Therapie | 210 25th Ave N suite 601, Nashville, TN 37203(615) 551 9195 | 1330 Lagoon Ave 4th Floor Ste 459, Minneapolis, MN 55408(612) 287-5100

Dustin Conway. MA. NCC.

“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

This speaks to my belief that therapy is not about giving people answers, but rather about helping them remember their voice, values, and capacity. Growth is not about becoming someone new but reclaiming who you’ve always been underneath the defenses and pain.

I view therapy as tending to a wild and sacred garden, one that has always held life, even if parts have become overgrown, neglected, or weathered by storms. You are the gardener, and I’m a companion walking the path with you. Together, we explore what’s native and resilient, what grew out of survival but now crowds out new growth, and what kind of life you want to cultivate. Some roots run deep and take time to understand, while small shoots of desire, grief, or courage may appear unexpectedly and need protection and light. In this space, we name what you feel, explore what you need, and choose what aligns with your values. We can’t control the weather, but we can learn to stay with ourselves in it and return to the soil with compassion, clarity, and courage.

Dustin Conway headshot

My People 

I work with adults—often busy professionals—who are navigating questions of identity, emotional disconnection, and relational challenges. Many of my clients come to therapy feeling stuck in patterns they can’t quite name, shaped by early experiences, protective strategies, or unprocessed pain. They may struggle to identify their needs, feel torn between competing parts of themselves, or long for a deeper sense of meaning and connection. I help clients explore these inner landscapes with compassion and curiosity, reconnect with what matters most to them, and move toward greater freedom, clarity, and wholeness.

I also work with couples, many of whom are juggling the demands of work and life while feeling distant or disconnected from each other. Whether you’re navigating conflict or simply feeling out of sync, I offer a space to slow down, tune into one another, and reconnect with the deeper intentions behind your words and actions. Together, we work to rebuild trust, strengthen communication, and move toward a more grounded and intentional connection.

My approach is relational and process-oriented. I offer a space where clients can slow down, turn inward, and explore what is happening beneath the surface. I listen for what emotions may be signaling, such as needs, longings, or protective parts of the self, and help clients make sense of the patterns shaping how they relate to themselves and others. As we stay with what is present, clients often find more clarity, compassion, and the freedom to choose what aligns with their values and who they truly are.

My Story 

My path to becoming a therapist began in high school, during a season of intense anxiety and depression. With my parents’ support, I started seeing a therapist. At first, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but over time, something shifted. I still remember a moment at school when I felt a surprising absence of anxiety—so unfamiliar it actually triggered a panic attack. But in that moment, I also felt something new: hope. For the first time, I saw that emotional healing was possible. That experience stayed with me, and years later, after another round of therapy, I knew I had to follow the pull and dedicate my life to helping others find that same sense of possibility.

My own journey taught me how powerful it is to be seen and met with compassion in our most vulnerable places. It shaped the way I show up in the therapy room—with curiosity, respect for each person’s inner wisdom, and a belief that healing comes through relationship, reflection, and reconnecting with the parts of ourselves we’ve had to leave behind.

Being born and raised in Tennessee gives me a deep understanding of the culture, values, and relational dynamics that shape many of my clients’ lives. I’m also aware of the rich diversity within Nashville and approach each client’s story with openness, cultural sensitivity, and care. Whether someone is deeply rooted here or just arriving, my hope is to offer a space that feels grounded, attuned, and genuinely supportive.

 

My Training 

I take an integrative and relational approach to therapy, drawing from a range of models based on each client’s needs, personality, and goals. Some of the frameworks I work with include Person-Centered Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Attachment Theory, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Existential Therapy. I also incorporate elements of Gestalt, Humanistic, and Strengths-Based Therapy, as well as models developed by Chip Dodd and Dr. John Townsend, including the Spiritual Root System, Character Model, and Relational Nutrients.

I tailor each session by first building a strong understanding of who you are, what matters to you, what you carry, and where you feel stuck or longing for change. I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. I listen closely for emotional themes, protective patterns, and relational dynamics, and adjust the pace, structure, and focus of our work based on what you need in the moment. Some clients need space to reflect and explore, while others benefit from more focused guidance or practical tools. I regularly check in and collaborate with you to make sure the process stays aligned with your values, needs, and capacity for growth.

At the heart of my work is the therapeutic relationship. I believe that healing happens in connection, especially for those who have learned to hide parts of themselves in order to feel safe or accepted. I aim to offer a steady, attuned presence where you can show up fully and be met with honesty, compassion, and care. Over time, this kind of relationship can create meaningful change, not just within our work together but in how you relate to yourself and others.

I hold a BFA in Design Communication with a concentration in Photography from Belmont University and a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the Townsend Institute at Concordia University Irvine.

 

Let’s Chat 

I strive to create a space that feels safe, grounded, and free of pressure. A place where you can slow down, breathe, and show up just as you are. Whether you’re feeling guarded, conflicted, uncertain, or simply curious, all parts of you are welcome here. My hope is that our work together feels steady and spacious, offering the kind of support that honors your pace, your story, and your capacity for growth.

If you’re interested in working together, I’d love to meet you. You can schedule a free 15-minute consultation to get started.