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Kalene McSwain-Faulkner

Kalene McSwain-Faulkner, LCSW, CSW

Therapist in Tennessee · 9+ years of experience

Understanding, strengths-based support

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  • Stress and anxiety focus
  • Practical coping strategies
  • Strengths-based coaching

About Kalene

Kalene McSwain-Faulkner is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who focuses on Stress and Anxiety along with related concerns. She writes in a direct, encouraging way and aims to help people use their existing strengths to manage pain, grief, and life changes. Kalene emphasizes practical work and a hopeful outlook while asking for honest feedback from those she meets. Kalene has worked in social work since 2013 and has held a Tennessee LCSW and Georgia LCSW. She completed doctoral coursework with a 4.0 and is now in the research phase. Her experience includes military service, which exposed her to many backgrounds, ages, and cultures over a decade of work. She keeps up with continuing education every year as part of licensing requirements. Her approach combines practical therapies and coaching-style support. She may draw on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Attachment-Based methods, Emotionally-Focused Therapy, and client-centered strategies. Mindfulness, narrative techniques, motivational interviewing, and whole-health ideas are also part of her toolkit. Kalene describes therapy as a process that takes time. She uses a comparison to chiropractic adjustment - the client already has what they need, and therapy helps align what is present. She prioritizes listening first, then clarifying and advocating for each person’s individuality. Her style is motivational, rational, and strengths-based. She invites active participation and honest feedback so sessions can be adjusted. Kalene aims to support people through grief, relationships, parenting strains, addictions, career shifts, and the everyday stressors that build up over time.

Areas of expertise

Also works with

AddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigue

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesBlended family issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDependent personalityDissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceEmptinessFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFertility issuesForgivenessImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Self-harmSelf-loveTraumatic brain injuryWomen's issuesWorkplace issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Existential TherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

9+ years

Credentials

Georgia, Tennessee

Languages

English, Spanish

How her approaches translate to online work

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on clarifying values and taking small, meaningful steps toward them while learning to accept difficult thoughts and feelings. It can help with persistent anxiety, stress, and life changes by encouraging actions that matter to the client. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors interact. It uses practical exercises to test unhelpful thinking and develop alternative actions, which can be useful for anxiety, depression, and sleep problems. Client-Centered Therapy centers on a respectful, listening stance where the person sets the pace and direction. This approach supports people who need a steady, accepting space to make sense of their experiences. Finding the right fit is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with each person to decide which approach or blend feels most helpful based on goals and preferences. Clients are encouraged to give feedback so the plan can be adjusted as needed. Confirm the specific session options before booking because formats are not listed here. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life - for example, avoiding travel time, scheduling around work breaks, or choosing a shorter check-in when needed. Ask about languages, scheduling, and session length when you complete the matching questionnaire to plan sessions that work with your routine.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does she help with?

She works with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, depression, self-esteem, addictions, relationship and family challenges, sleep problems, parenting strain, anger, career issues, bipolar disorder, and coping with life changes.

What is her general therapy style?

She uses a practical, strengths-based style that blends coaching and therapy. Sessions focus on listening, clarifying, and using strategies that fit each person's goals.

How much clinical experience does she have?

She has nine years of professional experience in social work and has worked in the field since 2013.

What credentials and region are listed?

She holds LCSW and CSW credentials and is licensed in Tennessee and Georgia, with practice rooted in Tennessee.

Which languages are available for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English and Spanish.

Can she work with clients outside the United States?

She accepts international clients; confirm time zone and scheduling details when arranging sessions.

How are sessions structured and delivered?

Session formats are not specified here; please confirm current session options before booking to know whether video, phone, or other formats are available.

How does the cost and scheduling work?

Cost varies with location and availability and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. To start, select the Start Therapy button and complete the short matching questionnaire, then schedule according to therapist availability.

Kalene McSwain-FaulknerContinue with Kalene