Jessica Harper, CMHC
Clinical Director and Therapist
As a therapist and as the director of Aspen Valley Counseling, my goal is to promote healing through teaching you skills that will help you create a life you want to live. I have worked successfully with kids, teens, and adults struggling with a variety of problems including ADHD, addiction, depression, anxiety, PTSD, pornography addiction, tantrums, and trauma. I also regularly assist individuals desiring to increase their energy levels and performance and those who wish to improve relationships. You can have a life and relationships that are rewarding.
When it comes to neurofeedback, I have undergone extensive training to help individuals on the autism spectrum, those with ADD/ADHD, traumatic brain injuries, and other mental health–related issues. Neurofeedback can also help with anxiety, depression, stroke recovery, phobias, insomnia, learning disabilities, sports performance, clearer thinking, memory, headaches, energy levels, and nightmares.
I am certified in EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) and DBT, and I am also trained in neurofeedback and qEEG brain mapping. I am also an approved BrainPaint provider (an evidenced based neurofeedback program) and an IQCB Certification Candidate.
Other issues I work with include addiction, developmental disorders, divorce, drug and substance abuse, oppositional defiance, self-harming, sexual abuse, and suicidal ideation. I use many approaches to therapy, but will find the one that works best for you. The therapy types I can use to help you include coaching, attachment-based therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), EMDR, emotion focused therapy, expressive arts, family and marital counseling, a family systems approach , a humanistic approach, an interpersonal approach, mindfulness-based (MBCT) therapy, motivational interviewing, neurofeedback, play therapy, sand therapy, solution focused brief therapy (SFBT), and trauma focused therapy.
I have been practicing in mental health for over 15 years, and my goal is to help people create the lives they want to live. When I’m not counseling, you’ll find me hiking, running, traveling, learning new things, and spending time with my family.
April Madsen, CMHC
Therapist
My name is April Madsen, and I specialize in depression, anxiety, and trauma-focused therapy. My therapy approaches include person centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing). I hold a master’s degree in clinical mental health from Argosy University and graduated as a presidential scholar.
I have experience working with children, college aged students, individuals who’ve gone through the judicial system, and individuals with severe, persistent mental illnesses (psychosis, schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, major depression, generalized anxiety disorder, PTSD, and other personality disorders). My other trainings include positive psychology; foundations for communication with trauma survivors; interventions for treating anxiety and depression; motivational interviewing; 10 core competencies of trauma, PTSD, grief and loss; evidence-based trauma treatments and interventions; suicide and self- mutilation; substance abuse and domestic violence; EMDR. I am certified as an EMDR specialist; as a GOGI (Get Out by Going In) facilitator; and as emotion code practitioner and certified body code practitioner for energy healing.
I have been practicing in mental health for five years, and I have made it my goal to help my clients overcome their trials and learn the skills they need to be successful in their lives. In my free time, I love to spend time with my family, read, watch movies, and write poetry.
Brian Farstead
Neurofeedback Technician
My name is Brian, and I’m studying psychology and Spanish at Brigham Young University. I have experience in mental health helping children, teens, and adults with trauma, depression, anxiety, seizure disorder, behavioral issues, intellectual disability, intermittent explosive disorder (IED), bipolar disorder, and autism. I am trained in serving victims of child physical and sexual abuse and volunteer for the Utah County Children’s Justice Center. In my free time, I enjoy exercising, studying Spanish, and spending time with my family.
Silvana Santa Cruz
Neurofeedback Technician
Hi, my name is Silvana and I’m a neurofeedback technician. I’m originally from Lima, Peru and speak Spanish fluently. I graduated from Brigham Young University – Idaho with a bachelors degree in psychology and currently pursuing a masters in counseling psychology. I have experience working as an advocate with women, men and children who are victims of domestic violence and abuse. I also have experience working with children with behavioral issues, social skills issues, and have an IEP (individualized education program). I am trained to perform mental health first aid and work with adults and children with depression, anxiety, ADHD, autism, traumatic events, etc. In my free time I enjoy doing illustration, arts and crafts and reading books.
Rachiel Cisternas
Office Manager
I work behind the scenes here at Aspen Valley to help keep the office running smoothly and ensure that our patients have the best experience they can have from scheduling appointments to co-pays and billing. I have worked in many office settings, but also have multiple years experience working with people with trauma, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, PTSD, Borderline Personality Disorder, addictions, and other behavioral issues. In my free time I love being active, am a book addict, spending time with my amazing husband, and running my own Health Coaching practice on the side.