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Stacey Demarey, LCSW
I have been in practice for almost 15 years and am passionate about helping people achieve the best version of themselves. I believe that life and happiness is all about balance. I utilize a variety of therapeutic approaches such as EMDR, CBT, DBT, Mindfulness, Family Systems, and Gottman Therapy to address my client’s concerns. I also provide therapeutic yoga sessions individually or in small groups.
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Hannah Apodaca, LPCC
I specialize in working with individuals, couples, and families facing a variety of concerns, including depression, anxiety, trauma, attachment issues, addiction, grief and loss, relational conflicts, divorce, and life transitions. I believe that everyone has a unique story shaped by their experiences, and I am committed to helping clients navigate feelings of shame, fear, and low self-worth to build resilience and self-acceptance.I have extensive training in CBT, TFCBT, DBT, EMDR, and the Gottman Method.
I earned her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University and have experience working with diverse populations, including men, women, young adults, teens, and children. As an LGBTQ+ ally, I am committed to creating an inclusive and affirming space for all clients. My goal is to provide a respectful, encouraging, and empowering therapeutic space where individuals can process life’s challenges, rediscover their inner strength, and cultivate hope, self-worth, and a sense of belonging.
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Benjamin Harris, LPCC
I specialize working with adolescents, teens, adults, couples and families. My goal is to help you find purpose and enjoyment in life again. Our experiences teach us ways to view and interact with the world and ourselves. These patterns of thinking and behavior can keep us emotionally stuck where we don’t want to be. Working together, I will give you the space to share your story without judgement and support you in identifying and changing the thoughts, behaviors, beliefs, and situations that are getting in the way of what you want and need in your life. I will teach you the skills to approach situations more effectively, cope with difficult emotions, and achieve what you want in life. I use evidence-based specialties in my care such as EMDR, DBT, CBT, and EFT.
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Tina Sparks, BFA, MA, LMHC
I graduated from Southwestern College in Santa Fe, NM with a Master’s Degree in both Counseling and Art Therapy. I also hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Art from the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe. I am a Certified Grief Counselor, and carry certifications in Trauma, Grief & Renewal, Eco-Therapy, and Dream Tending.
As people move through life, trauma to the heart, mind, body and soul can cause us to lose connection to our truest Self. This disconnect, or “splintering” can leave a residue of painful memories, dissociation from the body and disturbed energy within the soul. I help people learn to reconnect to their bodies, explore ways to release the energetic residue of trauma, investigate the wisdom of their dreams, and return to themselves through the use of creative and holistic approaches for well being.
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Emily Lee, LMHC
I am a graduate of Walden University's Master’s degree program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I specialize in working with teenagers and adults struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, sleep disturbances, family conflict, and life stressors. I also have experience working with clients with neurodivergence as well as military members and families.
I employ evidence-based techniques such as CBT, DBT, EFT, Mindfulness, Trauma-Informed Care, and ADHD informed care to help individuals, couples, and families recognize and break negative patterns, fostering healthier behaviors. By exploring relationship dynamics and interpersonal connections, I guide clients toward building stronger bonds and a more empowered sense of self. Through empathy-driven interventions and a humanistic approach, I help clients embrace change, cultivate acceptance, and develop adaptive strategies for personal growth.
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Samantha Decker- Hoppen, LMHC/LAT
I believe in the mind, body, and spirit connection. I am a person-centered counselor who will work with you to find the tools and resources that best fit your personality and situation. I offer an integrated approach to counseling that includes art therapy, CBT, DBT, EFT, somatic and mindfulness techniques, attachment repair and compassionate non-judgmental reflective listening. I am culturally sensitive, LGQBTIA+ friendly and provide a trauma informed safe space to process your unique circumstance. I offer both in person and online counseling for individuals 15 and older as well as couples and families. If you are struggling with overwhelming stress, depression, anxiety, trauma or are seeking ways to better your life, together we can create attainable goals to bring you back in balance with your life’s purpose.
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Jens Brakenhoff, LPCC
I believe that our life experiences can shape us in many ways. Together we can work through healing old wounds, processing through difficult life experiences and work together to specialize in EMDR Therapy, Trauma-Informed Therapy, CBT, DBT, as well as Faith-Informed Therapy, if requested. I specialize in helping clients work through anxiety, depression, trauma, co-parenting and couples’ concerns as well as family conflict. My expertise is working with teens, couples, adults and veterans. I graduated from Liberty University with a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling.
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Samantha Barela, Masters of Clinical Social Work - in progress
I am a Mental Health Therapist in training at Back in Balance Counseling. I am currently enrolled in graduate school at New Mexico Highlands University and working towards earning my Masters of Social Work Degree to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Before devoting myself to being a Mental Health Therapist, I worked as a Paramedic Firefighter for our local Fire Department, and have worked as a Paramedic in various local Emergency Departments. I am trained in CBT, DBT, the Gottman Method for couples work, and Trauma-Informed Care. I am passionate about serving our community, especially those who are under-served and underrepresented.
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Faith Bauder, Masters of Counseling - in progress
I am currently a student at Grand Canyon University in the process of completing my Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I have completed my Bachelor's in Behavioral Health Science with honors and I have multiple years of experience in various clinical settings including psychiatric hospitals and inpatient rehab facilities. I have worked with a variety of populations and aided in the direct care or management of diverse mental health concerns including severe psychiatric disorders, addiction disorders, domestic violence, depression and anxiety. I am trained in CBT, DBT, Psychodynamic therapy as well as Trauma-Informed Care. I aim to serve in the establishment of positive mental health and facilitate the integration of comprehensive wellness strategies for my clients.
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Mariepet Mangosing, Masters of Clinical Social Work - in progress
I am a first-generation Filipina MSW student at Eastern New Mexico University, training in clinical social work with an emphasis on radical compassion. My background spans creative storytelling, youth mentorship, and community-based research focused on improving youth-homelessness systems in New Mexico. I approach therapy through a trauma-responsive, culturally grounded lens, honoring each client’s lived experience while supporting their capacity for healing, self-understanding, and meaningful change. I am trained in CBT, DBT, Play Therapy skills, and Trauma-Informed Care.
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Lauren Crowder, Master's of Counseling & Art Therapy - in progress
As a graduate student at Southwestern College pursuing a Master’s in Counseling and Art Therapy, I am committed to supporting individuals as they navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and life’s challenging transitions. I provide a safe, non-judgmental environment where healing can begin through a trauma-informed, person-centered, and collaborative approach. By integrating evidence-based practices like CBT and DBT with narrative, psychodynamic, and art therapy, I work alongside you to foster growth and resilience.
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Darsha Stanley, Masters of Clinical Social Work - in progress
As a Master of Social Work candidate, I am dedicated to supporting adults, adolescents, and couples through the complexities of trauma, anxiety, depression, and relationship transitions. My approach is defined by a warm and collaborative presence, ensuring a space where every client feels safe and cared for. Rooted in humanistic and positive psychology, I value meeting individuals with genuine curiosity and respect, using my own lived experience to provide deeply empathetic and compassionate support. I am trained in CBT, DBT, the Gottman Method for couples, and Trauma-Informed Care.
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Keith Denick, Masters of Clinical Social Work - in progress
I am currently a Master of Social Work student at The Ohio State University completing my clinical practicum at Back in Balance Counseling & Wellness. I previously earned a Master’s degree in the Art of Teaching and spent several years as a middle and high school social studies teacher. My background in education helped me develop strong communication skills and a deep commitment to supporting individuals as they navigate growth, challenges, and life transitions.
My professional interests include working with LGBTQ+ individuals, neurodivergent clients, trauma survivors, and those experiencing anxiety, identity exploration, and major life changes. I am particularly passionate about supporting autistic and LGBTQ+ clients and helping individuals develop greater self -understanding, resilience, and practical tools to improve their mental health and overall well-being. My approach emphasizes creating a safe, collaborative, and respectful environment where clients feel heard, respected and empowered as they explore their experiences and develop tools for meaningful personal growth.
Outside of my professional work, I enjoy music, creative projects, and exploring the Southwest with my husband and our dog.
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Diego Tenorio, Masters of Counseling - in progress
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Aubrey Scharton, Masters of Clinical Social Work - in progress
I am currently an MSW student at New Mexico Highlands University training in clinical social work and completing my practicum at Back in Balance Counseling and Wellness. I have completed a bachelor's in psychology and plan to pursue my LCSW after my MSW graduation.
My professional interests include trauma-informed care/modalities such as DBT and EMDR, sex therapy-informed approaches, and art therapy. My approach focuses on creating a safe, non-judgmental space for clients to feel seen and heard with an emphasis on autonomy.
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Dianne Franklin, Business Office Manager
As Business Office Manager at Back in Balance Counseling & Wellness, I am directly involved with most aspects of managing a small business. My experience is derived from 38 years of employment with the Department of Veterans Administration (VA) where, during the last 30 years of my tenure, I held multiple managerial positions, to include personnel management, resource management, program management and budgeting. I supervised a team of information technology specialists concerned with the development and implementation of information systems. I was hand-selected as project lead for multiple process improvement and systems redesign initiatives. I come to Back in Balance Counseling & Wellness with in-depth knowledge of administrative and clinical processes. My experience in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology specific to clinical disciplines, knowledge of efficient scheduling procedures as well as complete understanding of billing practices and procedures has proven to be invaluable in this position.
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Ari Hernandez, Licensed Massage Therapist
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Guadalupe Torrez, Licensed Massage Therapist