Therapists in Tempe, AZ

My passion is to serve those who are looking for fulfillment, healing, and more joy in their lives. Through the therapeutic process I aim to empower individuals and families to discover and utilize their own personal strengths to overcome obstacles and struggles. As a therapist I have worked with children, adolescents, adults, and families who have experienced many difficulties including severe trauma, depression, anxiety, self-harm, guilt and shame, suicidal ideation, attachment barriers, and loss. I allow individuals and families to guide the therapy process while I assist in providing insight, feedback, and encouragement.

My therapy practice is dedicated to helping TEENS, COLLEGE AGE STUDENTS and YOUNG ADULTS through challenging times in their lives. This stage in life is such an important time in one’s development and it is easy to become overwhelmed, anxious, and depressed with all that life is throwing at you. I have worked with teens and young adults for over twenty years, and now as a trauma therapist I find there is a greater need than ever to give teens and young adults the coping skills needed to deal with the challenges and stressors they are facing on a daily basis. Some of my brightest young clients feel they are 'not good enough.'

Whether I am working with a small child or an adult, I believe that the healing process is a journey of returning home to the authentic self with the therapeutic relationship as a vehicle supporting the exploration. My name is Kayla and I hope to walk along with you on this path, offering compassion, co-regulation, and some neuroscience education along the way. When we can lean into the understanding of our own neurobiology and how our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors have come to be, we may also begin to explore where we may have gotten stuck and how we can have a renewed access to the wisdom and assets that our bodies possess.

I believe that therapy is for everyone and that every person deserves the opportunity to heal and reach their goals. I've helped children and adults successfully treat anxiety, depression, eating disorders, body image issues, self-harming behaviors, childhood trauma, and difficult life transitions. I am an EMDR Certified Therapist and an EMDRIA-approved Consultant-in-Training. In my practice, I also use Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Intuitive Eating, Brief Solution-Focused Therapy, and Internal Family Systems (IFS). I particularly love helping people heal from eating and body image issues.

Hello and welcome! I am happy to help anyone who is struggling to work through a difficult situation, feelings, and/or hurtful situation/upbringing. I help people find their own life/style solutions, performance, and satisfaction. I work best with creative communities because I have lived experience as a member of these populations. Basically, anyone who identifies as an outsider may appreciate my reality-based, forward, and honest approach to solution-discovery. I look forward to meeting you and working mutually to infuse your life with more balance, joy, passion, and love.

I enjoy using my education and expertise to help individuals and families feel more joy and peace in their lives. Clients who are marginalized and facing the challenges presented by the society in which we live are a priority of mine to support. I enjoy working with the LGBTQ+ community, support black lives, and have lived experience in transitions of faith from high demand religion in relation to existential crisis's and development. Women's issues, parenting, and family systems. Couples going through various transitions as well as those dealing with divorce. I view each of these issues through the lens of trauma.

Are you seeking a compassionate, experienced, and authentic psychologist to join you in your journey towards mental wellness and self-discovery? Are you looking for someone who doesn't fit the stereotypical mold of "psychologist"? Are you seeking a psychologist who is affirming and understanding of what it is like to be queer, polyamorous, kinky, neurodivergent, and/or alternative? When meeting with a new therapist, do you feel as though you spend way too much time educating them rather than on your actual concerns? Well look no further!

—Now Accepting New Clients—Samantha is a heartfelt professional counselor who specializes in working with adolescents as young as the age of 10, young adults and adults. Using trauma-informed techniques such as EMDR alongside CBT, DBT, IFS and Art Interventions she helps you navigate through your own history, finding the pieces of your story that show how resilient you really are.

First, I want to acknowledge the significance of the steps you are taking to seek support, as I know this process can feel scary and overwhelming. I enjoy working with individuals from adolescence all the way into late-life transitions. I believe that at any age or stage in life, we all have opportunities to make positive changes and increase our wellness. I have experience working with diverse populations of different ages, cultural backgrounds, stages in life, and mental health needs including anxiety-based disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, grief and loss, substance use, and trauma.

Do you have a desire to feel comforted, listened to, heard, and experience healing without judgement? Together we can facilitate an honest and open environment to explore your innermost feelings and trauma without fear of stigma. I take a collaborative and client-centered approach to work towards developing a fulfilling relationship with yourself and others. My practice is tailored to those that have been considered "outsiders" such as (but not limited to) people from LGBTQ+, polyamorous, leftist, and kink communities who have traditionally been left out or exploited by the mental health field. Email is the fastest way to reach me.

I know first hand how hard it can be to reach out for help, when the world tells us the goal is to "have it all together." Therapy can be uncomfortable and difficult, but that is how change happens. I like to make the process of change less challenging for people by making therapy about making a connection with someone, and providing a safe, supportive environment. Healing is a chance to look at the story we are living in and rewrite the parts that don't fit anymore. Our lives are busy and chaotic and somewhere in all of that, we need to find time to build better versions of ourselves and healthy relationships with others.

There may be times when one might feel the weight of life’s twists and turns. With constant changes, we may feel uncomfortable or 'stuck'. Life is a journey in which some of these challenges need a form of support with the utmost compassion to recognize all that we are capable of; A source of motivation. Humans need connection and it is when finding a safe space where we can recognize the resiliency that brought us here and keeps us moving forward with confidence that we often thrive. With a therapeutic alliance, we can navigate and work through any blockage in an open and affirming way to allow for emotional process and balance.

I am an LGBTQ+ affirming clinician. I’m very proud of you for taking the first step of your healing journey! My approach is supportive and collaborative, using a trauma informed and strength based perspective in hopes of creating a safe environment that allows you to be transparent and work towards restoration. I have experience working with anxiety, depression, grief and other trauma related issues. Together we will navigate difficulties, challenges and transitions in order to help you live a more whole life.

(The next start date for Adolescent DBT Skills Group is 4/18/24!) Therapy can be intimidating and overwhelming; my goal is to ease those worries by providing an empathetic, non-judgmental, and empowering environment. I value the relationship I build with clients and pride myself on using a strengths-based perspective to help you navigate challenges.

Today's Depression, Anxiety, Anger, and Trauma stems from a historical place. My goal as your therapist is to process, unprocessed memory that's holding you back from living your best life. Let's explore your challenges with insecurities, lack of confidence, and fear. Let's explore what identifies your purpose. Welcome couples! Let's explore what is affecting communication and intimacy.

My goal is assisting clients with identifying and addressing internal and interpersonal goals by breaking cycles that do not work for them. The goal is to have clients gain autonomy and empowerment to address complex issues and concerns pragmatically, effectively, and consistently. Demographics include teens, young adults, and adults (individual session). The populations I work with include Developmental Trauma and/or Trauma, SMI, Personality Disorders, BFRB, Bipolar Disorder, and Neurodiversity (Autism, ADHD, and OCD). I utilize a multi-modal approach to ensure clients receive services that best meet their individualized needs.

Accepting new clients. Hello & welcome to all seeking support towards their journey of healing & restoration! I believe that everyone can benefit from the growth that therapy provides, no matter the struggle. As a Licensed Associate Counselor I have experience working with adolescents, teens, & adults struggling with trauma, somatic issues, mood disorders, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, interpersonal relationships, & life transitions. I support clients in connecting them to their strengths & increasing the mind-body connection to foster the innate capacity to heal.

Clinical Social Work is a collaboration between the therapist and the client. The client identifies the issues and stated goal(s), and with the therapist develops strategies for achieving success. The therapist provides a variety of methods to help the client achieve a healthier lifestyle. In any partnership, the success or failure depends upon cooperation, good understanding and mutual effort.

I am Accepting New Clients for both In-Person and Telehealth appointments. I am ready and willing to provide a safe space, to help you and/or your loved one face and take on any life stressors or challenges. This can include issues contributing to anxiety, depression, relational problems, trauma, unhealthy coping skills, self-esteem issues, stress and much more. Services are offered for Couples, families, teens, young adults, and adults. I’d be happy to answer any questions/ concerns- Please reach out!