About me

My name is Caroline Clipper and I am a Tennessee licensed mental health counselor (LPC-MHSP #4265). I have created an approach to mental health therapy that embraces psychodynamic foundation and values the beauty of neurodiversity as benefit to our society. I am currently studying to become a designated Somatic Experiencing Practitioner.

I am incredibly passionate about providing therapy that is neurodivergent-affirming. My perspective is shaped by honoring the damage created by abelism in our society and the intersectionality with other marginalized groups. 

I understand the need to change traditional therapy approaches and models to honor a neurodivergent person's autonomy in order for true authentic connection with one's self while balancing the demands of a neurotypical world

I am incredibly passionate about providing therapy that is neurodivergent-affirming, designed after my own self-discovery journey and subsequent deep dive into books, podcasts, academic journals, social media, and other disciplines, such as occupational therapy. This includes understanding the constant presence of ableism in our society and its detrimental effects on sense of self, sense of self worth, mental and emotional wellbeing, and ability to thrive. I understand the need to change traditional therapy approaches in order to honor the autonomy of a neurodivergent person, help them find their authenticity, and balance this with the demands of a neurotypical world.

I began my professional journey working as an in-home therapist, mainly working with families and substance use. I also was greatly impacted by my work at a residential substance abuse facility, The Next Door. Most recently, I worked as an outpatient therapist in East Nashville. 

Recovery is an important concept to me, but is not strictly held to the idea of abstinence only. I believe in understanding your relationship with substances so that you can make informed, autonomous decisions without shame. 

I began working with people who live with high power brains, highly attuned nervous systems, i.e. "sensitive", and deep deep empathy (who are often misunderstood as lacking empathy). Clinically, this looks like ADHD, Autism, OCD, and sensory processing disorders. I learned how to meld my training, awareness of systems of oppression, understanding of the nervous system, and knowledge of neurodivergence to create effective therapy for those struggling in a neurotypical world. I implement somatic interventions, which help those with high power brains access and translate the information coming from their body sensations and nervous system. I help others understand emotions and emotional difficulties through a lens that allows for freedom of authentic living.

I will work with you to understand your sensory profile - that is your level of over/under sensitivity and craving/avoidant tendencies - in order to learn how this impacts your mental health, relationships, anxiety, depression, insecurities, or general suffering. This impacts our ability to regulate emotions, control behaviors, problem solve, and make executive decisions that are true to ourselves and not other standards. Even more so with someone who is neurodivergent, self-soothing behaviors (stimming) often appear socially inappropriate, shameful, unaccepted, yet are effective and humanistic behaviors to comfort yourself. Ableism in our society often leads to internalized shame, intensified with the intersectionality of other systems of oppression.