PHOENIX THERAPISTS
Lupe Macias-Hidalgo, LAC
English: My name is Lupe and my pronouns are she/her/hers. I was born and raised in the small, beautiful South American country of Ecuador, and immigrated to the United States when I was 17 years old. I am a Licensed Associate Counselor and completed my Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling at the University of Phoenix. I currently provide therapy for children (ages 6+), adolescents, adults, couples, families, and individuals from different populations. I am also a bi-lingual therapist fluent in Spanish and English.
Having lived in different countries and engaged in my own self-growth with a therapist, I’ve grown to see the world through various different lenses. I believe this makes me uniquely equipped to help individuals navigate their journey in therapy, especially the LGBTQ+ community. Every person deserves to live a full, authentic life without fear of judgment or exclusion, and that’s what I’m focused on with my clients.
Finding the therapeutic experience that best fits your needs is extremely important. I utilize a wide range of therapy approaches, including EMDR, Client Centered, Narrative, Exposure, Existential, Feminist, and Multi-Cultural. My hope is that you’ll allow me to sit with you in difficult and emotional moments, without any judgment. In doing so, we’ll discover together how best to equip you with helpful coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, and gender dysphoria. What you’ll find in our sessions is a safe space to share your life experiences and find your inner truth to live the authentic life you deserve to live.
In my spare time, I enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, biking, running and figure skating. I also love traveling and learning from other cultures. If I’m not able to be outdoors, I also enjoy cooking, reading and journaling, practicing yoga and mindfulness, and watching documentaries or interesting TV shows/movies.
I’m honored to be a part of your decision to begin your counseling journey, and I look forward to meeting you soon!
Click here to book a session with Lupe.
Español: Hola! Mi nombre es Lupe y mis pronombres son ella/de ella. Originalmente soy de Ecuador, un país pequeño y hermoso en Sudamérica. Migré a Estados Unidos cuando tenia 17 años. Tengo mi licencia de Terapeuta (Psicóloga) y completé mi Maestría en Psicología Clínica (Terapia en Salud Mental) en la Universidad de Phoenix. Mi formación terapéutica incluye en proveer servicio a niños de 6 años en adelante, adolescentes, adultos, parejas, familias y personas de diversos grupos. Soy bilingüe; hablo Inglés y mi lengua materna es Español.
Haber vivido en diferentes partes del mundo, haber conocido diferentes culturas, y haber comenzado mi camino de autoconocimiento con una Psicóloga clínica me ha permitido crecer como persona y mirar al mundo de una manera única y desde perspectivas diferentes. Creo firmemente que mis experiencias me hacen la candidata ideal en apoyar a personas en su camino de sanación, especialmente la comunidad LGBTQ+. Mi enfoque para apoyar a las personas en su camino terapéutico nace en la creencia que cada persona merece vivir su vida en plenitud sin miedo a que la juzguen, o que la excluyan.
Encontrar el enfoque terapéutico que mas le convenga es muy importante. Mi enfoque terapéutico incluye EMDR, Terapia Humanista, Existencial, Narrativa, de Exposición, Feminista y Multicultual. Mi intención es que usted me permita apoyarlo en momentos difíciles y emocionales y que sepa que este es un espacio abierto y confiable para que pueda compartir su historia y aprenda diferentes maneras de como lidiar con la ansiedad, depresión, trauma, y disforia de género para que pueda vivir en la plenitud que usted merece.
En mi tiempo de ocio, me gusta salir a caminar en las montañas, manejar mi bicicleta, correr, patinar en hielo, viajar y conocer culturas diferentes. También disfruto cocinar, leer, escribir, practicar meditación en movimiento y atención plena y mirar series de televisión y documentales que me hagan pensar.
Estoy muy agradecida de ser parte de su camino terapéutico y espero trabajar con usted.
Riley Walsh, LAC
My name is Riley and I use any pronouns.
I received my Master of Counseling degree at Arizona State University. Throughout my experience in the program, I focused my work on the LGBTQIA2S+ community. As a genderfluid and autistic person, it is important to me that my clients have a safe space in my office to be their most authentic self and may be met with unconditional positive regard throughout their therapeutic experience. Seeking therapy is a courageous first step in an effort to better oneself and it is an act of self-love. I firmly believe that everyone deserves a space to embark on this journey and be met with acceptance at every stage of their healing. I am accepting clients ages 10 and up.
My therapeutic approach centers on Existential Theory and incorporates elements of Internal Family Systems and person-centered therapy. This theoretical orientation empowers clients to understand the purpose their current thought processes serve and make informed decisions regarding their goals throughout therapy. I can provide EMDR, and I can provide specialized support with dissociative disorders including DID.
As your therapist, I will work alongside you as you process past trauma, relationship concerns, gender and sexuality, challenges related to neurodiverse identities, and other mental health diagnoses. Healing is not linear, and you deserve a space to process whatever highs and lows you face throughout your time in therapy. I am hopeful that we will be able to work together to establish a unique approach to our sessions that best suits your specific needs.
In my spare time, I enjoy painting, needle felting, watching anime, exploring locally owned coffee shops, and feeding ducks in the park. I have two orange cats named Nacho and Leviathan, and they will likely make an appearance in telehealth sessions.
Regan Lichtenberg
My name is Regan, pronounced liked vegan, but with an “r”, and my pronouns are they/them.
I am a Licensed Associate Counselor with a Bachelor’s degree from Brown University and a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The Chicago School. My background includes working with adolescents in an inpatient setting through horticulture therapy and more recently providing one-on-one outpatient support to adolescents, adults, and couples. I am committed to helping clients through various challenges, including identity exploration, relational issues, depression, anxiety, processing current and past trauma, and fostering deeper self-understanding and acceptance. I welcome individuals aged 11 and up as well as couples.
I believe that all people have the right to a journey of healing through the exploration of themselves, who they want to be, and how they fit in the world. I see my role as a collaborator and supporter as you navigate a deeper understanding of yourself in a non-judgmental and affirming environment. I approach therapy from a relational and trauma-informed lens and believe in providing a space where you can feel seen, heard, and met where you are. At the core of all of this, my focus is always on building an authentic, trusting, and empathetic therapeutic relationship through which we can explore, learn, heal, and grow.
My passion lies in working with the LGBTQIA2S+ community as I want to provide the care and support that was so hard for me to find as a young person. Each person’s journey is unique and influenced by their own intersecting identities, and I want to honor this. At the same time, as a genderqueer person who has been on my own gender journey for some time, I can understand and empathize with the specific challenges and needs of this community. My goal is to empower you with the tools and support you need to walk confidently on the path to your authentic self.
In my spare time, I enjoy hiking and camping, cooking long slow meals with friends, and spending time outside with my wife and our two pups, Raso & Bird.
Shay Morrow, Intern
Hi! My name is Shay, and my pronouns are they/them.
I’m currently pursuing my MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Capella University, and in my spare time, I’m active in giving back to the LGBTQ+ community. As a non-binary and neurodivergent individual, I know firsthand what it’s like to navigate a world that doesn’t always feel built for you. That’s why I’m deeply committed to providing a supportive and affirming space where you can feel seen and understood.
I’m open to working with clients aged 12 and older, with a special focus on supporting the LGBTQ+ community, particularly trans and gender non-conforming individuals. Your journey of self-exploration is important, and I’m here to walk alongside you, offering support as you discover and embody who you truly are. My goal is to create a collaborative, non-judgmental environment where you feel safe to fully express yourself.
I’m also open to working with parents seeking guidance and support, as well as couples looking to deepen their connection and improve communication.
I see the world through a trauma informed lens and take a person-centered approach, which means I’m not here to tell you what to do. I am here to listen, meet you where you’re at, and help you discover your most authentic self. Our sessions are a space where your voice will be heard, and your experiences will be validated.
As an intern, I work closely with my experienced supervisor who guides and supports my work. This allows me to offer sessions at a reduced rate of $85. My internship concludes on June 13th, 2025, and I may need to pause services temporarily at that time.
Being part of your journey through life is a privilege I don’t take lightly, and I would be honored to walk that path with you.
Tyler Alexander, LPC
My name is Tyler and my pronouns are he/him/his.
I am a Licensed Associate Counselor, EMDR trained, and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional - Level 1 (CCTP I). I have earned my Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from Alabama A&M University. During my professional experience, I have had the opportunity to support clients ranging from adolescents to adults (ages 14 and up).
My specialties include working with adolescents, teenagers, and adults who have concerns related to anxiety, depression, stress, self-esteem, and trauma. I greatly enjoy working with families and parents to help navigate these concerns as a whole unit to best support the needs of each individual.
I use an eclectic approach to therapy by utilizing many modalities from different approaches that best suit the client. However, my main focus is on the therapeutic relationship with the client. I believe creating a safe space for the client and therapist to connect cultivates trust and makes the client feel validated in their journey. Humanizing the therapeutic experience makes the setting less clinical and more comforting.
As a member of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, I can understand the challenges that comes with navigating the process of trying to best understand yourself and explore what makes you feel the most comfortable. My approach to addressing concerns related to gender and sexuality include helping guide someone through their intersections as well as identifying strengths that help support the client as a whole.
I am originally from Alabama and recently moved to Arizona with my Husband. I enjoy exploring the area and adjusting to the desert life. During my free time I enjoy cooking and trying new recipes, catching up on reading, going to the movies, as well as keeping up with my favorite TV shows. Whether it is traveling for a quick vacation or going to Costco on the weekend, spending time with my partner is something I greatly enjoy.
Jordan Hicks, LMSW
Hi! I’m Jordan (she/they). I am a Licensed Master Social Worker at the Gender Identity Center. I received my bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University in Psychology with a focus on Gender Studies and Human Development. I earned my Master of Arts in Social Work from The University of Chicago, with a focus on trauma informed care. I recently moved back to Arizona to begin my professional career.
Knowing oneself intimately is a special gift that we all deserve. Therapy can be used as a guiding tool in understanding your mind and body in more intimate ways. We all deserve to feel connected to ourselves and my practice takes a trauma-informed, holistic, client-driven approach to learning more about our behaviors, thoughts, and feelings. I provide therapy for kids and adults (age 6+).
Recognizing and accepting your strengths and weaknesses can lead to a more complete understanding of yourself. By using an eclectic form of talk therapy, I hope to work collaboratively with my clients to reach the level of personal emotional intimacy that they desire. Using this approach allows the client to take control of their sessions and feel empowered by guiding their own decisions. As a queer woman of color, I believe in creating a non-judgmental and culturally sensitive space that allows clients to grow safely.
As your therapist, I want to help you navigate and process current and past trauma, identity issues, intimate relationships, gender and sexuality, and mental health diagnoses. You not only deserve respect and empathy, but a chance to live your life in the way you want to. I hope that together we can find strength, balance, and joy for you.
I am a mixed race, queer woman who has benefited greatly from entering the therapeutic space. I enjoy collecting vintage items, being around close friends and family, spending time outside, eating out, and discussing feminist and queer theory!
Aiden Sismondo, LCSW
My name is Aiden and my pronouns are he and him.
I am a compassionate and empathetic person, and my goal as your therapist is to provide a safe and non-judgmental setting while you embark on your gender journey. My therapeutic approaches include motivational interviewing, EMDR, solution-focused interventions, and person-centered engagement. I work with clients starting with kids at age 10 and up through adults of all ages.
I grew up in Ohio where I would receive my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Gender Studies from the University of Dayton. Thereafter, I earned a Master of Social Work from Arizona State University.
Shortly after receiving my bachelor’s degree, I moved to Arizona and began my journey to discover my authentic self. In 2009, I made the courageous steps to live authentically as a transgender man and medically transition. Therefore, I bring a wealth of knowledge regarding resources to therapy.
I also have experience with co-facilitating peer support groups for individuals identified on the trans spectrum. As a transgender man, I am dedicated to supporting the LGBTQIA+ community because I truly believe that strength lies within human connections and feelings of acceptance. I believe the transgender/non-binary community to be made up of resilient and diverse individuals, who deserve to be seen for their authentic selves. I also believe in the importance of finding harmony within spirituality, and I value the dignity of the human spirit, wherever they are in their journey of self-discovery and authenticity.
Most of my professional career has been committed to serving the families and children of Arizona within the child welfare system. Throughout my career, I have been utilized as a consultant to a multitude of youth and families by promoting best practice and cultivating person-centered engagement, especially when working with trans-identified youth and families. I also have vast experience and knowledge pertaining to domestic violence, crisis intervention, and facilitating individual and group therapy for substance use disorders.
In my spare time, I enjoy listening to music, cooking authentic Italian meals, being creative through different art mediums, and spending the day with my wonderful partner and our three dogs.
Callie Miller, LMSW
My name is Callie and my pronouns are she/her.
I am a Licensed Master Social Worker. I graduated from Texas A&M University with a B.S. in Sociology, and completed my MSW at Louisiana State University. My background is rooted in community based services, and for the last four years I have worked with survivors of domestic abuse, individuals in crisis, and children ages 3+ in various settings. I am a proud feminist and my work is centered around the recognition and subsequent destructing of the harsh systemic realities we find ourselves in. I am here to be your staunch advocate, encourager, and counsel.
As a queer woman who grew up in the bible belt of Texas, I bring a fresh perspective. Through personal experience and bearing witness, my worldview has been shattered and reshaped time and time again, and I am committed to a lifelong process of educating myself and others as we endeavor to seize another day. I enjoy curating poetry and playlists for no one in particular, exploring the great outdoors with my partner, and fawning over our two cats - Banjo and Viola.
I provide individual, couples, and family therapy for children (6+), adolescents, and adults from all walks of life. I work with individuals and relationships on topics relating to: exploring and understanding one's identity, unpacking and processing trauma, managing stress and anxiety, and working through grief and loss. My approach is deeply person-centered, focusing on building resilience and empowering individuals on their ever evolving journey of self discovery to navigate life’s challenges and to seek connection. It is my goal to create a safe, engaging, and collaborative environment where clients can explore and develop the skills necessary to live unapologetically. Together we will learn, unlearn, and grow as necessary.
KT Moore, ATR, LPC
My name is KT Moore and my pronouns are they/them.
As a Black and genderqueer individual, I am passionate about working with clients who are multicultural and who are members of the LGBTQAAI2S+ community through an intersectionality lens. I find joy in helping clients explore their gender, racial and/or sexuality identities, and process trauma through use of creative self-expression, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Strengths-Based Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Mindfulness. I help clients build healthy coping skills, find their strengths, narrate their own stories, and develop healthy thought patterns.
I believe in the healing power of art. As an art therapist, I empower individuals to find healing via their own hands. I specialize in working with children, adolescents, and young adults who may be dealing with issues such as anxiety, mood disorders, developmental disabilities, life changes, attention disorders, trauma, and grief and loss.
In addition to art therapy, I have incorporated the use of talk therapy, somatic psychotherapy, sandtray therapy, play therapy, and bibliotherapy into treatment, and I am able to tailor treatment according to my client’s needs. I am committed to providing a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients will be empowered to not just live but to thrive.
Elisa McDowell, MS, CCC-SLP
My name is Elisa and my pronouns are she/her/hers.
I received my Master's in Communication Disorders at Arizona State University in 2003. Since that time I have primarily focused my career in medical Speech-Language Pathology including voice, swallowing and cognitive therapy. I am excited to now have the opportunity to use my skills in voice therapy to provide speech therapy services to the transgender community.
As a strong ally to the transgender community and member of the LGBTQIA community I am thrilled to be working with folks who are seeking to produce voicing and communication that better conforms to their gender identity. I have spent the last ten years of my professional life facilitating others in achieving their preferred vocal and communication skills by encouraging and challenging them as they strive for their personal best.
Voice therapy, like any kind of therapy, requires an investment of time and effort on the part of the client. For this reason, I fully believe that I, as your clinician, must provide a supportive and caring environment to inspire you and give you the tools you need to persevere even when progress is slow or roadblocks get in the way. I understand how crucial it is to provide therapy in a nurturing and affirming manner so you are allowed to freely express yourself even when doing so may feel intimidating.
Voice therapy also requires a level of vulnerability as we explore your voice and communication goals, produce novel and unique vocal sounds, and learn various components of non-verbal communication styles that you may not have ever explored previously. My therapy style will provide you with space to experiment and grow.
Whether you choose non-surgical or surgical interventions, voice therapy is an invaluable part of a smooth transition to finding your true voice.
Kathryn Heltzel, LPC
My name is Kathryn and my pronouns are she/they.
At this time I am not able to take on new clients. However, I would be happy to talk with you, answer any questions you have about GIC, and help you get scheduled with the best therapist for your needs! Give me a call at our main number.
I have worked with those struggling through gender identity exploration for the last 6 years. This population is my passion, and I have my own unique journey with gender identity. I believe being gender queer is being expressed more today than ever, but not many professionals are coming along side individuals and helping them explore this confusing journey.
I went to graduate school in Denver, Colorado and got my Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. During my time there, I focused much of my research on gender. After school I spent a year working under the supervision of a seasoned psychodynamic therapist, and that valuable training deeply shaped my current work as a therapist. I have also invested a great deal of time and energy into my own growth through therapy. This allowed me to heal from my own struggles, and it’s provided me with a unique understanding of what others may be experiencing in therapy.
At GIC, I value creating a safe place for kids or adults to dive deep and explore what our individual masculinity and femininity mean to us, what fits and what doesn't fit, how to feel okay about who we are, and how to connect to others in a healthy way.