Addiction Recovery: A Therapist’s Personal Journey to Healing

Jerry Lawson helps teens, adults, and seniors across Tennessee navigate life’s most difficult emotional and relational challenges with a grounded, compassionate, and direct approach to therapy. At LifeStance Health, he provides individual, couples, and family therapy for people experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, bipolar disorder, substance use concerns, grief, and major life transitions. Jerry is especially committed to helping clients feel seen, respected, and supported while building practical tools for long-term emotional wellness. A significant part of Jerry’s work focuses on supporting individuals who have recently been discharged from psychiatric hospitalization or who are participating in court-ordered treatment. He understands that these moments can feel overwhelming, uncertain, and isolating, and he works collaboratively with clients to restore stability, rebuild confidence, and create meaningful progress. Jerry also has experience working with first responders, military veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals, and men navigating personal or relationship difficulties. Jerry integrates evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and EMDR to help clients process trauma, manage intense emotions, improve communication, and challenge negative thought patterns. His therapeutic style is authentic, collaborative, and rooted in meeting people where they are without judgment. He believes therapy should feel honest, supportive, and empowering rather than clinical or disconnected. Since beginning his counseling career in 2015, Jerry has remained passionate about helping clients rediscover hope in their relationships, careers, and everyday lives. He earned his education through Liberty University and Clearwater Christian College, with specialized training in trauma and addiction counseling. Outside of the therapy office, Jerry enjoys collecting vinyl records, gardening, caring for livestock, and exploring sneaker culture. His down-to-earth personality helps clients feel comfortable bringing their full selves into the therapeutic process. Jerry serves clients throughout Tennessee through LifeStance Health and welcomes adolescents, teens, adults, couples, families, and older adults seeking support for mental health, trauma recovery, relationship concerns, and emotional healing.