Personal Counseling

People may seek the help of professionals for a variety of reasons. Dr. Godwin helps people with:

  • Anxiety
  • Parenting Challenges
  • Depression
  • Relationships
  • Marital Difficulties
  • Family Dysfunction
  • Life Adjustments
  • Conflict Resolution

Counseling is conducted in an atmosphere that is friendly, caring, and confidential. Most insurance plans are accepted but inquiry should be made ahead of time to verify coverage. Dr. Godwin is in the office most weekdays and some evening hours are available. His office is in Suite 101 of the Churchill Mortgage Center which is located on the east side of Interstate 65 on Old Hickory Blvd. in Brentwood. The building sits directly across from the Four Points Sheraton which is adjacent to the Target shopping area. The Interstate 65 exit is 74A (Old Hickory Blvd. East).

Do you have additional questions about personal counseling? Click in the box below.

Commonly asked questions about my counseling:

Do you see children or adolescents?

No, I work with adults. That said, I do see parents who may be having difficulties with their children or adolescents.

Do you do couple counseling?

Yes, about half of my practice is devoted to working with couples. And in some cases, the individuals I see come in because of relational struggles.

What’s your philosophy of counseling?

That’s a fair question but difficult to answer succinctly. While I certainly understand the various schools of thought, I try to use what’s most helpful from each of them while not being tied rigidly to any one of them. I always attempt to tailor the approach to the individual, taking into consideration all of the factors present. I also try to consider the relational context for individual struggles. Relationships can hurt us but healthy relationships can bring about healing and growth.

How long will this take?

Again, that’s a fair question but difficult to answer in a one-size-fits-all manner. Here’s the way I look at it. We’ll move as quickly as we can but take the time required to accomplish the goals in a satisfactory manner. In some cases, we’re time-limited for one reason or another and we’ll get as much accomplished in the time we’ve got. Symptom-relief is helpful but, if time allows, we’d also like to address those factors giving rise to the symptoms.

How often will we meet?

At our first session, we’ll make that determination together based upon all the particulars that need to be considered.

What happens on the first session?

I’ll ask you questions that will help me grasp why you’re here and what you’re hoping to accomplish. We’ll also discuss what the counseling process looks like moving ahead.

How active are you in the process?

I won’t do all the talking nor will I just sit there and say nothing. Our time will be interactive.  Sometimes, people want feedback and instruction. At other times, they want a listening ear and a place to think out loud or say what they can’t say in other places. I always try to be sensitive to both needs.

So, what’s the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?

Psychologists have doctoral degrees (PhD, PsyD, or EdD) and are licensed to work with people on the non-medical aspects of their struggles. I’m a psychologist. Psychiatrists, on the other hand, have medical degrees (MD) and have completed psychiatric residencies subsequent to medical school. For the most part, psychiatrists attend to the medical aspects of a person’s struggle, such as the prescribing of medications.

Do you coordinate with other professionals?

Certainly, if and when such coordination is needed. But no communication can take place without your prior knowledge and authorization.

How do the finances work?

As mentioned on the Home page, I do participate in many insurance plans. I will give you some information regarding finances at our first session which should answer most of your questions. I’m certainly open to further questions at any point.

Public Speaking

Dr. Godwin enjoys speaking and, in the last few years, has conducted over 450 day-long seminars in 126 cities in 45 states on topics related to the process of personal growth, the importance of relationships, marital difficulties, conflict resolution, and dealing with others who are difficult and manipulative.  His format is flexible and adaptable to the needs of the audience.  A brief excerpt from his seminar on manipulators may be viewed by clicking here.  Or listen to a radio interview in which Dr. Godwin discusses manipulators in the workplace here. 

Adoption Evaluations

Many couples adopting from overseas are required to be evaluated by a stateside psychologist. Dr. Godwin has conducted many of these evaluations which sometimes require psychological testing. If your adoption process requires such an evaluation, please contact Dr. Godwin to discuss the specifics.

Interested in connecting with Dr. Godwin for personal counseling, a seminar, or an adoption evaluation?