Find your therapist, in person

Originally from Memphis, I have lived in Nashville for ten years and still find myself exploring new areas. I graduated from Lipscomb University with a Bachelor’s in Dietetics and went on to complete my dietetic internship there. I also received a Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics with a concentration in sports nutrition from Texas Tech University. When I’m not working, I enjoy baking, traveling, reading, hiking, and finding the yummiest bakeries in town! I specialize in the treatment of eating disorders and disordered eating, while also seeing clients for a number of other nutrition-related concerns (body image, chronic dieting, sports nutrition, diabetes management, meal support, and more). I currently provide nutrition-related therapy in-person and virtually through a private, secure network for adolescents (12+) and adults of all ages.

I support clients navigating relationship pain, including infidelity, betrayal, unhealthy relationship patterns, and the emotional fallout that can leave you feeling confused, reactive, or unsure of what to do next. I also work with high-achieving adults who struggle with anxiety, stress, overthinking, and the pressure to hold everything together. You may look capable and successful on the outside while internally feeling anxious, overwhelmed, stuck in your head, or emotionally exhausted. My work is focused on helping you feel calmer, more grounded, and more like yourself again. Many clients work with me over 6–8 weeks with the goal of feeling more emotionally regulated, clear-minded, confident, and able to move through daily life without constantly feeling on edge. I use a personalized blend of hypnosis, BWRT®, subconscious work, and mind-body techniques to help shift the deeper patterns underneath the reaction. If you find yourself thinking, “I know what’s happening, but I still can’t seem to stop reacting this way,” this work may be a good fit for you.

My passion is working with adults who are dealing with trauma, anxiety, life transitions, and those seeking a change in their lives. I come from a strength-based mindset and believe deeply that all clients have inherent strengths—we just have to find them and utilize them. My goal is that every client feels a sense of warmth, safety, and community as I walk alongside you on your journey. In working with me it's my hope that my services introduce clarity, serenity, and self-motivation. I consider counseling my passion, and it's my hope that you experience genuine transformation in our work together.

I am a licensed clinical psychologist dedicated to helping individuals reach their potential via offering evidenced based psychotherapy techniques as well as comprehensive psychological testing for diagnostic certainty. I use client-centered approaches based on each individual's needs and offer a supportive and non-judgmental space for you to express yourself and grow.

Many people come to therapy feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or emotionally worn down by life circumstances that don’t let up. Chronic stress, caregiving responsibilities, major life changes, illness, loss, and unresolved trauma can quietly build over time, leaving you feeling stuck, disconnected, or unsure how to move forward. I work with adults who are navigating anxiety, depression, stress, and life transitions, especially when those struggles are connected to caregiving, medical experiences, grief, or trauma. My approach is grounded, compassionate, and practical, helping clients make sense of their emotional responses while learning ways to regulate stress, process difficult experiences, and regain a sense of stability and direction. I have specialized training in trauma-informed care and EMDR, and I frequently support clients dealing with caregiver burnout, anticipatory grief, complicated loss, and the emotional impact of serious illness. At the same time, many of the people I work with are simply feeling overwhelmed by life, relationships, or ongoing stress and want support in feeling more like themselves again. Therapy with me is collaborative and paced to your needs. Whether you are facing a specific loss, navigating ongoing stress or anxiety, or trying to adjust to a major change, my goal is to provide a supportive space where you can feel understood, build resilience, and move forward with greater clarity and confidence.

With almost twenty years as a therapist, and having completed training in attachment science, addiction and trauma, I offer clients a safe and judgment free space to work on their concerns. My undergraduate degree is in Social Work and Psychology. My graduate degree is a Master of Marriage and Family Therapy. I also value my life experiences as a human, woman, wife, mother and grandmother, in no particular order.

I believe good therapy starts with a genuine human connection. Clients often tell me they appreciate that I’m both compassionate and straightforward, and that I’m willing to ask meaningful questions while staying steady when conversations become difficult. My clinical work is shaped by a strong foundation in both research and practice. I hold a BA in Psychology, a master’s degree in Counseling, and a PhD in Clinical Counseling. I am trained in EMDR, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples. These approaches guide my work, but therapy with me is never rigid or one-size-fits-all. I tailor the process to each person or couple, focusing on what will be most helpful for your specific goals. I’m especially interested in how early experiences, trauma, and relational patterns influence the ways we cope, connect, and protect ourselves. Much of my work involves helping people develop greater emotional awareness, work through shame and self-criticism, and create more secure and meaningful relationships. Outside the therapy room, I’m a family-oriented person who values time with the people closest to me. I enjoy traveling, exploring new places, and recharging that way. I’m also a lifelong Chicago sports fan, particularly the Bears and the Cubs, which means I’m familiar with patience, hope, and sticking with something through ups and downs!

Melissa Rabell, MS, LMHC, CCTP is a licensed mental health counselor, trauma therapist, and founder of Reinventing Hope Counseling. She works with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, self-worth struggles, grief, relationship challenges, and the lasting impact of childhood and complex trauma. Melissa’s work is rooted in an integrative, trauma-informed, mind-body approach that emphasizes nervous system regulation, somatic awareness, and compassionate self-understanding. She believes healing begins when people feel safe enough to slow down, listen inward, and honor the patterns that once helped them survive while gently learning new ways to live, connect, and choose themselves. With experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings, Melissa brings both clinical expertise and deep attunement into her work. Clients often describe her presence as grounding, warm, and steady. She creates space for people to feel seen without being rushed, fixed, or judged, and supports them in building trust with themselves and their bodies. Melissa is also the host of the Reinventing Hope podcast, where she offers accessible mental health education, trauma-informed insight, and honest conversations about healing and growth. She serves clients in Florida and Tennessee and leads Reinventing Hope Counseling with the belief that healing is not about changing who you are, but about returning to yourself and learning what you need to live a more fulfilling, connected life.

Life can be complicated, and sometimes the things we struggle with aren’t easy to untangle on our own. Mental and emotional challenges come from a mix of life experiences, environment, genetics, and our own readiness or ability to make changes. Counseling gives us a place to slow down, make sense of those things, and better understand why we feel or react the way we do. Through that process, people often develop greater self-awareness and experience real emotional and mental growth. I’m Joe Chester, LPC-MHSP, and I’ve been practicing counseling full time since 2011. Before becoming a counselor, I spent more than 30 years working as an engineer and project manager here in Middle Tennessee. That experience shaped how I approach counseling today. I tend to be practical and thoughtful, helping people work through problems in ways that make sense for their lives while also creating space for deeper reflection and growth. Outside of my counseling practice, I enjoy volunteering with local churches, community organizations, and non-profits throughout the area. One thing I believe strongly is this: no one knows you better than you do. I’ll never claim to be the expert on your life. My role is to listen, ask the right questions, and walk alongside you as you work through challenges and discover the path forward that feels right for you. If you decide to begin counseling, it would be a privilege to walk that journey with you.

I am a licensed clinical psychologist and received my doctorate in psychology from Stony Brook University in New York. I have worked for over twenty-five years with neurodivergent children and adults in a variety of settings in both New York and Tennessee. I am a member of the American Psychological Association, the Tennessee Psychological Association, and Autism Tennessee. I am listed on the National Register of Health Service Psychologists and have Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT) as granted by the PSYPACT commission in participating states (APIT #7992, issued 5/2021). During my free time, I spend as much time as possible outdoors in my garden or hiking.

Seventeen years as a Registered Dietitian have shown me that practical, sustainable changes beat quick fixes. I earned my BS in Food Science and Human Nutrition at the University of Illinois and my Dietetic Internship at Vanderbilt University, and have worked across private practice, clinical hospital settings, and industry. I own Riker Nutrition, where I specialize in digestive disorders. I worked at HCA as a dietitian and care collaborator, served as a diabetes educator at HCA and Meharry Medical College, and had a role with Roche Pharmaceuticals. As an RD, CDCES, and LDN, I blend clinical training with everyday strategies. Outside of work I coach and direct a volleyball club, and I enjoy running, cooking, and hiking.