Read MoreNemetria Tate is a dedicated psychologist who understands that seeking assistance is a courageous step toward growth. Holding a doctorate in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, she specializes in helping adults navigate challenges such as low self-esteem, boundary issues, communication hurdles, adapting to life changes, trauma, anxiety, and depression. Nemetria's therapeutic approach is centered around Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and other proven methods, all while maintaining a culturally sensitive and strengths-based perspective to ensure a customized and enriching therapeutic journey. Beyond her professional commitment, she finds joy in audiobooks, movies, and cherished moments spent playing games with loved ones.
Read MoreQ&A
with counselor Rachel McCullough, LMSW
Rachel is an empathetic, innovative, and experienced counselor who believes that each person is unique and wonderful. She aims to help clients take an introspective look at environmental factors, familial factors, personality traits and more to comprise a treatment plan tailored to each client.
Rachel works with clients ages 15 and up who are dealing with depression, anxiety, anger, ADHD, family and relationship issues, trauma, or are looking to find their purpose in life. She has experience working with the LGBTQ+ community and helping clients discover and show their true colors. She also has experience working with those who are going through a breakup, divorce, or experiencing issues with family dysfunction and conflict.
Why should someone see a therapist?
Someone should see a therapist much for the same reason they may take in their car; for a check-up, there’s something wrong they can pinpoint, there’s something wrong they can’t pinpoint, or the whole thing is on fire and they need some serious help. Going to therapy isn’t necessarily saying something is wrong, sometimes it’s the desire to take an honest look at one’s life and see what can be improved, or maintained.
What made you become a therapist?
I became a therapist because I’ve always been fascinated by how the mind works, and specifically how someone's environment, family, and predisposing factors can influence someone's daily decisions. As someone who’s lived with depression all their lives, I’m constantly striving to examine my daily actions, and repair my thoughts.
In your opinion, what makes a therapist great?
Deep empathy and unconditional positive regard. A good therapist will give their patient a sense of autonomy, and act as a guide more than a manager. Every person is capable of being their greatest self.
Why did you choose your specialty?
I myself am I bi-sexual multi-racial woman, so I’ve always held deep love the LGBTQ community, and any minority.
What types of clients do you prefer to work with and why?
I love working with LGBTQ clients, as well as adolescents ages 17+. Gen Z is truly fascinating to me, and they are the ones shaping the world right now.
What are the characteristics of a client who is the best fit for you?
Someone who is ready to change but is unsure of how. Someone who may feel scared, but can summon the courage to look at their shadow.
What therapeutic approaches do you use?
Feminist, Narrativ, Gestalt, CBT,DBT and Solution-Focused.
What types of assessments have you used in therapy?
Beck Anxiety and Depression inventory.
How do you use skills you have learned as a therapist in your own life? Do you have an example?
Probably traveling, it has given me such a beautiful perspective of how so many people are different due to culture, background, environment etc, but share some universal truths, such as the desire for love and connection.
If you weren’t a therapist, what would you be doing?
Singing, or something to do with the arts.
What piece of advice might you have for a potential client?
For a woman setting boundaries, I would ask them to look at the influences which keeps them from wanting to set that boundary..whether that be religious background, FOO,or how they see themselves in society. After an honest analysis, I would have them ask were these thoughts/rules/decisions made for you with your desires, goals, and values in mind? Are these rules benefiting you? If not create your own rules and enforces them with boundaries.
Do you typically recommend medication? What coping methods would you suggest to someone who does not want to take a prescribed medication?
Each case is different, so it’s difficult to say. If there are extreme symptoms then yes I would suggest looking into them with a prescribing professional, however if they are mild I may not, unless the client expresses a strong desire to try them. Coping methods I typically suggest are a change in diet/exercise/routine and the addition of meditation, grounding work, and of course, therapy.
How should a prospective client prepare for the first session?
Take a deep breath, have your favorite tea, and don’t overthink it! If it will help you write a couple of questions down so you don’t forget in the moment. In a typical first session it will be about getting to know each other, so no pressure.
Liz is a therapist with a mission to guide her clients to self-healing through learning how to build a healthy relationship with themselves. She likes to utilize holistic approaches that create safety and trust within, and focus on the mind, body, and soul to help clients learn how to work with difficult emotions.
She is trained in EMDR, Ego-state therapy, and TF-CBT. She also employs CBT, DBT-informed techniques, person-centered therapy, mindfulness, and somatic techniques when appropriate. She ultimately aims to provide a safe and supportive space for clients to explore their own human experience.
Why should someone see a therapist?
I think someone should see a therapist if they are struggling in life and don’t know how to work with their emotions. There is always a learning opportunity when you explore your human experience!
What made you become a therapist?
I wanted to become a therapist because of the experiences in my life. I wanted to help people alleviate their suffering. Now it’s because I want to help guide people to self-healing!
In your opinion, what makes a therapist great?
Understanding that we are human first. I think great therapist are those that understand that the person/client is the expert of themselves, and their lives and we are just guides helping them learn how to self-heal.
Why did you choose your specialty?
I chose my specialty because everyone has a story and a human experience that they have learned to adapt to. I want to help them understand that with guidance, people can learn to build a relationship with themselves cultivating trust and safety within that allows them to self-heal.
What types of clients do you prefer to work with and why?
I prefer to work with those struggling with anxiety, depression, and trauma. I have found it is so common and relatable amongst us all.
What are the characteristics of a client who is the best fit for you?
I want to work with people that are motivated for change, want to do the work, and are willing to explore their human experience to learn more about themselves.
What therapeutic approaches do you use?
I use holistic approaches such as parts work, EMDR, Ego-State, Attachment-based, CBT, DBT-informed, person-centered, trauma-informed, and somatic techniques.
What types of assessments have you used in therapy?
I have used CAFAS, trauma, substance abuse, and crisis assessments for children and adolescents in community mental health.
How do you use skills you have learned as a therapist in your own life? Do you have an example?
I use somatic techniques and parts work to work with my emotions and continue to build a relationship with myself. I incorporate movement in my life through dancing, skating, exercise, hiking, and PLAY (the most crucial of all) to cultivate trust and safety within.
If you weren’t a therapist, what would you be doing?
I would want to do something with somatic healing such as a dancer, skater, and/or movement instructor/trainer. I would love to be a somatic therapist/guide.
What piece of advice might you have for a potential client?
I would tell them that building a relationship with yourself is the most important relationship you will ever have. This allows you to get your needs met, communicate well with others, builds self-esteem, and allows you to establish boundaries. You learn to become more aligned with and rise in love with yourself.
Do you typically recommend medication? What coping methods would you suggest to someone who does not want to take a prescribed medication?
If that is something the client wants, I would refer them to a doctor qualified to prescribe medications. I would suggest holistic approaches that one can easily use such as breathing and somatic techniques to help work with your emotions.
How should a prospective client prepare for the first session?
I want my clients to know they can be themselves and we are all humans trying to navigate life. I understand what a privilege it is to share your story and innermost feelings with someone. I provide a safe space for people to allow themselves to be vulnerable. I want my clients to be open to exploring their human experience with me.
East Memphis, TN: 4646 Poplar Ave, Suite 302, Memphis, TN 38117
Mississippi: Address coming soon
Jackson, TN: 109 E Lafayette St, Jackson, TN 38301
Nashville, TN: 503 A Ligon Drive, Nashville, TN 37204
Knoxville, TN: Address coming soon
