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.

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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

 

 

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Hi, I’m Felicia Harris, a licensed therapist who is passionate about walking alongside young adults as they navigate the transitions, challenges, and growth of college life. I specialize in supporting college students from all walks of life—whether you're processing past experiences, wrestling with identity, managing stress or anxiety, or just trying to feel more grounded in who you are. I am also a former high school and collegiate athlete, who understands the difficulties and demands of preforming at a higher level academically and athletically.

My approach is relational, trauma-informed, and tailored to each person I work with. I often integrate cognitive-behavioral strategies, parts work (somatic awareness), Christian faith and creative interventions to help clients build emotional awareness, regulate overwhelm, and connect with their inner resilience. I believe therapy is a collaborative space where all parts of you are welcome—especially the ones you’ve had to hide or shrink in the past.

I deeply value creating a space where you feel seen and respected for who you are. Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of where to start, we’ll move at a pace that honors your story and your strengths.