Becoming a Therapist in Franklin, TN
Welcome to my new blogging page! Dive in alongside me for the last 30 days and the journey to being here.
I am excited to begin a new journey and chapter of this 55-year life. I thought I would share a little about the end of some of the last chapters so you would understand this new start for me. So...here it goes.
For the last 25+ years, I have been a wife, mom, school teacher, and friend in about a 10-mile radius of the Nashville and Franklin, Tennessee area. This has afforded me many amazing experiences, friendships, and an anchor to rely on as the seasons of life have changed. Quite frankly, I won the lottery with all this beautiful life.
The last 30 days have been the most rewarding, challenging, and heartbreaking in so many ways. Thirty days ago I graduated with a 3 1/2-year master's in marriage and family therapy. I went back to school at 51 and learned so much about people, who I am, and the biggest issues people struggle with mentally and emotionally. Through my courses plus internship, I have had the privilege of sitting with people in various stages of sadness, confusion, life transitions, marriage conflict, and personal internal conflict. WHEW...it has been a learning curve for me, but it is so rewarding.
Then, 10 days later, I lost my Mom. I was so fortunate to be with her as she left this world. There were no words unsaid. I knew she loved me deeply and she knew I couldn't imagine my life without her in it. Grief. It is sneaky. I keep thinking I should call her and tell her something. There are many new stories I wish we could share.
Two days later, I retired from teaching after almost 25 years. My sweet school and friends there gave such kind words and a beautiful sending out.
Three days later we celebrated my Mom's life alongside so many of her friends and family and my Dad. I have so many images and words in my mind from that day. These are like breadcrumbs that lead me home to her when I feel like I'm forgetting.
Three days later it was Christmas Eve. My Dad stayed with us and we all woke up on Christmas morning with gifts, cinnamon rolls, coffee, dogs, messy hair, sadness, and gratefulness.
It has been about 10-15 days since then. I have carried files, plants, pillows and put together (with my husband) couches, shelves, and pictures that have created a warm space for me to see clients.
There is more that I cannot share yet...but it is such good news. I wanted you to know a little about this journey before I start talking about what I see works (most of the time) and the challenges we face in mental health. I want you to know that I am a human with all the human 'stuff' that I cannot escape. But, I am so excited to be with people who need someone to talk to and reflect on their own lives in new ways.
My logo is a butterfly (thanks Abi!). Healthy change begins the moment we crawl into a safe space. I hope my space can be that for you and many people.
Article Written by Melissa Lewis
Credentials: B.S. Education, MFT Masters degree, Certified Prepare-Enrich Premarital Counselor, Member: AAMFT, Professional Educators of TN, Theta Nu Upsilon Counseling Academic and Professional Honor Society, Brain Spotting Trained, EFT trained
