Dr. Christina R. Perkins, DSW, LCSW

Hi! I’m glad you’re here.

My name is Dr. Christina Perkins. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) committed to radically compassionate therapy work, building community, and showing up authentically. I practice in a way that sees each person and their intersectional identities. I am working toward holding space that is not only focused on symptom reduction or labeling a problem but on understanding ourselves as we are, in our families, our communities, within systems of oppression, and within a global context.

I bet you’re wondering what that means, isn’t therapy just therapy?

My primary modality of therapy practice is now Internal Family Systems (IFS). I whole heartedly believe in the power of experiencing ourselves as containing a multiplicity. What does that mean? Well, if you’ve ever thought to yourself “a part of me wants to do this but another part really doesn’t,” then IFS is for you. It’s largely based in family systems theory which pulls our attention to the interactions and dynamics between family members and community members. IFS focuses that same attention and curiosity on the inside of us.

Where am I?

I practice in Knoxville, Tennessee and work with with folks ages 16 and older who are struggling to tell their story, those who are burdened by systems of oppression, those who are burdened by their own internal narratives of things like ‘not good enough,’ ‘not perfect,’ ‘I am bad,’ ‘I hate myself,’ and those who have a difficult time figuring out the menu of options.  I also provide consultation for folks working with LGBTQIA clients who need support and those who are seeking clinical supervision while working toward clinical licensure.

What do I believe? How do I “do” therapy?

I believe in the healing power of the therapeutic process. I believe that sometimes we need someone to be on our team, in our corner, to remind us that we have worth and meaning. I believe that you are the expert on you. No one knows the inner workings of your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors quite like you do. I believe that people do the best they can with what they have, most of the time.

Sometimes folks come to therapy seeking help putting words to what their problem currently is, why they are feeling what they feel, and other folks come with a well defined problem and need help articulating the best answer for them in the present moment. Either way, I can hold space for you as you formulate a question or as you explore the answer to the question. Showing up is a huge deal. This work is hard, and you’re brave for doing it. I work from adaptive processing framework, which means I believe all our behaviors are directed toward getting us connected, keeping us safe, or keeping us alive. Sometimes, though, those behaviors and thoughts start to get in our way.

Who am I a good fit with?

My skillset is the best fit for folks who identify as LGBTQQIA+, those who have addiction struggles (either substances or processes), or those who have anxiety or traumatic experiences in their past. Or if you just generally feel off in your ability to consistently show up in relationships with others. Humans who experience societal marginalization are my priority. The seats in my office are yours first. I won’t always get it right because of my privilege but my on-going training to practice therapy that liberates means that you can hold me accountable for my behaviors, words, and actions.

I am also a Compassionate Bereavement Care Certified provider, which means I am able to hold specific space for folks who have experienced grief and loss.

Someone told me when I first started my practice in 2018 that I will probably scare off potential clients by honoring all the parts of myself and the way I show up to therapy (i.e. being quite outspoken about the importance of equity practice, radically believing in liberation focused work, trauma-informed healing space, and generally the queerness. Here’s my truth, in Northeast Tennessee, there are MANY therapy spaces for humans who are living in all privileges.

What does “the unburdened self” mean and why did you call your practice that?

Unburden means “to relieve oneself of something that is causing distress.” My hope is that folks that I hold space for leave our work together even a little bit unburdened. I’m not magic so I can’t do that for anyone. No magic wand here, yet! I hope that in our work of understanding the systems we are in, sitting together to discuss your options, goals, and values, and learning and unlearning beliefs about yourself, you can be unburdened from anything that holds you back. No one can guarantee you that life won’t bring more burdens, but I hope with our work together we can create some tools for your toolbox to help you along the path.

It would be my honor to get to know you.

~Christina

  

Art by @meotymouse