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 & Colorado
LPC-MHSP #6717, Licensed Professional Counselor -
Mental Health Service Provider in TN
LPC - # LPC. 0023363, Licensed Professional Counselor in CO
Licensed Alcohol & Drug Counselor in TN
LADAC II #1722, Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor in TN
Member:
Nashville Psychotherapy Institute
American Counselors Association
Tennessee Licensed Professional Counselors Association
Tennessee Assn of Alcohol, Drug & Other Addiction Services
National Certified Counselor
Verified Provider Badges:
Thriving Campus
Link: <script src="https://thrivingcampus.com/verified.js?pid=45035"></script>
Psychology Today
Link: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/gwen-pontikes-nashville-tn/1650242
Therapy Den
Link: https://www.therapyden.com/therapist/gwen-pontikes-nashville-tn
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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LPC-MHSP -Licensed Professional Counselor- Mental Health Service Provider in Tennessee
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LPC - Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado
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LADAC II - Licensed Alcohol and Drug Addiction Counselor in Tennessee
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MBSR - Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction
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MI - Motivational Interviewing
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CBT - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
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CBT-E Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Eating Disorders training with Elmira Strange, PhD
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DBT - Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
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EMDR - Certified EMDR Practitioner (EMDR Consulting - 40 hours of training and 10 hours of consultation)
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EMDR - Certified Somatic EMDR Practitioner (Embody Labs - 60 hours of training)
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SS - Trauma Informed Care - Seeking Safety Protocol
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Somatic Therapy - Certified Developmental Trauma Somatic Therapy Practitioner (45 Hour training from Embody Labs)
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Compassionate and Person-Centered Therapy
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Skilled provider for substance use and co-occurring mental health issues
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12 Step Facilitation
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Certified in 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training at Yogaview
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Expressive Arts and Addiction Specialties - Lipscomb University Graduate MS in Clinical Mental Health