Schema Therapists in Chattanooga, TN

No one's life came with an instruction manual! Sooner or later we all encounter emotional problems, or engage in addictive behaviors, & experience relational problems too. I have specific experience and training in helping people navigate these kinds of issues. My clients typically experience progressive freedom and develop effective ways of coping with these issues. See the checklist below to learn about the specific struggles I can be of service to help with. I am a licensed therapist in Knoxville, Tennessee. I help people improve their relationships and overcome addictions or emotional problems. I accept most insurances & self-pay. I offer counseling in the office or through an online video platform. You can schedule an appointment to see me online or at my Knoxville office at the client portal link on my website!

You're good at what you do. You're that friend, colleague, or family member that people reach out to for support and advice. You are the one that keeps things running for everyone else. And yet, you are burdened by an inner critic that constantly questions whether you are enough. You may be reaching burnout, but you can't figure out the right time to put yourself first. If you are looking to build a more sustainable relationship with your work, connect with me. I support high-achieving professionals navigating imposter syndrome, burnout, and work/life balance. Many of my clients are first-generation professionals, or professionals at multilateral development orgs (e.g., the World Bank, IDB, IMF) and the government, facing career disruption. I work with late-diagnosed ADHD, autistic, and OCD adults exhausted from masking and ready to understand themselves without pathologizing who they are. I believe clear goals and measurable progress are a form of respect for your time and your struggle. That's why I offer structure and a goal-oriented framework through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy approaches, delivered entirely through secure video sessions. As an immigrant and first-generation professional myself, I offer a space to build genuine self-understanding, practical skills, and the confidence to advocate for yourself, in English or Spanish, wherever you are.

I have spent decades devoted to specializing in the treatment of anxiety. Worried? I am an expert at treating generalized anxiety disorder (GAD; the worry disorder). I'm also great at treating panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), insomnia, phobias, work stress, performance anxiety, depression and social anxiety. But you can talk to me about anything. For a sample of what I do, check me out on YouTube.

Psychotherapy is most effective when two people (therapist and client) work together to develop a type of therapeutic relationship that not only seeks to make sense of unfolding dynamics but also provides a safe place from which to explore both the known and unknown. In other words, psychotherapy or counseling should offer a meaningful experience, offering new ways of being, relating, and experiencing. Lasting change becomes possible when we are able to find and apply new ways of thinking and feeling about ourselves and others - new ways of relating or responding to the world in which we live and engage.

Our practice is grounded in a deep appreciation for the diverse experiences that shape each person’s life. Our founder grew up in Jamaica, Queens, surrounded and supported by three generations of remarkable women—an experience that continues to inform the values of care, resilience, and community that guide our work today. Across our practice, we have the privilege of supporting individuals from a wide range of cultural backgrounds, gender identities, and socioeconomic experiences, each bringing their own unique perspectives and concerns. As a practice founded by a Black, queer, first-generation college graduate, we hold a strong awareness of how power, privilege, and systemic forces shape daily life and mental health. We also recognize the vulnerability it takes to seek therapy. Our work is informed not only by clinical expertise, but by a deep respect for the courage and commitment involved in pursuing healing and meaningful change. This perspective shapes our intention to create a space that is thoughtful, affirming, and responsive to the full complexity of our clients’ lived experiences.

Chattanooga has undergone a remarkable urban transformation over the past two decades — from a polluted post-industrial city to a nationally recognized model of revitalization anchored by the Tennessee Aquarium, a thriving outdoor economy, and a world-class broadband infrastructure — and its therapy community reflects a city coming into its own, with growing demand from young professionals, creatives, and outdoor enthusiasts relocating from other metros. The city has significant African American communities in North Chattanooga and other historically Black neighborhoods, and therapists offering culturally affirming care and racial identity work are an important part of the local landscape. CHI Memorial Hospital and Erlanger Health System provide institutional mental health resources alongside a growing private practice community. Chattanooga's outdoor recreation culture — anchored by Lookout Mountain, the Tennessee River Gorge, and proximity to Appalachian trails — shapes a therapy community with distinct interest in the intersection of nature, physical health, and mental wellbeing.

Gender ID

	53%	Female
	33%	Male
	7%	Gender Fluid
	7%	Non-Binary

Session Type

	55%	In Person and Online
	45%	Online Only

Top Specialties

82%	Anxiety or Fears
73%	Depression
64%	Trauma and PTSD
55%	Stress
55%	Self Esteem
45%	Social Anxiety
45%	Sleep Disorder

Ages Served

100%	Adult
82%	Young Adult
55%	Senior
18%	Teen
9%	Children

Client Focus

55%	Women
45%	Military / Veterans
45%	Hispanic / Latino
27%	Buddhist
27%	Persons with Disabilities

Schema therapists in Chattanooga, Tennessee TN

Jamie Suarez

Maria Jose Rendon

Jennifer L Abel

Dr. Sarah Pouliot

Alignment Psychotherapy, PLLC

Schema Therapy therapists in Chattanooga, Tennessee Statistics

Average years in practice

Average cost per session

Accept insurance

Offer sliding scale