Therapists in Gilbert, AZ

With over 20 years of experience in the counseling field, Cynthia A. Criss, LPC, Certified Sexual Addiction Therapist, founded a private practice, Open Hearts, Open Minds Counseling Services specializing in the treatment of addiction, depression, anxiety, trauma and intimacy disorders. Treatment of intimacy disorders may include a focus on sexual compulsivity, infidelity and relational trauma. Cynthia helps persons to create healthy and intimate relationships. She provides individual, group, couples and family therapy in the treatment of addiction (sexual compulsive behavior, drugs, alcohol), depression, anxiety, and trauma.

I love to help people. I believe that therapy helps everyone at different parts of life. I love working with kids, adults, families, couples and teens. I use DBT and CBT to talk about mindfulness, awareness, perspective and trauma. I am trauma certified and enjoy helping people with the good and bad traumas of life. Working on your goals is very important. I like to think that we work on you as a whole person. I teach a lot of coping skills because some work now and some may work later but a lot of tools within your toolbox is important.

Do you feel "stuck" in your relationship? Often, people come in, wanting to strengthen their relationship, but feel stuck because their efforts to save the relationship aren't working, and often make things worse. I work with couples to help them get "unstuck" and to help them learn how they got there, and more importantly, how to begin enjoying one another, connecting, and becoming strong supports as they once were for one another. I also work with individuals who feel stuck, personally, in their own lives and in relationships, helping them identify their own patterns and get "unstuck."

I have a PhD and almost 30 yrs experience working with clients. I have advanced training in EFT and Gottman Therapy. I also draw on 35 yrs of experience being married. All couples have conflicts. The difference is happy couples have a way to resolve and repair issues. I specialize in helping couples develop that repair process. When many couples argue they end up feeling more frustrated, distant, and dissatisfied in their relationship instead of feeling close and connected. Eventually they stop talking to avoid fighting and grow apart. I help couples who are stuck find a way to experience the love and closeness they desire.

Joel earned his Master's in Social Work from Arizona State University and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Joel has been practicing in the field for 10 years. Joel completed a 2 year counseling residency where he was extensively trained in CBT, DBT, ACT, Prolonged Exposure Therapy, Gottman Couple's Therapy and in treating personality disorders. Joel also led DBT skills training group therapy for nearly 2 years during his residency. Since, he has been trained in Level 1 and 2 of EMDR. Joel has worked with substance related issues for the duration of his practice.

Through a comprehensive approach, I work with families, couples, and individuals to create safety and security in their relationships. Having the privilege to come alongside this population has increased my passion for working with both adults and children in regard to abuse, shame, and freedom from their respective pasts.

**CERTIFIED IFS Therapist** If you're looking for individual or couples therapy that's as grounded and practical as it is compassionate and emotionally focused, than I may be good fit for you. I do my best to create a comfortable place to talk about and explore emotional patterns while also helping you understand how to heal and/or get unstuck. I love what I do, and this passion has fostered an expertise in the study of relationships, trauma and neuroscience. I also enjoy educating people to become informed consumers of psychotherapy, so that you expect and get more out of therapy, whether that's with me or someone else.

Connection is the most basic human need. Our survival is dependent on whether or not we have someone we can turn to when we are most vulnerable. We experience disconnection as: death, divorce, conflict, betrayal, loneliness. I can guide you on your journey of securing satisfying and nurturing relationships or strengthening and rebuilding existing relationships . I have experience working with sexual & intimacy issues, sex addiction, pornography and affair recovery. I can help you repair and reconnect with whomever matters the most in your life or find and create new lasting, healthy relationships. I help individuals and couples find greater happiness improve their lives.

Infidelity, conflict, communication problems, lack of intimacy? I can help. I am devoted to strengthening couples through helping restore connections, create new healthy interactions, and develop safe and secure bonds. I create a safe, non-judgmental place to work through many of life's challenges. My approach to the struggles within a couples relationships is to identify the negative cycle that keeps couples from connecting, understanding their attachment needs, and expressing their emotions. I utilize Emotionally Focused Therapy and Gottman Method to improve relationships, develop stronger connections and meaningful communication.

The relationship between therapist and client is one of the most important aspects of having a positive and successful experience in therapy, for children and their families. I consider it an honor and a privilege to walk alongside a child or adult as they take that first step to begin their healing. I love working with families and children by creating a gentle, safe, and accepting environment. I am committed to working closely with parents recognizing that they are vital in this healing process. I have extensive training in trauma and attachment wounds in children and adults, but I specialize in children.

I provide specific counseling services to families, children and adults challenged by a array of issues. I am a skilled parenting educator, play therapist and counselor; having worked 35 years in private practice and 40 years in the field of social work. My work history has provided me with a broad experience base in counseling people of all ages. I am honored to work in this field and love what I do I do for a living. I look forward to talking with you. If you would like more information about my work, please check out my website at: www.playtherapy.tv

Among the core values that drive my work is the belief in the inherent strength and resilience of every individual. It is when we are in a safe and supportive space, where we can explore our thoughts and feelings without judgment, that we are able to be proactive in our own healing. For over 10 years I have worked to help teens and adults overcome painful past experiences, reverse self-limiting beliefs, improve healthy interpersonal connections and find greater fulfillment in life.

Have a problem? Let's begin to solve it! Therapy is much more than just having someone to talk to, psychologists are professionally-trained listeners who can help you get to the root of your problems, overcome emotional challenges, and help you make positive changes in your life. We all have problems and make mistakes; it's the choices we make while dealing with these struggles that will have an impact on our lives. I'd love to be your partner in the recovery process where we move from a state of pain and confusion toward hope, healing, and happiness.

I will listen to you without judgment and help you find your own solutions. You don't want someone who is going to jump in with advice before hearing all that you have to say and understanding, as much as possible, how you feel. You need someone who is willing to explore alternatives and solutions with you in a calm respectful manner leaving you with the final decision. It's your life. You have to live it. Why let someone else make the decisions for you when all you really need is someone willing to listen, hear, and understand?

Looking to make an appointment? Please email me. I’m happy to help! I'm a licensed professional counselor and a national certified counselor. I have experience treating adult populations including substance use disorders, anxiety, depression, and trauma. It is my honor to have experience working with first responders, veterans, and service members. I am trained in EMDR therapy - eye movement desensitization and reprocessing. EMDR is a unique therapeutic approach to help heal emotional pain by allowing clients to resolve unprocessed memories without painfully retelling their stories.

My own healing journey began at a very young age. I have had many experiences throughout my life, teaching me that healing is possible. These experiences led me to studying and learning various therapeutic techniques such as: EMDR, Somatic Experiencing and Integral Somatic Psychology. These trauma focused techniques can help guide us through deep suffering and emotional pain, toward healing the mind, body and spirit. Even when your path seems darkest, there is hope and light along the way. It takes courage to face demons from the past and move forward with strength and hope toward the future.

I have an extensive background working with SMI clients and work well with clients diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder. I also appreciate working with clients who are of Native American background and I am very knowledgeable of the culture of the Akimel O'odham people. I also utilize integrated therapies such as DBT, CBT and Existential therapy when working with those experiencing grief and loss and seek to assist clients experiencing bereavement. I also work well with adolescents, adults and older adults.

I am a licensed psychologist in the state of Arizona. I conduct psychological assessments and provide treatments to adolescents, adults, couples and families on issues including depression, anxiety, bipolar, schizophrenia, loss and grief, trauma and abuse, life span transitions, relational problems, acculturation, as well as other psychological, spiritual, and existential issues. My style is empathic and I emphasize collaborative relationships with clients. I hope to help my clients build on their strengths to cope with life challenges. I am bilingual in Mandarin Chinese and English and have worked with people from a broad array of backgrounds.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Private Practice, with over 30 years of experience in individual, family, marital, divorce, blended family, child and adolescent counseling, and veteran's issues. During that time, I have developed an understanding of human nature that guides me down the path to best help each individual. I believe that no one gets through life without some adversity and difficulty. I strive to treat each person as a unique individual and reinforce their worth and dignity. My clients range in ages from 2 through adult, including the geriatric group.