#TheBonafideProviders Team
Dr. Michelle Blake, LCSW
Dr. Michelle Blake, LCSW, is a PhD-level clinician with over 25 years of experience as a therapist, social work educator, and mentor. She earned her BA from Christian Brothers University, her MSSW from the Kent School of Social Work at the University of Louisville, and her Ph.D. in Clinical Social Work from Florida State University. She is independently licensed in both Tennessee and Indiana and brings a depth of knowledge that bridges academic rigor with practical, compassionate care.
Dr. Blake’s approach is grounded in person-centered therapy, prioritizing a warm, accepting environment where clients feel safe to be fully themselves—often described as “tea with Aunt Michelle.” From this foundation, she thoughtfully integrates psychodynamic insight, CBT-informed strategies, systems perspectives, feminist therapy, and solution-focused techniques. She also incorporates metaphor, language-based media, and creative interventions when they align with a client’s preferences and goals.
She has a particular passion for supporting individuals through life transitions—whether launching into adulthood, navigating shifts in identity, adjusting to empty nesting, or facing the complexities of aging. Her clinical interests also include grief (with special attention to infertility and perinatal loss), anxiety, depression, women’s issues, LGBTQIA+ concerns, and the human-animal bond.
Originally from Memphis, Dr. Blake has lived and worked across several states before returning to Tennessee. Outside of her clinical work, she enjoys reading and spending time with animals, often with both close at hand.
Dr. Blake invites clients to show up exactly as they are, believing that meaningful change begins with feeling seen, heard, and accepted.
Bonafide (adj.): genuine. real. made in good faith.
That definition is intentional because it’s the same standard this practice was built on and the same standard I’m looking for in clinicians.
As a solo practice it was built from startup to full capacity in under six months by operating deliberately: with intention, bonafide specialized credibility, and community focus.
The clinical focus has been men’s mental health and Veteran issues, and that work would be deeply complemented by clinicians who are grounded, fully-licensed, and aligned with values over volume – specialized (or looking to specialize) in:
• Men’s mental health
• Women’s mental health
• Couples work
• Veteran centered care
This model is designed for clinicians who want:
• Autonomy without chaos
• Structure without micromanagement
• Billing and admin handled cleanly
• A practice that operates in good faith with both clients and clinicians
If this describes how you operate and what you look for in a practice, this might be a good fit to explore.
– Flexible, independent contractor roles
– Evidence-based, client-centered care
– Real-world practice leadership from a combat veteran clinician
– Sliding scale and insurance options for clients
Send your resume or questions to 931-914-4807 or info@bonafidetherapeuticalliancellc.com.