Dr. Barbie Hessel, LCSW, MA, SEP, CPATP, RSP

As a Tennessee Licensed Clinical Therapist and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner®, I specialize in trauma, and have worked extensively with survivors of sexual assault as well as folks struggling with depression and anxiety. I am passionate about helping adults and teens reclaim their hearts, minds, and bodies. I practice from an attachment and holistic perspective, honoring your thoughts, feelings, and visceral responses to trauma, while acknowledging an individual’s environment and context.

A native of Miami, Florida, I moved to Nashville close to 14 years ago with my family. Prior to moving, I earned a Doctorate in Youth Services and Development, with an emphasis in voice and self-authorization in young women. I worked in education and development coaching, along with professional training. Through this work, I honed my passion for working one-on-one with adults and teens. Once in Nashville, I earned an MSSW from the University of Tennessee with a specialized focus on trauma treatment and have dedicated myself to working with trauma survivors and their loved ones. I have advanced training and certifications in Somatic Experiencing®, Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy, and Jungian Sandplay Therapy. I also have extensive training in a variety of therapeutic modalities, including EMDR (Level II), IFS, Jungian Psychology, Psychotherapeutic Yoga, Sound Healing, Mindfulness Practice, T-FCBT, and ACT.

As a certified Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, I also offer personal sessions for credit towards certification for students enrolled in SE trainings, as well as Clinical Supervision for Licensed Social Workers. 

 I find that with my varied experience and training, I am better able to develop personalized therapeutic plans to meet your needs.

When I am away from my practice, I enjoy spending time with my husband and teen-age son, as well as my adorable kitty named Scooby Doo. I also enjoy literature, art, film, theater, fashion, and yummy food. 

As the founder of Simply Being, I believe that every client deserves a highly individualized, boutique level of care, and that this care should be facilitated by highly skilled and thoroughly trained practitioners. For this reason, our therapists carry a manageable and intentional case load and offer dedicated attention to clients beyond what is possible in more hectic practice settings. Simply Being was always intended to feel like a “home” away from home, where clients can feel truly seen and known and we invite you to learn more about us by scheduling a discovery call or an initial appointment. 

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