Rachel Darter, MMFT
Rachel believes that at the core of each of us is a compassionate and curious place. Rachel’s goal is to help clients connect with their innermost self in hopes that they will find healing and be able to connect more deeply with themselves and others. Rachel utilizes a client-centered approach, with the belief that each client is the expert in his or her own life. Rachel’s approach is holistic, emotion-focused, and systems oriented.
Rachel began her professional career as an auditor after receiving both a Bachelors and Masters degree in Accounting. Life events and a great deal of self-exploration challenged her to reconsider her desires, hopes, and dreams for herself. While embarking on a soul-searching journey, Rachel worked for a few years in full-time ministry prior to receiving her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from Trevecca Nazarene University and ultimately becoming a therapist at Sage Hill.
A Tennessee native, Rachel loves hospitality, cooking, and gathering friends and family in her home. Rachel and her husband Jim recently welcomed their first child into the world.
Concentrations
- Grief
- Relationship Issues
- Self Worth Issues
- Spiritual Issues
- Women's Issues
Education
BBA Accounting, Belmont University
MAcc Accounting, Belmont University
MMFT Marriage and Family Therapy, Trevecca Nazarene University
Training and Certifications
Marital and Family Therapist-Temporary License (Rachel is currently pursuing LMFT licensure in Tennessee under AAMFT-Approved Supervisor Candidate Cadey Phipps, LMFT-License #1348.), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Level 1 Trained, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Externship, AAMFT Member, ACA Member
Learn More
The Basics
Cookeville, Tennessee
Do you have pets?
The furriest, snuggliest friend of all -- aka Ollie, a mid-size goldendoodle
Describe yourself in five words.
Hospitable, listener, responsible, empathetic, honest
About Your Practice
A windy road full of triumph and pain, growth and grief led me to the counseling profession. To be honest, I feel I stumbled into this profession, but if I step back I believe it has been part of my DNA longer than I have known. My own self-discovery mixed with significant loss led me to therapy many years ago, and from that journey I fell in love with both the theory and the art of helping others in their own journeys.
Who has influenced your work?
My faith, family, and friends have influenced my work most deeply. Also, I have been tremendously influenced by Richard Rohr, my own therapist, Richard Swartz, Brene Brown, Shauna Niequist, and Dr. Teri Murphy as well.
How does your faith play itself out in your work?
My faith has provided the foundation I need to be able to do and continue my own work. My faith is cornerstone to how I view myself, others and the world. It humbles me, reminds me that I am human, and encourages me in my journey to connect compassionately, courageously, and honestly with myself, God, and others. From this place I believe I can more holistically and compassionately sit with clients and offer them space to ask questions about and wrestle with what comes.
Favorites
I will pretty much listen to any type of music except heavy metal. You will most frequently find country or christian music playing in my car or around my home.
Which TV show would you never miss?
This is Us
What's your favorite book or author?
I love all of Shauna Niequist's books. Love Lives Here by Maria Goff is another favorite. Brene Brown, Richard Rohr. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scazzero
What is your favorite sport/physical activity?
I love high intensity training or really any kind of mixed cardio/weight training in general. Yoga and long walks with family or friends outside are also favorites.
What's your favorite place to visit?
I love to travel! However, regardless of where I have been, the waves crashing on the beach ground me in a way that is deep and steady. At the same time, the mountains bring rest and peace in a way little else does. My all time favorite place to visit since I was a young child is a ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
Just for Fun
My first job was creating yard talker signs in a sign shop.
What is your most treasured possession?
All of the jewelry I wear daily is significant to me in some way. My mom passed away a few years ago, and we were extremely close. She loved jewelry, so I daily wear a piece of hers and my engagement ring. I would say they are both my most treasured possessions.
If you have friends coming over, what would you cook?
I absolutely love hosting, and Mexican food is one of my favorites to serve. Enchiladas with homemade red sauce, tableside guacamole, simmered black beans, cilantro-lime rice, chips and salsa, homemade margaritas..is your mouth watering yet? Also, homemade chocolate chip cookies. Always cookies.
What pastimes or hobbies do you enjoy?
I enjoy long, deep talks with friends, quality time with my family, making pottery, cooking and trying to restaurants, reading, being outside, traveling, and quiet space to rest, reset and restore.
Other than your current home, if you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
On a ranch in Wyoming -- simple and serene with space to consistently gather and explore with the people I love.
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