JD Benson, MMFT

ME AS A PERSON

I’m glad you’re here. I’m JD, and my pronouns are she/her. I am originally from Missouri but have been in Nashville for over 20 years. As someone who comes from a large family, I have experienced the unique dynamics and challenges that come with family relationships. Relationships are a place where we can find some of our deepest wounding, but they are also a place where we can heal; starting with the relationship with our Self. Sometimes we can feel stuck. Slowing down and exploring different parts of ourselves with compassion and curiosity can help us uncover and heal. It can be important to consider the culture from which you were raised, and the experiences that have impacted you. I am honored that I get to witness clients explore and grow in who they are-they inspire me and help me grow in return.

When I am not working, my quality time is spent with my husband/partner, teenager, family, friends, and my dog and two cats.I understand the many roles we all play in our daily lives and am here to help you achieve development in yourself, work, family and beyond.

My approach to therapy is collaborative. Some people fear asking for help because they don’t want to feel weak or burdensome or may not have had a positive experience with therapy in the past. My hope is to provide a safe place where you can process, explore, and feel heard. Whether it is through building new skills or learning to cope with challenges, we will create the kind of therapy that suits you.

MY THERAPEUTIC APPROACH IS:

Empathetic

Affirming

Holistic

Relational

Non-judgmental

Client-centered

Compassionate

Culturally-sensitive

Collaborative

My work focuses on individuals, couples, children and minors who are looking to make impactful, positive change in their lives. The changes typically involve overcoming established, often unhelpful, patterns in relationships. I also enjoy exploring areas of life transitions, parenting difficulties, communication issues, and specific interactions with friends, partners and family. In therapy, clients often describe feelings of anxiety or depression. Together, we will learn to recognize the effect those emotions have on one’s partnership, marriage, friendships, family dynamics, career, school and lifestyle, and find ways to successfully reconnect.

MY TRAINING

I have a bachelor’s degree in Marketing Management from Missouri State University, a  Master’s degree from Lipscomb University’s Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) program, and am currently practicing under a temp license and under the supervision of Cadey Phipps, LMFT (license #1348). I utilize Bowenian Therapy, a process that focuses on self-differentiation and generational family patterns, as well as Internal Family System (IFS), a talk therapy in which you work with a therapist to identify and understand the specific sub-personalities or “parts” that make up your internal emotional system. My MFT holds a specialization in play therapy, a therapy used with children who might struggle with expressing themselves or their emotions to express themselves through play. I have hopes of completing the requirements for IFS certification and am completing training for Gottman Couples Therapy, a research-based therapy with the shared goals of empowering couples, introducing new problem-solving skills and creating shared meaning within the couple. I also have training in level 1 EMDR.

 PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (AAMFT)