Leigh Owens, LPC/MHSP-Licensed Professional Counselor
I have been in recovery from alcohol and drug abuse for 31 years; over half of my life. However, I have not been sober for the entire time. I UNDERSTAND the journey of recovery. I was sober for 7 years, I relapsed because of a relationship for 2 years, struggled for another 5 years, and have been sober again for the last 17 years! This is over 50% of my life. I have also recoverd from nicotine addiction, male co-dependency, an eating disorder, anxiety and depression. I UNDERSTAND what you are going through. I am familiar with pain and the struggle to become healthy again. My personal journey helps me to understand my clients from an experiential level. I specialize in addiction & trauma counseling, including sexual abuse recovery. I assist individuals navigate this painful journey to restoration. I maintain a private practice in Knoxville, TN; The Bearden area.
I went back to school after graduating from the University of Georgia in 1988. In May of 2012, I graduated with a Masters in Education focusing on Mental Health Counseling. I worked at a substance abuse treatment center for 2 years then started my private practice under supervision for the next 2 years. I am currently working in my private practice with a broad spectrum of clients. I also work as a teacher/therapist at the Serenity Shelter. It is a Christian, faith-based, 18-month treatment program for homeless women.
I am passionate about helping individuals suffering from the pain of life.Together we find the root issues/pain that are driving the unwanted behavior(s) and helping people find victory.
Education
Lincoln Memorial University, M.Ed in Mental Health Counseling, 2012
University of Georgia, BS, 1988
Additional Training
- Trauma Therapy
- Schema Therapy
- Internal Family Systems (IFS)
- Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Mindfulness and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Professional Activities and Memberships
Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC)
Tennessee Licensed Professional Counseling Association (TNLPCA)
American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC)