Stephen Porter

Sensible Psychotherapy for Individuals, Couples, and Families, specializing in Marriage Counseling and the recovery from coercive control, cultic, or spiritual abuse. Therapy wasn’t the only thing that saved me from becoming a perpetually wounded and insecure person, but it certainly played a very influential role. Having experienced the death of a parent during childhood, as well as a 13-year immersive time inside a coercive spiritual group, I have had a lot to work through. My own work with a therapist has provided me with self-awareness, self-acceptance, and a tailored bag of tricks that help keep me and my relationships growing and resilient. This is one big reason why I was drawn to this work. I have also always been genuinely curious about the deeper undercurrents that drive people, and the ways in which they can open to real life changes. I love to listen and understand. Having experienced big shifts in the lives of my clients through our counseling work together over the last five years, I feel grateful and humbled that I get to do this work. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Mental Health Service Provider designation, the highest-level license for a professional counselor in the state of Tennessee. I hold masters degrees in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and have specialized training in couples counseling, Jungian Psychotherapy, contemplative meditation and mindfulness, as well in the recovery from coercive control, cultic, and spiritually abusive groups. I currently lead the HR/People function at an innovative healthcare technology company, and have been working at technology startups for the last 12 years. Prior to that I worked in Film and Theater for about ten years – acting, directing and producing plays and movies. I continue to adore and appreciate great movies. When not working, I love to spend time with my wife and five-year old son. My credentials: Masters Degree, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Bradley University Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Externship & Core Skills, via NZCEFT Jungian Psychotherapy Certification, Zur Institute MFA, California Institute of the Arts (Film Directing) BA, University of Pennsylvania (Theatre Arts)