Memphis, TN Providers (Copy)

Jennifer Riddle is a provisionally licensed mental health counselor at East Memphis. She strives to create a safe space for clients to process any experiences in their lives that have impacted the way they think, feel, and act in the world. Traumatic experiences (big and small) affect the way we see ourselves and the world and her job is to help clients understand how to change outdated ways of thinking and acting that no longer serve them.

Jennifer has experience working with clients who identify as LGBTQ+ and/or disabled, as well as those experiencing trauma symptoms (including C-PTSD), identity development concerns, mood disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety), gender dysphoria, dissociative symptoms, and more.

Her theoretical orientation is centered around humanism, which focuses on the client as a whole person, rather than just their symptoms. Some approaches she often utilize include Trauma-focused-CBT, Strengths-Based, Mindfulness, Person-Centered, Solution-Focused, and Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT).

Jennifer is a native Memphian. In her free time, she enjoys playing video games, reading, and walking with her two dogs at the park.

Tyra A. Watts, Ph.D., tLPC/MHSP, NCC, CRC, CHWC, IPEC, CVE believes that our natural self is always ever-evolving and isn’t in a fixed, definable state. The closer we move toward our organic, natural self, we move from rigid definitions to embracing the ever-unfolding flow osdf being. We encounter external factors that know just the right buttons to push. If you are feeling stuck in negative patterns, dealing with unresolved pain, or simply seeking deeper fulfillment, you are welcome here. You don’t have to do it alone.Tyra is here to help clients manage symptoms of depression, anxiety, trauma, stress, career issues, relationship issues, and women's issues especially when dealing with menopause.

She uses evidence-based approaches that are integrative in nature, drawing from various methods to create a tailored approach for each individual and situation. Whether it's through counseling, coaching, or consulting, all services are individualized to help you achieve a balanced life and give you a sense of fulfillment.

Thus, Tyra believes that healing is a collaborative endeavor that requires honest caring without judgment to assist clients in clarifying their goals for treatment. Her approach to therapy is warm, supportive, and curious; with a bit of humor. Tyra’s goal is to join you in building awareness and guide you on your journey of self-discovery.

Jamie Moses is a Nationally Certified Counselor with a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Memphis. She works with adolescents and adults to navigate challenges related to trauma, attachment-based issues, interpersonal conflicts, substance use, gender dysphoria, personality disorders, neurocognitive disorders, and emotional dysregulation.

Jamie often begins therapy looking for change and improvement, and maybe you’ve recently noticed increasing problems in your relationships, workplace conflict, or changes in your sleep patterns. With this awareness, you might be caught in a cycle of shame and emotional suffering.

What if we replace the feelings of shame and suffering with compassion, curiosity, and acceptance?

Her approach to healing is to create lasting transformation by bringing our unconscious beliefs to awareness so they can be transformed in a way that frees us from pain and allows us to live the lives we want to lead.

A phrase you’ll often hear from her is to “remain curious,” and that’s because she believes curiosity is a key ingredient to self-exploration and growth. Jamie looks forward to walking side-by-side with you on the journey to holistic healing.  

We all experience this world in different ways. Joshua’s focus is to assist in gaining awareness of how internal and external interactions shape the experience. Through a nonjudgmental and compassionate approach, he forms a relationship that encourages trust and safety. In this space, we utilize insight and different perspectives to encourage and challenge you to make your desired changes. His goal is empowerment in discovering authenticity and increased fulfillment with your experiences. With a background in multiple levels of care, he provides a variety of tools for the work you choose to do. Whether you are working through anxiety, depression, trauma, or multiple variations of grief due to life changes, you don’t have to walk alone.

Cy Leist is a Licensed Master Social Worker passionate about helping people acquire the skills they need to reach their goals. His aim is to blend evidence-based practices with an emphasis on building a strong therapeutic relationship. Cy sees his clients as the master of their stories and as their own agents of change. He hopes to create a safe space where clients are free to be their whole selves, free of judgement. Cy has a background working with college students and young adults and finds that to be a population of special interest to him. He also loves working with the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. While he tries to tailor a treatment plan uniquely to the client, he favors several therapeutic approaches. These include humanistic therapy, solution-focused therapy, and CBT. These modalities are particularly effective for those experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, and low self-esteem.

Cy graduated from Mississippi College with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 2021. He then transitioned to the University of Memphis, where he received a Master of Social Work degree in 2023. Cy especially likes the “person-in-environment” (PIE) perspective upon which social work is built. Rather than simply looking at the individual person, Cy feels it is important to look holistically at the internal and external factors that may be contributing to a presenting problem. One of Cy’s core values is lifelong learning, and he is a strong advocate of cultural humility both in and outside of the therapy room.

Lauryn is a certified Physician Assistant with a kind demeanor and compassionate personality towards all clients, regardless of age, ethnicity, sexual orientation or self-identify.

Lauryn enjoys working with clients who are experiencing depression, anxiety, ADHD, issues with attention and alcohol consumption (Sinclair Method). She has a background working with children, adolescents and young adults who are dealing with ADHD and autism. She believes in spending time with each client to truly hear and understand their symptoms.

She has a passion for helping clients find the correct path to medication management, especially those who are new to medication or feel like they have tried a bit of everything without finding what works well.

Lauryn graduated from Christian Brothers University with a BS in biology in 2013 and a Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies in 2017. She has experience working in Emergency Medicine and neurology. She is eager to help clients from every background find a holistic pathway to their brain health and medical treatment.

Low self esteem, relationship problems, and communication issues can be incredibly frustrating to deal with. Nakicia is here to help clients on their journey to find and use their voices. She has over 10 years of experience working with children and families dealing with depression, anxiety, anger, behavior issues, and chronic medical conditions. She is here to work with clients in a variety of ways. Nakicia offers individual, couples, and family therapy.

Nakicia uses a variety of therapeutic process with an emphasis on Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy. She believes in partnering with the families to reach desired outcomes during therapy. Nakicia is also a Gottman Trained Couples Therapist offering couples sessions.

Katherine approaches therapy with the goal of helping clients feel safe and comfortable to explore their needs and wants from a stance of empowerment.

She utilizes empathy, authenticity, creativity, and humor to create a warm atmosphere where clients can work through past issues, productively plan for the future, and encounter themselves honestly as each moment unfolds in the present.

Katherine works with clients ages 13+ and is skilled in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, body image, self-esteem, anger management, and transition issues. She also has specialized training and experience working with older adults with dementia and other cognitive and age-related changes. She also works with teenagers and adults of all ages who identify as LGBTQIA+ and is well-versed in helping clients who are questioning their identities, beginning the coming-out process, and/or transitioning. She is included as a recommended specialist for transgender mental health in the local OUTMemphis Resource Guide and can provide letters of recommendation for gender affirming medical treatment and surgical procedures.

In practice, she integrates therapeutic modalities of narrative therapy, somatic experiential techniques, emotion-focused therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and attachment theory and inner child work. Her approach is heavily informed by Feminist and Queer theories.

She attended Hendrix College and received a BA with Honors in Psychology and a minor in English. She then attended the University of Memphis to obtain an MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, after which she obtained her Doctor of Education in Counseling (EdD).

Tristan is a national certified counselor with a wide array of experience working with kids, adolescents, and young adults.

Tristan believes in meeting clients where they are, as everyone has a different and unique journey that has led them to where they are today. She offers an open-minded and judgment-free space so clients can feel safe to be their authentic selves through their journey.

She has experience working with clients who are in the midst of life changes, trauma symptoms, transitional/adjustment issues, identity development concerns, interpersonal difficulties, anger problems, mood disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety), and destructive behaviors/urges (e.g., suicidal ideation, non-suicidal self-injury) to list a few.

Her theoretical orientation depends on the client's presenting concerns, as this process is individualized to meet the client's needs. Some approaches include Dialectical-Behavior Therapy, Strengths-Based, Mindfulness, Person-Centered, Solution-Focused, Adlerian, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), and Trauma-Focused CBT.

She is a native Memphian and loves to serve this community. She earned her M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and B.A. in Psychology. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in the Counseling Education and Supervision program at the University of Memphis. Go Tigers!

Are you ready to grow mentally, emotionally and spiritually? Michael believes that every human being has the capacity and right to think, feel, learn, love, and to grow into one’s maximum potential. He helps clients develop the coping skills, motivation, self esteem, confidence, and perspective taking needed to face struggles within and outside of one’s self.

He utilizes a variety of therapeutic approaches, including but not limited to experiential, humanistic, person centered, cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavioral, solution focused, motivational enhancement, and acceptance and commitment therapies.

Krystle is a caring and friendly LENS Neurofeedback technician who takes pride in not only listening to her clients, but making sure they feel truly heard.

Krystle was certified in LENS Neurofeedback at Ochs Labs. While she has always had an interest in psychology and the functions of the human brain, she did not realize her calling in brain health until she began LENS Neurofeedback for herself, here at Forward Counseling.

After seeing the results of LENS Neurofeedback sessions on her own brain health, Krystal realized how much it could help others who are struggling. As a former Chief Financial Officer of a women’s shelter for domestic violence victims, she immediately saw the need for LENS Neurofeedback in communities like these that are suffering and may not have fair access to innovative resources to treat debilitating symptoms of trauma and PTSD.

Krystal works with clients with all backgrounds and mental health diagnoses. She is fascinated with how effective LENS Neurofeedback has been for a number of clients with a diverse list of diagnoses, including herself, and is passionate about spreading the awareness and accessibility of invaluable brain health services like LENS Neurofeedback. Click here to learn more about LENS Neurofeedback!

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.

Liz works with adults who are struggling with life’s difficult experiences like anxiety, depression, trauma, and life changes. She enjoys working most with those who are motivated for change, ready to do the work, and are willing to learn more about their human experience in order to grow their understanding of their true selves.

She is trained in EMDR, Ego-state therapy, and TF-CBT. She also employs CBT, DBT-informed techniques, person-centered therapy, mindfulness, and integrative somatic techniques when appropriate. She ultimately aims to provide a safe and supportive space for clients to explore their own human experience.

Everyone has a story and experiences that they have learned to adapt to, and Liz aims to help clients understand that with guidance, it is possible to build a relationship with oneself to cultivate a life grounded in trust, safety, and habitual self-healing.