Kalene McSwain-Faulkner , LCSW, CSW

Kalene McSwain-Faulkner is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who helps people manage stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and issues tied to self-esteem and relationships. She also supports concerns like addiction, parenting strain, career stress, compassion fatigue, and matters related to women's issues. Kalene offers care in English and Spanish from her Tennessee base and brings nine years of clinical experience to her practice.

She describes therapy as a practical process that unfolds over time. Sessions emphasize listening first, then clarifying what was heard. Kalene uses straightforward, coaching-minded strategies and encourages honest feedback so the work can be adjusted as needed.

Her approach blends common, evidence-based techniques. She draws on cognitive behavioral ideas to change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. Attachment-based ideas guide work on patterns in close relationships. She also uses acceptance and commitment ideas to help people settle on values and small steps toward them.

Kalene’s background includes military service and long experience with diverse communities. That experience shaped her ability to meet people from different cultures, ages, and walks of life. She is a doctoral student who completed coursework with a 4.0 and is currently in the research phase.

In sessions she mixes supportive conversation, motivational coaching, and practical exercises. Her style is warm, direct, and goal-focused. The goal is to help people use what they already have and to realign habits so life feels more manageable.

How therapeutic approaches translate to online care

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them, then choose actions that match their values. It is useful for anxiety, stress, and coping with life changes. Attachment-Based Therapy looks at patterns in close relationships and helps people change how they relate to others when old patterns cause hurt. It is often used for relationship worries and attachment issues. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking and trying new behaviors to reduce symptoms like depression and anxiety.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with each person to decide which methods fit best based on needs, goals, and preferences. Sessions can mix techniques so clients get practical tools and ongoing support tailored to their situation.

Online therapy offers flexibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video sessions let people talk face-to-face when visual cues help. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or when someone prefers not to be on camera. Live chat or messaging works well for brief check-ins, journaling-style reflections, or when a shorter touchpoint fits a busy day. These options make it simpler to get consistent support within a schedule.