Brooke Elam, intern

Hi! I am Brooke, and I am so honored you are here. I am currently pursuing my Master of Social Work at the University of Tennessee, where I also earned my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Child and Family Studies. I have had the privilege of serving individuals of many ages, including children, specifically in a juvenile justice and hospital setting, and walking alongside high school students through vocational ministry. These experiences have deepened my passion for caring for people who are navigating the hardest of days, months, and even years.

Each of our stories matters and is uniquely shaped by our experiences, relationships, culture, and environment. My approach is deeply person-centered, and I am committed to meeting each client exactly where they are—with compassion, curiosity, empathy—regardless of their background or beliefs. My greatest hope is to create a space where true authenticity and relationship are shared, where strengths are celebrated, and where growth is encouraged. 

 I desire to be a steady source of light and to faithfully walk alongside those walking through all of life’s seasons, the beautiful and the hard, as they long for healing and restoration of their whole being. I recognize the wounds that can come from carrying the weight of pain, shame, fear, or brokenness and believe it is never meant to be done alone. Some stories always stay with us, but I am passionate about creating intentional ways to grow and experience freedom in the midst.

I am especially passionate about working with children (6 and up), adolescents, and young adults. My areas of interest are individuals who’ve experienced trauma in or from childhood and beyond, desire healing from relational wounds, battle intrusive or anxious thoughts that attack many important areas of their life, or are navigating challenges in relationships, family, identity, loss, and life transitions, but I welcome all stories. I collaborate and tailor my approach to the unique needs and goals of each individual and family, drawing from evidence-based approaches I particularly find interesting and effective, such as Child-Centered Play Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Exposure Response Prevention (ERP),  reframing and mindfulness, and an attachment-informed lens, although always working to expand my knowledge. 

Outside of the office, I enjoy spending time with people I love over an iced latte or a board game, staying active, traveling, cheering on the Vols, and relaxing with a good book or show.