Services

Welcome to Emerging Strength

 I'm Dr. Todd Davis, and I believe relationships have the power to change your life. Emerging Strength is my professional coaching and counseling practice, where I help people find their strength and align their lives with what's most important to them in a real and authentic way.

We offer a tailored approach to personal growth, healing, and recovery, providing a safe and supportive environment for life coaching, individual counseling, relationship therapy, and addiction recovery. 

Every project is different, so I would love to talk with you personally about your project and how I might be able to help you specifically. 

Schedule a Free 30min video consultation today.

Schedule Free Video Call

Find Your Strength and Build a Life You Love

Tailor Made For You

Mom helps teen overwhelmed by her problems

Real Talk

We talk about what's important to you in ways that support and motivate personal growth.

Scandinavian Style Living Room In The Evening

Familiar Places

We meet in places reminiscent of daily life; a home-based office, a walk in the park, and online.

Flexible Scheduling

We schedule at a frequency that balances real life with motivation and goals.

Emerging Strength Services

Life Coaching & Counseling

Individual Counseling and Coaching
Marriage and Relationship Counseling
Financial Therapy & Communication for Couples
Alcohol and Drug Assessments
Recovery Therapy and Counseling
Recovery Coaching
Personal Growth & Development

Small Group Experiences

Emerging Adult Small Group
Married Couples Group
Grief & Loss Small Group
Moderate Drinking Support Group
The Exercise Prescription for Anxiety

Self-Guided Resources

Workbooks
Topical Guides
Self-Study Courses

Selecting a Therapist & Life Coach

The #1 predictor of life coaching and counseling success is rapport & compatibility. Our compatibility is vital to the outcome. So I want to tell you about myself and give you the opportunity to test our compatibility with a free video consultation.

Who I Work With

I work with strong people who aren't strong yet, don't feel strong now, or don't feel strong in a specific area of their life. This leads to some really uncomfortable things like depression, anxiety, shame, and guilt. Addressing these things can seem like the fight of your life. I am thrilled to help people stay married, get free from addictions, and see their self discipline and personal leadership grow.

My clients have restored intimacy and connection, stopped drinking too much, developed marriage skills, found lasting recovery, learned to trust, and discovered their most important values...all in the midst of daily life.

Who Am I

I am a well qualified life coach and therapist.

PhD in Counseling
M.Ed. Marriage and Family Therapy
Certified Life Coach
Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor II

I am in the middle of my life, sandwiched between kids and parents, career and family life, the past, present, and future. In all of this, I am working to create a life I love; just like you.

What's Going On...

Dark Overcast Sky with Heavy Rain and Lightning - Intense Weather Phenomenon

Inside of You?

Anxiety Fear Overwhelm

Grief Disappointment Regret

Resentment Anger

Mistrust Defensiveness

Around You?

Life is Uncertain

Things aren't what they seem

Life's not going as planned

Chaos and Drama

Because of You?

Searching for Connection

Stuck in a Loop

A BIG Mess

It's Complicated

Get Started

We use a free video consultations to meet, greet, and ensure that you're getting the right services for your needs. It takes about 20-30 min and gives you the opportunity to ask questions, and feel confident about who you'll be working with. Groups, individuals, or couples  work; we help you find your fit.

For couples work we ask that you are both on the video call. You can be in different places.

Schedule Now

My Project in Review

Slide 1 of 11

"We're Sarah and Ben, both in our early 30s. We'd been together for five years, and it felt like we were just roommates, not partners, or lovers. Little arguments escalated, and we'd stopped really talking. We came in hoping to just stop fighting so much. Our project, which became about learning how to communicate openly, resolve our conflicts without resentment, and reignite the connection we once had, really took off with Emerging Strength. We learned that our 'fights' weren't about who was right, but about our needs and expectations. Understanding and appreciating our individual strengths totally shifted our dynamic from blaming each other to listening to connect."

Sarah & Ben

"Hi, I'm Jessica, 45. My executive job was demanding, my kids were teenagers, and I felt like I was constantly juggling too much. I was exhausted, snapping at everyone, and couldn't seem to quiet my racing thoughts. I just wanted to feel less frantic. My project, which evolved into developing practical strategies to manage my daily stress and anxiety so I could actually breathe and enjoy my life again, was a game-changer. The biggest breakthrough for me was learning to just notice my anxious thoughts without getting tangled in them. Emerging Strength gave me simple tools to create mental space, almost like turning down the volume on my brain, which gave me back control of my days."

Jessica

"My name is Kevin, 26. I noticed I was drinking more than I planned, especially on weekends, and it was starting to affect me. I knew I needed a change, but I wasn't sure where to start, I couldn't do rehab. My project became changing my relationship with alcohol. Emerging Strength helped me see that my drinking was a way to cope, not a core part of who I am. Todd helped me identify my real values so whether I drink or not it isn't a struggle, it's my choice."

Kevin

"I'm Marcus, 22. I just graduated college and moved to a new city for my first 'real' job. It's exciting, but honestly, I was feeling totally overwhelmed trying to figure out adulting, making friends, and managing it all. At first, I just knew I needed to stop feeling so lost all the time. My project, which really solidified as I worked with Dr. Todd, became figuring out how to actually build routines that work, when everything felt uncertain. He helped me tap into what's important to me, and by focusing on small, consistent actions I started to feel confident even when things still felt messy. It was like finding my own compass."

Marcus

"My name is David, 36. I always felt like an imposter, especially at work, even though I knew I was good at what I did. I hesitated to speak up in meetings and shied away from opportunities because I doubted myself. I just wanted to feel more sure of myself. My project became silencing that nagging inner critic and building real, lasting confidence to step into my full potential. Emerging Strength didn't just tell me to be confident; they helped me identify my actual strengths and practice acting from them. It was empowering to realize my doubts were just thoughts, and I could choose to align with my capabilities instead. Now, I speak up because I know what I bring to the table."

David

"I'm Anya, by the time I was 35, had achieved what I thought I wanted – a good career, a nice apartment – but I felt profoundly unfulfilled. It was like I was just going through the motions, and I didn't know what truly motivated me anymore. I just wanted to feel less 'blah.' My project evolved into uncovering my core values, discovering what gives my life meaning, and creating a new direction that genuinely excited me. Working with Emerging Strength was like finally getting a roadmap after years of wandering. We dug deep to identify what truly lit me up, and suddenly, decisions became easier. I finally felt like I was building a life on my terms, not just following someone else's blueprint."

Anya

"I'm Chris, 50. I recently went through a really bad divorce and was stuck, constantly replaying things in my head. I was struggling to move forward and felt overwhelmed by sadness and anger. I just needed to stop hurting so much. My project became learning what to do with emotions while moving on with my life. Emerging Strength taught me that feeling my emotions wasn't a weakness, but a way for my body to heal. Dr. Davis helped me create space for the pain without being consumed by it. It was like building an inner strength I didn't know I had, allowing me to finally breathe and see a future beyond the hurt."

Chris

"We're Maria and Alex, a couple in our late 20s. We loved each other, but when we disagreed, it turned into a shouting match or complete silence. We just didn't know how to fight fair and keep our ego in check. Our initial goal was just to stop fighting so much. Our project became learning how to express our needs and feelings respectfully, listen to each other, and resolve conflicts in a way that actually strengthens our bond. Todd didn't just give us communication 'rules;' he showed us how to use our strengths to support better conversations. We learned how to be present, to really hear each other's underlying concerns, and that transformed our arguments into opportunities for understanding and connection."

Maria and Alex

"My name is Sam, 33. I had so many ideas – I wanted to start my own side hustle, finish my degree, and get healthier – but I never seemed to make consistent progress. I'd get overwhelmed and then give up. I just wanted to actually finish something. My project became getting clear on my goals, breaking them down into achievable steps, and developing the discipline to actually make them happen. Working with Emerging Strength made me realize my 'failure to launch' wasn't about laziness it was about finding what truly mattered to me, which made the discipline feel worth it. I'm finally building a life worth having."

Sam

"Hi, I'm Lisa, 40. There were some things from my childhood that I'd tried to just 'get over,' but they still affected how I trusted people and how I reacted to situations. I felt like I was holding myself back. I really just wanted to feel less burdened. My project became safely exploring and healing from my past so I could finally live my life. The pivotal change came when Dr. Todd helped me acknowledge how those experiences shaped me, without letting them define me. It wasn't about erasing the past, but about integrating it and choosing to move forward with new acceptance and self-kindness. I felt lighter, freer, and more present than ever before."

Lisa

"Hi, I'm Brandon, 55. My life looked good on paper – steady job, grown kids, decent health – but honestly, I often just felt flat. Like I was going through the motions, missing out on the good stuff right in front of me. I really just wanted to feel 'happy' again, or at least more connected to my own life. My project became about rediscovering that spark and feeling more present. Emerging Strength helped me see that joy wasn't something I had to go find; it was already there, hidden in plain sight. We focused on simple things I could do each day that brought me a little more energy or peace. It truly changed how I experienced my own life – I'm finally paying attention, and it feels good to be truly content, not just okay."

Brandon

"We're Sarah and Ben, both in our early 30s. We'd been together for five years, and it felt like we were just roommates, not partners, or lovers. Little arguments escalated, and we'd stopped really talking. We came in hoping to just stop fighting so much. Our project, which became about learning how to communicate openly, resolve our conflicts without resentment, and reignite the connection we once had, really took off with Emerging Strength. We learned that our 'fights' weren't about who was right, but about our needs and expectations. Understanding and appreciating our individual strengths totally shifted our dynamic from blaming each other to listening to connect."

Sarah & Ben

"Hi, I'm Jessica, 45. My executive job was demanding, my kids were teenagers, and I felt like I was constantly juggling too much. I was exhausted, snapping at everyone, and couldn't seem to quiet my racing thoughts. I just wanted to feel less frantic. My project, which evolved into developing practical strategies to manage my daily stress and anxiety so I could actually breathe and enjoy my life again, was a game-changer. The biggest breakthrough for me was learning to just notice my anxious thoughts without getting tangled in them. Emerging Strength gave me simple tools to create mental space, almost like turning down the volume on my brain, which gave me back control of my days."

Jessica

"My name is Kevin, 26. I noticed I was drinking more than I planned, especially on weekends, and it was starting to affect me. I knew I needed a change, but I wasn't sure where to start, I couldn't do rehab. My project became changing my relationship with alcohol. Emerging Strength helped me see that my drinking was a way to cope, not a core part of who I am. Todd helped me identify my real values so whether I drink or not it isn't a struggle, it's my choice."

Kevin

"I'm Marcus, 22. I just graduated college and moved to a new city for my first 'real' job. It's exciting, but honestly, I was feeling totally overwhelmed trying to figure out adulting, making friends, and managing it all. At first, I just knew I needed to stop feeling so lost all the time. My project, which really solidified as I worked with Dr. Todd, became figuring out how to actually build routines that work, when everything felt uncertain. He helped me tap into what's important to me, and by focusing on small, consistent actions I started to feel confident even when things still felt messy. It was like finding my own compass."

Marcus

"My name is David, 36. I always felt like an imposter, especially at work, even though I knew I was good at what I did. I hesitated to speak up in meetings and shied away from opportunities because I doubted myself. I just wanted to feel more sure of myself. My project became silencing that nagging inner critic and building real, lasting confidence to step into my full potential. Emerging Strength didn't just tell me to be confident; they helped me identify my actual strengths and practice acting from them. It was empowering to realize my doubts were just thoughts, and I could choose to align with my capabilities instead. Now, I speak up because I know what I bring to the table."

David

"I'm Anya, by the time I was 35, had achieved what I thought I wanted – a good career, a nice apartment – but I felt profoundly unfulfilled. It was like I was just going through the motions, and I didn't know what truly motivated me anymore. I just wanted to feel less 'blah.' My project evolved into uncovering my core values, discovering what gives my life meaning, and creating a new direction that genuinely excited me. Working with Emerging Strength was like finally getting a roadmap after years of wandering. We dug deep to identify what truly lit me up, and suddenly, decisions became easier. I finally felt like I was building a life on my terms, not just following someone else's blueprint."

Anya

"I'm Chris, 50. I recently went through a really bad divorce and was stuck, constantly replaying things in my head. I was struggling to move forward and felt overwhelmed by sadness and anger. I just needed to stop hurting so much. My project became learning what to do with emotions while moving on with my life. Emerging Strength taught me that feeling my emotions wasn't a weakness, but a way for my body to heal. Dr. Davis helped me create space for the pain without being consumed by it. It was like building an inner strength I didn't know I had, allowing me to finally breathe and see a future beyond the hurt."

Chris

"We're Maria and Alex, a couple in our late 20s. We loved each other, but when we disagreed, it turned into a shouting match or complete silence. We just didn't know how to fight fair and keep our ego in check. Our initial goal was just to stop fighting so much. Our project became learning how to express our needs and feelings respectfully, listen to each other, and resolve conflicts in a way that actually strengthens our bond. Todd didn't just give us communication 'rules;' he showed us how to use our strengths to support better conversations. We learned how to be present, to really hear each other's underlying concerns, and that transformed our arguments into opportunities for understanding and connection."

Maria and Alex

"My name is Sam, 33. I had so many ideas – I wanted to start my own side hustle, finish my degree, and get healthier – but I never seemed to make consistent progress. I'd get overwhelmed and then give up. I just wanted to actually finish something. My project became getting clear on my goals, breaking them down into achievable steps, and developing the discipline to actually make them happen. Working with Emerging Strength made me realize my 'failure to launch' wasn't about laziness it was about finding what truly mattered to me, which made the discipline feel worth it. I'm finally building a life worth having."

Sam

"Hi, I'm Lisa, 40. There were some things from my childhood that I'd tried to just 'get over,' but they still affected how I trusted people and how I reacted to situations. I felt like I was holding myself back. I really just wanted to feel less burdened. My project became safely exploring and healing from my past so I could finally live my life. The pivotal change came when Dr. Todd helped me acknowledge how those experiences shaped me, without letting them define me. It wasn't about erasing the past, but about integrating it and choosing to move forward with new acceptance and self-kindness. I felt lighter, freer, and more present than ever before."

Lisa

"Hi, I'm Brandon, 55. My life looked good on paper – steady job, grown kids, decent health – but honestly, I often just felt flat. Like I was going through the motions, missing out on the good stuff right in front of me. I really just wanted to feel 'happy' again, or at least more connected to my own life. My project became about rediscovering that spark and feeling more present. Emerging Strength helped me see that joy wasn't something I had to go find; it was already there, hidden in plain sight. We focused on simple things I could do each day that brought me a little more energy or peace. It truly changed how I experienced my own life – I'm finally paying attention, and it feels good to be truly content, not just okay."

Brandon

"We're Sarah and Ben, both in our early 30s. We'd been together for five years, and it felt like we were just roommates, not partners, or lovers. Little arguments escalated, and we'd stopped really talking. We came in hoping to just stop fighting so much. Our project, which became about learning how to communicate openly, resolve our conflicts without resentment, and reignite the connection we once had, really took off with Emerging Strength. We learned that our 'fights' weren't about who was right, but about our needs and expectations. Understanding and appreciating our individual strengths totally shifted our dynamic from blaming each other to listening to connect."

Sarah & Ben

"Hi, I'm Jessica, 45. My executive job was demanding, my kids were teenagers, and I felt like I was constantly juggling too much. I was exhausted, snapping at everyone, and couldn't seem to quiet my racing thoughts. I just wanted to feel less frantic. My project, which evolved into developing practical strategies to manage my daily stress and anxiety so I could actually breathe and enjoy my life again, was a game-changer. The biggest breakthrough for me was learning to just notice my anxious thoughts without getting tangled in them. Emerging Strength gave me simple tools to create mental space, almost like turning down the volume on my brain, which gave me back control of my days."

Jessica

"My name is Kevin, 26. I noticed I was drinking more than I planned, especially on weekends, and it was starting to affect me. I knew I needed a change, but I wasn't sure where to start, I couldn't do rehab. My project became changing my relationship with alcohol. Emerging Strength helped me see that my drinking was a way to cope, not a core part of who I am. Todd helped me identify my real values so whether I drink or not it isn't a struggle, it's my choice."

Kevin

"I'm Marcus, 22. I just graduated college and moved to a new city for my first 'real' job. It's exciting, but honestly, I was feeling totally overwhelmed trying to figure out adulting, making friends, and managing it all. At first, I just knew I needed to stop feeling so lost all the time. My project, which really solidified as I worked with Dr. Todd, became figuring out how to actually build routines that work, when everything felt uncertain. He helped me tap into what's important to me, and by focusing on small, consistent actions I started to feel confident even when things still felt messy. It was like finding my own compass."

Marcus

"My name is David, 36. I always felt like an imposter, especially at work, even though I knew I was good at what I did. I hesitated to speak up in meetings and shied away from opportunities because I doubted myself. I just wanted to feel more sure of myself. My project became silencing that nagging inner critic and building real, lasting confidence to step into my full potential. Emerging Strength didn't just tell me to be confident; they helped me identify my actual strengths and practice acting from them. It was empowering to realize my doubts were just thoughts, and I could choose to align with my capabilities instead. Now, I speak up because I know what I bring to the table."

David

"I'm Anya, by the time I was 35, had achieved what I thought I wanted – a good career, a nice apartment – but I felt profoundly unfulfilled. It was like I was just going through the motions, and I didn't know what truly motivated me anymore. I just wanted to feel less 'blah.' My project evolved into uncovering my core values, discovering what gives my life meaning, and creating a new direction that genuinely excited me. Working with Emerging Strength was like finally getting a roadmap after years of wandering. We dug deep to identify what truly lit me up, and suddenly, decisions became easier. I finally felt like I was building a life on my terms, not just following someone else's blueprint."

Anya

"I'm Chris, 50. I recently went through a really bad divorce and was stuck, constantly replaying things in my head. I was struggling to move forward and felt overwhelmed by sadness and anger. I just needed to stop hurting so much. My project became learning what to do with emotions while moving on with my life. Emerging Strength taught me that feeling my emotions wasn't a weakness, but a way for my body to heal. Dr. Davis helped me create space for the pain without being consumed by it. It was like building an inner strength I didn't know I had, allowing me to finally breathe and see a future beyond the hurt."

Chris

"We're Maria and Alex, a couple in our late 20s. We loved each other, but when we disagreed, it turned into a shouting match or complete silence. We just didn't know how to fight fair and keep our ego in check. Our initial goal was just to stop fighting so much. Our project became learning how to express our needs and feelings respectfully, listen to each other, and resolve conflicts in a way that actually strengthens our bond. Todd didn't just give us communication 'rules;' he showed us how to use our strengths to support better conversations. We learned how to be present, to really hear each other's underlying concerns, and that transformed our arguments into opportunities for understanding and connection."

Maria and Alex

"My name is Sam, 33. I had so many ideas – I wanted to start my own side hustle, finish my degree, and get healthier – but I never seemed to make consistent progress. I'd get overwhelmed and then give up. I just wanted to actually finish something. My project became getting clear on my goals, breaking them down into achievable steps, and developing the discipline to actually make them happen. Working with Emerging Strength made me realize my 'failure to launch' wasn't about laziness it was about finding what truly mattered to me, which made the discipline feel worth it. I'm finally building a life worth having."

Sam

"Hi, I'm Lisa, 40. There were some things from my childhood that I'd tried to just 'get over,' but they still affected how I trusted people and how I reacted to situations. I felt like I was holding myself back. I really just wanted to feel less burdened. My project became safely exploring and healing from my past so I could finally live my life. The pivotal change came when Dr. Todd helped me acknowledge how those experiences shaped me, without letting them define me. It wasn't about erasing the past, but about integrating it and choosing to move forward with new acceptance and self-kindness. I felt lighter, freer, and more present than ever before."

Lisa

"Hi, I'm Brandon, 55. My life looked good on paper – steady job, grown kids, decent health – but honestly, I often just felt flat. Like I was going through the motions, missing out on the good stuff right in front of me. I really just wanted to feel 'happy' again, or at least more connected to my own life. My project became about rediscovering that spark and feeling more present. Emerging Strength helped me see that joy wasn't something I had to go find; it was already there, hidden in plain sight. We focused on simple things I could do each day that brought me a little more energy or peace. It truly changed how I experienced my own life – I'm finally paying attention, and it feels good to be truly content, not just okay."

Brandon

Contact Us

We Serve East Tennessee, Knoxville, Oak Ridge, In-Person and virtually anywhere online.

Hours: By Appointment

Reviews

Todd is absolutely, and without question the best counselor or therapist ive ever been too. He is caring and helpful, while also challenging you to become better for yourself. I cannot recommend his services enough.

Trenton Nisbet

1 month ago

My husband and I have been going through such a difficult time and not only has Todd been amazing but a truly caring person.Highly recommend him

lisa meyers

2 years ago

Counseling with Todd has been Great! Sessions are comfortable and effective, and I appreciate the way we have tailored the experience to be most productive for me. I feel completely safe being honest and open with him and receive that same openness from him.

Cory Boshears

2 years ago

Todd is very caring, non-judgmental and very perceptive.

Moira Deegan

2 years ago

Todd is one of the most perceptive counselors I've gone too and has been great with making real progress but not pushing too hard. I highly recommend him.

Christina Oliver

2 years ago

Ben Finch

2 years ago