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Gwen Pontikes

Education:
Masters in Clinical Mental Health (MS) - Lipscomb University
Masters of Business Administration (MBA) - University of Chicago
Bachelor of Science (BS) Finance - University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana

Licenses:
Licensed Therapist in Tennessee
LPC-MHSP #6717, Licensed Professional Counselor -
  Mental Health Service Provider 
LADAC II #1722, Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor 

Member: 
Nashville Psychotherapy Institute
American Counselors Association
Tennessee Licensed Professional Counselors Association
Tennessee Assn of Alcohol, Drug & Other Addiction Services
National Certified Counselor

Verified Badges:
Thriving Campus
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Psychology Today
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/gwen-pontikes-nashville-tn/1650242
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Gwen hiking in Sedona. Movement and being outdoors contribute to my wellness along with spending time with friends and family
Yoga On Mountain

Clinical Education & Experience

Therapist - In Person & Telehealth

I am a dedicated therapist with over 4.5 years of experience in treatment centers providing individual and group therapy to men, young men and women. I specialize in providing psychotherapy services for anxiety, depression, trauma, and alcohol and drug recovery. I am committed to offering both in-person and hybrid therapy options, aiming to help my clients achieve inner peace, growth, and improved relationships in life.

Prior Experience as a Counselor - Treatment Center for Substance Abuse and Mental Health

I provided individual and group sessions as a primary counselor for the Men's Program at Cumberland Heights Treatment Center for Substance Use Disorder and Co-occurring Mental Health struggles. Prior to Men's counseling position, I was a float counselor in womens, young mens and mens programs. 

Master’s in Clinical Mental Health
Lipscomb University 

I graduated with a Masters in Clinical Mental Heath with specialties in addiction and expressive arts/play therapy. I completed my practicum hours and clinical hours for internship at Cumberland Heights Treatment Center.

Therapeutic Skills & Expertise

I have honed my expertise in various therapeutic modalities including:

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  • ​Licensed Professional Counselor- Mental Health Service Provider in Tennessee (LPC-MHSP)

  • Licensed Alcohol and Drug Addiction Counselor in Tennessee (LADAC II)

  • Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)

  • Motivational Interviewing (MI)

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

  • Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) 40 Hour Training from EMDR Counseling founded by Roy Kiessling with ongoing supervision 

  • Trauma Informed Care - Seeking Safety Protocol

  • Developmental Trauma Somatic Therapy (45 Hour Certification from Embody Labs)

  • Complex Trauma Somatic Therapy

  • Compassionate and Person-Centered Therapy

  • Skilled provider for substance use and co-occurring mental health issues

  • 12 Step Facilitation

  • Certified in 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training at Yogaview

  • Expressive Arts 

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