Claudia Cooper
LPC, LISAC
My passion to become a counselor came from my own recovery from feeling like life was not working for me as well as it did for others. Prior to asking for help, my search for answers took me on a journey through broken relationships, depression, substance abuse, codependency, and always striving to be perfect or at least 'good enough.' In desperation, I came to the end of my attempts to figure things out on my own, I finally turned to counselors and mentors for help. This opened up my life to understanding and appreciating the unique person inside, finding peace, joy, and freedom to enjoy life fully. The relief and hopefulness I found were so profound that I determined to help others find their way. Like me, many seek answers within, but due to disappointment, confusion, fear, misguided advice, etc. we can get stuck, however, counseling can help by uncovering the best version of ourselves which lies within.
I currently see clients in N Scottsdale and also supervise a team of thera
Jesca Wales
LAC
Jesca Wales, is an Licensed Associate Counselor, a Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist, and trained in the trauma-informed therapeutic approach of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). She works with adolescents, adults, and couples struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, loss, and substance abuse.
Jesca understands the courage it takes to seek counseling while bravely facing a desired change in your story. She works collaboratively with clients with an integrated, holistic approach which can grow emotional, physical, and spiritual integrity. Jesca strives to establish a safe space with clients in which to hold both attuned connection and genuine authenticity, a sacred place in which transformational healing can occur.
Jesca was drawn to counseling following a career in education where she saw a desperate need for supportive care at the ground level of pain and relational turmoil.
Arlen "AJ" Spatz
LAC
AJ Spatz currently works out of the Surprise office as a Licensed Associate Counselor working with a variety of clients and various mental health challenges. His graduate degree is from Phoenix Seminary. AJ has gained his early experience offering volunteer counseling services to the community through a local church Lay Counseling program at Scottsdale Bible Church. He is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). AJ is a passionate learner and is always gaining knowledge through attending trainings or reading on the best ways to help his clients.
AJ describes his time at Phoenix Seminary as a time in which others have come alongside him to encourage personal growth and development of character. He views counseling others as a way to transition from receiving care and support to blessing and encouraging others in their personal development.
AJ was born and raised in Arizona, enjoys a variety of outdoor activities with his wife and pups.
Tara Dorman
LAC
Tara Dorman is a Licensed Associate Counselor. She is trained in the trauma-informed therapeutic approach, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Additionally, Tara is certified as a Grief Educator, through David Kessler, and a Certified First Responder Associate. She enjoys expanding her knowledge base and is currently training towards certification in the famous Gottman Method for working with couples. Tara earned her Master of Science in Christian Counseling and her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Grand Canyon University. She is a member of the National Honor Society, International Honor Society in Psychology, and the National Society of Leadership and Success. Tara is currently working on her doctorate.
Tara is experienced in conducting marital intensives for couples who feel they need concentrated time to reset the course their marriage is headed.
Tara was born and raised in Arizona, worked in the public school system for over twenty years.
Jordyn Oleson
Master's Level Intern
Jordyn Oleson, finalizing her Master's degree in Counseling as an Intern.
Jordyn’s drive and passion to work in counseling stems from her love of helping others. She has a desire to specialize and dive deep into trauma therapy with EMDR after experiencing it herself. She feels the life changing effects EMDR had; is the main reason she is where she is today. Her experience with the vicious cycle of physical and emotional abuse from a loved one left her feeling alone. Jordyn credits her fantastic counselor and God with bringing her out of such an extreme situation, finding the specialty she wanted to pursue, and the ability to conquer the impossible, which is where she is now.
She is a master’s level student pursuing her Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree with a Biblical emphasis at Grand Canyon University. She plans to continue her education by pursuing a doctorate to help as many lives as she can.
She was born in Central Oregon but currently resides in Arizona.
