Meet Molly Porter

Today we’d like to introduce you to Molly Porter.

Hi Molly, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Originally from a northern suburb of Chicago, I moved to Nashville when I was recruited to play softball at Belmont University. I started off pursuing a degree in Global Leadership Studies, which focused on leadership in the area of non-profit work. I soon realized that I wanted to work in a more clinical setting, getting to work with and collaborate with others face-to-face. This leads me to shift gears and pursue a degree in social work. During this time I developed a passion for trauma treatment, researching somatic interventions, and realizing that my ultimate goal was to become a mental health therapist.

Upon graduation from Belmont, I decided to go straight into an advanced-standing Master of Science in Social Work program at the University of Tennessee where I specialized in treating trauma. I began my clinical internship at Simply Being Therapy in Berry Hill, a private practice that specialized in somatic interventions and trauma treatment. While there, I got to begin working and meeting with clients in both individual and group settings. I started discovering more about myself as a therapist, becoming certified in EMDR, and learning more about how to implement somatic interventions with clients.

Since graduating this past May from the University of Tennessee, I accepted a full-time position at Simply Being, where I am so excited to continue developing and growing as a therapist.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
While I began as a student-athlete at Belmont, I had to ultimately make a hard decision to walk away after multiple injuries and the COVID-19 pandemic, which both resulted in a decline in my mental health. I started playing softball at 10 years old and quickly became passionate. My dream to become a collegiate athlete began at around 12, and I began working to make that dream a reality.

However, my freshman year 10 days before our first game, I tore a tendon in my wrist. After surgery, rehab, and training to get back to where I was, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. This led to a decline in my mental health, as I felt very isolated and disoriented – something I think all of us were navigating at that time. When we were finally able to return, I wasn’t able to balance my new normal.

I decided to focus on my school work and prioritize my new goal of becoming a social worker. It was really hard saying goodbye to a sport that I didn’t feel ready to say goodbye to, but I am thankful that I chose myself and my healing and growth at that time. Now, I enjoy working with student-athletes to help support them through similar experiences.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I work as a therapist at Simply Being Therapy in Berry Hill. I specialize in trauma treatment with adults and teens. I have experience working with those who experience trauma, attachment wounds, depression, anxiety, life transitions, LGBTQIA+ wounding, spiritual abuse, and inner child wounding.

I am EMDR trained and believe that trauma is an in-body experience that requires an in-body approach. When working with clients, I focus on the nervous system and somatic perspectives to gain a deeper understanding of why clients may be experiencing certain symptoms. I believe that we all have complex and unique stories that require a similar treatment plan – honoring a person within their environment.

As a social worker, I value the dignity and worth of all people. I desire to foster and facilitate a safe and authentic environment where clients can feel seen, accepted, and valued as their true selves. I am passionate about partnering with those from any walks of life as they navigate life and pursue healing. I believe that we all have an innate capacity for healing, and I am honored to be able to walk alongside my clients as they search for meaning and self-discovery.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I think that what is most important in my work with clients is being authentic and creating a space where clients can feel safe being their authentic selves.

We are all wanting real, genuine relationships with others, and I see the therapeutic relationship as an important place for that.

Pricing:

• $110/50-minute session

Contact Info:

• Website: simplybeingtherapy.com
• Instagram: @mollyptherapy