Erika Martinez-Gonzales, LPCC
Is trauma informing you? Are you making choices in your life that you know are just not good for you? Do you want to change old negative patterns in your life or deal with ongoing anxiety or depression that feels like it is taking over your life? Is your relationship struggling? Change is possible. Working together we will identify patterns of behavior that are causing distress in your life and create a path forward where you will develop an understanding of yourself and how you got here, self-compassion for what you have gone through and healing so you can let go and confidently move forward knowing you now have the skills to take care of yourself.
My counseling approach is to create a space where you feel safe to open up and share, feel deeply listened to, model self-compassion so that one day you will know how to give this to yourself, bring in laughter and humor-what is more healing than this and address all parts of you, physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.
I am a native New Mexican and obtained my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from UNM in 2000 and a Master’s Degree in Counseling from New Mexico Highlands University in 2012. I am independently licensed by the New Mexico Counseling and Therapy Practice Board. I work with adults struggling with a broad range of issues, from depression and anxiety to self-esteem and life transitions, but specialize in PTSD/Trauma. I have training in EMDR, Trauma Resilience Model, Neuroscience of Attachment, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Emotionally-Focused Couples Therapy.
I came to this career from my own healing journey so I understand this road can be painful and challenge the status quo in your life. If you are ready and willing to do the hard work, I am ready to walk with you on this path. Witnessing one’s healing journey and offering guidance along the way, is truly and honor and privilege for me, and I look forward to helping you discover your best self!
When I’m not working I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, eating good food, traveling, and reading! I am a wife and a mother of four children! I value family, a spiritual life, personal growth, and most of all integrity! I have always had the innate instinct to ask the question,” What can I learn from this?” I believe this question instills resilience and allows for empowerment, even in the most disempowering situations. I am passionate about learning and expanding as a human, and I love this about life!
Michele Donovan, LCSW
Just by showing up and reading this, you are brave! Looking for help isn’t always easy, but if any of the following resonates with you, I believe I can help! Do you find yourself feeling stuck in negative repetitive patterns? Overwhelmed and confused? Experiencing anxiety and/or depression and wanting more out of life but not sure how to get there. I know life can feel like an uphill battle at times, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. I can support you through the challenging and confusing parts of your journey and share in the celebration of your successes in personal growth along the way.
Sometimes it is a re-frame that can show you a different perspective and sometimes it needs much deeper work to get the origins of your pain. I know you may doubt change can happen, but I am here to witness your story and I believe the trusting relationship that develops between client and therapist is the foundation for opening yourself up to the possibility of change. I want to explore with you and provide the safe, affirming space where you can realize the person you envision yourself to be.
I provide services to adolescents and adults of every gender, orientation and identity experiencing depression, anxiety, and/or struggling with trauma. I also work with couples and other relationship orientations including polyamory/non-monogamy and kink communities to resolve relationship struggles to find balance and health.
Kimberly Eagle, LPCC
You are here, reading this, because of your courage. Recognizing it’s time to make changes is the first, most important step, and I commend you. Despite what social media would have us believe, no one’s life is perfect. We all face challenges that keep us from living our most authentic lives. Therapy is a sacred space where fears and pain are seen with compassion and without judgment. It is an opportunity to explore the thoughts and behaviors that are holding you back and to connect with your strengths in order to create your best life. To be your true self.
Even if we have close friends and supportive families it’s often hard to be really honest about our struggles, be they; depression, anxiety, relationship problems, past or present trauma or substance use that has become out of control. I have experience with all of these issues and more. My aim is to create a safe comfortable space where you can be real and explore your patterns at your own pace.
My experience is working with adolescents, adults, and couples. I tailor my approach based on each individual’s needs be it cognitive behavioral, mindfulness, or body awareness, to name a few. As a professional artist, I often incorporate creative exercises into the session to help overcome blocks that simple talk therapy cannot address. Everyone has an inner creative spirit that can help design their future. Together we can discover your full potential, your authentic self.
Michele DiCubellis, LCSW
Hello. Welcome to exploring new possibilities. Do you wake up worrying about the same things every day and wonder “Why do I feel this way?” Have you tried to make changes in your life, only to find you fall back into repeating old patterns? Do you isolate, feel shame, lonely, and disconnected from people, places and things that used to be pleasurable? Do you feel confused and have a hard time making decisions? Maybe you feel lost or physically and mentally exhausted?
We all experience a myriad of challenges throughout life. Let me help you identify your strengths and resilience despite the adversity you are experiencing. Learning to master thoughts and emotions helps us feel strong and empowered in body and mind.
I have more than 25 years of experience helping my adult clients achieve emotional independence, empowerment, and self-compassion by overcoming self-defeating thoughts and feelings. My experience includes working with grief, loss, anxiety, depression, trauma, addictions, shame, chronic illness, relationship issues, and sexual/gender identity. I use many different therapeutic modalities in a way that meets my client’s individual needs, including Sand Tray, DBT, music and art.
I have a Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) from Rutgers University in New Jersey. I love what I do and I cannot wait to hear your story.
Laura Schoff, LPCC, ATR-BC
Are you struggling to find the words to express what’s going on? Are you feeling lost or disconnected and need for a safe, supportive environment to find your sense of self? Are you seeking a space where you are free to exist, exactly as you are, while you work through questions around identity, sexuality, gender, sexual orientation, relationships, or family dynamics and talking to friends and family doesn’t seem to be enough. If you want to talk with someone who has been there and “gets it,” you have come to the right place!
I am honored to be here and support you through this process. My approach to therapy is collaborative and ‘you’ centered. As an art therapist, I offer creative ways to help you explore your own emotional landscape, express your inner struggles, and embrace your unique magic. You don’t have to have experience or training in art to benefit from this approach. And yes, you can do art therapy online! All you need is a pen or pencil, some paper, and a willingness to try something new. We will work with whatever supplies are available.
If art isn’t your thing or doesn’t feel like the right fit, we can explore other forms of expression such as writing or movement. Combined with more traditional talk therapy, these creative outlets can help you step outside of your thoughts and connect with your more authentic self. We will work together to find the form of healing that feels best. After all, you are the expert on yourself, and what works for someone else may not be the right fit for you.
I work with adults of all genders, orientations, and identities. I foster a space that operates from a Health at Every Size perspective; is LGBTQIA+, poly, and kink affirming; sex+, body/fat+, and attentive to individual and systemic traumas, and the needs and challenges they present.
As a human outside of the therapy space, I enjoy connecting with other humans, creating art, snuggling with whatever cuddly pet is nearby, reading all kinds of books, and getting an awesome night’s sleep whenever I can.
Odilia Mendez, LPCC
Bilingual Counselor
You may be wondering what therapy is like, and if you’ve never been to therapy it may feel foreign, but it is really an experience in personal growth. Everyone has challenges, but therapy can help you get beyond life issues that are draining your energy. If you have gone to therapy, you know that a good therapist joins you in that journey and provides the support needed to make life choices manageable and change negative patterns causing dissatisfaction in your life.
My approach to helping is to validate your strengths and maximize your ability to positively cope through life challenges. I work with individuals, couples, families and children, and provide the support needed to create healing. I use whatever tools are acceptable to my clients so they feel a part of the healing process. This might require Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques which includes: cognitive restructuring, progressive desensitization to relaxation exercises. I trained for 2 years in a program that only used CBT with Hispanic adults and children that provided expert supervision and training. I am also bilingual and fluent in Spanish.
I use play therapy and sand tray to work with children, as I have found these are the most successful tools. I have had parents question play as helpful when I worked at All Faith’s but they very soon learned the benefits as their child’s behavior improved and as the child insisted on returning to therapy. I learned to work with Sand Tray in my graduate program at San Francisco State University, as well as taking classes at the Sand Tray Institute with Theresa Kestly in Corrales, NM. I have worked with the following populations: Domestic Violence, HIV/AIDS, LGBTQ community, Multisystemic Therapy, individuals with an Intellectual Disability, Geriatrics, Headstart families/children, sexually abused children and more.
I have over 30 years of experience and in my community and am recognized as a “Curandera”, a traditional healer. I bring concepts of traditional healing to my clients encouraging them to heal themselves with my support. This involves paying attention to their energy and using tools to enhance that energy for increased success and happiness. In my private life, I am also an Aztec Dancer and participate in various indigenous ceremonies.
Chris Carpenter, LPCC
I am passionate about seeing my clients meet their goals and discover a sense of positive self-esteem and confidence. I believe everyone should have the skills to meet future endeavors they want and deserve, however I also know past issues can sometimes be barrier to this. I have been in the counseling field for over 13 years, working both in agency and private practice. I have extensive experience working with children and adolescents from ages 3 to 18 years old, and dealing in areas of anxieties, depression, suicide, anger management, gender identities, and the list goes on. I also have a great deal of experience in working with adolescents, adults and their family who are dealing with addictions and substances use. I have worked with all ages in areas of trauma and PTSD symptoms as well as those with Bipolar and Borderline Personalities. I tailor treatment to meet each client’s needs rather than a one-size fit all approach.
My friends and family say I am definitely in the field that best suits my skills and personality. I have a laid-back demeanor, am naturally compassionate and empathetic and am a great listener. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, who currently holds a license in both Colorado and New Mexico. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, and a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology.
Yvonne Duarte, LCSW
Are you or one of your love ones having difficulty adapting to life after a traumatic experience? Are you struggling with anxiety or depression; or looking into improving the relationship with yourself or your significant others? Life is not always a straight line. It is difficult to bounce back to life after challenging situations. However, I believe we all have the capacity to heal because we are resilient.
My name is Yvonne Duarte, I am a bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker. One of my main priorities in my practice is to help my clients find inner peace and self-love. I care about the relationship I establish with my clients and that is why I work hard to provide a safe and non-judgmental environment.
I have extensive experience working with trauma, anxiety, depression, domestic violence, low self-esteem, communication issues and family struggles. I am passionate about working with children, adolescents, adults, families, and looking forward to start working with couples. As a Latina, I embrace diversity and love working with people from different cultural backgrounds. I am well trained in modalities such as; EMDR, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Sand Tray, Play Therapy and more.
I look forward to be part of your healing journey!
¿Estás tú o uno de tus seres queridos teniendo dificultad adaptándose a la vida después de una experiencia traumática? ¿Estas sufriendo de ansiedad o depresión; o estás buscando mejorar la relación contigo mismo o con alguno de tus seres queridos? La vida no es perfecta. Es difícil adaptarse a la vida después de situaciones desafiantes. Sin embargo, yo pienso que todos tenemos la capacidad de sanar porque somos personas resilientes.
Mi nombre es Yvonne Duarte, soy una trabajadora social clínica. Una de mis prioridades principales en mi práctica es ayudar a mis clientes a encontrar paz interna y amor propio. Me interesa la relación que establezco con mis clientes y por eso hago siempre lo posible para ofrecer un ambiente seguro y libre de críticas.
Cuento con una amplia experiencia trabajando con trauma, ansiedad, depresión, violencia doméstica, baja auto-estima, problemas de comunicación y problemas en la familia. Me apasiona trabajar con niños, adolescentes, adultos, familias, y muy pronto con parejas. Como Latina, valoro la diversidad y me fascina trabajar con personas de diferentes culturas. Estoy entrenada en métodos como EMDR, terapia cognitivo-conductual, terapia enfocada en soluciones, terapia de arena, terapia de juego y más.
Espero y me encantaría ser parte de tu proceso de sanación!
Melody Bajin, FNP-BC, LCSW
Hello, my name is Melody Bajin, LCSW, FNP-BC. I am a board certified Nurse Practitioner and independently licensed social worker. I have been working in the mental health field for over 20 years in both, inpatient and outpatient settings. I prescribe psychiatric medications for a variety of issues. I take an integrated approach in medication management as I understand individual needs and experiences vary from client to client. I provide compassionate, evidence-based care by utilizing therapeutic medications in combination with psychotherapy to support wellness of the mind and body.
My love for this field derives from my desire to learn from and help others, and, in turn, continuing to learn and grow both personally and professionally. I believe the first step in making any change is courage. I enjoy working with adult clients who are eager and interested in being the best version of themselves. I am also interested in women’s health, LGBTQ+ population, postpartum depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, trauma, depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders.
Debra Vega-Cowen, LPCC
Hello and welcome. My name is Debra, I am a licensed professional counselor in the State of New Mexico. I have worked with individuals, couples and families seeking counseling for over 15 years, both online and in my private practice. I enjoy helping individuals achieve what they want in life. Whether it is to have a better relationship/marriage, learn how to deal with depression, have less anxiety or parenting struggles, I can help. I love helping people to be the best versions of themselves and giving them the tools to help with varying hurdles in their life. Life can be extremely tough sometimes, and seeking counseling is a valiant first step. We all go through peaks and valleys, but it’s so much better to go through those valleys when you have the right tools in which to deal with the hard times. I hope to be able to help you with your journey.
In addition, I have experience working with adults, young adults and teenagers who may be experiencing a multitude of concerns such as anxiety, depression, stress, adjustment concerns, relationship conflict, trauma, career issues, mood disorders, academic concerns, sexual assault, trauma, grief and loss, ADHD, and motivation concerns. I utilize a human-centered and person-centered approach to my counseling style, drawing from cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy, and trauma-focused therapy. My communications style is warm, inviting, and I will meet my clients where they are currently in their journey.
My hope is to help my clients identify goals, process past experiences that may be a barrier to reaching their present goals, and walk alongside them on their voyage to make positive, helpful changes in their life. I passionately believe positive change is possible, by making huge leaps or baby steps. I look forward to working with you in helping you to reach your goals!
SPECIALTIES
- Stress, Anxiety, Depression
- Grief
- Self esteem
- Career difficulties
- Coping with life changes
- Couple Issues
- Family Difficulties
Also experienced in:
Addictions, LGBT, Relationship issues, Family conflicts , Trauma and abuse , Intimacy-related issues , Eating disorders , Sleeping disorders , Parenting issues , Anger management , Bipolar disorder , Depression , Compassion fatigue, after effects of Covid.
Clinical approaches:
Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
Heidi Metcalf, LPCC
I am honored to work with women who want to re-connect with what matters most to them in life, love, and purpose.
In my sessions with women and girls, we create space for presence, and feel into what is alive for you right now with compassion. This brings courage and deep awareness powerful enough to melt through emotional pain and suffering.
The delightful discovery of the awakening woman is that her own feminine energy, although greatly undervalued in this culture, is her greatest resource for healing and realizing the depth of herself. In today’s world of distractions, it is difficult to clear a quiet space to allow deeper connection with our intuitive sense. It can even seem like, unless we are pushing ahead every moment, we are falling behind on some level. Not surprisingly, riding this perpetual edge leads to burn out and misalignment.
In our time together, we will create a safe and caring container for you to explore and resolve the challenges arising in your life. Remember that wounds may be emerging now because they are ready to be addressed. And the struggles that up until now may have seemed insurmountable, are signposts pointing toward your own healing.
At this crossroads, it can be so helpful to have an experienced therapist as your support on your journey. With non-judgement and a genuine trust in the process of healing, I will be present with you, as you take the time and care to be present with yourself. Wherever there is confusion or stuckness, fear or shame, we listen intently, as you foster a closer connection with yourself. We may then ask, “what is the deeper truth?” Allowing the truth to emerge with compassion leads the way to exploring new possibilities. You can break through the old barriers, and discover new ways to be fully you in your life, your relationships, and your chosen path.
Honor Heindl, LCSW
My life mantra is to use words, art, and movement to build bridges, tear down walls, tend to wounds, empower individuals, and eradicate loneliness and shame. My clinical career has ranged from working in refugee resettlement, schools, and nonprofit mental health agencies to responding to 911 behavioral-health related calls alongside law enforcement as part of the Mobile Crisis Team and conducting assessments in emergency departments.
My hope for you is that you find spaces where every part of you is welcome. Therapy can be a safe, nonjudgmental place to explore what is preventing you from finding wholeness. In my experience, so much of our suffering stems from disconnection. When you feel disconnected, shame and loneliness often creep in and take hold. I want to help you find freedom from whatever is keeping you captive, whether it’s self-doubt or self-loathing, past trauma, life changes, internalized oppression, anxiety, depression, addiction, exclusion, body dysmorphia, interpersonal conflict, grief/loss, or something else. Rather than rejecting or vilifying certain parts of ourselves due to what we have done or what has been done to us, perhaps we can shift our approach and re-examine who and why we are the way we are from a lens of compassion and curiosity. We can’t change others or the past, but we can choose what we want to do with that information moving forward. Just because things have always been a certain way, doesn’t mean it needs to stay that way. Anything that is learned can be unlearned, especially if it is untrue or no longer serves you. My job isn’t to “fix” or heal you. My job is to hold space for you while you tap into your inner healer so that you may heal yourself.
I am an intersectional feminist and LGBTQIA+ ally. I am always learning. In my free time, I enjoy eating and drinking my way through new cities, making eye contact with animals, controlled spontaneity, hot yoga, spoken word poetry, and making things. Carrie Fisher was onto something when she said “take your broken heart, make it into art.” When I create, I learn to pour sorrow and anger, despair and confusion into something redemptive and hopeful. Therefore, I like using experiential exercises in session, because sometimes words fall short. We carry a lot of emotion in our bodies, and so as a 500-hr trained yoga instructor, I also like to offer movement as medicine. There is no single intervention that works for everyone, so I pull from different theoretical frameworks and evidence-based modalities to help you heal and build your own toolbox of resources and coping skills. I hope that wherever and however you are, you lean into whatever and whoever nourishes you and that you always stay curious.
Please note: All counselors are independent contractors at Talking Circles Therapy & Wellness, LLC. Each individual counselor is responsible for the legal and ethical psychotherapy treatment of their own clients. The therapists on this page are not liable for the actions of one another.