Aimee Sullivan joined our Family Care Center Murfreesboro, TN clinic just last year, in September 2023, bringing with her a rich background in community mental health and a deep commitment to serving others. Her journey into the field of therapy is as unique as her approach to care, driven by a blend of personal experiences and professional aspirations.
A journey from IT to therapy
By 17, she knew she wanted to major in psychology, and she eventually earned her master’s degree in social work. Her early exposure to mental health stories and her innate curiosity about human behavior propelled her into this field.
While pursuing her undergraduate degree, she worked in information technology (IT) support, a role that taught her invaluable troubleshooting skills. “I used to fix computers when I was young,” she recalls. “It started with breaking them and causing viruses, and then learning how to fix them.” This knack for problem-solving translated seamlessly into her work in therapy. “The human brain is the most complex ‘computer’ known to man,” she says. Her background in IT gave her a unique perspective when working with her patients in therapy, viewing each client’s mind as a complex system that requires careful understanding and delicate handling.
Aimee has been practicing therapy for seven years, starting in community mental health in a rural setting. Her initial years were spent in school-based settings, working with children from kindergarten to 12th grade. During the pandemic, she transitioned to community health, focusing on adults. During this time, she discovered her niche in working with teens and young adults aged 13 and up.
Goal setting and measuring success in mental health care
Setting goals is a vital part of Aimee’s approach. She listens to her patients, builds rapport and asks questions to understand their triggers and motivations. “What happened to you to make you pick up the phone and call?” she often asks. This curiosity and dedication to understanding their experiences allow her to set meaningful and achievable goals. And gold-standard mental health surveys like the GAD-7 for anxiety and PHQ-9 for depression help her measure progress.
“When they reach their end goals and are happy, we may move to maintenance sessions or discharge,” she says. Aimee remains flexible, always willing to find other options or refer patients to colleagues if another modality or treatment is needed.
Connection to NAMI TN and community involvement
Aimee’s involvement with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) in Tennessee began during a previous role when a family friend asked her to give a presentation on coping during the pandemic. Being a presenter sparked her interest in the organization and deepened her involvement with NAMI. Earlier this year, she was nominated to join the NAMI TN Board of Directors.
“There is a stigma associated with mental illness, especially among older generations,” she notes. “Advocating for mental health and breaking down these barriers has always been important to me. I’m able to do my part in my role with NAMI TN.”
She participates in various events with Middle Tennessee NAMI, including fundraising walks and an upcoming fall conference, where she will present on social determinants of health
How Aimee Sullivan prioritizes self-care
Outside of work, Aimee enjoys reading, particularly Stephen King and true crime stories. Her fascination with the human mind and behavior extends to forensic cases. In her community health role, she worked with individuals facing serious charges and found goal setting with them to be particularly interesting. “Some knew they were going to prison, so the goal I’d help them through was how to survive prison,” she explains.
She is currently exploring certification in geek therapy, integrating her love for Dungeons and Dragons into her sessions to connect with teens interested in anime and subcultures. Additionally, she is looking into animal-assisted therapy, drawing from her lifelong experience with Australian Terriers.
Aimee Sullivan’s dedication to mental health and her clients is evident in every aspect of her work. Her journey, from IT support to therapy, and her involvement with NAMI TN highlights her commitment to breaking down barriers and providing compassionate, effective mental health care. Her story is a testament to the impact that one dedicated individual can have on the lives of many.
