Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Kelchner.
Hi Lisa, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Like many people, I had a love–hate relationship with the small town I grew up in. My path has been anything but linear, yet I now know I am exactly where I’m meant to be.
I was raised in a loving family that looked picture-perfect from the outside. Beneath the surface, though, there was dysfunction—mental health struggles, addiction, co-dependency, and relationship challenges that no one talked about. I was the child of young parents and even younger grandparents, and like many families, we simply carried on.
In high school, I became pregnant and chose to have my son at sixteen. I married young, went to college, and eventually became a mother of three. By the age of twenty-five, I had moved back into the home I grew up in—on our family farm—with a degree, a husband, three kids, a minivan, and a dog. On paper, it looked like the dream. But inside, I was struggling with anxiety, depression, and co-dependency, unsure of how to navigate it all.
For over twenty years, I’ve worked as a dental hygienist—a career I still love. But when my oldest son began battling depression and addiction as a teenager, his journey changed the course of my life. Watching him struggle and fight for healing inspired me to return to school and earn a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy.
Today, I own and operate a private counseling practice—right here in my small hometown of White House, just north of Nashville. I see individuals, couples, families, and teens, often in the evenings and on weekends, meeting them where they are in their own journeys.
I’m deeply proud of the obstacles I’ve overcome to be in this place—a place where I can offer compassion, empathy, and a safe space for others to heal. My clients inspire me daily; they remind me that growth and grace are possible for all of us.
If you had told my sixteen-year-old self that one day I would be a business owner in my hometown, I wouldn’t have believed it. But I’ve learned to follow the breadcrumbs, trust the process, and have faith in a bigger plan. I’m grateful every day for the way it continues to unfold—with purpose and in service to others.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road hasn’t been easy. Both of my parents have each been married four times, and my mother continues to struggle with alcoholism and active addiction. My own son faced addiction, homelessness, and incarceration as a teenager. Those experiences forced me to confront my own patterns—especially my co-dependency and the deep desire to save those I love from their pain.
Through faith, therapy, and self-reflection, I’ve learned that healing begins within. I can’t rescue others from their battles, but I can love them while choosing to heal myself. Over time, I’ve worked hard to build self-acceptance, self-compassion, and peace within my story.
Healing isn’t a destination—it’s lifelong work. But it’s work I’m committed to, and it continues to shape me into a more grounded, compassionate person. Every challenge has led me closer to my purpose: helping others find hope, healing, and connection—right here in the small town that raised me.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I have a private practice in White House, where I work with individuals, couples, and families. Counseling is actually my second career—I’ve also been a dental hygienist for over 20 years. I see clients during late evenings and on weekends because I understand firsthand how challenging it can be to balance work, family, and personal well-being.
I’ve been married for 28 years, so I know the realities of what growth, compromise, and commitment look like in a long-term relationship. As a mother of three, I also understand the joys and complexities of parenting through different seasons of life.
My passion for this work is deeply personal. I’ve witnessed the impact of dysfunctional relationship patterns, mental health struggles, and addiction within my own family. Those experiences have shaped my empathy and reinforced my belief in the importance of having a safe, nonjudgmental space to process emotions and heal.
In my practice, I strive to offer that space—one where clients feel seen, supported, and encouraged as they grow into the best versions of themselves.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
When it comes to finding a mentor or building connections, start by simply paying attention to the people around you. Be curious, be present, and ask questions. Growth often happens through the quiet moments of genuine connection.”
I’ve learned to trust that when you stay open and engaged, the right people have a way of showing up—often at just the right time. Sometimes it’s less about seeking and more about noticing. Follow the breadcrumbs, and you’ll find that guidance and inspiration are already on your path.
Pricing:
- $90 for individuals
- $100 for couples and families
- Sliding scale is offered for those needing a reduced rate
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.evolve-counseling-solutions.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evolvecounselingsolutionsllc/
- Facebook: Evolve Counseling Solutions
Image Credits
Jayson Rivas
