Today we’d like to introduce you to Brian Edwards.
Hi Brian, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was raised in Nashville, Tennessee, as one of six children and attended Father Ryan High School. Like many young people, I wrestled with questions about my future. At one point I was convinced that my path was to the priesthood, so I entered the seminary with the hope of becoming a Catholic priest. Although I ultimately left the seminary, my years spent in formation were very meaningful and shaped my future tremendously. Despite shifting my direction, I have no regrets. I wouldn’t trade any of my experiences or the many things I learned about myself and about God during that time. That formative period helped prepare me for continued discernment about a future career and my life’s vocation. Nonetheless, I spent some years in confusion over what to do next.
Several years later, I married my wife, Cathye. Together we raised three children, now adults. I consider my marriage and the way Cathye and I raised our children to be among my greatest accomplishments in life; everything else being secondary. Marriage became my first and primary vocation.
After college but before I married, I spent a few years teaching in a small Catholic high school before entering graduate studies. I earned a Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. Drawn naturally to the helping professions, I proved to be a good listener, so I combined my interests through counseling. This call to accompany others in their struggles is also reflected in my second vocation—as a Catholic Deacon. I love my faith, and I love walking with people through difficult seasons in life.
For many years, I met with counseling clients in person, but I now offer all of my counseling services virtually. This shift has allowed me to serve a broader range of clients and uniquely support Catholics—and other Christians—across the state of Tennessee. I consider it a profound privilege to be invited into the personal stories and struggles of so many individuals and families.
I also spent 17 years at Pope John Paul II High School as Theology Department Head, Director of Campus Ministry, and teacher. In that role I combined theological education with pastoral care, offering both classroom instruction and one-on-one support to students.
Outside of work and ministry, I have a passion for travel and a love of genealogy. Exploring new places and uncovering my family tree are two of my most enjoyable hobbies.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No. It’s not been smooth. I often think about my life as having journeyed a very circuitous route. Yet I wouldn’t change anything. I wouldn’t take back any of the money I spent in travel, especially if I had to give up the memories and experiences. I wouldn’t go back and change my college experiences, even though I changed directions. I wouldn’t change any relationship, even though some lovely women chose to foolishly break up with me. All of those experiences shaped me and formed me into the person I am today.
I am a very imperfect individual! I think that’s part of why I’m a good counselor and truly take people where they’re at in life without judgment and with compassion.
Each time I changed directions, I had to adjust. And some of those adjustments were challenging. But the path to good things isn’t always straight. The path to good people and a beautiful marriage can be very roundabout. I’m thankful for my lovely wife who accepts me and loves me and supports me.
We’ve been impressed with B. A. Edwards Counseling, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am truly a sole proprietorship and operate totally alone in my work. I have no employees, but I spend my days talking with clients from a variety of backgrounds and strive to assist them in moving forward through their unique challenges. Some of my clients have insurance that covers me as a provider. Some of them pay a private fee.
They don’t have to see me. They could select anyone out there who markets themselves as a counselor, but yet I get the privilege of working with them and hearing about their deepest internal struggles. I find it a beautiful experience to enter so deeply and to be trusted by them.
I primarily provide individual therapy using Cognitive Behavioral techniques. I occasionally use EMDR to help clients work through past traumas. I love to bring in the often neglected spiritual dimension which often brings with it an even deeper connection with clients from a variety of Christian backgrounds. But also as a Catholic, I love to support fellow Catholics as they work through challenges and problems.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
My profession has changed a lot since COVID-19. Virtual therapy is very common now, and insurance companies are paying for it also. That’s a big shift in the counseling world, i.e., virtual counseling as a common practice and opportunity.
Psychology Today link:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/brian-a-edwards-nashville-tn/954232
Contact Info:
- Website: https://brianedwards.clientsecure.me
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-edwards-ma-lcsw-67633a1a/?trk=public_profile_browsemap
- Other: https://find.catholictherapists.com/brian-a-edwards-msw
