Dr. Edward Varner, LPC-MHSP
Values-guided support for trauma, mood, and relationships
- 30 years experience
- Christian conservative perspective
- Supports veterans and first responders
About Dr. Edward Varner
Dr. Edward Varner is a Tennessee-based licensed professional counselor (LPC-MHSP), a credential that indicates advanced training to provide mental health counseling. With more than 30 years of experience, he supports adults facing complex life challenges, with a focus on depression, relationship concerns, trauma and abuse, and personal growth. He has particular experience working with men, veterans, first responders, and people managing mood disorders, offering a steady, compassionate presence while addressing both immediate stressors and longer-term patterns.
His counseling style is grounded in Christian values and a conservative perspective, providing an option for individuals who want their therapy to align with those beliefs. Dr. Varner takes a holistic view of well-being and may incorporate work around communication problems, body image concerns, recovery after sexual assault, and multicultural experiences. Across concerns, he emphasizes self-love, practical coping strategies, and rebuilding resilience in ways that fit each client’s goals and life context.
Dr. Varner approaches therapy as a supportive partnership, walking alongside clients with empathy and respect as they navigate posttraumatic stress, family and relationship dynamics, and periods of personal change. His aim is to help clients move through difficult experiences while strengthening the skills and insight needed for lasting growth.
His counseling style is grounded in Christian values and a conservative perspective, providing an option for individuals who want their therapy to align with those beliefs. Dr. Varner takes a holistic view of well-being and may incorporate work around communication problems, body image concerns, recovery after sexual assault, and multicultural experiences. Across concerns, he emphasizes self-love, practical coping strategies, and rebuilding resilience in ways that fit each client’s goals and life context.
Dr. Varner approaches therapy as a supportive partnership, walking alongside clients with empathy and respect as they navigate posttraumatic stress, family and relationship dynamics, and periods of personal change. His aim is to help clients move through difficult experiences while strengthening the skills and insight needed for lasting growth.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
Stress, AnxietyLGBTFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoachingADHD
Additional Focus Areas
Attachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBlended family issuesBody imageCo-morbidityCodependencyCommunication problemsCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFirst responder issuesGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameImpulsivityInfidelityLife purposeMen's issuesVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPost-traumatic stressProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualityTraumatic brain injuryWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic Approach
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Attachment-Based Therapy Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Jungian Therapy Mindfulness Therapy Psychodynamic Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy Internal Family Systems Systemic Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Dr. Edward Varner have?
Dr. Edward Varner has 30 years of experience.
Is Dr. Edward Varner a licensed therapist?
Yes. Dr. Edward Varner is a licensed therapist and holds the credential LPC-MHSP. His license is TN LPC-MHSP 3516.
In which languages does Dr. Edward Varner provide therapy?
Dr. Edward Varner provides therapy in English and Japanese.
Where is Dr. Edward Varner located?
Dr. Edward Varner is located in Tennessee.
How can I work with Dr. Edward Varner as my therapist?
You can work with Dr. Edward Varner through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Dr. Edward Varner work with international clients?
Yes. Dr. Edward Varner works with international clients.
How much does therapy with Dr. Edward Varner cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Therapeutic Approaches That Translate Well to Online Care
Dr. Edward Varner draws from evidence-informed approaches that can be adapted to online sessions while staying grounded in each client’s goals and values. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on noticing unhelpful thought patterns and daily habits, then practicing new ways of responding. It is often used for concerns such as depression, anxiety, stress, self-esteem, and relationship challenges.Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps clients relate differently to difficult thoughts and emotions while moving toward what matters most. It can be especially useful when life feels stuck, when past experiences continue to impact the present, or when clients want practical skills for coping and resilience. Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how early and ongoing relationships shape current connection, trust, and communication, which can support work on intimacy, family dynamics, grief, and recovery after trauma and abuse.
Finding the right approach is part of the process. Dr. Varner works collaboratively with clients to clarify needs, preferences, and goals, then adjusts the pace and tools over time based on what feels most helpful.
Online therapy can make care more accessible and flexible. Sessions may happen through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, allowing clients to choose a format that fits their schedule, comfort level, and day-to-day responsibilities.