Who we are
Karla, Owner & Director
Karla is a licensed mental health counselor in Arizona, Washington, and Alaska, and the founder of East Valley Compassionate Counseling, LLC. With over 25 years of experience in the mental health field, she brings depth, compassion, and a genuine belief in her clients’ ability to grow and heal.
Her work spans the private sector, faith-based settings, and the Native American community in Alaska—giving her a rich appreciation for diverse cultures and spiritual backgrounds. Karla’s approach is rooted in optimism and respect, making her a trusted ally for those navigating life transitions, parenting challenges, grief, or depression.
She specializes in individual, family, and couples counseling; working with teens through adults; trauma recovery; EMDR therapy; and faith-integrated counseling. Karla is EMDR certified, Gottman trained, and serves as a clinical supervisor for those pursuing independent licensure through AZBBH.
Giselle Howard, MA, LPC
Growth isn’t always easy—it can feel uncomfortable or even painful when past wounds resurface. The journey can be confusing and overwhelming. With empathy and reflective listening, I offer a safe, supportive space where healing, restoration, and personal growth can unfold. My goal is to empower clients to build strong decision-making and problem-solving skills. As these skills strengthen, a positive, healthy mindset emerges—one that fosters confidence and helps achieve personal goals.
I am also bilingual in Spanish/English.
I specialize in:
Negative thinking
Anxiety and depression
Low self-esteem
Communication and assertiveness skills
