Meet Renee
Licensed Professional Counselor in
Arizona & Colorado
Certified Fitness Trainer & Nutritionist
My History
I grew up spending time playing in both the Sonoran Desert and among Ponderosa Pines. Once I turned 18, I took on the nomad life wanting to explore the world and ended up living in five different states and twelve cities and towns. I have a passion for the outdoors and enjoy trail running, hiking, rock climbing, backpacking and camping. However, I do balance it with my love of fitness and being a gym rat as I love being able to see what my body is capable of doing.
I have learned our minds tend to get in the way of what we can achieve, both mentally and physically. I started trail running while in graduate school as a way to cope with life stressors and thought I couldn’t run further than a 10K. With the right mindset and support system, I went on to complete my first half-marathon in 2014, first marathon in 2015 and an ultra-marathon, 50k, in 2019. It’s amazing what you can achieve when you get your head in the game.
My Education
I changed my major a few times while working on my undergraduate degree as I learned there were a few subjects which stole my attention. I finally received a Bachelor’s in Psychology with a minor in Biology from Northern Arizona University.
After three years of traveling the Northwest, I started working towards a Master’s in Counseling at a University of Phoenix ground campus. I finished my degree in 2008 and started my journey in counseling through Integrative Behavioral Health which brought my love of psychology and biology together. I have a strong passion in the body and mind connection and am intrigued with how strongly they impact each other.
With my love of body and mind connection, I furthered my education by obtaining my certifications as a Personal Trainer, Nutritionist and Healthcare Life Coach.
My Work Experience
For my Practicum and first 7 years after receiving my masters degree, I was employed as a Behavioral Health Consultant. During this time, I worked with adults and children from a variety of cultural and financial backgrounds on a wide range of body and mind issues including, but not limited to, stress, anxiety, depression, diabetes, heart disease and pregnancy. After that, I had the privilege to work with the military service members and their families on a variety of life and work issues. Then in the middle of the 2020 pandemic, I decided to take a brave leap and go into private practice while still working with military service members and their families.
My Approach
My therapeutic style is collaborative, solution-focused, cognitive behavioral, strength-based, mind and body centered, and person-centered therapy. I believe everyone has the solution to their issues, they just need a little assistance uncovering the answers and learning how to overcome the obstacles they encounter. I enjoy working with others to help them reveal stress management and acquire healthy coping skills which will assist them in overcoming any challenges.
What sets me apart from other therapist is my straight-forwardness and the ability to keep it real. The clients who appear to have success in therapy with me, come ready to work, to figure out how to go around or over any obstacle. They appreciate my approach and know that I will not coddle them. My ultimate goal as a counselor is to help you find your right path, gain the confidence in dealing with life challenge, and basically, feel like you no longer need my assistance because you got this!
