Julie Cummins

You are struggling with life. Maybe you believe that you are "at fault." Perhaps your past is catching up to you and your relationships, work performance, or health are starting to suffer. You want more for your life. You want better! Your mind and body are interconnected, so when one part of you hurts, ALL of you hurts. I can teach you how to live a mental wellness life style through a mind-body-environment connection. Life shouldn't have to hurt all the time and be so difficult. There's got to be a better way. Let me help you walk through your struggles, giving you the tools and support you need to get through them. We'll look at the best treatment options for you and help achieve YOUR goals. This is all about YOU and YOUR needs. Mental wellness is about balance: balance physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, and spiritually. Reaching out, making that phone call for help is the first step on your journey to wellness, hope, and a brighter tomorrow.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have a license to practice in Kentucky and Tennessee. I received my Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Tennessee, my Bachelor's in Social Work from David Lipscomb University. I also provide virtual (or telehealth) therapy through a HIPPA secure platform. I have been a member of AACC (American Association of Christian Counselors) since 1993.
I have been in private practice in Portland, Tennessee since 2006. Prior to this, I worked in a Partial Hospitalization Program as a group and individual therapist and in Community Mental Health and Home Health settings.

I am an eclectic therapist (which means I combine different treatment modalities such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy, EMDR, Brain Spotting, and Narrative Therapy, to name a few) to meet your specific needs. I have 30+ years' professional experience in dealing with depression, anxiety, panic, childhood trauma, "nasty grams" (things we tell ourselves like "I'm fat, stupid, not good enough, a failure."), stress, and trauma/PTSD (abuse of all types, automobile wrecks, acts of nature, military/LEOs/etc). You will find that I am very down-to-earth, friendly, compassionate, and a good listener with a good sense of humor. Although you may not feel like laughing today, one day, that can all change. Joy and laughter are wonderful gifts to have.

In addition, as an ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor (since 1989), I may weave in your physical health needs with your mental health as they are interconnected. When one part of the body hurts, the whole body feels it. I provide therapeutic support and practical feedback to effectively identify and address your personal challenges. I know you want more for yourself, and I am committed to helping you find those solutions to your struggles. I think you will especially appreciate the benefits of EMDR and Brain Spotting, as they may help you achieve your goals in a much quicker time frame. Brain Spotting and EMDR are an effective way of treating many types of trauma and decreasing or eliminating negative self-talk.
I believe emotional problems result from biological factors coupled with external stressors, lifestyle choices, and poor coping skills--not necessarily moral failure. No one wants to have problems. Let me help you identify what options are available to help get you to that place of healing and peace. Hope is just a call away.