Aligned & Refined Mind Psychotherapy

Aligned & Refined Mind PsychotherapyAligned & Refined Mind PsychotherapyAligned & Refined Mind Psychotherapy
Start Your Journey

(602) 854-9336

Aligned & Refined Mind Psychotherapy

Aligned & Refined Mind PsychotherapyAligned & Refined Mind PsychotherapyAligned & Refined Mind Psychotherapy
Start Your Journey

(602) 854-9336

Growth isn't about changing who you are - it's about uncovering who you've always been.

Growth isn't about changing who you are - it's about uncovering who you've always been.

Growth isn't about changing who you are - it's about uncovering who you've always been.

Growth isn't about changing who you are - it's about uncovering who you've always been.

Growth isn't about changing who you are - it's about uncovering who you've always been.

Growth isn't about changing who you are - it's about uncovering who you've always been.

About Aligned & Refined Mind Psychotherapy

Hi, my name is Angela Chaloupka (she/her)

 I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Arizona. Originally from  Michigan, I've called Arizona home since 2002. I've always had a deep passion for helping people navigate difficult moments, reclaim their sense of self, and find clarity during moments of uncertainty. 


I earned my Bachelor of Science in Human Services from the University of Phoenix in 2012, followed by my Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2017 through the University of Phoenix's CACREP-accredited program. During my clinical training, I supported clients facing mental health and chemical dependency struggles while co-facilitating a chemical dependency Intensive Outpatient Program at a community mental health hospital. I also completed an internship with the Phoenix Fire Department, responding to crisis situations alongside firefighters, law enforcement officers, paramedics, and EMT's during calls for service. Both roles shaped my trauma-informed lens and taught me the importance of being a steady, compassionate presence during people's most difficult moments. 


As a queer therapist, I know how important it is to have a space where you don't have to defend, explain, or justify who you are. I believe every person deserves safety, affirmation, and respect in the therapeutic relationship. My commitment is to offer that to every client I work with, no matter your identity, background, or lived experience.  

Rooted in authenticity, clarity, and empowerment, my approach is trauma-informed, EMDR-integrated, and grounded in helping clients reconnect with their core values so they can live in alignment with who they truly are.


I work with adults from many different backgrounds who are seeking a collaborative, affirming space for healing and growth. I welcome clients with diverse lived experiences, including law enforcement officers, athletes, ADHD and Autism-identifying clients, LGBTQ+ clients, immigrants, caretakers, firefighters, first responders, stay-at-home parents, formerly incarcerated individuals, and college students. My goals is to offer an inclusive environment where people from all walks of life feel understood, supported, and empowered. 


Outside of work, I value time with my wife and our dogs. I foster senior chihuahuas when I can, and I love creating small pockets of joy through gardening, spontaneous DIY projects, and learning something new. Advocacy, curiosity, and staying connected to the larger human experience keeps me grounded - and these parts of my life naturally flow into the work I do with clients.  


No matter what brings you to therapy, my goal is to meet you with authenticity, respect, and clarity. You deserve a space where you can explore who you are, what you want, and how you want to move forward - without judgment or pressure.  When you're ready, I'm here to walk alongside you as you reconnect with yourself and refine how you show up for yourself and how you move through the world. 

Services

Aligned & Refined Individual Counseling

Life can bring about challenges that feel too heavy to carry alone. I offer individual counseling to help you navigate anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, and life transitions in a safe, supportive space. My approach is collaborative and personalized, drawing from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)-informed therapy to meet your unique needs. Together, we'll work toward greater clarity, resilience, and alignment with your authentic self. 

Aligned & Entwined Couples Counseling

Even the strongest relationships can experience disconnection, conflict, or stress. I offer couples counseling to help partners strengthen communication, rebuild trust, and deepen emotional connection. Using a blend of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), sessions focus on identifying underlying patterns, improving understanding, and creating new ways to relate with compassion and respect. Together, we'll work toward a more secure, balanced, and fulfilling partnership. 

Aligned & Reassigned Trans-Affirming Therapy

Your identity deserves to be honored - not questioned. Aligned and Reassigned is a space where transgender, non-binary, and gender-diverse adults can explore, expand, and align on their own terms. This is not about defining who you are - it's about supporting who you've always been. In our work together, we'll focus on the areas that matter most to you - whether that's navigating transition-related stress, exploring identity, processing past experiences, strengthening relationships, or building resilience in a world that can feel unsafe or invalidating. My approach is grounded in affirmation, authenticity, and empowerment, integrating trauma-informed care with evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior-Informed Therapy (DBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy. Here, you'll find a compassionate, judgment-free environment designed to help you connect more deeply with yourself and live in alignment with your truth.  

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

If you've been carrying painful experiences that feel difficult to let go of, EMDR therapy offers a way to help your mind and body finally find relief. This evidence-based approach helps reprocess distressing memories and the negative beliefs attached to them, allowing you to move forward with greater calm, clarity, and self-trust. I provide EMDR for adults navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, and life transitions, at a pace that prioritizes your safety, comfort, and readiness for healing. Together, we'll create space for you to process what's been holding you back - and begin to feel more like yourself again. 

Content-Free EMDR (B2T Protocol)

For many first responders and veterans, sharing the details of difficult experience can feel unsafe or simply too painful. Content-Free EMDR, also known as the Blind-to-the-Therapist (B2T) Protocol, allows you to process and release distress without needing to describe what happened. This approach doesn't require you to share specifics - I guide you through the EMDR process using brief prompts such as "Let me know when you have it." This method allows your brain to naturally reprocess distressing material while you maintain privacy and emotional control. This approach is ideal for those in high-stress professions who value discretion but still want relief from trauma-related symptoms such as hypervigilance, anxiety, intrusive memories, or emotional numbing. Sessions are paced safely and collaboratively, helping you regain balance and resilience - on your terms. 

Telehealth Therapy - Arizona only

I understand that life can be busy and it's not always easy to make it to in-person therapy sessions. That's why I offer Telehealth services that allow you to connect the comfort of your own home. Telehealth sessions are facilitated on a HIPAA audio-visual platform, via Simple Practice. A unique and secure link will be sent to you 48-hours prior to your scheduled session. 

Therapeutic Approach

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) 
  • Dialectical Behavior-Informed Therapy (DBT) - Not certified
  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing  - Trained. 
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) 
  • Psychodynamic Therapy 
  • Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) - Informed, not certified. 
  • Exposure Therapy 
  • Interpersonal Therapy 
  • Attachment Therapy 
  • Gestalt Therapy (grief-focused)
  • Behavior Therapy 
  • Internal Family Systems (IFS) - Informed, not certified. 



My approach is compassionate, down-to-earth, and empowering - I meet you where you're at, without pretense, and showing up authentically and with a deep belief in your innate ability to heal and grow.




What You Don't Have to Carry Alone

  • Depression, hopelessness & emotional fatigue 
  • Overwhelming or persistent anxiety
  • Grief and loss 
  • Unresolved trauma 
  • Attachment wounds
  • Relationship conflict & communication challenges 
  • Stress from high-impact work roles
  • First responder, law enforcement & military trauma exposure 
  • Identity exploration &  life transitions 
  • Feeling disconnected & unsure of your path forward 
  • Alzheimer's-related grief & caregiver strain
  • ADHD & Autism-related focus & regulation challenges 
  • Adult transitions (new job, breakup, caregiving, relocation)
  • People-pleasing, over-functioning & codependency  
  • Self-criticism and shame
  • Feeling misunderstood, dismissed, or unseen 
  • Emotional numbness, shutdown & difficulty expressing needs
  • Burnout, compassion fatigue, or cumulative stress 
  • Impact of discrimination & Identity-based invalidation. 
  • Feeling stuck 
  • Untold stories & unfinished emotional business
  • College & academic stress
  •  Women's issues & gender-related stressor
  • Reentry after incarceration & reintegration challenges 
  • Perfectionism & high personal expectations 

Outside of My Scope of Practice

Because client safety and quality care are my top priorities, I want to acknowledge the areas where I am not the most qualified provider. If your needs fall into one of these categories, I will help guide you toward a therapist or program better suited to support you. 


Eating disorders often require clinicians with specialized training  or structured programs to ensure medical and emotional safety. You may benefit from higher-level, specialized care if you are experiencing: 


  • Restricting food to the point of physical symptoms.
  • Frequent binge eating or purging behaviors. 
  • Significant changes in weight in a short period of time.
  • Exercise that feels compulsive or driven by guilt/shame.
  • Intense fear of weight gain.
  • Relying on laxatives, diuretics, or diet pills.
  • Feeling out of control around food.
  • Preoccupation with body image that interferes with daily life.
  • A history of intensive eating disorder treatment in the past. 

  • Be actively engaged with a primary therapist - substance use disorder counselor or recovery provider who is overseeing your substance use treatment. 
  • Provide written consent for coordination of care between myself and your primary therapist. 
  • Be medically and psychiatrically stable enough for EMDR based on screening and clinical judgment.
  • Be able to maintain safety, abstinence goals, and support between sessions. 
  • Have consistent weekly or bi-weekly contact with your primary therapist throughout EMDR treatment. 
  • Have a relapse prevention or safety plan in place with your primary provider. 


EMDR for substance-related concerns is offered as a specialized adjunct service, not as a replacement for primary substance use treatment. Clients must meet stability requirements and demonstrate consistent engagement in their recovery support system.

An effective therapeutic relationship requires safety and mutual respect. Because I am a queer-identifying therapist, I may not be the best fit for clients whose beliefs or attitudes toward LGBTQ+ individuals interfere with forming a healthy therapeutic alliance. In these cases, I will provide referrals to ensure you receive care that feels more supportive of your world experience. 

Primary Treatment - will refer out: 

Personality disorders that involve chronic or persistent suicidal thoughts or behaviors often require a higher level of structured, specialized, and long-term dialectical-behavioral support (DBT therapy) to ensure safety and stabilization.  If you are seeking treatment for these concerns, I can help connect you with clinicians and programs that specialize in this level of care. 


Established Clients - when a higher level of care is necessary: 

Some clinical patterns become clearer over time. If, through ongoing assessment, it appears that a personality disorder with chronic suicidality is present, I will discuss this with you openly and collaboratively. If your treatment needs exceed what can be safely and effectively be addressed in weekly outpatient psychotherapy sessions, I may require that you participate in additional services alongside - or in some cases, in place of our work together. These additional services include: 


  • A Dialectical BehaviorTherapy (DBT)-focused Intensive Outpatient Program 3 days weekly, 2-4 hours in length), or Partial Hospitalization Program (5 days weekly, 6 hours in length). 
  • A DBT skills coaching program or skills group.
  • Hospitalization or crisis stabilization, when necessary to support immediate safety.
  • A referral to a clinician who specializes in DBT and personality disorders. 
  • A referral to a psychiatric provider for diagnostic and medication evaluation. 
  • Other programs designed to provide structure and necessary support. 


These recommendations are always made with your safety, wellbeing, and long-term healing as the top priority. Engaging in therapy with me requires a willingness to engage in clinically appropriate levels of care to contract for your safety. If a different level of care or a different clinician becomes more appropriate for your needs, I will work with you to ensure a supportive and ethical transition. 


Am I ready to engage in EMDR therapy if I experience any of the above symptoms? How do I go about getting this set up? 


  • Schedule an EMDR intake assessment with me (scheduling prompt below). The following criteria has to be in place in order for us to begin EMDR. Appropriateness level will be determined during our assessment. If EMDR is not appropriate at this time, I will collaborate with your primary therapist to identity the skills, supports, and stabilization needed to help you move toward EMDR readiness. 
  • Be actively engaged with a primary DBT or general mental health therapist, who is overseeing your personality disorder treatment. 
  • Have consistent weekly or bi-weekly contact with your primary therapist throughout EMDR treatment. 
  • Provide written consent for coordination of care between myself and your primary therapist. 
  • Have a safety plan in place with your primary provider. 
  • Weekly monitoring of suicidal ideation or self-injurious behavior scales. 
  • Be medically and psychiatrically stable enough for EMDR based on screening and clinical judgment (your intake assessment is designed to explore these factors).  
  • Demonstrate necessary emotional stabilization skills ( this will be discussed with you during your initial assessment phase). 
  • Be willing to participate in a higher level of care if needed (hospitalization, crisis stabilization, DBT, IOP/ PHP program). 


 I do not work with individuals under the age of 18, as my clinical training and areas of competence are specifically focused on adult clients. This ensures that I provide developmentally appropriate and effective care for populations I serve. 


I you are seeking services for a child or teen, I'm happy to provide referrals to trusted providers who specialize in youth mental health. 

Insurance Billing & Pricing

Aetna Plans:

Meritain

Nippon

Allied Benefit Systems

Trustmark

Trustmark Small Business Benefits

Health Scope

Christian Brothers Services 

Resources for Living EAP


Cigna Plans: 

Allegiance

Daniel H. Cook Administrators

Professional Benefit Administrators

S&S Healthcare Strategies

Tall Tree Administrators

Trustmark 

Wellfleet Group, LLC

Southwest Service Administrators

Paragon Benefits


Carelon Behavioral Health:

Providence Health Plan 


Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (excluding BCBS Health Choice)


Optum Plans:

UnitedHealthcare

UnitedHealthcare Shared Services (UHSS)

UnitedHealthcare Global

Optum

Oscar

Oxford

UHC Student Resources

UMR

All Savers (UHC)

Health Plans Inc

Surest (Formerly Bind)

Aetna Plans:

Aetna CVS (emblem or CVS discount will be visible on your insurance card)

GEHA (unless mental health benefits are managed by United Healthcare Shared Services

Boon Chapman 

AmeriBen

First Health 

Piedmont/S&S Healthcare

Health Smart

Emi Health

WebTPA

Aetna Medicare and Medicaid plans


Cigna Plans: 

Flume Health

Florida Health Administrators

Gilsbar TPA

Healthpartners Inc.

Magnolia Health

Priority Health

UPMC Healthplan


Carelon Behavioral Health Plans: 

Emblem

NYSHIP

Wellsense

Unicare/Wellpoint

Humana


Optum Plans: 

Select Health

Health Plans of Nevada

Cenpatico

Sierra Health and Life Health Plans

Arizona Complete Health

Optum Medicare and Medicaid plans


Medicare Plans


Arizona Healthcare Cost Containment System (Arizona's Medicaid program): 

Banner University Family Care

Molina Healthcare

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona - Health Choice

United Healthcare Community Plan 

Mercy Care Plan 

Arizona Complete Health - Complete Care Plan 

Magellan Complete Care 

American Indian Health Program (AIHP)

Tribal-contracted ALTCS (Arizona Long Term-Care) & Behavioral Health 

If you wish to work with me and currently hold an out-of-network insurance plan, you are welcome do so!  However, because I am not contracted with out-of-network insurance providers, I am unable to bill your insurance company directly on your behalf. 


Understanding Your Options:

Some insurance plans offer out-of-network mental health benefits, which may allow you to receive partial reimbursement for the cost of your sessions. Every plan is different, and because I am not contracted with these providers, I cannot verify your benefits or advise you on whether your plan reimburses for therapy services. 


If you would like to explore this option, you will need to contact your insurance company directly to ask about your out-of network mental health coverage. 


Superbills & Reimbursement: 

If your insurance plan does include out-of-network benefits, I am happy to provide a monthly Superbill - a detailed receipt that includes the information your plan typically requires. You may submit the Superbill to your insurance company for possible reimbursement.   


Please note: 

  • Payment is due at the time of service. 
  • You are responsible for submitting all Superbills to your insurance company.
  • I do not submit claims, track claims, communicate with out-of-network insurance providers, or asset with the reimbursement process. 
  • Reimbursement is not guaranteed, and any reimbursement is made to directly to you from your insurance company. 


Insurance Opt-Out Form: 

Clients who choose to use out-of-network benefits are required to sign an Insurance Opt-Out Form before beginning services. This form: 

  • Confirms that you understand that I am not contracted with your insurance provider. 
  • Documents that you are choosing to receive services outside of your insurance network. 
  • Affirms that you agree to self-pay for services at the time they are provided.
  • Helps ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards related to insurance billing and consumer transparency. 


Self-Pay Rates: 

My self-pay rates will be clearly provided to you before your first appointment, so you know exactly what to expect with no surprises. In addition to discussing your rates, all clients who choose to self-pay will receive a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) in accordance with the No Surprises Act. 


The Good Faith Estimate (GFE) is a legally required document that outlines: 

  • The estimated cost for your services for a 12-month period. 
  • The type and frequency of sessions you may receive. 
  • Any other anticipated fees associated with treatment. 


The purpose of the GFE is transparency - it ensures you have a clear understanding of your potential financial obligations before beginning therapy. It is designed to protect you from unexpected medical bills and to promote informed decision-making regarding your care. You will receive your GFE 1-10 business days prior to your appointment, depending on when your session is scheduled. The GFE is not a contract and does not obligate you to continue treatment. Rather, it is a tool intended to support clarity, financial transparency, and your right to plan for care without any hidden costs. 


For more information about Good Faith Estimates: 


https://www.cms.gov/nosuprises 

To make the insurance process smooth and possible, I partner with Alma and Headway, two HIPAA-compliant billing platforms that help therapists securely verify benefits, submit claims, and process insurance payments. 


Why This Matters:

  • These platforms allow me to be credentialed with multiple insurance panels. 
  • They handle insurance billing, claims and payment processing, so your benefits are applied correctly. 
  • Insurance billing happens in the background, while your therapeutic experience stays streamlined and client-focused. 


How It Works For You:

  • If you choose to use insurance, your sessions will be billed through Alma or Headway, depending on which platform supports your specific plan. 
  • An account will be created for you on one of these platforms and you will be required to verify your account and complete a few forms to consent to the platform's policies and procedures. This is important because your insurance benefits cannot be verified if consent is not provided. 
  • Outside of billing and claims, all of your scheduling, forms, messaging, and session management will take place through my main system, Simple Practice. 

Couples counseling can be an incredibly meaningful part of strengthening relationships, improving communication, and resolving patterns that keep you feeling stuck. Because insurance plans treat relationship work differently than individual therapy, I want to make sure you have a clear understanding of how insurance billing works so you can make the decision that feels right for you. 


Insurance Coverage Requirements:

Insurance companies "do not cover" marriage counseling, "relationship counseling", or sessions focused solely on improving communication or relationship satisfaction. 


Insurance will only cover the cost of couples sessions when: 

  • There is one Identified Patient (IP).
  • The IP has a clinically supported diagnosis. 
  • The couples sessions are medically necessary to treat that diagnosis. 
  • Both partners are participating as a part of the Identified Patient's treatment. 


The Identified Patient (IP): 

For insurance to cover the session, one partner must be listed as the "Identified Patient," meaning: 

  • The treatment plan and goals focus on the IP's symptoms.
  • The couples work directly supports the IP's clinical needs. 
  • Notes and documentation describe how both partners' involvement assists the IP. 


The Identified Patient model is the standard method used nationwide for billing insurance for couples therapy. 

Self-Pay Rates

New Client Diagnostic Evaluation

Required to establish services:

60 minutes - $225.00 

Individual Psychotherapy

30 minutes   I $93.32 

45 minutes   I $140.00

60 minutes   I $160.00 (standard)

90 minutes   I $210.00

120 minutes I $260.00

Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR)

45 minutes   I $150.00 - Will begin offering 12/09/2025.

60 minutes   I $175.00 (standard) 

90 minutes   I $225.00 - $250.00 

120 minutes I $275.00 - $300.00 

150 minutes I $375.00 

180 minutes I $450.00 

Couples Counseling

50-60 minutes I $165.00

90 minutes.     I $250.00

Good Faith Estimate for Self-Pay Clients

Self-Pay Rates: 

My self-pay rates will be clearly provided to you before your first appointment, so you know exactly what to expect with no surprises. In addition to discussing your rates, all clients who choose to self-pay will receive a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) in accordance with the No Surprises Act. 


The Good Faith Estimate (GFE) is a legally required document that outlines: 

  • The estimated cost for your services for a 12-month period. 
  • The type and frequency of sessions you may receive. 
  • Any other anticipated fees associated with treatment. 


The purpose of the GFE is transparency - it ensures you have a clear understanding of your potential financial obligations before beginning therapy. It is designed to protect you from unexpected medical bills and to promote informed decision-making regarding your care. You will receive your GFE 1-10 business days prior to your appointment, depending on when your session is scheduled. The GFE is not a contract and does not obligate you to continue treatment. Rather, it is a tool intended to support clarity, financial transparency, and your right to plan for care without any hidden costs. 


For more information about Good Faith Estimates: 


https://www.cms.gov/nosuprises 

Do I Offer Free Consultations?

Not at this time. Some therapists offer free consultations, and I appreciate why doing so can be helpful. My decision to not offer consultations is based on my commitment to providing high-quality care, maintaining clear boundaries, and preserving the energy needed to fully support the clients that I have scheduled each day. 

Limited Availability - One-Woman Practice 

My schedule is structured so I can be fully present with the clients I meet with each day. I'm intentional about not filling the space between sessions, because those brief moments are where I regroup, reflect, and prepare to show up with the level of care and attention my clients deserve. 


Because of this, adding consultation calls into the day - finding a time, emailing back and forth, and holding open space for potential appointments - quickly fills the small pockets of time. 


Boundary Considerations 

I have a difficult time giving someone only a few minutes of my attention. Because consultation calls tend to be brief and unstructured, they don't offer the same grounded, spacious environment that an actual therapeutic session provides. People naturally begin sharing their story, and I don't want to cut someone off or rush them. I never want anyone to feel rushed or dismissed, especially during a first impression. What starts as a short call can easily turn into 30+ minutes, and that time often comes out of moments that I've set aside to finish clinical tasks for the day, rest, recharge, or care for my family. 


Frequently Asked Consultation Questions

Questions about my approach, EMDR, what sessions look like, how to schedule, new client requirements, insurance and billing, and how therapy works are thoroughly explained on my website. This makes consultations less necessary and offers space for you to explore whether working together feels right for you. 


Beginning Therapy With Intention

While many people who seek consultations are genuinely prepared to begin therapy, consultations also tend to draw in individuals who are still unsure about whether they want to start the process. Consultations can unintentionally encourage premature commitment.  Beginning therapy before feeling ready to do so can lead to incomplete treatment, which is not effective and does not support meaningful progress. As a therapist, I have a legal and ethical obligation to provide treatment that is clinically appropriate and likely to benefit you. If someone is already uncertain or on the fence, they may naturally start looking for reasons to step away, which can interrupt the work before it has a chance to be helpful. For this reason, I've found that therapy is most beneficial when you begin at a time when you feel ready, committed, and open to the therapeutic process. I want you to schedule because you want to begin the process, I don't feel comfortable convincing you to start a process that you may not be ready for.


What To Expect Instead 

Think of your first session as our consultation. 

  • It's a full therapeutic hour. 
  • It's billed at the standard rate.
  • There's no pressure, and no "sales call" energy. 
  • There is more of an opportunity to truly explore whether we're a good fit because we aren't limited to a brief, 15-minute phone call. 
  • If you decide that I'm not the right fit for you, that's perfectly okay. I will gladly provide referrals for therapists who may be a better match for you. 

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any additional questions, please contact me at: angela@alignedrefinedtherapy.org 

Therapy can be helpful for anyone looking to better understand themselves, navigate life changes, improve relationships, or process difficult emotions. You don't have to be in crisis to benefit. Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply ready for growth, therapy offers a space for reflection, healing, and forward movement at your own pace. 

Medication isn't required to begin therapy. Some clients find that therapy alone meets their needs, while others benefit from combining therapy with medication. If, during our work together, it seems that medication might be helpful to your healing process, I will provide referrals for psychiatric evaluation so you can explore those options with a prescribing provider. During our initial intake assessment, it is important to disclose all medications that you are currently taking - both psychiatric and non-psychiatric - so that I have a full understanding of your overall health and how different treatments may interact with your therapy goals. While I have professional awareness of psychopharmacology, I do not prescribe or make specific recommendations regarding pharmaceuticals. 

New client paperwork is required to be completed prior to scheduling an initial assessment. All forms will be sent securely through Simple Practice for your convenience. Completing these documents ahead of time allows me to verify your insurance benefits and learn about your background, so we can begin our work together with a clear sense of direction. 


Other than that, no additional preparation is needed. Simply come with an open mind and willingness to talk about what's bringing you in. It can be helpful to reflect on what you hope to gain from therapy - whether that's managing stress, improving relationships, processing trauma, or gaining clarity in your life. Therapy is most effective when you show up authentically and ready to engage in the process. 

Your first session is an opportunity for us to develop rapport and begin discussing your history and goals. I'll review all of the paperwork that you completed beforehand, and will assess your biological, psychological and social history which helps me to learn about your background, current concerns, strengths, and supports. It's more information-gathering than therapy-work - sometimes it can feel like an interview, but I strive to keep it conversational and comfortable. At the conclusion of your first session, if I've gathered all of the information needed, I'll combine what I've learned from your paperwork, what you've shared in session, and my own clinical observations to determine a diagnosis (if appropriate) and develop an initial treatment plan. We'll review that plan together during your next session. If additional information is needed, I'll continue gathering additional information during your second session and will review your treatment plan with you during your third session. 

The length of time it takes to see results from counseling sessions with Aligned & Refined Mind Psychotherapy varies depending on the individual and the issues being addressed. Some clients may see improvements after just a few sessions, while others may require longer-term therapy.

Couples therapy can be an incredibly valuable experience, but it only works when both partners are willing to consent to the process, participate, and remain open to honest communication. Therapy is not about taking sides of determining who is "right" or "wrong." It's about helping  both people feel heard, understood, and supported while identifying patterns that may be interfering with connection, trust, or communication. 


Many people enter couples therapy with the belief that it's a "last resort" or that the therapist's job is to fix their partner. In reality, couples therapy is an active, collaborative process that focuses on understanding the relationship dynamic as a whole. Together, we explore how each partner's experiences, needs, and communication styles shape the relationship and learn new ways of relating to foster respect, empathy, and connection. 


During a session, you can expect a mix of guided conversation, emotional exploration, and practical skill-building. The goal isn't to assign blame but to identify what's working, what's not, and what changes might support a healthier relationship for both of you. Sometimes that means strengthening the bond and improving communication; other times, it may mean gaining clarity about the future of the relationship. 


Ultimately, the goal of couples therapy is to do what's best for both individuals - supporting each partner's growth and wellbeing while helping the relationship move toward balance, understanding, and mutual respect. 

I do not complete paperwork for FMLA, short or long-term disability, workplace accommodations or leave of absence, or emotional support letters. The Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners indicates that these forms require assessments and determinations that fall outside of the scope of outpatient psychotherapy. I would be happy to offer referrals to providers who conduct these evaluations. 

Yes - I can provide letters that support access to gender-affirming care when clinically appropriate and within my scope of practice. 


The Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners does not prohibit therapists from writing letters for gender-affirming surgery. These letters are considered part of the routine therapeutic documentation as long as:  

  • The letter is factual
  • The letter is not a disability determination 
  • The content of letter stays within my scope of practice 
  • The letter does not certify medical readiness 
  • We have an established clinical relationship that reflects therapeutic assessment, not to be written early into establishment of therapy services 

Yes - if the purpose of the letter is coordination or continuity of care. Letters will include: 

  • A summary of treatment and participation 
  • Recommendation for ongoing therapy 
  • A statement indicating engagement in treatment 

What will not be included in the letter: 

  • A statement indicating that you are cleared to return to school
  • A determination of risk

Growth begins when you say yes to yourself.

Growth begins when you say yes to yourself.

Growth begins when you say yes to yourself.

Growth begins when you say yes to yourself.

Growth begins when you say yes to yourself.

Growth begins when you say yes to yourself.

Scheduling

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Aligned & Refined Mind Psychotherapy

4365 E Pecos Rd bldg 8 suite 119, Gilbert, AZ 85297, USA

(602) 854-9336

Hours

Today

By Appointment

Current Telehealth hours: 

Mondays: 11am-1pm & 6pm-9pm


Current In-Office hours: 

Tuesdays 9am-2pm 

Wednesdays 12pm-6pm 


By appointment only

Affiliations

Copyright © 2025 Aligned & Refined Mind Psychotherapy - All Rights Reserved.

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