Dr. Sam Ely, a pre-licensed professional counselor and dedicated coach, is committed to assisting individuals through their challenges. He believes in the power of support and aims to serve those in need with compassion and understanding. If he cannot provide the necessary assistance, Dr. Ely is proactive in connecting clients with someone who can. His focus is on uncovering solutions that are advantageous for everyone involved. Currently, Dr. Ely offers flexible services, including phone and video sessions through Zoom, ensuring accessibility for those who are distancing or quarantined. With a warm heart and a genuine passion for helping others, Dr. Sam Ely is here to champion clients on their journey toward wellness.

Jennifer Haggerty, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT), brings over eight years of experience working with children facing intense and frequent emotional and behavioral challenges. She has a diverse clinical background in addressing various issues such as disruptive behaviors, impulse-control disorders, conduct disorders, depressive disorders, trauma, and anxiety disorders. Through her work with clients and their families, Jennifer helps them process trauma, promotes healthy communication, and strengthens family dynamics. She is well-trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Play Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Additionally, she integrates other therapeutic approaches, including Solution-Focused, Client-Centered, and Art-Based interventions. Jennifer is dedicated to providing trauma-informed and culturally competent therapeutic services, approaching each client with creativity and understanding. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from San Diego State University and her Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from National University. Jennifer looks forward to making a positive impact in the lives of those she works with.

Ethan John Messer is a dedicated Marriage & Family Therapist with an MA, specializing in counseling services for couples, families, individuals, children, and adolescents. With experience in helping individuals navigate challenges such as depression, anxiety, and self-esteem issues, he offers a compassionate space for clients dealing with suicidal thoughts and the impacts of divorce. Ethan has worked in diverse environments, including YMCA summer camps and after-school programs, providing valuable support to youth in a variety of settings, such as divorce care groups and youth organizations. He specializes in guiding children and adolescents through the complexities of life post-divorce and has extensive experience assisting at-risk youth in both group homes and psychiatric crisis facilities. Ethan’s therapeutic approach integrates various modalities, making him a versatile ally in mental health care.

Dr. Bruce Thiessen, a highly respected psychologist, is frequently quoted in the media as an expert in various subjects including anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and stress management. He promotes music and creative expression as effective paths to healing, and has recently focused on helping individuals cope with the psychological effects of the pandemic and its aftermath. Dr. Thiessen values unconditional positive regard and adopts a non-judgmental, client-centered approach in his practice. He views individuals not merely as patients, but as mental health athletes who are dedicated to learning and implementing new skills, perspectives, and coping strategies to more effectively manage their symptoms. Many clients struggling with personal difficulties often find themselves feeling lost and devoid of meaning and purpose. Dr. Thiessen assists them in rediscovering this sense of meaning, helping to replace hopelessness with renewed hope and resilience.

Audra Lacey is a compassionate Marriage & Family Therapist (MS, LMFT) who specializes in working with individuals, particularly young women and young adults. Her expertise encompasses a range of issues, including anxiety, mild depression, adjustment disorders, stress management, and personal growth. With a unique blend of clinical and life experiences, Audra effectively navigates the complexities of her clients' lives. She understands the profound influence of family on personal development and works with clients to examine their family of origin dynamics, helping them identify beneficial patterns to preserve and harmful ones to discard. Furthermore, she recognizes the vital connection between thoughts and emotions, guiding clients in restructuring their thinking to enhance their emotional well-being and overall productivity. Audra is known for being an open, non-judgmental, and safe space for individuals seeking support, ensuring that each person's needs are met with personalized care.

Julie Hayden, a dedicated Psychologist with credentials including MRS, MACP, and PsyD, brings over 18 years of experience to her practice, where she specializes in supporting adults dealing with addiction, alcohol use, and substance use issues. She understands that addiction is not just a problem to be solved; it involves deeply understanding the individual behind it. Julie employs a culturally sensitive and integrative approach to therapy, focusing on trauma-informed care and various modalities, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Her methods prioritize building strong therapeutic relationships and developing essential life skills that empower individuals to navigate their emotions and experiences. Additionally, she is committed to teaching clients how to manage uncomfortable feelings, guiding them to embrace hope and the possibility of long-term recovery. As the Chief Academic Officer at Rhombus University, Julie trains the next generation of mental health therapists, further expanding her impact within the community. She has also facilitated numerous conferences and acts as a continuing education provider, demonstrating her commitment to the field of mental health and well-being.

Ezara Moyer, a dedicated Clinical Social Worker and therapist, understands the complex journey of being a teenager in today's society. She recognizes that many parents feel a sense of hopelessness when attempting to support their teens or preteens through overwhelming emotions and social struggles. With expertise in guiding adolescents who may have lost their motivation and sense of connection, Ezara has spent the past six years empowering teens, pre-teens, and their parents during this crucial phase of development. While her focus is on adolescents, Ezara also offers her compassionate support to adults and couples. As an EMDR-trained therapist, she skillfully employs Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing to assist her clients in processing trauma, anxiety, and experiences that disrupt the connection between the brain and body. Acknowledging that seeking help can be challenging, Ezara is committed to providing an honest and authentic therapeutic relationship that cultivates compassion and promotes personal growth. She is eager to accompany clients on their journey towards healing and discovery.

Felecia Ohara, a licensed clinical social worker and therapist, believes that no one is meant to live feeling depressed, defeated, guilty, or unworthy. Inspired by the words of Joel Osteen, she understands that everyone is on a journey of recovery, whether from broken relationships, loss, betrayal, or addiction. These unresolved traumas can leave individuals feeling vulnerable and underperforming in their lives. Felecia emphasizes the importance of having someone who truly understands and believes in an individual's innate ability to heal, grow, and improve. With a commitment to providing empathy, support, and encouragement in a compassionate and nonjudgmental manner, she focuses on fostering growth and empowerment in her clients. Felecia offers counseling services to adolescents and adults facing a variety of concerns including anxiety, depression, addiction, divorce, and interpersonal violence. Acknowledging that seeking help can be daunting, she assures her clients of the transformative rewards that come from therapy. Felecia's passion for helping individuals succeed shines through her collaborative approach, where she works with clients to identify, improve, and achieve their goals for a healthier, balanced life. She tailors therapy to meet the unique needs of each individual, reminding them that life is an ongoing adventure and that their best days are still ahead.

Denise Lee is a compassionate Marriage & Family Therapist Associate (AMFT) and Occupational Therapist (OTR/L) dedicated to fostering emotional well-being and resilience in individuals across all age groups, from toddlers to adults. With a focus on cultural sensitivity, Denise integrates various therapeutic modalities, including Person-Centered therapy and Play Therapy, to create tailored experiences for her clients. She has a deep commitment to supporting children facing challenges such as depression and autism, utilizing expressive arts and trauma-focused techniques. As a bilingual therapist who lived in Mexico for 22 years, she embraces multicultural approaches, helping clients navigate life’s complexities with empathy and understanding. Her approach is rooted in a strength-based perspective and Christian counseling values, encouraging growth through every session.

Irenda Rios is a dedicated marriage and family therapist associate with thirteen years of experience in mental health, addiction, and trauma. She has had the privilege of working with a diverse array of clients, helping individuals from various ages, ethnicities, and cultures navigate their unique challenges and objectives. Her extensive background has equipped her with a nuanced understanding of how to effectively detect and treat a wide range of conditions. Through tailored psychotherapy sessions, Irenda aids individuals in their recovery journey, ensuring that each therapy approach is customized to meet the specific needs of her clients. Her specialties include addressing disorders such as the Bipolar spectrum, schizophrenia, anxiety, phobias, borderline personality disorder, and depression. With a strong belief that no one should face their mental health struggles alone, Irenda fosters a compassionate and empowering environment that encourages connection and growth throughout the healing process.

Melisa Baker is a dedicated art therapist with an MA and ITR-CTT certification who understands the profound effects of trauma. The burdens of trauma can manifest as anxiety, depression, avoidance, and various other challenges that impact one's love life, work, friendships, and self-perception, often leading to feelings of hopelessness and confusion. Utilizing the ITR Method®, Melisa empowers her clients to connect with their True Self, guiding their hurt, protective, and reactive parts towards relief and healing. Her goal is to educate and empower individuals to comprehend how their brain and body have survived trauma, while gently and effectively addressing triggers, flashbacks, and traumatic stress. Through innovative techniques like Graphic Narrative™ and Externalized Dialogue™, clients have the opportunity to recode trauma memories, allowing their minds to recognize that the trauma is in the past. Melisa's approach reframes the consequences of trauma as parts of the self that are 'stuck' in a trauma response. She believes that being trapped in such responses does not have to be a life sentence and is committed to helping clients achieve a sense of purpose and fulfillment as they move towards their goals.

Jazmyne Thomas, a licensed clinical social worker and therapist, is dedicated to supporting individuals and couples in non-traditional relationships and lifestyles. She has a profound understanding of the pressures society can impose and works tirelessly to help her clients deconstruct the learned behaviors and ideas that often lead to internal conflict. Jazmyne serves a diverse clientele, including sex-positive individuals, members of marginalized groups, sex workers, ethical non-monogamous couples, and polyamorous couples. Through her compassionate approach, she aims to foster joy and peace by guiding her clients to live authentically, free from societal expectations and judgments. Jazmyne believes that true happiness is found when people can love and express themselves openly. As a therapist, she assists her clients in exploring their needs and desires, ultimately uplifting their self-esteem, enhancing relationship satisfaction, and paving the way for fulfilling, reciprocal, and loving connections with themselves and others.

Callie Khoury, a pre-licensed professional and Registered APCC, is dedicated to supporting children, teens, and families as they navigate the complexities of life. With an understanding of the overwhelming feelings parents might have when they notice changes in their child's behavior or mood, she creates a non-judgmental, safe environment for clients to explore their thoughts and feelings. Callie’s experience includes working with individuals facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, self-harm, and more. She holds a Master’s degree in Counseling from USD and is known for her person-centered approach, utilizing valuable interventions like CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and play therapy. Since joining Grow Through Life Counseling in 2021, Callie has focused on helping families in the community find clarity and establish goals for their mental health journey. She is excited to meet new clients and guide them towards a better understanding of themselves and their relationships.