ABOUT STU COOK
If you’ve made it to my counseling website and my about page, you’re probably feeling like you’ve lost your way. Maybe you’re anxious, completely overwhelmed, exhausted, hurt, lonely, angry, or confused. That’s okay. I can support you during this challenging time in your life and help you to thrive.
As a therapist, my philosophy is that everyone is human. We are all card carrying members of the human race who are tying to do the best we can with what we’ve got. So you make mistakes, go through hard times, and feel down. Ultimately, we all have room to grow and improve upon the way we cope with challenging life events. So I created Vitus Counseling to provide you with a place where you can grow from the challenges you’re experiencing.
My approach to Counseling as a faith-based therapist:
My counseling services are grounded in the Christian vision of the human person. I find that almost all evidence-based therapies align with this vision. I use a variety of effective types of therapy in my work with my clients including: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, exposure therapy, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and more. Regardless of your faith background and perspective, I would be honored to walk along side you as you navigate the path towards better mental health.
There’s a Biblical quote that stands out to me when I think about my approach to therapy: "There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out all fear." (1 John 4:18) What this quote means to me is that as children of God we are PERFECTLY LOVED. So we do not have to be afraid of facing our problems and wounds. Ultimately, we can find light in the dark places.
WORKING TOGETHER
Reaching out for therapy is an important but often scary step. Although it can be hard to talk about your problems, I assure you that I have heard it all. I am genuinely interested in your story and want to help you focus on living the life you envision. I will provide you with a compassionate and secure space where your voice can be heard. In counseling, I will work with you to identify what needs to shift in your life and how to move towards positive change.
My Mental Health & Counseling EXPERIENCE
I received my Masters in Counseling from Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, MO. I completed additional coursework at Harding School of Theology in Memphis to get my Tennessee therapy license. I have worked in a variety of mental health care settings with patients of all ages, from the child and adolescent unit at Lakeside Behavioral Health System to hospitalized elderly patients at Friendship Village retirement home in St. Louis, MO.
Through out my career, I have had the pleasure of working with clients from all walks of life with a variety of mental health concerns. This real-life experience has provided me with wonderful opportunities to learn the best treatment approaches to help my clients. I also continue to seek out trainings and certifications in other therapy approaches so I can best serve the needs of my clients and help them overcome the emotional burdens they are facing.
A LITTLE MORE ABOUT ME:
In addition to my clinical training and work, I had the privilege of teaching history in the inner city of Memphis for two years and studying the Scriptures and theology in depth for over three years while attending seminary. Many of my clients appreciate the practical teaching skills and Christian worldview that I bring with me into the counseling room. Because of my real-world experience and training, I am uniquely qualified to talk about issues regarding faith and spirituality with my clients if they wish to have these conversations.
When I'm not working with clients, I love spending time with my wife and four children, hanging out with friends, exercising, reading a good book, and listening to good music.
Begin Catholic Counseling in BRENTWOOD, TN:
If you’re ready to find light in the dark places and thrive, please reach out to me. I would love to meet with you to discuss the ways I can help you heal. To begin therapy in the Nashville, TN area or online therapy in Tennessee please follow these steps:
Make an appointment for a free phone consultation to learn more about Vitus Counseling and our therapy services
Begin counseling in Brentwood, TN or online therapy in Tennessee and create meaningful and lasting change in your life.