Lesa M. Lightfoot, LCSW

Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional

Specializing in Couples Therapy & Intensives

she/her/hers

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“Once you choose hope, anything’s possible.”

-Christopher Reeves

If you and/or your partner…

→ are tired of having the same argument over and over

→ want to feel truly heard and understood

→ are ready to learn a proven method to create lasting change in your relationship

→ and don’t want to spend months in traditional therapy to get to the heart of what really matters

This space is for you.

My Approach to Therapy

Therapy with me is rooted in nearly 30 years of experience walking alongside individuals and couples as they navigate pain, distress, and the desire for meaningful change.

From the very beginning, my work has been fueled by a deep commitment to help others uncover solutions, rediscover their value, and move toward a life with greater clarity, purpose, and connection.

I consider it an incredible honor to be invited into someone’s personal story. Whether you're coming in as an individual or a couple, I strive to create a warm, supportive, and compassionate space where you feel seen, heard, and truly cared for. Our work together is a collaborative process—one that honors your pace and focuses on what matters most to you.

Regardless of if you’re joining me for traditional therapy, intensive therapy, couples therapy, or individual therapy, I will always tailor our sessions to your unique needs. Sometimes that means diving into longstanding patterns, and other times it means simply holding space for what’s weighing on you right now. My hope is that you leave each session with a deeper understanding of yourself (and/or your partner) and tangible insights that help you move forward.

How is therapy with me different?

I offer Couples Intensive services for those who are ready to grow—both as individuals and as a couple.

My approach is rooted in the Developmental Model created by Drs. Ellyn Bader and Peter Pearson of The Couples Institute. This model is both practical and deeply transformative, giving you tools that lead to real, lasting change. Together, we shift from reactive patterns to more intentional, connected ways of relating.

What truly sets this work apart is the collaborative spirit I bring. I become part of your team—dedicated to helping you and your partner discover the right skills, strategies, and insights that move you from stuck to thriving. This isn’t just therapy… it’s a game changer.

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Am I the right therapist for you?

  • I work best with individuals and couples who are ready to be honest, open, and engaged in their personal growth. I don't expect perfection—just a willingness to show up and do the work, even when it’s hard. My approach is compassionate but honest and transparent, and I walk alongside clients as a guide, teacher, and supporter on their journey.

    For couples, success is rooted in mutual commitment. When both partners are willing to invest energy and openness into the process, I’ve seen tremendous outcomes—often beyond what the couple imagined possible.

  • For individual or couples therapy, if someone isn’t ready to engage fully, avoids taking responsibility, or is hoping for a “quick fix” without deeper involvement, the work tends to stall.

    Specifically for couples therapy, I do not work with cases involving domestic violence. These situations require a specialist with deep training in that area. When there is a power imbalance or safety concern, therapy—especially intensives—can unintentionally escalate emotional distress or risk. My focus is on emotional healing, connection, and development, and I believe those in DV situations are best served by clinicians trained specifically in trauma-informed and safety-focused interventions.

    • I truly love what I do. It’s an honor to walk beside people in their healing and growth.

    • I love to read and am always learning.

    • Music of all kinds, animals, and family bring me joy.

    • I believe humor is healing and that deep transformation can coexist with lightness.

Therapy Approaches

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    Couples Intensives

    This transformative experience for couples provides more time, focus, and depth than the typical one-hour session. Whether you're struggling with communication, emotional distance, or feeling disconnected, intensives provide a “fast track” to rebuilding trust and intimacy.

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    Individual Intensives

    These extended therapy sessions are for individuals facing relationship struggles, trauma, self-esteem issues, or seeking EMDR therapy. Intensives offer a deep, personalized approach to healing, allowing you to make significant progress in a condensed timeframe.

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    Mini Intensives

    This 4-hour session acts as a bridge between traditional therapy and full-day intensives - a great option for those wanting to “try out” intensive therapy. Mini intensives give you and your partner the chance to truly dig deep and create lasting change, rather than starting over each week.

Clinical Experience

    • Education: Master’s in Social Work (MSW), University of Tennessee – Knoxville, College of Social Work, Nashville location (2000)

    • Started in the field: 1995

    • Licensure: Licensed since 2004

    • Private Practice: 18 years

    • Additional Experience:

      • Mental health

      • Substance abuse and recovery

      • Adoption work

      • 11 years in the school system

    • Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP)

    • EMDR (2 full weekends + supervision; certificates received)

    • Training in Gestalt Therapy, CBT, Insight-Oriented Therapy, and Mood Disorders, 

    • Ongoing continuing education through The Couples Institute with Dr. Ellyn Bader and Dr. Peter Pearson, focused on the Developmental Model. I continue to be amazed by the life-changing impact of this model and love teaching it to others.

    • National Association of Social Workers (NASW)

    • Lifetime Member, Anxiety.com

In-person therapy in Lawrenceburg, TN

 

Online Therapy: Support That Meets You Where You Are

When your relationship needs support, getting help shouldn’t add more stress. Online therapy allows you and your partner to work through challenges from the comfort of home—no travel, no waiting rooms, no hassle.

With secure and confidential sessions, you can have real conversations in a space that feels safe and familiar. Whether you’re working through conflict, rebuilding trust, or just trying to reconnect, online therapy makes it easier to focus on what really matters—each other.

*Residents of Tennessee only

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In just one intensive session, you and your partner could start to move from stuck to thriving.

Let’s chat about how therapy with me can make a difference in your relationship.