Psychotherapist in Brentwood, Tennessee
Meet John Nichols, Counselor, MS, LPC/MHSP
Therapy That Meets You Where You Are
Being human is hard. Navigating depression, anxiety, trauma, relationships, grief, divorce, or major transitions on your own isn’t brave, it’s isolating. The truth is, every single one of us is carrying something. Bravery comes in recognizing what that “something” is. Healing comes in asking for help. You decide where you want to go. My job is to help you get there.
My Approach
Therapy with me isn’t one-size-fits-all. I see you as the expert on your own life. You’re steering the ship: I’m the first mate who helps you stay the course, untangle what feels off, and land safely where you want to be.
Clients describe me as calm, thoughtful, and grounded. I don’t stay surface-level or give quick-fix advice. Instead, I help you explore the deeper narratives, pressures, and patterns shaping your life so you can find clarity, connection, and direction.
My approach is depth-oriented, which means we look beyond symptoms to uncover what’s actually driving them. Together, we figure out why life feels stuck or disconnected and create a path forward that feels real and sustainable.
Therapy with me may include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Practical tools to shift unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors.
- Existential Therapy: Exploring meaning, freedom, and choice in your life.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): A research-based approach to resolving trauma and painful memories.
Teletherapy: Flexible sessions online, so support is available wherever you are.
Who I Work With
No matter the starting point, my goal is to create space for honesty, clarity, and growth (not pressure or perfection.)
About Me
I was raised in Franklin, Tennessee, and earned my master’s degree in Professional Counseling from Lipscomb University. My career began at the Helen Ross McNabb Center in Knoxville before returning to Nashville to work at Lipscomb University and Mercy Community Healthcare.
I am the past Board Chair for the Nashville Psychotherapy Institute (NPI), an organization supporting therapists through continuing education and community. I’m trained in EMDR and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and I also incorporate Existential Therapy and other approaches to fit the needs of each client.
Outside of my practice, I’m an avid reader, traveler, and amateur chef. Growing up in the restaurant business gave me a love of food, wine, and the kind of connection that happens around a table. I’m also a lifelong dog lover who has never met one I didn’t like.
Why I Do This Work
Even the most capable, high-functioning people can feel stuck, disconnected, or lost. My work is about helping you slow down, make sense of that quiet discomfort, and move forward with clarity and authenticity.
You don’t have to figure it all out alone. Everyone needs help at some point and everyone deserves to find the life they want to live more fully.
