Doug Messer, M.A.

Specialties include (but are not limited to): marital conflict, family dynamics, parental wounds, and racial trauma, spiritual direction/soul-care.

Hi! My name is Doug Messer. Thanks so much for your willingness to consider working with us at Healing Hearts. Whether you are an individual or a couple in the midst of a challenging season, I know how difficult it can be to even make the decision to go to a counselor. A number of years ago, I was in the same position. My personal experiences and perspective influence my therapeutic approach, and I am always grateful for the opportunity to process life with individuals and couples at various stages of life’s journey. I love helping people understand and value the dynamics of their life story in a safe, nonjudgmental environment, while also inviting them to explore new paths they would like to consider and healthier patterns they hope to establish, for themselves or as a couple.

I have over 20 years of experience in working with a wide range of people from various backgrounds and stages of life in both pastoral care and clinical counseling settings. My primary therapeutic approach is Person-Centered which is present-oriented and enables individuals and couples to realize their internal strengths and resources. I also utilize Narrative Therapy which can help clients externalize problems while realizing their ability to re-author their own story. In addition, I draw from various other therapeutic approaches as is appropriate to each client’s particular needs and goals. Understanding and utilization of various approaches allows me to work with each client in the most effective manner.

I have a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Wake Forest University. I also have a Master’s degree in Religion from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Finally, from many years ago, I received a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a minor in English from The Ohio State University.I was raised in Cincinnati, OH but have lived in Knoxville for almost 20 years. My wife and I are the parents of four children who range in age from 20 to 8. I enjoy reading, music (especially live), sports, and humor, and working on home-projects. I love the long-running British television show, Dr. Who, and find that watching the show, The Office, is a source of both self-care and “comfort food” for me. I also have a special place in my heart for the late comedian Chris Farley.