Kendyl Matthews Davidson, M.A. (Under Supervision)
Welcome!
My goal is to provide a space that promotes healing, safety, and comfort. To assist with safety, I am transparent with clients about what to expect, how I aim to assist, and provide education on what I bring to the room. To me, counseling is a collaborative effort and one that requires mutual trust.
I think it is wonderful that you are here. You have taken the first step in finding someone to support you on your journey towards living a life that feels more whole. Finding a counselor that is a good fit for you can feel scary and overwhelming. Entering into a therapeutic relationship is different than any other relationship in your life, but the similarity is that some relationships work and some aren’t the best fit. Whether you chose to work with me or another counselor, I genuinely hope you find someone that can trust and feel safe with.
Counseling can be scary. You are entering into a space that encourages vulnerability and growth. That can feel awkward and uncomfortable with a stranger.
Curious About The Therapeutic Process?
First, we will chat on the phone or over email to figure out if it’s a good fit. I will briefly ask you about why are looking to begin counseling, what your goals are, and what challenges you are facing. Next, we will meet for our first session together where I will introduce you to the space, develop a sense of safety, and we will further explore what brings you in.
The next step includes action, taking what we practice in the counseling room and integrating it in your life in a way that makes sense for you. Don’t worry, we will work towards this together!
How Do I do Therapy?
I am under the belief that no one intervention works for everyone. I tailor the counseling process to the client and their specific needs. I use an integration of emotionally focused individual therapy and mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapy. I practice through the lens of polyvagal theory, which focuses the regulation of the autonomic nervous system. I also incorporate expressive therapies, particularly art therapy for clients that are interested.
You May be Wondering if Counseling is the Right fit for you Right Now.
Counseling can be incredibly helpful for a variety of life’s challenges. Are you going through a life transition? Have you recently experienced a loss? Is there trauma from your past that you are struggling to navigate? Are you struggling with intimacy, fertility, pregnancy or postpartum? Are you struggling to connect with yourself and/or others?
Are you feeling worthless, feeling like it’s impossible to love yourself? Does the concept of existing as a human feel really overwhelming right now?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, this can be a wonderful indicator that counseling may be beneficial right now.
What Drew Me to the Counseling Profession?
I initially came to the realization that I wanted a career in the mental health field toward the end high school. As a student with a sensitive heart, zealous for transformation, and recognition of how much the field of mental health had saved me, I worked to continue my education. I studied studio art, psychology, and social justice in undergrad with the goal of becoming an art therapist.
As life would have it, I veered from that path for a while following my bachelor’s degree. I wondered if I was being called elsewhere. I found a wonderful therapist to help me find my way again. I felt lost, disconnected, unsure of my next steps and my purpose.
I felt isolated, and I felt like I had failed. Through the process of gaining a sense of self, finding some regulation and purpose, and feeling less alone, my passion and calling into the field of mental health returned with a new perspective and a great deal of hope and wonder. I then pursued a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling.
My Background Experience:
Formal Education: Master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Trevecca Nazarene University
Specialized trainings:
Emotionally Focused Therapy externship
Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga Foundational Training I completed, pursuing certification
Integrative Polyvagal Theory for trauma, anxiety, depression, anger, attachment, & more
Healing Grief and loss
NEI training on trauma theory, process, and interventions
Perinatal Mood Disorders: Components of Care
Advanced Perinatal Mental Health Psychotherapy
LPC-MHSP temporary license #7018 (under supervision of Samantha Carter-Orbke, LPC-MHSP, TN #3707 and completing requirements for full licensure in TN)
Have completed 80 hours of training in pursuit of an NEI certification in Human Sexuality through Southwestern College.
These trainings have focused on:
Adolescent sexuality; Navigating Self, relationships, and parts unknown
Erotic intelligence and pleasure literacy
Sexual inheritance; recognizing ancestral, familial, and Cultural messages
Understanding and working with sexual trauma
The anatomy of couple’s therapy
When I am not in a counseling session, I am typically spending time with my husband and our dog, spending time outside, or planning a next adventure. I love art, and expressing myself creatively, and I am always working on a project or dreaming up another one.
An invitation!
Now, here is where I warmly invite you to reach out to a mental health professional if anything above has connected with you. I would love to hear from you and connect with you.
Maybe you are reading this, and don’t feel like I am a good fit for you. That’s okay! I invite you to keep searching and find someone that you feel is right. I am here to walk with you on this journey of transformation and healing. Feel free to contact me, and we can schedule a time to chat. I look forward to hearing from you!