About
OUR THERAPISTS
Our Philosophy
The foundation of our practice is layered. In order to effectively work together, we believe that it is important to understand your past, as it informs your present. We believe that much of our resilience stems from our interactions with attachment figures—It is necessary to consider the context of your life in order to guide you toward finding peace and ease in the moment. Basically, your past matters, but it does not have to define you.
Our attachment to others goes hand-in-hand with how we view and interact with the whole of ourselves. At Simply Being we can help you to recognize and accept your psychological and neurophysiological responses to disappointments and all forms of trauma. All of this will allow you to build capacity to hold and resolve your pain. In this practice, all practitioners incorporate knowledge of the brain and body, using both “talk” therapy and somatic approaches.
Simply Being was established to be a safe and therapeutic space and community for survivors of trauma and those experiencing attachment wounding, mood issues, and chronic stress. We offer a boutique level of care for each client, through individual and group services as well as a variety of events to enhance community.
Although we are trauma specialists, we can effectively work with you on any of the issues listed below:
- Trauma / PTSD
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Sexual Assault / Abuse
- Shame Resilience
- Attachment Wounds
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Inner Child Wounding
- Trans-generational Trauma
- Family / Relationship Issues
- Women’s Issues
- Gender Issues and LGBTQ+
- Teen Issues
- Dissociative Disorders
- Ritual Abuse
- Spiritual Abuse
- Toxic Stress
- Chronic Pain
- Work or School-Related Issues
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Performance Anxiety
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Sports Related Stressors
Our Therapists
Dr. Barbie Hessel, LCSW, SEP, RSP
Christi Sidwell, LCSW
Nicole Nelson, LPC-MHSP (temp)
Dr. Katelyn Kalstein, ND, LAc, MSc, MSSW (cand)
Amy Holt, LMSW
Dr. Barbie Hessel, LCSW, MA, SEP, RSP
Somatic Psychotherapist and Owner
she/her
Somatic Experiencing Practitioner
Psychedelic Assisted Therapist
Registered Jungian Sandplay Therapist
Certified Hypnotherapist
Sound Practitioner
My astrological signs are Libra sun, Scorpio rising, and Pisces moon.
Christi Sidwell, LCSW
Somatic Psychotherapist
she/her
EMDR Level II Practitioner
Certified Hypnotherapist
Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapist
Reiki Practitioner
Intern Supervisor
My astrological signs are Cancer sun, Libra rising, and Aquarius moon.
I am a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and my therapeutic approach is rooted in experiential and integrative practices. As an intuitive therapist, I blend energetic modalities and therapeutic modalities into a holistic approach to support the clients’ desire for realignment and repair. Through my training and experience, I deeply believe that as humans we are wired for healing; we just have to learn how to access it. Learning how to reconnect to our body is at the heart of personal transformation. I am passionate about partnering with teens and adults as they bravely seek the life they desire.
I specialize in trauma and have extensive experience working with those who have experinced sexual violence as I worked at the Sexual Assault Center (SAC) for 5 years. Additionally, in my practice, I focus on helping professionals and athletes break down barriers to access optimal performance. I have learned that trauma and challenges to optimal performance may appear very unrelated on the surface, but are actually deeply connected from a nervous system perspective. As a practitioner, I see the importance of a body-based approach to therapy and enjoy being able to bring this vital perspective to a variety of individuals. I work closely with folks who experience trauma, high stress environments, attachment wounds, performance anxiety, depression, anxiety, and inner child wounding.
Since obtaining my MSSW from the University of Tennessee, I have continued to advance my knowledge and skill through specialized training including: EMDR (level 2), Comprehensive Resource Model (CRM), Trauma Sensitive and Therapeutic yoga, Somatic Experiencing (Completed my first year and am in the second year), Mindfulness Practice, and Attachment Regulation Competency (ARC). Varied training allows me to navigate a therapeutic approach to healing that is holistic and tailored to each client’s needs and desires.
In my down time, I try to spend as much time as I can outside whether that is walking, hiking, camping or a favorite, laying in grass. I enjoy learning how to garden and keep houseplants alive, which can be a hit or miss for me.
Nicole Nelson, LPC-MHSP (temp)
Psychotherapist
she/her
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
My astrological signs are Aquarius rising, Leo sun, and Sagittarius moon.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC-MHSP temp), I believe the things we consider our biggest flaws are actually creative survival tactics that once saved us. When we find safety within our own bodies, we can replace these coping skills that are no longer serve us. To me, the resilience required to survive trauma defines the extremes of human strength and I’m passionate about creating a safe space where clients can explore this strength and channel it into building a life they love.
Trauma happens in the body, but so does healing. As a somatic psychotherapist, I work with clients to find safety in their own bodies. Using gentle, body-based interventions, we can complete the trauma cycle within your nervous system, opening your path to healing.
Trauma happens in relationships, but so does healing. Within the therapy room, we can find ways of building intimacy and trust that expand outward, cultivating safe relationships and a rich support system.
I specialize in treating clients recovering from high-control religion and purity culture, those battling anxiety and depression, and clients who are looking to find long-term recovery from PTSD/CPTSD and dissociative disorders. I love using humor to help clients find relief during challenging moments and my greatest joy is walking with clients as they follow their body’s natural capabilities for healing.
When I’m not in session, I’m often exploring outdoors, reading, or spending quality time with my partner and dog.
Dr. Katelyn Kalstein, ND, LAc, MSc, MSSW (cand)
she/her
Clinical Intern/MSSW Candidate
Naturopathic Doctor (Licensed in CA)
Licensed Acupuncturist
Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapist
My astrological signs are Virgo Sun, Sagittarius Moon, Scorpio Rising .
Amy Holt, LMSW
Psychotherapist
Licensed Master Social Worker
I obtained my MSW from the University of North Alabama and am a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in Tennessee with a background in Somatic approaches to treatment. I have experience working in residential treatment for substance abuse disorders as well as providing social services to members of the unhoused community. I am passionate about working with women who struggle with symptoms of trauma and substance abuse, as well as individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, and mood issues. My experience and training have deepened my belief that every person has a unique story and deserves to be truly witnessed.
I work with clients of all backgrounds who are seeking healing from trauma, and am especially passionate about working with clients seeking to heal from Religious Trauma and Spiritual Abuse. Individuals who come from high-control religious backgrounds often struggle with shame, hypervigilance, poor self-image, and decision making, among other issues. Fortunately, it is possible to learn to trust yourself, love yourself, and to feel safe in your body.
My therapeutic approach is integrative, individualized, and somatic. I understand the importance of the mind-body connection when working with mental health concerns and use somatic practices in session with clients to further healing.
The alliance between a therapist and client is the single most important factor for healing, and I seek to foster a therapeutic environment that embodies curiosity, empathy, and respect.
In my free time, I enjoy reading, music, comedy, and hot yoga.