Hello and Welcome. My theory about being a counselor is: All of us are on a journey through life and teaching techniques/coping skills, supporting without judgement and caring about people while on their journey is an honor and a privilege that I do not take lightly. Because if you are here, it means you are experiencing something negative or something that is making life harder. I am trauma certified and am very passionate about helping people have a loving relationship with their mind and body utilizing various techniques and coping skills addressing thoughts and body activation utilizing a multimodal approach that including brainspotting. My favorite quote guides my energy, "Life is not about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself" - George Bernard Shaw.....Let's address anything that is getting in the way of your masterpiece. When not at work, I love spending time with my husband, twin daughters, and my son. We enjoy being in nature and doing anything that includes water.
Hi there! My name is Kasey Bruce and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with Mental Health Service Provider designation (LPC-MHSP). I am honored to work here at Lincoln Memorial University in helping students meet their mental health goals. My clients would describe my approach to counseling as laid-back and conversational while placing high priority on working on what you want to discuss. My aim is to create an environment and session that feels safe and open, while still being helpful and productive. Using a variety of counseling theories and approaches, my clients and I work together to create individualized and effective plans to keep them progressing in their journey. In whatever concerns you bring to the table, I will meet you there with passion, respect, knowledge, and love of people. Growth and change are possible when we work together. Outside of work, I love spending time with my husband, kids, family, and friends. You will find me hanging out at my local game shop playing board and card games or at the dojo working on earning my black belt in martial arts.
Hi! I’m Carissa Carver, and I am a mental health counselor here at LMU. I am dedicated to helping students achieve their mental health goals through an eclectic approach integrating techniques from Brainspotting, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Rational Emotive/Behavioral Therapy, and Solutions-Focused Brief Therapy. I believe therapy works best when clients feel truly understood, and I prioritize both connection and practical psychoeducation to help individuals gain clarity, confidence, and tools for lasting growth. I have been working in the mental health field for 11 years, 7 of which have been at LMU. I have a B.S. in psychology and an M.Ed. in mental health counseling from LMU, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Mental Health Service Provider designation, as well as an ADHD Clinical Services Provider. When I’m not in the office I enjoy spending time with my husband, our two sons, and our dog, Gaston.
Hello, my name is Amy Flores, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and have been with LMU since September 2024. For the past 10 years, I have been fortunate to have worked with a diverse group of clients, along a wide range of ages and mental/behavioral health challenges, which also allows for a broader scope of practice. Currently, I am thoroughly enjoying helping our Professional Students navigate through these incredible Professional opportunities. I like to provide approaches and interventions that help facilitate growth and movement with challenges/struggles with Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Burnout, Life Transitions, Grief, and Anger Management. I do like to utilize several strength-based and client-centered treatment approaches, such as CBT, DBT, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Mindfulness, and Art Therapy. I believe we all have unique strengths, but sometimes life challenges our belief in ourselves, and we can doubt our capabilities. I am here to help you recognize those strengths again, so you can move toward the things you have been working so hard for. I try to provide a calm, safe, and welcoming environment, adding to a hopefully positive experience. When I am not in the office, I like to spend time with my Charlie (Labrador Retriever), and find fun activities with friends, around Knoxville. I look forward to meeting you!
Hello, I’m Jason Kishpaugh, a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LPC-MHSP-S) and the Executive Director of Mental Health here at Lincoln Memorial University. I have over 20 years’ experience treating a wide variety of mental health concerns including but not limited to anxiety, depression, religious/spiritual concerns, life transitions, and developmental/relational trauma. I utilize both traditional (cognitive behavioral and reality-based techniques) as well as more contemporary techniques (brainspotting, written exposure therapy, etc) to help empower you to become the best version of yourself. My goal is to provide a safe, encouraging atmosphere where you can feel comfortable being yourself while addressing the uncomfortable things that brought you to counseling. When I’m not at the office, I can usually be found working in my custom knife shop or hunting and fishing with friends and family. I look forward to meeting you!
Hello, my name is Travis Watson, and I have been a Licensed Professional Counselor since 2009, spending the last 10 years working at LMU’s main campus in Harrogate, TN. I am also available for telehealth appointments to any LMU students located in Tennessee or Florida. I believe in a collaborative approach where the student and I work together to meet their goals. While I use many different techniques to help students, Brainspotting and other approaches that help students regulate their internal experience and change, or overcome, the things they find difficult about their lives are the strategies that I like to use the most. I have been told that I have a relaxed and mellow personality, although I will also help keep you accountable to your goals. When not working, I usually spend time with my wife, four sons, and 2-year-old granddaughter. I also enjoy watching college athletics, reading nonfiction, and watching movies.
Hi, I’m Larra Williams a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Life can be exciting, challenging and overwhelming at times, but you do not have to navigate it alone. My career has been in a variety of settings with individuals across the life span. I love supporting and helping people grow. I provide a down-to-earth, calm and supportive place where you are heard and encouraged to create meaningful change. Using a biopsychosocial framework and person-centered approach, we will work at your pace to address your goals. I have experience helping with grief, stress, life transitions, anxiety, mood difficulties, self-esteem, relationship challenges, attachment patterns, substance use. I utilize evidence-based approaches including CBT, DBT, ACT, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, narrative therapy, solution focused therapy and Brainspotting. I have over 20 years of experience in the social work profession and 13 years’ experience providing mental health services. I’m licensed in KY and TN with certifications in grief, addiction and aging. Outside of work I enjoy spending time with family, reading, writing, listening to music and being outside listening to birds, watching sunsets, hiking and pickleball.
