How do I get started?

I’m so glad you’re ready to get started! As Marcus Aurelius wrote, “…to begin is half the work.” You can go to the “Contact Us” page and find the many ways to reach me. For example, you can call me at (865) 327-0527 or e-mail me at chris@koontzcounseling.com. I try to get to my e-mails by the end of each work day. However, e-mails received after 2PM will likely not get a response until the following business day. If you call and I do not pick up, I am likely with another client. I will return your call as quickly as possible.

What kind of therapy do you provide?

I’ve received training in several therapeutic modalities, but my foundation is person-centered/client-centered or what some people call Rogerian psychotherapy. It is a collaborative approach to help us help you reach self-actualization - that is, that mental state in which you are the best you that you can be. Of course, my training and interests have led to my approach being influenced by ACT, mindfulness, and Jungian psychotherapy. I also offer anger management classes.

What is one-on-one therapy like?

What do you want therapy to be like? My approach is collaborative and that means, we can decide together how therapy will be. That being said, our first session will be what is called an “intake,” during which I like to learn about you, your medical and psychiatric history, the problems that brought you to therapy, etc. In subsequent sessions, we’ll determine your goals for therapy and we’ll figure out how to get you moving in the right direction.

What are anger management classes like?

Anger management classes are scheduled to run for 12-16 weeks depending on the program in which you enroll. I will do my best to schedule these classes for evenings and weekends so as to make it easier for everyone to attend. Each session will last 1-1.5 hours. The first half of our session will generally be a learning or lecture portion in which we talk about the nature of anger, it’s causes, and how to loosen its hold on us. The second portion of the class is spent in discussion. You can read a bit about the National Anger Management Association at https://namass.org/index.html

What are your credentials? What is your work experience?

I am an LCSW or a licensed clinical social worker which means I have at least 2 years clinical experience and supervision after finishing grad school, not to mention passing a lengthy clinical exam. I have a bachelor’s in philosophy from MTSU and a master’s in the science of social work from UTK. During my undergad, I had a small paper published on the influence of certain philosophical schools on Jungian psychotherapy. I am a CAMS-II or certified anger management specialist through NAMA, the National Anger Management Association. I am also a certified instructor of meditation and have roughly 15 years experience with meditation, visualization, and stress inoculation techniques. I worked with abused and neglected children through CASA (court-appointed special advocates for children) and with suicidal, homicidal, and/or psychotic adults through the Ridgeview Mobile Crisis Team. I spent 7 years with mobile crisis rising through each position from an intern to a leadership role. I am well-qualified to provide therapy for many issues, but anger management is perhaps closest to my heart. If you’d like to see my credentials in a more resume-like format, visit my linked-in profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-koontz-92986621a/

Can you meet via Zoom?

Although I generally prefer to meet in person, recent events have led to a real change in the way therapy is practiced. I will sometimes meet with clients via Zoom for one-on-one therapy, but I do not currently offer this option for groups/classes.

What about medication?

Although therapy has been proven time and time again to be beneficial, there are some clients for whom therapy may not be enough. In those situations, you and your PCP, psychiatrist, or psychiatric nurse practitioner can determine the best course of action for you.