Jennifer Knowles, LPC-MHSP
Integrative Psychotherapist
I’m an integrative psychotherapist with a deep commitment to supporting people who live with chronic pain, illness, trauma, and grief. My own lived experience shapes my work—navigating long-term health challenges and profound personal loss, which gives me a felt understanding of what it means to live in a body that carries both pain and resilience.
Before becoming a therapist, I worked as an arts educator focused on generational trauma and creative healing. That foundation continues to guide me today. I believe that healing is not just about talking—it’s about coming home to the body, to creativity, to safety, and the nervous system’s natural capacity for regulation and repair.
My training includes somatic psychotherapy, polyvagal and nervous system-informed care, Brainspotting, mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), expressive arts, and death doula foundations. I am also a Certified Compassion Fatigue Professional, supporting those in caregiving and helping roles.
Whether you're navigating the ongoing impact of illness or trauma, caring for others in high-stakes roles, or feeling the weight of cumulative grief, I offer a space to slow down, reconnect with your body’s wisdom, and restore a sense of self-trust and possibility.
Licenses, Certifications, & Trainings
Licensed Professional Counselor and Mental Health Specialist (LPC-MHSP), in the state of Tennessee (this means I can both diagnose and treat mental health concerns and mental illness across the state of Tennessee) Certified Compassion Fatigue Professional (CCFP), I have specialized certification in support for anyone experiencing burnout, secondary trauma, or compassion fatigue. This often includes: first responders in medical, mental health, and social services related fields (emergency response, teachers, non-profits, etc.) I have completed training in various approaches that support the mind-body connection, including Brainspotting, Somatic Experiential Therapy (SomEx), Hypnotherapy, Somatic Movement, and Polyvagal-informed practices, all aimed at enhancing emotional regulation and overall well-being.
Current Projects
I’m developing group retreats that incorporate neuroscience-informed and somatic practices to promote self-awareness and personal growth. They are spaces where individuals can slow down, reconnect with their bodies, and access their own inner healing intelligence. These retreats are an extension of my deep commitment to integrative care and the belief that healing happens not just in isolation, but in community. These retreats are educational in nature and not a replacement for individual therapy. My current projects include a comprehensive workbook for individuals living with chronic conditions, blending nervous system-informed education with practical, compassionate tools for everyday life. I’m also facilitating a number of specialized groups: – A Chronic Pain & Illness Support Group – A Peri-Menopause Process Group – Somatic Sundays—a monthly virtual gathering for gentle embodiment and nervous system restoration. Each of these offerings is designed to foster connection, deepen self-awareness, and support people in navigating complex experiences with more stability, clarity, and self-trust.
Interests & Activities
I came to this work after two decades as an arts educator and creative coach, drawn to the profound overlap between creative expression and the healing process. Long before I became a therapist, I witnessed how the arts could open space for emotion, reflection, and transformation—much like therapy does. That creative thread still runs through everything I do. Music, dance, visual art, and time in nature continue to be lifelong sources of joy and grounding for me. When the weather is cool, I love to slip away to a quiet lake to kayak. I’m also a bookbinder and mixed media artist, working with photography, sculpture, and found materials. Interior design is another creative outlet—I'm always searching for ways to make spaces feel more restful, cozy, and warm. Though I don’t always find the time, I’m a devoted reader with a soft spot for ghost stories, mythology, and folklore. I also have a somewhat relentless urge to organize and simplify—my version of a spiritual practice. Have you ever read The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning? That’s basically my life philosophy: letting go of what no longer serves and creating room for what truly matters.