Jen Biddle, LPC-MHSP

Education and Credentials:

• B.S. in Psychology (pre-graduate concentration), Middle Tennessee State University, 2004

• M.Ed. in Mental Health Counseling, Middle Tennessee State University, 2008

• Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision, Lindsey Wilson College, in process (all but dissertation)

• License # 3043

  I have extensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Gottman Method for couples (Level 3). I am trained in Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO DBT, Level 2). I completed training as a Gottman Seven Principles of Marriage Leader.

• I use the DART Method when working with developmental and relational trauma, based on the work of Pia Mellody. Jan Bergstrom’s book Gifts from a Challenging Childhood outlines the elements of this treatment method.

What can I expect from therapy with you?

• The therapy relationship is most important. I am a self-proclaimed research nerd and have training in a few evidence-based treatment models. However, I don’t believe in a “one size fits all” approach because each person has unique needs. We don’t all fit neatly into one box. While I will certainly bring skills and knowledge, I mostly want to get to know you and understand your concerns and problems. I won’t tell you what you HAVE to do. I will inform you and educate you so you can make the best decision for what you need.

• Therapy should be collaborative and interactive. You can expect me not to simply sit and nod my head. I’d be bored to tears.

• Plenty of genuineness, empathy, and humor! I’m tenacious and steadfast but also incredibly flexible. Who I am outside of being a therapist is who I am inside the therapy room. I’ll work hard to earn your trust.

• I don’t act like I know EVERYTHING. Does anyone? I’ll rely on you to give me feedback about how we’re doing and whether we are doing work that is helpful and meaningful to you. A good therapist should be able to balance knowing and not knowing. Knowing comes from experience and education. Not knowing means holding an openness to learning - about you and what you want and need.

• Connection and relationship are core values of mine. I think the therapy relationship should model healthy relationships. I will tell you what I think, but you don’t need to worry about being judged or criticized. I don’t even think that that way (unless I’m in Nashville traffic!)

• There isn’t a specific way you need to BE to come to therapy. Come as you are. We will figure it out together.

What kind of clients do you see?

I enjoy working with people who have these concerns:

• Couples - conflict, communication, infidelity, disconnection

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Mood disorders

• Relational concerns

• Relational and developmental trauma

• ADHD

• Austim, including PDA Autism

• Parenting challenges

What if I don’t know what’s going on, I just know something needs to change?

• That’s ok too! We can figure it out.