I graduated from Scarritt College with my undergrad in 1978, and completed my education at the University of Tennessee College of Social Work in 1981. I have worked continuously since then, primary in the mental health field.
I started my career working with older adults and then gained experience working with all ages. I have spent several years working within a psychiatric hospital setting, helping individuals and families cope during a crisis situation. This experience helped build a firm foundation for the work I have been doing as a counselor in Dickson, TN for the past 15 years.
I use a CBT - Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy - approach in sessions. It is a way of working with cognition (thoughts) and emotions. CBT helps us figure out if we are responding the way we want to respond or just going with an old, automatic response without considering a better option. It helps us look at interpersonal relationships in a way helps one manage their emotions and learn to see the situation from a different perspective.
I include EMDR therapy to help clients process childhood trauma and other traumatic events experienced during life. I choose scientifically validated approaches for my therapy that I have received additional training in beyond my professional degree.
I am invested in helping couples strengthen their commitment to their relationship and to build their relationship skills in order to experience the benefits of a long-term fulfilling relationship. I have trained with John Gottman, PhD, a leading marriage expert, to strengthen my relationship counseling. Investing in your relationship may be the single most important decision you make for yourself and your family.
Counseling helps us establish emotional wellness in our daily life. Counseling helps us receive nonjudgmental feedback and validation on whatever we might be feeling. It offers insight on how our emotions are affecting our everyday life. It allows us to get a sense of how we appear to other people and how to make better connections with others. It helps us learn to handle negative emotions resulting from problems or stress, even when those problems are not life altering or traumatic.
On a personal note, my husband and I had the privilege of raising a son and daughter. We are committed to our relationship of 31 years and enjoy spending time together in nature. I particularly enjoy hiking in the mountains and kayaking the rivers as a way to maintain balance in my personal life.
Sheila Levine Reaches
Dickson TN