I help anxious preteens/teenagers build emotional and social skills to tackle school-based issues.

Hi, I’m Kim Parrino—a pre-licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MMFT) in Tennessee, specializing in therapy for individuals, children, teens, couples, and families. I provide compassionate, evidence-based counseling services to help clients navigate emotional, behavioral, relational, and academic challenges with confidence and clarity.

My clinical experience includes working with teens in juvenile hall, youth experiencing homelessness, high school students, parents, and families facing complex social and emotional concerns. I also bring extensive experience in school-based counseling, supporting children and adolescents with anxiety, behavioral challenges, emotional regulation, academic stress, and family system disruptions.

Before completing my licensure, I took time to start a family while continuing to provide support services for individuals and families caring for loved ones with intellectual and physical disabilities. Prior to entering the mental health field, I worked in Corporate America—an experience that ultimately clarified my calling. Through my own personal therapy and professional development, I recognized a deep ability to understand human behavior, trauma, and relationship dynamics. This insight, combined with advanced clinical training and research, confirmed my commitment to becoming a therapist.

Specialized Training & Therapy Approaches

In addition to my master’s-level education in clinical psychology and family systems, I have received specialized training and certification in the following evidence-based therapy models:

• Positive Discipline Therapy – Externship training for parenting and family support

• Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) – Externship training for couples and relationship counseling

• PREPARE/ENRICH – I am a facilitator for customized assessments in premarital counseling, marriage counseling, and parenting support

I hold a Pre-License in Marriage and Family Therapy (MMFT) in the state of Tennessee and provide therapy services under clinical supervision in accordance with state regulations.

Education & Clinical Experience

I earned my Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University in Malibu, California. I completed my clinical internship with Outreach Concern, Inc. in Orange County, where I was honored with the Counselor of the Year Award. My work focused on counseling high school students and parents, addressing social-emotional challenges, family system issues, behavioral concerns, and academic difficulties that often stem from unresolved stress or relational conflict.

My clinical strengths include helping clients repair relationships, improve communication, set healthy boundaries, and break free from negative patterns. I work collaboratively with parents, teens, couples, and individuals to provide practical tools, psychoeducation, and emotional support to reduce anxiety, improve connection, and create meaningful, lasting change.

Therapy for Individuals, Teens, Couples & Families

I offer counseling services for:

• Children and adolescents experiencing emotional or behavioral challenges

• Teens struggling with anxiety, peer relationships, school stress, or family conflict

• Parents seeking effective parenting strategies and improved family communication

• Couples seeking relationship counseling, premarital counseling, or marriage support

• Individuals navigating life transitions, stress, trauma, or personal growth

A Little More About Me

Outside of the therapy room, I’m a wife and an “Uber Mom”—chauffeur, chef, referee, nurse, therapist, and full-time snack provider to two amazing teenagers who continue to teach me daily. I’m also an avid animal lover, sharing life with dogs, cats, guinea pigs, ferrets, and fish. I value lifelong learning, authentic connection, and growth—both personally and professionally—and I look forward to supporting you on your journey.

Schedule a Therapy Appointment

I am currently accepting clients Monday through Saturday for therapy sessions with individuals, children, teens, couples, and families.
To learn more or schedule an appointment, please email kim@kimparrino.com, call 615-486-2245, or complete the contact form on my Connect page. All inquiries are confidential.