andy @ the mend collective

I have come to believe that by the time we meet you have probably been judged by a long list of people, organizations, culture, etc... I believe you may need to give up who you should be to be who you are. 

Client's I work with tend to begin a journey toward discovering their own core values and beliefs, and with these discoveries, begin to ask for things, in life, that line up with those values and beliefs. This leads to purpose, fulfillment, and an authentic life. 

I accidentally attended a graduate school that granted the degree of Master's of Science in Social Work (MSSW). The graduate school science degree was granted due to the focus on neuroscience associated with behavior and attachment. This sparked an interest in the brain and I have practiced from a neuroscience perspective since. 

I was born and raised in East Tennessee. After becoming a father a little later in life  I decided on a mid-life career switch from corporate healthcare deciding to go to graduate school to become what I had always dreamed of being, a psychotherapist. In 2014, I graduated from University of Tennessee, Knoxville College of Social Work. I began work in East Tennessee with children and families working closely with Tennessee Department of Children's Services. I left this job to move to Asheville, NC, with my daughter,  to get married to my husband, Matthew, and have built a life of fulfillment, purpose, and authenticity. 

Neuroscience of Attachment, Neuroscience of Avoidance, Polyvagal Theory and Sympathetic Nervous System, Trauma, Developmental Trauma, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Harm Reduction, Body Image Dissatisfaction, Sexuality, Emotion Focused Family Therapy, Exposure Prevention Therapy, Cognitive Interweaving

Master's of Science in Social Work, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialists, Certified Supervisor Intern