Counselor

Dean Ross, M.Ed., LPC-MHSP

Why can't I just be happy?" Does that thought sound familiar? It’s easy to feel that way especially if you’ve been thinking the same way for a while. Feeling unhappy is just that, a feeling. The good thing about thoughts and feelings is that they can change if you let them. I do believe we’re all doing our best, but sometimes we can feel stuck, whether it’s in our relationships, jobs, or in our way of thinking. We all want a full life—one not ruled by regret from the past or by fear of the future. We must let go of the "what if’s" and "should I" so that we can move forward.

I'll work with you to build a different relationship with your thoughts and help you process through the painful parts of the past. I’m here to help you explore anxiety, depression, trauma and their lasting effects on your life today. One major way of doing this is identifying the thinking and behavior patterns that lead to that feeling of “being stuck” and starting to challenge those long held beliefs and change those behaviors that are keeping you in the same cycle. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Reality Therapy, and Mindfulness are among the approaches I use to help you build a different way of looking at your life and empower yourself. Empowerment starts in the present moment and that is where we will focus. So much of our discomfort comes from regretting the past or worrying about the future. It’s hard for anxiety or depression to exist if we are focusing on the present moment and not punishing ourselves for past mistakes or worrying about what mistakes we may make in the future.

I believe that you know yourself better than anyone. My work with you helps you build a plan that will help identify specifically how you want the rest of your life to go. By seeking help you’ve taken an important first step in taking care of yourself and I will be there to help shine a light on the next meaningful steps you take along the way.  My own experiences with relationships, transitions, and self-limiting thoughts have given me personal insight into how important and how possible change can be in your life. I’m here to share these tools and insights with you so that you can start moving forward in your life.   I offer in-person as well as telehealth sessions depending on your preference and availability.  You can call or email me to set-up your session today.

I believe self-care is important and in my spare time I enjoy fishing, live music, stand-up comedy and spending time with friends and family.  I moved to Nashville 5 years ago and have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to be closer to family and to explore this next chapter in my therapy journey.

Dean Ross, M.Ed., LPC-MHSP