Austin-East alum offers free therapy sessions to community hurt by gun violence
Harper and Tucker will work together on the weekly group sessions with the goal to not only give a safe space to grow but cut out the stigma around seeking mental help.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - More emotional support is on the way for the Austin-East Magnet High School and its community. Mental health therapist and A-E alum, Phillip Tucker, is teaming up with the Shora Foundation and The Change Center to host “In My Feelings.” It’s free weekly group therapy sessions.
“At a time like this, it’s all hands on deck,” Tucker said.
Tucker’s keen insight into the cycle of violence and poverty in East Knoxville is giving him an advantage on how to help his mourning community. Parents and students have told WVLT News they want more ways to heal from losing five students to gun violence this year and several others in the past.
The idea to host several group sessions came from the Shora Foundation’s CEO, Tanika Harper and her sister, Deidra Harper. They hosted a mental health virtual session that had high engagement.
“Parents were on Facebook. Parents were calling me. I don’t know what to do with my kids,” said Harper. “Our city. Our East Knoxville community is in a state of emergency.”
Harper and Tucker will work together on the weekly group sessions with the goal to not only give a safe space to grow but cut out the stigma around seeking mental help.
“It’s not easy to talk about their emotions. It’s not easy to sit with an emotion and know that on the other side of that emotion can be comfort,” Tucker said.
The sessions start May 24th - June 24th. Registration is required.
For more information or to register, contact 865-951-1567 or email phillip@shadetreetherapy.org.
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