ThinkSpot Training and Therapy is an innovative and collaborative therapy and training practice whose primary goal is to provide the highest quality services to individuals, organizations, and the community while staying committed to putting people and principle first.
ThinkSpot Therapy Team
Terri Schaefer, LCSW-S, Co-Founder/Owner
I can’t remember a time when I didn’t want to be a social worker and therapist. I have always been passionate about helping people and have been fortunate to be able to pursue my passion in various settings and with diverse populations, learning along the way. Somewhat divergent from my initial vision, I have spent the majority of my career working in leadership positions, starting in smaller organizations and most recently working for larger hospital and healthcare systems in order to create an impact on a larger scale. I am grateful for these experiences, as they have provided me with the insight and learning that ultimately led me to co-founding ThinkSpot with Stephanie. With ThinkSpot, Stephanie and I have had the pleasure of being able to work with people individually, while also being able to make make a positive impact on a larger scale.
I believe that every person has unique strengths and resources that can be used to create change. The role of the therapist is to empower clients to identify their strengths and values in order to begin creating realistic and achievable goals in alignment with those strengths and values. The relationship between a therapist and client is crucial to the therapeutic process, which is why ThinkSpot emphasizes the importance of integrity and genuine warm regard, as well as the responsibility of providing professional transparency, seeking and providing feedback, and the humble quest for self-improvement in all of our therapists.
Our goal with ThinkSpot is create and maintain a safe space that is inclusive and welcoming to clients and therapists alike. I feel so honored to be able to work with a team of therapists who believe in putting people and principles first in their practice. As a team, we strive to provide inclusive and accessible services of the highest quality to both clients and the community, accepting nothing less than our best work!
Stephanie Haraburda, LPC-S, Co-Founder/Owner
Looking back, I can recall the many people, in my personal and professional life, that helped me become the counselor I am today. There has always been a place in my heart for those that challenged me in ways I could never have imagined. They have inspired me to not only wish for a stronger foundation in the mental health community, but to do my best in contributing in any way that I can. In co-founding ThinkSpot with Terri, I hope to influence change by providing resources that generate empowerment and education for mental health professionals and our community.
Empowerment and collaboration have always been key aspects in my approach with clients and other mental health professionals. Collaborating in working towards that sense of confidence and self understanding can be such a significant journey. With empowerment in mind, I work with clients to see the overarching goal of ‘becoming their own counselor,’ which is a fundamental component to ThinkSpot’s objective.
Over the years in working directly with clients, it has become evident that our community experiences a significant lack of peer support, collaboration with other medical professionals, top-tier counseling for clients and effective training for counselors. In partnering with Terri, my hope is to address these needs, in creating a more supportive and collaborative mental health environment for our community. I am so grateful for the opportunity to do so!
Katie Avalos, LPC
If you find yourself struggling to move through intimidating, seemingly hopeless, or simply perplexing life stages, you are not alone. We all face change and challenges, and with support, it is possible to navigate life’s transitions with acceptance and hope. I have a passion for helping clients through various life transitions and challenges, including relationship concerns, acute and chronic stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and shame/guilt.
My focus is on you and your story, as we acknowledge what is and what isn’t serving you on your journey, and explore what life is trying to teach you at this time. Using evidence-based methods, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I will guide you in learning and practicing healthy coping skills.
Therapy emphasizes the importance of talking with someone outside of your familiar circle who listens with intention to your concerns, and encourages you to consider new ways to bring peace to your inner self. Together, we will identify your needs and create achievable goals so that you may embrace a more authentic version of who you are.
*Perinatal/Postpartum/Parenting/Life Transitions/Shame/Trauma (EMDR)
Evelyn Gonzalez, LPC
We sometimes find ourselves living a fragmented life, forced to compartmentalize our thoughts and feelings. In the process, we silence our individual needs. We all have experienced life’s challenges, which can leave even the most resilient individuals stumped. There is a path to living a better life and being able to celebrate our whole selves and counseling can help with this. I have a passion for helping clients deconstruct their beliefs in order to rebuild, create, and adopt healthier perspectives in order to become happier versions of themselves.
I have experience counseling those who have endured complex trauma, intimate partner violence, unresolved grief and loss, and relational issues. I am here to help support my clients through significant life transitions and challenges using integrative and holistic models and evidence-based methods.
I trust that a person’s perspective is colored by their experiences; therefore, I work diligently to build rapport with each client in order to understand their story and needs. Through our work together, I will help you begin to create a foundation for long lasting change.
*Trauma/Grief/Loss/Partner/Family Relationships (for individual therapy)/Attachment Issues/Workplace/Career Challenges
Tiffany Huddleston, LCSW
Growth and change can be difficult, even unbearable at times, and may be accompanied by feelings of loss and grief. Whether you are learning boundaries for the first time, experiencing declining health, or realizing that the healthy relationship you envisioned will never be, we can learn to welcome (or at least accept) change, good or “bad,” with resilience and positivity. With the proper tools and support, we can even experience growth.
I have experience working with grief/loss, chronic illness, caregiver burnout and other mental health and life issues; however, the core of my practice is to help clients improve their relationship with themselves and others by using evidence-based methods, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness-Based Therapy (MBCT).
Together we will explore ways to identify your values and build the capacity for meeting your individual needs by first developing a commitment to self-love and self-compassion. Through this process we will embark upon a rewarding and meaningful journey of self-healing and growth.
*Acute/Chronic Health Issues/Caregiver Stress/Healthy Relationships (for individual therapy)/Overall Wellbeing/Self-care
Kelsey Royston, LPC-S, Team Lead
Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or uncertain about the next chapter in your life? It can be difficult not knowing where the current path is leading. I am here to help you navigate the path as you begin taking the next best step to improving your life. I have extensive experience in helping adults who find themselves at a different place in life than they expected—whether due to divorce, career shifts, or major life transitions. I also have a passion for working with current and former athletes, as well as fitness-minded individuals who may be struggling with identity, motivation, or adjusting to life beyond sports.
Using a holistic approach, I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) while incorporating physical activity to support both mental and physical well-being.
In our sessions, you can expect a supportive, non-judgmental space where we explore your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in a way that empowers you. We’ll start by setting meaningful goals, then work together toward achieving greater balance, resilience, and overall well-being. Let’s work together to create a path forward.
*Former/Current Athletes/Relationship Issues (for individual therapy)/Life Transitions
Scott Slyter, LPC
It takes courage to seek help from someone you likely have not met before. I hope to give you the courage to face your issues by providing a safe and trusting space for your feelings so that together we take a deeper look into some of the painful messages, patterns, and unresolved issues as we move through the process of healing.
My primary focus and passion is working with individuals to dig deep into self discovery, personal growth, and empowerment; to help couples create healthier communication and relational habits while rediscovering the joy of togetherness; and to help older adults work through contemplations of the past, while finding peace and joy in the present.
Our work together will include using evidence-based methods, such as psychodynamic therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Family Systems Therapy to explore your sense of purpose, identify your values, and find your joy, then align these values with your life, while celebrating all the wins along the way.
*Relationships/Couples/Older Adults/Family of Origin/Childhood (Psychodynamic Focus)
Imelda Vasquez, LPC
Whether you feel isolated and overwhelmed as a parent or are feeling shame and fear due to past or current traumatic events, I am privileged to be a guide and support for you as you find ways to heal. Sometimes we need another person to serve as a human mirror, reflecting our experiences back to us and acknowledging our humanity, while assuring us that our experience is real and valid, and in some cases, not ok. It is truly an honor when clients share their stories with me and I am dedicated to providing a non-judgmental, supportive, and engaging space that empowers clients to begin making meaningful progress toward their goals.
I have experience working with children, teens, families, and individual adults as they navigate general life issues, acute and chronic stress, as well as more complex concerns, including trauma and domestic violence. I am able to provide services in English or Spanish, per your preference.
We will work together to create a realistic and achievable plan that is tailored to meeting your unique goals, as I guide you in practicing healthy coping skills using evidence-based methods, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) so that you may begin finding relief and joy.
*Bilingual Services/Evening Hours/Parenting/Family Issues (for individual counseling)/Trauma
Emely Zuniga, LPC-Associate, Supervised by Stephanie Haraburda, LPC-S
You may feel lost, overwhelmed, anxious, or uncertain of what direction to take next in life. You have a story that is unique to you and is worthy of being shared, regardless of what brought you here. I am passionate about helping people share their stories by offering genuine empathy and care, while creating a space that promotes safety, validation, and support- a place where there’s no judgment and you can be seen and heard as you are.
I have experience working with students and professionals as they navigate the challenges of school and career. I have also helped guide clients through other significant life transitions, using a blend of evidence-based techniques, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) .
Together we will create realistic and achievable goals to empower you to take the next best step and navigate life's transitions with greater resilience and confidence.
*Bilingual Services/Students/New Career/Career Transitions