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Meet Kelsey 

Hi, I'm Kelsey! I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor and the owner of Just Be

Counseling Services, LLC.

 

If there's one thing I've learned, both personally and professionally, it's that life rarely

goes exactly according to plan. Sometimes it's wonderful, sometimes it's heartbreaking,

and sometimes you're just trying to make it through the day without losing your

patience (or your mind!). Whatever has brought you here, I'm glad you found your way.

 

I believe we all need a place where we can take off the brave face, let go of the pressure

to have everything figured out, and just be ourselves. My approach to therapy is warm,

compassionate, and genuine, with a little humor sprinkled in when it feels right. I want

you to feel comfortable sharing the messy, complicated, and vulnerable parts of life

without worrying about being judged. Together, we'll work to better understand yourself,

recognize patterns that may be keeping you stuck, and find meaningful ways to move forward. Sometimes that means making changes, and sometimes it means learning to give yourself a little more grace along the way.

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The journey of building and raising a family is especially close to my heart. As a mom of twin daughters who experienced IVF and complicated health challenges, I know that the road to parenthood can be filled with uncertainty, fear, grief, hope, and emotions that don't always fit neatly together. I also recognize that everyone's journey is different. Some are still waiting and hoping, some are navigating unimaginable losses, and others are learning to make peace with a future that looks different from the one they dreamed of. There isn't always a happy ending or an easy answer, and I believe those experiences deserve just as much compassion, acknowledgment, and space. My own experiences have deepened my appreciation for the complicated emotions that can come with building a family, as well as the challenges that continue once children arrive. I love supporting individuals and couples through these transitions, helping parents find their footing, strengthen their relationships, and remember that their own needs and identities matter, too.

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I also enjoy helping couples and individuals create stronger, more connected relationships. Whether you're feeling disconnected from your partner, having the same arguments on repeat, struggling to express what you need, or simply wanting to better understand yourself and the people you love, we'll work through those challenges together. I particularly enjoy working with men who may struggle with confidence, emotional vulnerability, or understanding their partners. My goal is to create a space where everyone feels heard, respected, and comfortable exploring the parts of themselves that aren't always easy to talk about.

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Children and families are another important part of my work. I see children ages 7 and older and believe that helping a child often means supporting the family around them. Kids don't come with instruction manuals (although I think we'd all appreciate one!), and their struggles rarely happen in isolation. I work collaboratively with parents to better understand what's happening beneath their child's behaviors, strengthen relationships, and create positive changes that extend beyond our sessions.

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I also support individuals navigating trauma, anxiety, self-doubt, and difficult life transitions. Our past experiences can shape how we see ourselves, respond to challenges, and connect with others, often without us realizing it. As an EMDR-trained therapist, I help clients make sense of those experiences, work through what may be holding them back, and find greater confidence and peace in their lives.

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A little about me outside of the therapy room: I'm originally from South Dakota, but I've happily traded snowy winters for Arizona sunshine! When I'm not working, most of my time is spent soaking up life with my husband and our twin daughters, spending time with family and friends, and embracing all the fun (and chaos!) that comes with raising little ones. We love getting outside, exploring Arizona, golfing together, discovering new places, and making memories along the way. When I get a little time to myself, I enjoy shopping, planning our next travel adventure (there's always one in the works!), or catching up with girlfriends. And when it's finally time to unwind, you can usually find me enjoying some mindless reality TV—my not-so-guilty pleasure!

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At the end of the day, I believe we're all doing our best to navigate a life that doesn't always come with clear answers. You don't have to be perfect, know exactly where you're going, or carry everything on your own. My hope is that therapy feels like a place where you can be yourself, feel genuinely understood, and find the support and encouragement to create a life that feels meaningful to you.

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"The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction, not a destination."

— Carl Rogers

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Email: kelsey@justbecounselingservices.com

Phone: (970) 510-6911

Kelsey Kjellsen

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Meet Brett (Accepting New Clients)

Hi, my name is Brett Wladis and I’m a licensed professional counselor. I was born and

raised in Massachusetts. I received my bachelor’s degree in psychology and

communication sciences from the University of Connecticut. In 2013, I moved

cross-country to obtain my Master of Counseling degree from Arizona State University.

Since 2015, I have provided counseling services to adults in both a private practice

setting and at behavioral health clinics across the valley. I have extensive experience

working with a wide variety of concerns. I particularly enjoy helping adult clients deal

with life transitions, relationship issues, stress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues,

trauma, men's issues, and grief. 

 

My approach to therapy is collaborative, client-focused, and goal-oriented. I utilize

evidenced-based therapeutic modalities—including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT),

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)—in order to ensure quality outcomes for my clients. I am fully certified in EMDR which is recommended as a highly effective modality for the treatment of trauma and have extensive training and experience with DBT. I also incorporate mindfulness practices and existential approaches into sessions, when appropriate. 

 

I am dedicated to helping my clients gain a better understanding of themselves and their issues. It is my aim to help my clients identify and overcome barriers that are keeping them from achieving their goals so that they may lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. 

 

Outside of counseling, I enjoy reading, writing, playing basketball, listening to music, spending time with friends and family, and being in nature.

 

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Email: brett@justbecounselingservices.com

Phone: (602) 845-9575

Brett Wladis

Meet Sophie (Accepting New Clients)

Hello, and congratulations on taking the first step in your healing journey! My name is

Sophie Spencer (she/her), and I am a Licensed Associate Counselor at Just Be

Counseling Services. I was born and raised in Phoenix, AZ. I received my Bachelor’s in

Psychology and Master’s in Counseling from Arizona State University.

 

I work well with clients navigating relationship struggles, trauma, anxiety, or depression.

Many of the people I see describe themselves as self-aware. Maybe it’s easy for you to

notice your patterns, but you can’t quite seem to interrupt and change these cycles. If

this sounds familiar, I can help you build the skills, new perspectives, and confidence to

start making real and lasting changes. 

 

I particularly enjoy helping clients get to know the different parts of themselves. Maybe you have noticed a critical voice, an angry part, or an anxious side of yourself that shows up often. Together, we’ll explore these parts with curiosity and compassion so you can feel less at war with yourself.

 

In our sessions, we will focus on building safety, increasing mindfulness, and learning skills you can use in daily life. I believe therapy can be both meaningful and lighthearted, so I often bring humor into sessions when it feels helpful. As a therapist, I like to invite all of you into the room. I enjoy weaving in your personal interests, like favorite music or spirituality, into our work together.

 

I have experience working with LGBTQIA+, polyamorous, and BIPOC populations. In therapy, I believe in naming and addressing the systemic issues that are affecting your health and well-being. 

 

Outside of therapy, I enjoy traveling, listening to music, and spending time with friends and family!

 

"Let nothing dim the light that shines from within."

- Maya Angelou
 

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Sophie Spencer

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Meet Amy (Accepting New Clients)

Hi there, my name’s Amy Stuart! It’s a privilege to be able to introduce myself and

share a little bit about who I am as a human and clinician. I’m a Licensed Associate

Counselor under the clinical supervision of Celeste Celaya, LPC at Just Be

Counseling Services. I completed my bachelor's degree in justice studies at Arizona

State University and my master's degree in counseling at Wake Forest University.

 

I believe therapy should feel like a conversation, so my approach is warm, honest,

and sprinkled with humor. I specialize in working with parents, teens, and busy

professionals, especially those who feel like they’re constantly running on empty or

relying on substances just to get through the week. 

 

Whether you're dealing with stress, burnout, family dynamics, or major life transitions, I’m here to help you gain insight into unhelpful patterns, implement practical strategies for managing daily challenges, and develop healthier ways to cope. Together, we’ll work toward greater clarity, connection, and self-compassion in a way that feels both manageable and meaningful.

 

In our time together, you can expect a supportive space where you can show up exactly as you are, without judgment. My goal is to help you untangle the tough stuff, reconnect with yourself, and maybe even laugh a little along the way.

 

My story started in New Jersey, but I have lived in Arizona since I was just a kid.  In my free time, I enjoy reading, writing, working out, gardening, watching Star Trek, baking delicious pastries, and spending time with loved ones. Thank you for considering Just Be Counseling Services and taking the time to learn more about me. I look forward to supporting you!

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“As we become aware of ourselves as storytellers, we realize we can use our stories to heal and make ourselves whole.”

 

– Susan Wittig Albert

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Amy Stuart

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Meet Alexis (Accepting New Clients)

I’m glad you’re here as you explore what support might look like for you. My name is

Alexis Gutierrez, I am a Licensed Associate Counselor practicing under the clinical

supervision of Celeste Celaya, LPC at Just Be Counseling Services. I earned my

Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health

Counseling from Grand Canyon University (GCU).

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I work with teens through older adults, supporting individuals navigating

anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. I have experience working with veterans,

as well as those struggling with body image concerns, disordered eating, and self-esteem

challenges.

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At the heart of my work is the belief that therapy is a collaborative process. I aim to offer

a space where you feel seen, supported, and able to show up as you are; while also gently

exploring patterns, emotions, and experiences that may feel limiting or overwhelming.

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I integrate a range of evidence-based approaches to support both meaningful change and deeper self-understanding. Through Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), we can build practical skills to navigate intense emotions, strengthen relationships, and create more balance in daily life. Somatic experiencing supports reconnecting with the body, helping you notice and understand the ways stress, trauma, and emotion are held physically. I also draw from Internal Family Systems (IFS), which encourages curiosity and compassion toward different parts of yourself, supporting greater insight, integration, and self-understanding.

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In our time together, you can expect a supportive, nonjudgmental space where you can untangle what feels heavy, reconnect with yourself, and move forward in a way that feels authentic and manageable. I look forward to walking alongside you, supporting your growth and healing. ​

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Alexis Gutierrez

Meet Emma (Accepting New Clients)

Hello from Just Be Counseling Services! My name is Emma O’Brien, and I am a

Licensed Associate Counselor practicing under the supervision of Celeste

Celaya, LPC. I’d love to share a little bit about my approach to therapy and the

space I strive to offer my clients.
 

I believe therapy is most meaningful when you feel comfortable showing up

exactlyas you are. Whether that means you rolled out of bed and didn’t have a

chance to brush your hair, you rushed over (safely, of course) on your lunch

break at work and need to eat, or your juggling appointments and life

responsibilities and just need a supportive space; I would be honored to offer

that for you to show up and just be!
 

My approach is warm, down-to-earth, and collaborative, offering a balance of compassion, honest conversation, and encouragement for meaningful growth. I have a special passion for supporting women and mothers as they navigate the challenges, identity shifts, and life transitions that come with motherhood. I also work with individuals looking to process past trauma, manage anxiety and depression, navigate relationship conflict, or develop practical coping skills for everyday stressors. My goal is to help you better understand yourself, recognize patterns, and feel more confident and grounded as you move through the journey of life. 

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Emma O'Brien

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