Advanced Awareness Counseling
Advanced Awareness Counseling
Mental Health Counseling
Faith Transitions, LatinX
LGBTQ+ WPATH Transgender, Allies
Marriage and Couples Counseling
Children and Adolescents
EMDR and Trauma
Anxiety, Depression, Mood
DBT, CBT, Play Therapy, Sand Tray
Vicki Vandenberghe, MSW-i (Sandy)
Hello! I am working towards my Masters of Social Work through the University of Denver. I earned my Bachelor of Social Work degree from the University of Utah in 2004. I have worked with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities since 2002 as a case manager, a para-educator, a vocational counselor, and always as an advocate.
As a therapist, I am passionate about helping others feel empowered, finding their inner strength, learning to love themselves, and being an advocate for themselves. Therapy is a space where a person should feel safe and understood; a judgement-free zone.
I am a compassionate person, and I look forward to helping others work through their symptoms of anxiety, depression, and effects of trauma. I had a parent tell me once that she wished she could “fix” her child. I explained that he wasn’t broken, he just needed to be treated according to his unique needs. Each person should be treated for their unique talents, strengths, and needs.
Direct Contact:
vicki.advancedawareness@gmail.com
Call or Text: (801) 209-2729
Kellie Fitke, ACMHC-i (Midvale)
I genuinely believe everyone I meet is doing their best and recognize doing your best can often require professional help! As a counselor I believe in approaching your issues with a person centered, goal-oriented framework that promotes connection and support. As humans we grow through our relationships with others, and I am here to help you plug into what makes you thrive in your uniqueness!
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I am fascinated by people and the lives they live. As a non-binary masculine transgender person, I have experienced the world from different vantage points which has developed my empathy for others and encourages my openness toward clients. I advocate for the LGBTQ+ community in Salt Lake City and follow WPATH standards of care.
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I believe in normalizing discussions about mental health, sexuality, trauma, shame, justice, and vulnerability. I am dedicated to approaching client problems with respect and dignity and would be honored to hear about your life and lived experiences.
Direct Contact:
scheduling.advancedawareness@gmail.com
Call or Text: (865) 824-6197
Jemma Ender, MSW-i (Sandy)
I have a deep passion for helping others and have gained extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and adults who have dealt with trauma, depression, and anxiety. Throughout my career, I have developed a particular interest in working with the LGBTQIA2S+ community, especially transgender and genderqueer individuals. I understand the unique challenges that members of this community face and approach my work with sensitivity and empathy. I believe in creating a safe and welcoming environment where my clients feel comfortable
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I believe that therapy is a collaborative process, and I work closely with my clients to develop individualized treatment plans that meet their unique needs and goals. My approach is compassionate, non-judgmental, and empowering, and I am dedicated to helping my clients achieve lasting change and self-sustained growth.
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If you are in need of therapeutic support, I’m here to help. I look forward to working with you on your journey towards healing and recovery.
Direct Contact:
scheduling.advancedawareness@gmail.com
Call or Text: (801) 709-8969
Alicia Perez, MSW-i (Sandy)
Hello! I graduated from the University of Utah with my Bachelors in Social Work and I am currently working on my Masters of Social Work with the University of Denver's program.
I dedicate my time to help advocate for those whose voices need to be heard through my Social Work background. My plan is to continue advocating in any way possible. Working with individuals who struggle in their mental health with anxiety, depression, or trauma, social issues/problems, and discovering who they are, is my main goal as I move forward as a therapist.
I would like to help give indivudals a platform to find their own voices and move forward with their lives. I want to accomplish this by hearing their words and serving them when they need it. I hope when serving clients, they feel heard, advocate for, important, that they are in a safe environment, and they are actively working toward their goals.
I enjoy playing iPhone games, taking naps, and watching movies!
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Direct Contact:
scheduling.advancedawareness@gmail.com
Call or Text: (801) 615-0763
Thomas "Tomas" Hernandez, CSW
(Midvale and Telehealth)
Thomas (Tomas) Hernandez is a U.S. Army Service-Connected Veteran and 3rd generation
military. He is a former non-commissioned officer and completed a primary leadership
development course (PLDC). Tomas served for seven years on active duty for the U.S. Army and
spent one year in the national guard.
He is currently a social worker, therapist, diversity, equity, and inclusion consultant, certified
nutrition coach, and personal trainer. He has met the requirements to be a clinical social worker in Kansas and Missouri and is taking the following steps to get licensed as an LCSW in Utah. His philosophy is practicing person-centered care when helping clients with substance use or mental health challenges.
He currently works in substance use and mental health services and enjoys serving others
regarding their recovery and providing treatment as a therapist. He will be certified as a health
coach with the American Council on Exercise. He is trained and has performed as a certified
peer support specialist, an equine-assisted psychotherapist, and a sports performance coach. He
has presented himself as a motivational speaker regarding his own life and discussed such topics
as overcoming barriers of poverty, being homeless, and receiving mental health services. He has
learned to ask for help regarding his recovery and struggles with mental health. Thomas combines knowledge of different disciplines such as behavioral science, physical education, exercise physiology, sport psychology, and kinesiology.
Direct Contact:
thomas.advancedawareness@gmail.com
Call or Text: (385) 743-1562
Jonah Finch, CMHC (Sandy)
Life can be challenging and can sometimes get in the way of our happiness. This can lead to problems that can be difficult to work through on our own. I work with clients to resolve these problems by utilizing their strengths and resources. I also provide different perspectives and therapeutic modalities to achieve each client’s individualized goals.
I specialize in eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) as well as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). I believe each client has the skills and resources within them to overcome the challenges they face. I provide a nonjudgmental space in which clients can explore and resolve these challenges.
I offer afternoon and evening appointments. I also encourage email communication regarding the therapy process, your questions, and any concerns.
Direct Contact:
Call or Text (385) 743-0126
Helder Alves, ACMHC (Sandy)
By bringing unconsciousness into consciousness, we can come to understand why we do the things we do. I want to help you have a safe space and time to gain skills, insight, and encouragement to be your true self. I am passionate about helping people achieve their potential and assist them along the process.
I utilize various therapeutic approaches to assist my clients. Some of the approaches I use are psychodynamic, person-center therapy, and narrative therapy. I am open to working with any population and many presenting concerns, including anxiety, depression, and trauma. Areas of special interest and ongoing expanding expertise include working with trauma, sexual abuse survivors, sex therapy, understand sexuality, open/polyamorous relationships, faith crisis/transition, and culturally sensitive.
I am passionate about diversity I work to accommodate and respect everyone. Please feel free to schedule an appointment.
Se Habla Español!
I speak Portuguese, Cape Verdean Creole, English, and Spanish.
Direct Contact:
helder.advancedawareness@gmail.com
Call or Text (801) 477-6398
Kimberly Reade, CMHC (Sandy)
Hi there. I am Kym and I'm honored to work with you as your therapist. I've been a therapist for years and am very passionate about providing heart-felt, non-judgmental and down to earth supportive therapya. I aim to create a space you can feel comfortable and authentically yourself.
I have been fortunate to experience working with a diverse array of individuals, couples, non-profit, private practice, criminal justice system-specifically Utah State Prison and psychiatric hospital settings.
My areas of special clinical interest include issues related to trauma, PTSD, anxiety and depression, life transitions, grief and loss, attachment issues and identity issues, relationship issues, non-traditional relationships, high-performance and high-stress positions, substance abuse, LGBTQA, women’s issues, men’s issues and more. My treatment modalities include trauma based care, EMDR, somatic experienceing, DBT, motivational interviewing, CBT and more. I strive to be genuine and present in my work with you. My hope is to walk alongside you as you get to explore change, experience emotional connections and create a healthier sense of self.
Direct Contact:
Jon Huck CSW, (Midvale)
I use person-centered therapy, which means my main goal is to quickly establish a genuine and trusting relationship with you. Which in turn, creates a safe space to explore WHATEVER your heart desires. Research suggests this relationship alone is enough to begin the healing process.
But that is just the beginning. I believe each therapy session should be as individualized as you are. So, I adapt each session to fit your specific wants and needs. I do this by using the Strengths-Based perspective, which helps you harness your strengths and rediscover your confidence.
We will observe your life holistically and create interventions as unique as yourself.
Together we will challenge your thinking and behavioral patterns using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) skills. As well as explore various Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) techniques to help you with regulating your emotions. And re-create meaning in your life through using an Existentialist approach.
I am an easy guy to talk to and very caring (just ask my cat). I am a proud gay man, therefore I understand the challenges associated with being part of the LGBTQ+ community. Although I am just starting my career as a therapist, I have been working as a social worker for 5+ years.
Through my experiences as a case manager working with Salt Lake's homeless community, I have had to learn how to look at and solve problems using non-traditional methods. I enjoying thinking out of the box and being creative in my practice.
Direct Contact:
jon.advancedawareness@gmail.com
Call or text: (801) 884-3232
Jason "Jay" Snyder, LCSW (Sandy)
Here's a quick glance at a few ideas behind what I do:
I see a person of what ever age with their inherent sense of dignity and work with their self-determination; I aid in the healing, brainstorming or clarifying process if a person is willing to change; if and when diagnoses are necessary for insurance or validation then that is all it is-not as an identifier of who the person is, the person is much more than that; I operate with the idea we are all learning! Let's look where you want to go, not just where you don't. I work to start noticing strengths, what is working and what is going well and how we can use this in different areas of life.
Therapy is not about me. During our meetings I take the role of the guide not as the expert. The idea is you becoming more the expert of your life as you learn. I will, however, guide your process more or less at times, ask you important questions when needed, and challenge your thoughts and assumptions if they seem to work against you. To offset the honesty, reflection and mindfulness my therapeutic style also include some humor and fun-although that is a relative term.
I work within schools, so I am well versed working with kids of all ages, from kindergarten to seniors. I am also well versed working with the adults having challenges with kids of these ages.
Before moving into mental health I worked within fitness and wellness for over ten years. I use this understanding in multiple ways including creating boundaries, prioritizing, need for play and self-care.
Direct Contact:
Sammy Brown, CMHC (Telehealth Only)
I work with individuals, couples, families, and also work in crisis counseling. I am an avid advocate and ally for the LGBTQ++ community. I am sensitive to the needs of various populations and approach everyone I meet with love and acceptance. Currently, I only do telehealth appointments.
I bring humor and a positive attitude, along with my clinical skills, to our therapy sessions. My priority is to help you feel comfortable and safe, with the goal of building a solid relationship that can be instrumental in propelling you forward toward a wonderful future.
I have been a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor for 22 years. I have deep empathy for others; I understand that life can bring with it many difficult times. I have dedicated my life to helping others learn to love themselves and guiding them through their journey.
Direct Contact: