About me

I believe that a sense of compassion is essential in dealing with life's challenges, and I take my work and my clients seriously. Seeking help is difficult enough, and it's my job to make the process easier by offering my clients a warm, empathic, and safe place to address their challenges and concerns. If you are struggling with a particular issue, or simply looking for a safe place to express yourself, I'm excited to begin the process with you.

I am a clinical psychologist with 17 years of experience, and am currently licensed in Virginia, Tennessee and Arkansas. I was excited to join the BetterHelp team because I have always believed that mental health services are more effective in a range of formats, and in a manner that makes them accessible anytime and anywhere. My areas of expertise include depression, anxiety, trauma, stress and adjusting to many of the challenges life throws our way. I've had the opportunity to practice both individual and group therapy with teens, and address issues related to this life stage. I've worked with teens in the foster care system as well as teens residing in residential group homes. I believe therapy is an ongoing relational practice that can offer insight in your life and help develop skills to address mental distress. It is privilege for me to enter this space with you. I look forward to working together. I utilize a client-centered approach that will allow you to identify your own strengths and resources, as well as cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness-based and dialectical behavior therapeutic approaches.

I look forward to speaking with you!


Specialties

  • Stress, Anxiety
  • Trauma, Abuse
  • Depression
  • Coping with life changes
Also experienced in:
Relationship issues , Family conflicts , Grief , Intimacy-related issues , Anger management , Self esteem , Compassion fatigue , Adoption and Foster Care , Aging and Geriatric Issues , Communication Problems , Control Issues , Read more...

Clinical approaches:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems

Years of Experience: 18

Services offered


  • Messaging

  • Live Chat

  • Phone

  • Video

Licensing

TN Psychologist 3537

VA Psychologist 0810004452

AR Psychologist 202222


Reviews

These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Dr. Gwendolyn Drake. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with Teen Counseling might be different.

Written on Mar 25, 2024 after therapy with Gwendolyn for 2 years and 7 months on issues concerning relationship issues, and intimacy-related issues

Dr. Drake is an empathetic and insightful therapist. She has helped me navigate complicated personal and professional challenges.

Written on Mar 06, 2024 after therapy with Gwendolyn for 5 months on issues concerning relationship

We love Dr.Drake and how she understands from both perspectives.

Written on Jan 30, 2024 after therapy with Gwendolyn for 1 month on issues concerning depression, grief, intimacy-related issues, and anger management

Dr. Drake is very kind and knowledgeable and I really enjoy our sessions.

Written on Jan 18, 2024 after therapy with Gwendolyn for 6 months on issues concerning relationship

Appreciative of Dr. Drake’s expertise and conversation style. She balances listening, understanding and guidance very well. We are extremely comfortable.

Written on Jan 08, 2024 after therapy with Gwendolyn for 1 month on issues concerning relationship

Dr. Drake is great. She listens and gives honest responses.

Written on Dec 25, 2023 after therapy with Gwendolyn for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, compassion fatigue

She is very good at what she does. She was easy to talk to.

Written on Oct 10, 2023 after therapy with Gwendolyn for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, grief, self esteem, and compassion fatigue

Dr. Drake is very focused during our sessions and very client oriented/driven. We can be focused on a specific thing that we planned to discuss, but she can tell and will ask if something else is weighing on my mind even more at the time. She is flexible and very aware. She is SO genuine and it is SO refreshing. She takes great notes and constantly repeats things back to me for clarification and understanding. I am rarely anxious for my sessions like I was with previous therapists, because she actually HELPS with the anxiety and shame and stress, which is what therapy and counseling is supposed to be. Another major thing I appreciate about her is that she gives tough love--she will make sure I check my motives, my thoughts against myself and see a bigger picture, not constantly be stuck in the moment. She is the real deal.

Written on Aug 14, 2023 after therapy with Gwendolyn for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship

It’s been a pleasure working with Dr. Drake - I look forward to continuing work with her

Written on Jul 26, 2023 after therapy with Gwendolyn for 7 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, self esteem, and coaching

Dr Drake is the best . I love when we have our sessions. Normally when I go into my session I’m full of myself and feeling overwhelmed but after my sessions I always come out relaxed and at ease. And the worksheets she provide as well seems to help & her overall feedback. Very caring and open-hearted.

Written on Mar 08, 2023 after therapy with Gwendolyn for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, anger management, and coping with life changes

Fantastic all-around. A perfect mix of laid back and blunt.

Written on Mar 02, 2023 after therapy with Gwendolyn for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, and compassion fatigue

Dr. Drake was always on time, very understanding and compassionate during our Sessions. She also provided me with several tools to help me work through my anxiety, self-care, and actually heard what I was saying even when I didn't know how to say it clearly. She is Awesome!

Written on Feb 27, 2023 after therapy with Gwendolyn for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, self esteem, and coping with life changes

Dr. Drake is an amazing therapist. She’s intelligent, insightful, and a pleasure to talk to. She made what I thought would be a scary experience, a pleasure. I’ve already recommended her to some of my friends!

Written on Jan 17, 2023 after therapy with Gwendolyn for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and coping with life changes

Dr Drake doesn’t just hear you but listens. She asked thoughtful questions that shows she is listening and probes to uncover additional information you may not have thought was relevant. Very kind and empathetic without feeling judged.

Written on Jan 02, 2023 after therapy with Gwendolyn for 5 months on issues concerning depression, grief, and coping with life changes

Dr. Drake has been a calming and stabilizing influence during my grieving. She listens intently, is non-judgemental, knows how to compassionately offer guidance, and makes me feel like she's got my back. I enjoy each session and count her as an important enabler to me building my new solid foundation for myself.

Written on Dec 30, 2022 after therapy with Gwendolyn for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, and adhd

Dr. Drake is an amazing listener and makes you feel comfortable from your very first interaction with her. I’ve not had many sessions with her, but I can already tell she is excellent at what she does. Not only that, but you can easily tell she does actually care about her clients from the very first meeting with them. I would recommend Dr.Drake to anyone!

Written on Sep 30, 2022 after therapy with Gwendolyn for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, and career difficulties

Dr. Drake is kind and she really listens. I didn’t have many sessions with her but she has an open and friendly demeanor.

Written on Sep 28, 2022 after therapy with Gwendolyn for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and intimacy-related issues

Dr. Drake is personable and supportive, providing several strategies and worksheets that effectively breakdown the session at hand. I leave her sessions feeling seen and rejuvenated to tackle another week.

Written on Sep 12, 2022 after therapy with Gwendolyn for 1 month on issues concerning relationship

10/10 in compassion, knowledge, and services. I would highly recommend Dr. Drake and the app to any couple looking for support.

Written on Aug 29, 2022 after therapy with Gwendolyn for 11 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, family conflicts, and adhd

I always appreciate how much Dr. Drake validates my experiences and thoughts, it’s really reassuring to have someone do that! I also love that she can joke with me but also give me sound advice and help me see perspectives outside of myself!

Written on Aug 22, 2022 after therapy with Gwendolyn for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, and bipolar disorder

Thank you Dr Drake. I really appreciate you as my therapist

Written on Aug 15, 2022 after therapy with Gwendolyn for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, and coping with life changes

Dr. Drake is easily the best therapist I have ever gone to. Now don’t take that lightly. She is one of the few I have interacted with that have spoken with such direct truth into my situation to help me grow. She is extremely understanding, calm, professional, but also warm and inviting. She gave me so many different tools at my disposal to work with and cope with my mental heath issues and trauma. She has helped me to live a normal live again. Now again don’t take this lightly, as someone who struggled with trust issues she has helped me to feel comfortable. With that she has taught me how to love myself, and isn’t that way we are all here?

Written on May 10, 2022 after therapy with Gwendolyn for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, career difficulties, and coping with life changes

Dr. Drake is very patient, is a good listener, and gives good advice. Out of the other therapist she has made me feel comfortable to talk to and able to take her advice without being offended.

Written on Apr 29, 2022 after therapy with Gwendolyn for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and addictions

She’s awesome!

Written on Apr 06, 2022 after therapy with Gwendolyn for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, self esteem, anger management, and coping with life changes

Dr. Drake is very professional and amazing. I get hyped up every week getting to talk to her. It just sets me up for an awesome week! Definitely recommend. Thank you!

Written on Apr 04, 2022 after therapy with Gwendolyn for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and intimacy-related issues

Dr.Drake is amazing. I was able to voice my situation without interruption and was provided some very helpful information to make better choices for me. I absolutely love being under her care. I look forward to our sessions!

Written on Feb 20, 2022 after therapy with Gwendolyn for 1 month on issues concerning relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, and coping with life changes

I enjoy working with you and is confident that you will help me throughout my journey.

Written on Jan 26, 2022 after therapy with Gwendolyn for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, and self esteem

She is so helpful and honest

Written on Dec 02, 2021 after therapy with Gwendolyn for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, and bipolar disorder

Dr. Drake is a great listener and speaker. She is there when you need her and always responds in way that makes sense. I would recommend Dr. Drake to anyone.

Written on Nov 21, 2021 after therapy with Gwendolyn for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, self esteem, anger management, and adhd

Best therapist. Hands down.

Written on Nov 21, 2021 after therapy with Gwendolyn for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, depression, and self esteem

Not sure what to expect or what I was getting myself into. I'm grateful for Dr. Drake's patience and ability to breakdown and simplify questions and or understanding. Takes the time to ensure she understands your needs and will ask frequently to ensure consistency.

Written on Nov 13, 2021 after therapy with Gwendolyn for 3 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and family conflicts

I was immediately comfortable talking to her.

Written on Nov 09, 2021 after therapy with Gwendolyn for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and intimacy-related issues

Dr. Drake comes across as professional, patient and kind. I am looking forward to working with her more.

Written on Nov 06, 2021 after therapy with Gwendolyn for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, coping with life changes, and adhd

She’s is wonderful, will help me work around my busy schedule and resolve my issues with many different ideas

Written on Oct 19, 2021 after therapy with Gwendolyn for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd

Dr. Drake is an exceptional counselor. She listens attentively and ensures that I am heard. She has positive feedback and is very understanding. I would highly recommend Dr. Drake.

Written on Sep 13, 2021 after therapy with Gwendolyn for 3 weeks

She is very professional, she is a great fit for me, she listens and I would recommend her.

Work with me!