MEET OUR CLINICIANS
About Our Team
DR. CRYSTAL DEBERRY, LCSW
I teach in the Social Work department for The University of Memphis and Union University. I am the founder of Indomitable Families Affected by Incarceration, Inc and the owner of DeNovo Clinical Strategies, LLC. I recently obtained my doctoral degree in social work from the University of Southern California. I was awarded Social Worker of the Year for the NASW West TN Branch in 2018 and the 2019 Field Instructor of the Year. I am a mother of five and enjoy dancing, providing therapy, studying my genealogy, and traveling.
TAMIAH THOMAS, LMSW,
I am a Licensed Master Social Worker residing in Memphis, TN. I received my Bachelor’s in Social Work from Alcorn State University in 2013 and obtained my Master’s in Social Work: Family Child Welfare in 2016. I am currently receiving clinical supervision for my LCSW. I have 7 years of experience in the social work field and have worked with children, teens, families, and adults in addressing behavioral/ mental health and substance abuse needs. I have experience with conducting individual, family, and group therapy.
I enjoy collaborating with my clients and implementing a client centered approach to determine the best course of treatment for their presenting problems. The therapeutic techniques I utilize include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). I have experience in working with clients who have depression, anxiety, PTSD, suicidal ideations, anger management, problems with social skills, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. I believe all of my clients are equipped with the necessary tools to live the type of life you want and it is my job to help you become your BEST self.
TERESA FRANKLIN, LMSW
I am Licensed Master Social Worker who has been providing services to children, adolescents, and adults for over 20 years. I received my Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Tennessee Knoxville in 2009. Throughout the course of my professional expertise, I have spent a significant amount of time working survivors of trauma and violence, individuals and families in the hospital setting, children and families in the child welfare system, and individuals with anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns.
Every therapist has a unique style, and my clients appreciate that I am direct and straightforward. I am empathetic, understanding, and caring, but I also it “tell it like is.” Telling you what you want to hear rather than what you need to hear only delays the healing process. I find that getting to the root cause of the issue that brought you to therapy will get you on the road to healing. As your therapist, I empathize with your personal journey, listen without judgement, and can provide you with coping mechanisms to find hope, peace, and joy in your life.
A little more about me…
I teach in the School of Social Work at the University of Memphis. My free time is usually spent watching my sons play football. Yes, I’m “that football mom” loud and proud! I enjoy spending time with family, shopping, and traveling.
ARISHA BENSON, LMSW
I am a Licensed Master Social Worker and Licensed School Social Worker for Tennessee. I received my Bachelor's in Social Work from Union University in 2021 and obtained my Master's in Social Work in 2022 from Union University. I became a Licensed Master Social Worker in 2022 in Tennessee and am currently working to receive my license in Mississippi. I am presently receiving clinical supervision for my LCSW. I have over four years of experience in social work, ranging from school social work to care coordination and substance abuse counseling for adults. Throughout my practice, I have worked with children, teens, and adults for individual and group counseling for substance abuse counseling and addressing behavioral/mental health needs. I am an ally for the LGBTQIA+ community.
We can all live the life we envision; my job is to help you achieve that vision.