ThinkSpot Training and Therapy is an innovative and collaborative therapy and training environment 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.
Our Team
Terri Schaefer, LCSW-S, Co-Founder/Owner
After nearly fifteen years of working in the behavioral health field directly with clients, as well as in leadership positions within the hospital and health care industry, I decided to start my own psychotherapy practice.
While I love working directly with clients, I have always felt compelled to make an impact on a larger scale, and after working within large hospital systems for many years, yearned to create an environment where I could have greater direct influence. Quite organically, that very opportunity presented itself during an unexpected discussion with my colleague, Stephanie. We merged our experience and ideas, which ultimately led us to a wonderful partnership and the formation of ThinkSpot Therapy and Training.
I have always believed that every person has unique strengths and resources which can be used to create change. The role of the therapist is to empower people to identify those strengths in order to create realistic and achievable goals. The relationship between a therapist and client is crucial to the therapeutic process, which is why we emphasize the importance of professional transparency, monitoring progress, seeking feedback, and the humble quest for self-improvement in all of our therapists.
My goal is to contribute to creating a safe space that is inclusive and welcoming to all. I have a passion for working with the Asian population, children and families, as well as clients from marginalized/underserved populations. Equally, I enjoy helping guide new therapists and providing support to therapists of all experience levels so that they can confidently do what they do best.
I feel so honored to be able to work with a team of therapists who believe in putting people and principle first in their practice. As a team, we strive to provide inclusive and accessible services of the highest quality to 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
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with a special interest in life transitions, relationship concerns, adjustments to stressful life events, self-acceptance and compassion, anxiety, depression, trauma and post-traumatic stress, substance abuse issues, and processing shame and guilt. I am passionate about therapy and collaborating with people who seek to move through seemingly intimidating, hopelessly discouraging, or simply perplexing life stages. I believe my clients can work to accept themselves and their life circumstances, and embrace a more authentic version of who they are.
My focus is on you and your story, as we acknowledge what is working and what is no longer serving you on your journey, and explore what life is trying to teach you at this time. I will validate and face the challenges of your life with you.
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. My role as the therapist is to help guide and support you through this process.
Evelyn Gonzalez, LPC
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who has a passion for helping clients who are experiencing life transitions to deconstruct their beliefs in order to rebuild, create, and adopt healthier perspectives in order to be happier versions of themselves. I have experience counseling those who have endured complex trauma related to intimate partner violence, unresolved grief and loss, and relational issues.
We sometimes find ourselves living a fragmented life, forced to compartmentalize our thoughts and feelings. In the process, we silence the individual needs that can hinder us from celebrating our whole selves. At some point, we each have encountered difficulties that hold us back from leading the life we wish to live. Even the most resilient individuals have been stumped by life’s challenges . Counseling is intended to help with that.
I utilize an integrative and holistic model that was introduced to me during my clinical internship. This experience shaped my view as a therapist today. Our body and our mind are connected, equally important, and directly impact one another. When I work with clients, I consider the whole person. I work strategically to aid clients in becoming more self-aware and to help them process and manage issues that may arise as a result of anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, insecure attachment, communication, and life transitions.
I trust that a person’s perspective is colored by their experiences; therefore, I work diligently to build the rapport that I believe to be foundational in making long-lasting changes. I meet each client where they are at in life and provide a safe environment to explore their goals in a collaborative and supportive manner. I look forward to working with you!
Tiffany Huddleston, LCSW
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 18 years in the field of Behavioral Health. I enjoy working with adolescents and adults who are interested in improving their relationships with themselves and others. I have significant experience in the following areas: Grief/Loss/Bereavement; Anxiety/Depression; Trauma/PTSD; Coping with Cancer; Substance Use/Addiction; Relationship Challenges; Health-related Issues ( i.e. chronic pain and illness); Caregiving; Adjusting to Life Transitions (i.e. marriage/divorce, move, career/job); Spirituality/Wellness/Mindfulness/Meditation; LGBTQ; Group Therapy, and Yoga Therapy. I believe in growth and change. I think humans are inherently resilient if given the tools, space, and support to improve the quality of their lives and move to a place of deeper wholeness. I deeply value connection and I'm invested in your growth and overall wellness.
As a therapist, I am committed to my own growth and self-improvement, which helps me to better serve my clients. Many have not learned how to address their needs, therefore doing so for the first time in therapy might feel overwhelming, but I believe that everyone has the capacity to learn how to value their own needs, as much as they do others. Self-love and self-compassion are an on-going commitment, but when embarked upon, can be quite a rewarding journey. I have been described by clients and colleagues as compassionate and authentic. I feel really grateful to be able to do work that I love and to help others and it is a privilege that I do not take for granted. I look forward to working with you!
Kelsey Royston, LPC, Team Lead
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with experience working with individual adults going through or contemplating divorce, as well as those going through higher education. I am passionate about working with adults who find themselves at a different point in life than they thought they would be. I also enjoy working with athletes, former athletes, or fitness minded people who are struggling to perform or need help transitioning to a healthy life without sports. Identity can easily get wrapped up in what we do in our day to day lives.
My counseling approach incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, and implementing physical activity.
What you can expect from me is to provide you with a supportive and non-judgmental space to allow you to explore deep emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Together, we will begin with creating goals toward meeting your basic needs, then follow a path that will get you closer to whole health. I look forward to the opportunity to get to know you!
Scott Slyter, LPC
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 8 years of experience in the field of Behavioral Health, including inpatient care, partial hospitalization programs, private practice, and geriatric settings. While experienced in a range of settings, I really enjoy working with young adults, adults in mid-life, seniors, and couples, in a private practice setting to assist with self discovery, personal growth, and empowerment.
My professional/clinical areas of interest include working with trauma/ trauma recovery, aging concerns, and life transitions, as well as concerns as they impact moods, relationships, and one's personal sense of purpose, value, and joy. I have worked extensively with clients struggling with anxiety, depression, life transitions, and a variety of unresolved emotional conflicts and trauma.
My approach to therapy is honest, authentic, supportive, and engaging, employing an eclectic approach to issues that draw from CBT, ACT, DBT, IFS, CFT, and Mindfulness Therapy in order to consider your concerns as completely as possible. I endeavor to give you the courage to face your issues with someone you can trust to assist you and safely hold your feelings, while helping you understand the sometimes painful messages they share.
I am passionate about human nature and behavior; I love working, helping, challenging, and celebrating with my clients and I look forward to the opportunity to work with you!
Imelda Vasquez, LPC
I am a bilingual Licensed Professional Counselor with 18 years of experience working in the behavioral health field and 6 years of experience working as a licensed therapist. I have experience working with all age groups (children and adults) and I particularly enjoy working with adolescents. I have worked with clients experiencing a variety of general life issues, as well as more complex concerns, including those who have a history of trauma and domestic violence and employ a variety of evidence-based methods in my practice, however cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and solution focused brief therapy will provide the foundation for my work with you.
My greatest strength as a therapist is that I am engaged, compassionate, non-judgmental, supportive, and client led/driven. I am eager to help you meet your goals and will work with you to identify personalized therapeutic goals and to develop a treatment plan to guide you on your path to feeling better.
I would be honored to be entrusted with learning your story and will make every effort to help you meet your goals. I look forward to working with you!
*Offering EVENING hours
Emely Zuniga, LPC-Associate, Supervised by Stephanie Haraburda, LPC-S
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate with experience working with individuals from a variety of backgrounds. I provide therapy services in English and Spanish, according to my client’s preferences. I believe that everyone has a personal story which is consists of unique experiences and individual meaning that is worthy of being shared and understood. Together, I hope to explore your collection of experiences, feelings, and thoughts to help you achieve your goals in a way that best fits you. I am passionate about helping people create and live their best life by establishing a space that promotes safety, validation, and support.
My goal is to create a healthy and safe environment, which is necessary for clients to feel comfortable and relaxed in order to promote therapeutic progress. I aim to have a positive and hopeful attitude that allows me to accept people as they are, see potential, and foster growth. I am able to listen without making assumptions or judgments, as I acknowledge that all clients are unique and different. I look forward to the opportunity to work with you!
NO WAITLISTS- Secure a session within days, not weeks!