"Taking the leap into therapy can be really scary. I want you to know I’ll be there to receive you with compassion and a sincere desire to hear and understand you."
A skillful and caring healer, Jessica Downs specializes in the treatment of complex trauma and dissociation. In addition to Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), she incorporates Ego State Therapy, Polyvagal Theory and the Theory of Structural Dissociation into her one-on-one work with adults of all ages. Jessica is known for her warm, grounded presence, and her ability to bring playfulness to the often difficult work of therapy.
While pursuing her master's degree in social work at the University of Denver, Jessica was introduced to the benefits of EMDR for the treatment of trauma. The education she received led her to seek out advanced training in EMDR, and to pursue certification. Today, Jessica shares her expertise in EMDR as a Trainer and Senior Faculty member with Kase & CO, one of the country's foremost EMDR training providers, and as a consultant to other therapists.
"My counseling approach is rooted in the belief that human beings are capable of change and that it's normal to need support as we work through life’s challenges."
With a specialization in couples counseling, Live Well co-founder Josh Downs provides hope, direction, and encouragement to help couples reconnect and transform their relationship. Josh is known for bringing warmth and humor to his counseling sessions, and for his ability to connect with the experiences of each individual within a partnership. Josh has a special ability to make his clients feel safe, and to shine a light on unseen patterns and cycles. The process allows partners to move away from assigning blame and to instead address the dynamics at work in their relationship.
An advanced practitioner of Emotionally Focused Therapy, Josh helps his clients address communication problems, broken trust, addiction, infidelity, and mental illness. In addition to his work with couples, Josh has extensive experience working with teens and young adults, and with individuals facing depression, anxiety, and behaviors that seem out of control.
Josh earned his undergraduate degree in psychology and his master's degree in social work from Brigham Young University, where his areas of research included childhood resilience and scrupulosity. Josh has been a practicing therapist since 2009.
“Our experiences through every stage of life have lasting effects on our emotions and responses to stress and the world. I use trauma-informed approaches to understand you, and to help you gain a better and deeper understanding of yourself.”
Sara Means brings her wide range of experience to providing counseling to individual adults, children, teens, families, and groups, as well as perinatal counseling for women. Sara is trained in Ego States Therapy and EMDR, which she uses in the treatment of trauma and other mental health concerns, and she's certified in the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT). Sara uses NMT as a framework for understanding the impact of developmental trauma on brain development and functioning.
With the understanding that the first step toward getting help can be uncomfortable and overwhelming, Sara focuses on creating a nurturing environment to support clients on their journey toward healing and wellness.
Sara holds a bachelor's degree in social work from Mansfield University of Pennsylvania, and a master's degree in social work from Temple University. Sara is certified in EMDR Therapy and the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics, and she’s currently an EMDR Consultant.
"I will meet you where you’re at so we can develop an authentic connection, and so you can feel supported as you move toward greater self-awareness and healing. I want to help you become even more of an expert on yourself."
Melissa Fisher works with individual adults and teens, with a specialization in grief and loss. She uses EMDR, Ego States Therapy, and other trauma-informed approaches to help her clients create the life they yearn for. In addition, she applies the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics to better understand how the brain works and how to regulate it to create peace and healing.
In counseling, Melissa takes a collaborative approach to creating a treatment plan aligned to each client's needs. Her greatest priority as a therapist is to ensure her clients feel seen, heard, and supported.
Melissa earned her bachelor's degree in family studies and human development from the University of Arizona, and her master's degree in social work from the University of Denver. Melissa is certified in EMDR Therapy and the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics, and she’s currently an EMDR Consultant.
Melissa is the Clinical Manager for Live Well, offering supervision of our newest intern, Erin Ellington.
"Sharing your innermost struggles can leave you feeling vulnerable and fearful. I want to provide you with a safe place to do the work that can help you move from those scary places where you may feel stuck in self-defeating behaviors and discomfort, to a place where you're able to thrive."
Carie Carter specializes in working with children, teens, and families. She's known for her ability to connect with her young clients by providing a safe space for them to find their voice and share their story. Carie draws from Attachment Theory and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy in her approach, and she regularly incorporates play and creativity into counseling sessions to help kids safely process and resolve behavioral issues, trauma, relationship problems, and difficult responses to big emotions.
Carrie earned her bachelor's degree in human development and family studies, along with her master's degree in social work, from the University of Utah.
“I view my role as a therapist as one of facilitation and partnership. If you’re feeling stuck, we’ll lean on the mind-body connection to deepen your understanding of yourself, and move toward greater health. My approach includes data-informed strategies, alongside laughter, play, and creativity.”
Tanya Pearce has extensive experience working with children and teens as both a school counselor and as a therapist. Her areas of focus include anxiety and depression, trauma and PTSD, anxiety, grief and loss, adjustment disorders, disordered eating, divorce, crisis recovery, and emotional regulation.
Tanya earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from Colorado Mesa University and her master's degree in counseling psychology from Adams State College. She has specialized training in EMDR Therapy, animal-assisted therapy, and school counseling.
“It can be scary to trust someone as a helper for your child or teen. I want you to know I will receive your child with warmth, compassion, and a broad view of what might be creating challenges for them. We’ll use models of therapy that have strong evidence backing their effectiveness, along with play, creativity, and the language your child uses to communicate.”
Courtney Flores specializes in working with children and teens, and with adults on a case-by-case basis. Before joining Live Well, Courtney served children and families as an independent therapist, within the valley's school district, and as a grief support counselor with HopeWest.
Courtney received her bachelor's degree in international studies from Southern Oregon University and her master's degree in social work from the University of Denver. She has specialized training in EMDR Therapy, the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics, Synergetic Play Therapy, and Equine Assisted Growth Learning. She utilizes these modalities along with Polyvagal Theory, solution-focused therapy, and a strengths-oriented approach in her work with children and families.
“I strive to foster an environment where holistic healing of the mind, body, and spirit thrives. As a dedicated therapist, my mission is not just about helping you cope, but facilitating true transformation and growth. With unwavering support and guidance, I am committed to accompanying you on your journey towards healing and empowerment.”
Hannah is passionate about working with individuals of all ages, including adults, teenagers and young children. Drawing from her experience working at a community mental health center, she possesses understanding and a compassionate approach in the treatment of a wide range of mental health conditions.
Employing a client-centered approach, Hannah understands that every therapeutic journey is unique, and aims to meet clients in whatever way they show up, ensuring they feel empowered and supported throughout their process. Her academic background includes a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Social Work from Tabor College in Kansas, followed by a Master's degree in Social Work from the University of West Florida.
Certified in PCIT (Parent-Child Interaction Therapy), Hannah specializes in assisting families navigating challenges with their children. She integrates various therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and is trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).
"To love is to recognize yourself in another. Relationships are an inextricable part of what makes us human, and deeply inform who we are. When we are receptive, our relationships are a lifelong source of learning, and help to reveal our strengths and vulnerabilities. I am here to guide you and your loved one to recognize yourselves in each other, and to show that vulnerabilities can become the foundation of strength in your bond and ongoing journey together."
Mariana comes to Live Well after many years of working with individuals, couples and families as a therapist in Melbourne, Australia, where she gained extensive specialist experience supporting those with histories of trauma. Throughout her career, she came to view connection and a sense of belonging as essential components in the process of healing and recovery. This understanding has led her to hone her focus on supporting couples and families as they navigate what it means to be in relationship. She works holistically with couples to understand how each person’s past is reflected in the present moment of the relationship, to support healing and growth between partners, and to rediscover love and connection.
Mariana has a Master’s of Social Work degree from the University of Melbourne in Australia. Her therapeutic approach combines a number of modalities including Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for Couples, Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Mariana works from the belief that there is no one rule or guidebook that suits everyone, and the flexibility to adapt various approaches to suit individual needs is one of her strengths.
My approach is deeply rooted in humanistic and holistic values, recognizing the unique journey of each individual and honoring the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. With an emphasis on empathy and human connection, I strive to support clients in discovering their own path toward healing, while fostering resilience and self-compassion along the way.
Erin holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Colorado Mesa University and is currently advancing her education through a Master’s in Social Work program at Colorado Mesa University. Her academic background in social work has provided her with a comprehensive understanding of diverse mental health needs, effective therapeutic techniques, and complex social factors that may create barriers to healing.
In her practice, Erin draws on a variety of approaches to best support her clients. Erin deeply values the unique needs and experiences of each individual and is particularly inspired by client-centered approaches. This year, she is excited to complete training in EMDR therapy, a powerful tool for processing and healing from past trauma.
Shelly is the Live Well administrative magician. Hers is the warm voice you’ll hear on the other end of the line if you call our office for information about scheduling, billing, or other considerations. Shelly is quick to respond, and her dedication to her role shows in her eagerness to help clients access the services they need.
