GET TO KNOW OUR COUNSELORS

Hello, my name is Aaron.  I am a counselor in training working towards licensure under the supervision of Terri Roman LPC. I have completed my graduate course work in Clinical Mental Health. My counseling theory falls under the umbrella of Cognitive Behavioral Therapies. I am passionate about empathy and discovering ways to incorporate it in everyday life.  I am dedicated to understanding the causes of depressive symptoms and how I can teach mechanisms to relieve them. My education has furthered my interest in obsessive compulsive disorders, mainly intrusive thoughts, trauma and crisis related events, particularly those that struggle with faith and fear. Below is a quote that embodies my philosophy: 

“It’s time you realized that you have something in you more powerful and miraculous than the things that affect you and make you dance like a puppet.” – Marcus Aurelius

A little about my personal life: I am family man. I am a dedicated husband and love my wife who has supported me throughout my education. My greatest joy of all is being a father to our 2 little girls. I believe in creating memories over buying things. I believe it’s not what you are doing but who you are doing it with that makes life worth living. 

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Hello my name is Alexis Villegas and I am a clinical intern here at Gilbert Counselors under the supervision of Terri Roman (LPC). I received my undergraduate degree from the University of Arizona in Psychology with a minor in family studies and human development and am currently in the process of completing my Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Phoenix.

A little about me… I am Spanish-speaking and was raised in the border town of Nogales Arizona. I love spending time with my family, traveling, and trying new restaurants!

I am passionate about helping individuals find new ways to understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I believe in personalizing each individual experience to fit their specific needs. My experience includes working with children and adults in behavioral issues, anxiety, and depression from the ages of 5 years and older.

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Hello, my name is Erica De La Riva and I am a Clinical intern under the supervision of Terri Roman, LPC at Gilbert Counselors. I hold an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Arizona State University and am currently working towards a Master ‘s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Grand Canyon University. 

A little about myself-I was born and raised in Arizona. Traveling to new places and experiencing other cultures is something I enjoy doing very much. I believe that these experiences not only enrich my own life but also contribute to my ability to relate to and understand everyone's unique journeys.

I am Spanish-speaking, and my experience includes working with the Latino population as well as individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, and PTSD. I have experience working with individuals from the ages of 6-older adults. I aim to practice a philosophy that emphasizes healing, growth, embracing self-awareness and acceptance of self. I look forward to creating a space and being part of this journey.

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Hello, my name is Erika Zarate-Downing and I am a clinical intern at Gilbert Counselors under Terri Roman's (LPC) supervision. I received my undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Phoenix. I am working towards completing my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an emphasis on children and adolescent disorders at Grand Canyon University. 

A little about myself: I have lived in Arizona all of my life but love to travel when I can. I enjoy art and painting as well as spending time with my family during my free time. I am passionate about helping others build upon coping skills and tools that can help them face obstacles in their daily life as well as address any past traumas. I aim to apply my learning and practice using modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) along with mindfulness-based techniques and client-centered therapy approaches. My goal is to create a safe space, and strong therapeutic relationship and encourage healing and wellness with all of my clients. With some guidance, I believe the key to healing resides within ourselves. 

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Hello, My name is Heidi Ennis, and I am a clinical intern here at Gilbert Counselors, working under the supervision of Terri Roman. My undergraduate is in Nursing, which I completed at Grand Canyon University. Once again, I am back at Grand Canyon University, working to complete my Master’s in Mental Health Counseling. I am grateful to be here, in a position that allows me to help and work with individuals in the community.

Using a foundation of Cognitive Behavior Health (CBT), along with Dialectic Behavioral Health (DBT), I help my clients establish awareness of their thoughts, and how that can impact decisions, behavior, and in the choices we make. Working together in a collaborative effort, we can manage, and explore both current, and past challenges. Taking the first step towards change can be difficult, so I intend on engaging in a compassionate and genuine manner, to listen, and develop obtainable goals. Ultimately, our ability to navigate, and increase our resilience, will improve our ability to achieve the life we want. Each of us have had unique life experiences that have played a significant role in who we have become, however, I strongly believe in the use of skill development, mindfulness, and intentional practices, that we can grow, and be present in the now. I hope to participate in your personal journey, and help you reach a point of feeling empowered, and confident in the navigation, and management of a life that makes you feel fulfilled.

Although I was born in our great state of Arizona, I spent most of my formative years in South East Asia. I believe that my unique life experiences have provided me with an openness, and understanding of how very special, and unique each person is. I have a love of culture, and believe that we can all learn from one another. I find my peace in the enjoyment of family, friends, and in being outside. What ever challenges you may have, I hope that you will allow me the opportunity to participate in your journey.

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Hello! My name is Josh Demas and I am a clinical intern working under supervision from Terri Roman (LPC). I hold an undergraduate degree from Ohio State University and am working toward a Masters in Counseling from Grand Canyon University.

My overarching goal is to help individuals of all backgrounds that want to enhance their overall well-being, and I specifically strive to use my extremely competitive athletic background in order to help clients facing adversity of various measures. I am passionate about fostering an environment that is inviting to all clients, and my goal is to provide the tools necessary to make every day even a little bit brighter.

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Hello! My name is Sarah Anderson and I am a clinical intern working under supervision from Terri Roman (LPC). I hold an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Missouri State University and am working toward a Master of Arts in Counseling with a specialization in Expressive Arts Therapy.

I have a passion for art and creating and look forward to learning more about expressive arts therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, experiential therapy, mindfulness, and using a client-centered approach in therapy. Expressive arts therapy includes using art, music, dance/movement, drama, and/or writing in therapeutic interventions that can aid in communicating and understanding emotions. You don’t have to be ‘artsy’ to benefit from this type of therapy! It is all about the process and what it means to you (and remember, you are your harshest critic). 

I work with clients from all backgrounds and cultures and aim to create a space that is welcoming to all. My goal is to provide you with the skills you need to get through the day, whatever that looks like for you.

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