Graduate level Interns

My name is Abbey Rhys. I was born and raised in Jackson, Tennessee, and have resided in Knoxville, Tennessee, since 2017. I have my bachelor's degree in Sociology with a minor in Criminal Justice from the University of Tennessee at Martin. I am currently enrolled in a graduate program for Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Grand Canyon University. My professional experience consists of direct residential care for juveniles (3+ years), crisis counseling in various mental health settings (2+ years), and behavioral therapy for children with special needs (2+ years). 

I provide compassionate and effective support for individuals facing challenges related to depression, anxiety, self-harm, suicidality, gender, and sexuality. My belief is built on the foundation of creating a judgment-free zone where children and adolescents feel safe, seen, and understood. With a focus on holistic and individualized care, I strive to empower my clients by fostering a nurturing environment that promotes healing and growth without judgment. My approach is client-centered, ensuring that each person receives the tailored support they need to navigate their unique journey. I am committed to being an ally and advocate for all my clients, ensuring their voice is heard. My goal is to help build resilience, develop coping strategies, and find hope and strength in the face of life's challenges. 

On a personal level, I enjoy spending time with my spouse and cats, playing video games, listening to music, and attempting to keep houseplants alive. I also enjoy various arts and craft activities and have recently picked up crocheting, which has been a blast!  

I'm Elizabeth Genovise and I'm an intern at Wildflower Children's Counseling. My background is in teaching and Fine Arts (creative writing), and I have served as a mentor for fifteen years. I am completing my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2025, along with a Jungian Studies certificate from the CG Jung Institute in Chicago. I am MBTI (Myers Briggs Typology Index) certified, and have trained in sandtray therapy.  I believe in the absolute value of the individual, and I seek to help others live more fulfilling, authentic lives via self-exploration. My approach is client-centered with an added emphasis on body-mindfulness, and I believe in the healing power of art/creative writing therapy and sandplay. I believe that in the face of depression, anxiety, trauma, emotional dysregulation, and somatic illness, there is always a path to recovery and renewal. Children, just like adults, heal when they are heard; they require a protected space in which to freely explore their dreams, emotions, and needs. Nothing brings me more joy than to see a young person come into his or her own!

I grew up in Chicago, and attended college and graduate school in Michigan, Iowa, and Louisiana. I have lived in east Tennessee since 2010, where I enjoy hiking, walking, reading, and writing in my free time. I am a fiction writer, and in my stories I explore the nature of the human spirit and what it means to find wholeness in life.