Clinical Director
Licensed Professional Counselor, MHSP
(she/her/hers)
laura@opendoorcounselingtn.com
(629) 201-2710
in-person and telehealth

I am constantly amazed at the resilience of the human spirit, despite all we encounter throughout life. My hope—and Open Door’s hope—is to provide you with support and a therapeutic relationship within sessions that helps you better understand yourself and your relationships outside of therapy. When we get stuck, sometimes we need someone or a community of someones to throw us a life raft.

Some modalities and methods I use in my practice: Psychodynamic therapy, Gestalt, and elements of somatic, CBT, DBT, and Internal Family Systems. I use these practices in collaboration with what you, the client wants from our time together. I am trauma-informed in my practice of the theories and techniques I use.

All faiths, sexual orientations, gender identities, all races and abilities are welcome in our practice. I personally identify as a queer, bisexual, cisgender provider, a parent, a spouse, a person with ADHD, and someone in recovery. I’ve been working with the LGBTQIA2S+ community since 2018, and since then have received additional training in kink and polyamorous relationships, parenthood and pregnancy, anti-racism, ADHD and OCD diagnoses, and trauma. I’ve received over 30 hours of training on providing trauma-informed transgender and gender-affirming healthcare.

In my off hours I’m hiking the hills of Middle Tennessee with my kid, listening to 90s rap or old country, drawing and painting, or watching the newest horror movie in theaters.

Laura sees clients 18+. She takes BCBS commercial plans, BCBS Blue Advantage (Medicare), Optum, Oscar, United, Aetna, Cigna, HSA savings, and private pay.

Internship Coordinator, Licensed MSW
(she/her/hers)
sierra@opendoorcounselingtn.com
(629) 258-8822
telehealth only

Life a “bit too much” lately? Feeling overwhelmed? Alone? Existing in unprecedented times can make it feel like mental health has to be on the backburner, but I believe in prioritizing joy, happiness, and rest to endure what feels impossible. Using evidence-based, trauma informed practices, I work with clients to find their true self and slowly strip away external stressors so that they are prepared to take on life in full force. I enjoy helping solo clients, as well as any type of partner arrangement, in navigating difficult conversations and establishing healthy boundaries.

I am a queer, secular MSW working within an LGBTQ+ friendly practice both in person and virtually. In addition to generalized and social anxiety, I focus on working with clients with depression, gender and non-binary transitions, church trauma, climate anxiety, overthinking, the coming out process, overcoming white fragility, and internalized fatphobia. Kink and poly friendly, sex work positive and full of love for all. It is normal for the traditional formal therapy process to feel a bit intimidating, but my sessions are tailored to each individual so you leave feeling empowered and with the skills you need to take on your life. Being in Nashville for over ten years with my partner and our four cats, I understand the role that just existing in the South plays in my client’s lives. When not in the office I love to travel, bake, read and nap!

Sierra sees clients 18+ and specializes in OCD, polyamory and kink, LGBTQ+ issues, as well as religious and cult trauma. She takes Aetna, Cigna, HSA savings, and private pay, and works with Thrizer to make using insurance benefits easier for her clients.

Licensed Professional Counselor, MHSP (temp)
(she/her/hers)
nikki@opendoorcounselingtn.com
(615) 509-9867
in-person and telehealth

“I am who I am connected to. I am because we are.” In Tagalog, this is what is called kapwa, and within the Filipino culture, it means that inclusiveness is the moral obligation to treat one another equally. I approach therapy with all my clients with the understanding that we are all deeply interconnected with the people we love and surround ourselves with.

I believe the path we walk often has been carved for us through culture and generations of trauma that have been passed down to us. I also believe that we can break patterns and create new paths for ourselves and those who follow after. When we can find the roots to who we are we find new levels of vulnerability and authenticity. We can take on what is ours, and let go of what is not. Let’s walk that together. Methods I use are Imago Therapy, Brainspotting, Narrative Therapy, and Relational Cultural Therapy.

I previously served on the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention board and council for over seven years and currently serve as Board President for Pillar-Peer. I have twelve years of experience in integrative medicine and a bachelor's degree in Fine Arts/Graphic Design. My background is diverse, and that has allowed me to view my clients through various lenses and meet them where healing feels safest. 

In my free time I enjoy hiking, yoga, paddleboarding, traveling, and time with my dogs and family.

Nikki accepts individual and couples 18+, specializes in complex trauma, suicide loss, grief, attachment trauma, and BIPOC/AANHPI cultural issues. Nikki takes private pay, HSA, Aetna and Cigna.

Licensed Masters of Social Work
(he/him/his)
brian@opendoorcounselingtn.com
(615)265-1009
in-person and telehealth

You don’t have to try so hard to be good. You are not your old patterns. My goal is to help you uncover and release the beliefs that keep you from recognizing your innate goodness. I love working with people who want to feel rather than react, those seeking to make a friend of their mind and break free from habitual cycles of thought, emotion, and behavior. This is your time to feel what longs to be felt. Together, we’ll explore how to find balance on the path you’re already walking—because freedom isn’t waiting somewhere else. It’s right here.

With an extensive background working with clients struggling with substance use, depression, anxiety, grief, self-esteem, process addiction, and trauma, I bring a wide variety of experiences to my therapeutic practice. I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Brainspotting, both of which help clients process and heal traumatic experiences. My therapeutic approach is informed by mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapy, internal family systems therapy, and the liberation health model. Furthermore, I have practiced in residential and inpatient levels of care, alongside volunteer experience in hospice settings, offering compassionate support to individuals navigating the end-of-life process.

Beyond my clinical work, I strive to effectively advocate for social change by collaborating with communities and organizations to address legislative and policy issues. I understand that everyone is affected by societal stressors, and working towards more equitable social policy is a vital part of increasing the well-being of everyone. I am a father and happily in love with my wife. In my spare time, I enjoy playing video games with my friends, reading science fiction, and practicing mixed martial arts.

Brian sees clients 16+ and specializes in complex trauma, substance use history and recovery, and mindfulness-based awareness of thoughts and emotions. He takes Aetna, Cigna, HSA savings, and private pay.

Licensed Professional Counselor, MHSP (temp)
(she/her/hers)
(629) 201-2710
in-person and telehealth

"One of the most calming and powerful actions you can do to intervene in a stormy world is to stand up and show your own soul." -Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estés 

To my overthinkers, intellectualizers, hyperaware, and those who heard you're "too" anything: how are those 18 tabs running in your mind? Do you laugh or sigh when someone mentions slowing down? All the layers might feel a little too heavy, and peeling them back feels scary or even daunting. Maybe you've been asked where you feel in your body without time to process or feel safe to connect, while feeling your emotions so deeply with nowhere to go.

You're right. Life doesn't have to feel like this, and I see you. You have already taken the most challenging step in your journey by seeking help and healing. I know that silent battles are often the most challenging, and asking for help can feel overwhelming. My goal is to meet you where you are, flashlight and extra batteries in hand. We can battle the darkness together. 

I am an out lesbian with ADHD who grew up in the South with a personal understanding of the nuances that come with that journey. I hold a dual Masters in Health and Human Performance and Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I creatively blend health and mental health into a holistic wellness approach to connect the mind and body. This is not just talk therapy—in sessions we will explore mind-body awareness for bone deep emotional release. Notice the we– I come at therapy from a relational, collaborative mindset. Some of my therapeutic practices, methods, and modalities are: Brainspotting, Somatic Therapy, Relational Therapy, and Neurobiological. Our sessions might include nervous system regulation skills, mind-body connection, and finding a safe space to let your emotions breathe. Spiced with laughter, tears, and everything in between, you are welcomed and affirmed precisely as you are.

When I’m not working, I'm hammocking in the forest with my dog, reading with my wife, writing angsty poems, or probably baking while listening to 2000s rock. 

Bonnie accepts individuals 16+, specializing in complex trauma, religious trauma, LGBTQIA+, identity work, and ADHD/neurodivergence. She takes private pay, HSA, and will soon be paneled with Aetna and Cigna Fall 2025.

Masters of Social Work Intern
(she/her/hers)
frances@opendoorcounselingtn.com
(629)201-2710
in-person and telehealth

We are excited to welcome Frances May 2025! Frances will begin adding clients in the coming weeks. Call to book an intake with her.

Frances’ rates range from $5-60/session.