I am a Licensed School Psychologist, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, TBRI Practitioner and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. My educational background is Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Master of Science in Special Education and Vocational Rehabilitation, and my Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology with a Clinical and School Psychology emphasis. I have also obtained my Level 2 Special Education Teaching License with a Mild Moderate Endorsement. 

 

I am trained in in the following treatment modalities; Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Accelerated Resolution Therapy, (ART), Trust Based Relationship Intervention Practitioner (TBRI), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), Social Skills Training, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness, and Theraplay.

 

As a member of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC), International Association of Trauma Professionals, National Education Association, and Utah Education Association. These association work to promote and further my knowledge in the given area enabling me to further my skills that I have available to my clients.

 

I have spent many years in the field of education as a teacher and school psychologist by  providing charter schools throughout Utah supports to children, teachers, and families with a wide variety of educational and behavioral needs.

 

I have a vast array of knowledge in working with children and adults with trauma, disabilities, and a wide variety of mental health needs. I am very knowledgeable and fluent in assessments and diagnosis of autism, learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, attachment, mental health disorders, substance use disorders, and personality disorders.

 

As an expert witness I have provided testimony in court proceedings regarding trauma and its impact on children and families.

 

I am forensically trained in interviewing children and in the early years of my career I was a social worker providing case management services to families with a wide variety of needs.

 

I am a founding board member and assisted in starting the non-profit Police Wives of Utah. Which provides support to law enforcement families across the state of Utah.

 

My experience has enabled me to provide training's to allied agencies on trauma, attachment, sensory processing disorders, mindfulness, behavioral concerns in children, and parenting techniques. I bring extensive skills to Sutton Counseling Services and I have wonderful working relationships with a wide variety of community partners and other mental health agencies.

I started my education with University of Phoenix where I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology. I then continued my education with Walden University to obtain a master’s in Mental Health.

 

Currently I work as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor and have extensive experience in early childhood trauma. I am certified in EMDR and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) and have worked with many children using these modalities. Many behavioral problems I see in children stem from early trauma and it is very rewarding for me to see them improve emotionally and behaviorally after trauma treatment. I am also trained in Trust Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) and enjoy helping parents improve their relationships with their children. I have always had a passion to work with children! I have five children of my own, ranging in age from my oldest who is 19 to my youngest who is 3.

 

My spare time is filled with time spent with my husband and children and finding new fun things to do and enjoy.

I am an Associate Clinical Mental Health Counselor and have found my passion working through a trauma informed lens. I have worked with a wide variety of people and have worked with them to change their lives in a positive, more healthy way. Before coming to Sutton Counseling, I worked at a residential treatment center for substance use as well as a therapeutic program offering services to adolescents and young adults.

 

I received my master’s in Clinical Mental Health in 2019 at the University of Phoenix and my undergraduate degree at Brigham Young University. I have been trained in both Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), both evidence-based treatments for PTSD, helping to reduce negative thoughts, feelings, and sensations. I have also been trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI), and domestic violence.

 

If I get the chance to work with you, I will become your biggest advocate and I will find it very rewarding to see you and your family transform for the better.

I have been working at Sutton Counseling since May of 2021. Before coming to Sutton Counseling, I worked as a paraeducator in a Resource classroom with 4th- 6th graders for 2 years. I am trained in the trauma treatment Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) and neurofeedback, and I will be participating in more extensive training this summer in neurofeedback so that I can train others and better help my clients. I use mindfulness techniques often with my clients and in my personal life and have found them very helpful.

 

I decided to become a counselor because of my life experiences and following the loss of a family member to suicide. I have a passion for helping others who have experienced trauma and I believe that clients have what they need to heal inside them. I see myself as a tool to help them tap into that strength.

 

In my spare time I love spending time with my husband and our son.
 

Samantha usually known as Sam around here is an Associate Clinical Mental Health Counselor. Sam has always had a passion for helping people and counseling is something she holds close to her heart. She started her mental health journey at Sutton Counseling in March of 2022. Sam completed her internship and is currently in the process of becoming fully licensed. Sam does not specialize in any treatment options, but she is educated in CBT, DBT, ART, and Neurofeedback. Sam utilizes a great deal of mindfulness in her sessions with clients as she believes it is the first step to fully understanding oneself and experiences. Her passion is in counseling and helping people, and while it may not work with every client, if she can make them smile or laugh, she believes she achieved her goal.

Sam started her education at Weber State University and obtained her bachelor's degree in Psychology with a double minor in Criminal Justice and Sociology. She then attended Walden University for her masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. 

In her free time Sam loves to read and is an aspiring writer. She is happily married to a man who makes her laugh every day and who enjoys life’s little pleasures. Sam and her husband have four black cat fur babies that drive them up the wall on a regular basis, but who they would not change for the world. Sam believes free time is an important part of being successful in any profession as individuals need the ability to decompress and express themselves in creative and fun ways.

I graduated from DATC with a certification as an Administrative Professional. I have worked with Sutton Counseling for many years and I love being able to help clients every day who are in need of support and understanding. 

 

As a mother of 8 and grandmother of 4, my friends and family keep me busy! Spending time with them is one of my greatest pleasures.  I enjoy reading mystery and fantasy books like Harry Potter, and I love listening to nearly all genres of music.

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I support billing and many other administrative tasks every day, so if you have a question and you're not sure who to ask, I can probably get the answer for you!