Meet Renee Thomas
Licensed Professional Counselor in
Arizona & Colorado
Certified Fitness Trainer & Nutritionist
My History
I grew up with one foot in the Sonoran Desert and the other among Ponderosa Pines—two very different landscapes that shaped my love for balance and exploration. At 18, I set out to see the world and ended up living in five states and a dozen different cities and towns. That nomadic spirit taught me flexibility, resilience, and curiosity about people and places.
I’ve always had a passion for the outdoors—trail running, hiking, rock climbing, backpacking, and camping keep me grounded. I balance that with my love of fitness and strength training; there’s something powerful about discovering what your body is capable of.
Over time, I’ve learned that our minds often get in the way of what we can achieve—physically and mentally. I started trail running during graduate school to cope with life’s stressors and never thought I could run farther than a 10K. With the right mindset and support, I completed my first half marathon in 2014, a full marathon in 2015, and a 50K ultramarathon in 2019. Those experiences reminded me that with focus and determination, you can accomplish far more than you think possible.
My Education
My academic path was anything but linear. I changed majors a few times before discovering how much psychology and biology fascinated me. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Biology from Northern Arizona University, combining two fields that continue to influence my work today.
After several years of traveling through the Northwest, I pursued my Master’s in Counseling from the University of Phoenix (ground campus), graduating in 2008. That’s when I began my journey into Integrative Behavioral Health, where my love of psychology and biology came together to form a holistic approach to helping others.
Driven by my belief in the body-mind connection, I expanded my training to include certifications as an ISSA Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Nutritionist, and Certified Healthcare Life Coach. These experiences deepened my understanding of how physical health, mental well-being, and daily habits intertwine to shape our overall quality of life.
My Work Experience
During my practicum and the first seven years after earning my master’s degree, I worked as a Behavioral Health Consultant, supporting both adults and children from diverse cultural and financial backgrounds. I helped clients navigate a wide range of body–mind concerns, including stress, anxiety, depression, diabetes, heart disease, and pregnancy-related challenges.
After that, I had the privilege of working with military service members and their families, addressing the unique life and work issues they face. Then, in the middle of the 2020 pandemic, I decided to take a brave leap and open my own private practice—all while continuing to serve the military community.
These experiences have deepened my understanding of the connection between mental health, physical wellness, and daily life, shaping the integrative approach I bring to my work today.
My Approach
My therapeutic style is collaborative, solution-focused, cognitive-behavioral, strength-based, and person-centered—rooted in the belief that true wellness involves both the mind and body. I believe everyone already holds the answers to their challenges; sometimes, they just need a little help uncovering them and finding ways to move past the obstacles in their way.
I work with clients to build effective stress management techniques, develop healthy coping skills, and create sustainable habits that support long-term balance and well-being.
What sets me apart is my straightforward, down-to-earth approach. Clients who thrive in therapy with me come ready to do the work—to explore, to grow, and to push through the tough parts. I’m not here to coddle; I’m here to guide, challenge, and support you in building confidence and independence.
My ultimate goal is simple: to help you find your path, trust your own strength, and reach a point where you feel empowered to say, “I’ve got this.”