Holistic Jungian therapist specializing in trauma and relationships
Yes, family therapists work with individuals. In fact, most of the work I have done has been with individuals. It helps to hear “family therapy” as “systemic therapy.” Systemic therapists focus on how “big picture” factors (family, work, society) influence us and, thus, how we have to cope with them.
My training has been both academic and from “the school of hard knocks.” In 2005, at age 40, I completed my PhD in child at family studies with an emphasis in counseling at the University Tennessee. I was taking a heavy course load, working two part-time jobs, and raising two young children. I consider my time as client at the student counseling center the most important part of my training. I completed my family therapy training at Good Shepherd Counseling Center under one of the earliest family therapists in Tennessee. I started by training as an undergraduate psychology major (and creative writing minor) at Carson-Newman University. I then went to seminary where I majored in pastoral counseling and worked as an aide at internationally known Norton Psychiatric Clinic.
People describe me as down to earth. I grew up the son of teachers and grandson of farmers. I have baled hay, fed cattle, and spent a summer pulling steel from a 1500-degree furnace and driving a fork lift. I also was captain of my high school soccer team. If I’m not working, I’m riding my bike, watching a movie, reading a book, playing scrabble, hiking, canoeing, or refinishing furniture.
Licensed · Professional · Cancel Anytime
Dr. Bradley (Brad) Bull is a marriage and family therapist based in Tennessee who brings 20 years of clinical experience to work with individuals, couples, and families. He focuses on relationship and family issues including intimacy and parenting concerns, as well as depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, self-esteem, coping with life changes, LGBT concerns, and ADHD.
He completed a PhD in child and family studies with an emphasis in counseling at the University of Tennessee in 2005, finishing that degree at age 40 while managing a heavy course load, two part-time jobs, and raising two young children. He considers his time as a client at the student counseling center to be the most important part of his training. He also completed family therapy training at Good Shepherd Counseling Center under one of Tennessee’s early family therapists.
His academic preparation began as an undergraduate psychology major with a creative writing minor at Carson-Newman University and continued in seminary where he majored in pastoral counseling and worked as an aide at Norton Psychiatric Clinic. That blend of academic study and real-world experience contributes to a systemic approach that pays attention to how family, work, and societal factors shape a person’s life and coping strategies.
He is licensed to practice as a marriage and family therapist in both Virginia and Tennessee. People describe him as down to earth, a reflection of his upbringing as the son of teachers and grandson of farmers. His background includes hands-on work such as baling hay, feeding cattle, and spending a summer pulling steel from a 1500-degree furnace and operating a forklift. He was also captain of his high school soccer team.
Outside of work he enjoys riding his bike, watching movies, reading, playing Scrabble, hiking, canoeing, and refinishing furniture. That combination of practical life experience and formal training informs a grounded, approachable therapeutic style.
Many people wonder whether virtual therapy really helps. For common concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, or navigating life transitions, online therapy has been shown to be comparable in effectiveness to traditional in-person sessions.
One major benefit is flexibility. Clients can choose the mode of connection that works best for them – video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or in-app messaging – making it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule.
Licensed professionals provide online care, and if someone wants a different fit they can change therapists at any time. This adaptability and accessibility make online therapy a practical option for many people seeking support.
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