Mesa Office
WE HAVE MOVED to:
Gilbert Office
3303 E Baseline Rd #109
Gilbert, AZ 85234
1-(480) 900-8765
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Fax: 602-483-1652
1-(480) 278-5290
Our Practice
Welcome to Beyond Counseling
Beyond Counseling LLC, provides a continuum of mental health services from early intervention to intensive therapy treatment. Our overall philosophy is based on the value of preserving individual and family integrity by helping children, individuals, couples and families build on their innate strengths. We empower our clients by guiding them through the process of identifying and implementing solutions to their problems.
We provide mental health services for children, adolescents, their families, couples, and individual adults by strengthening their ability to successfully cope with social, communication, and behavioral challenges. Services include individual, group, and/or family therapy; skill-building; and parent training.
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Many of our therapists use the Gottman Method of couples counseling and have been trained in play therapy.
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Our team
Aaron Jacobson, M.S., LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Gottman Method Level 2 for Couples
​Armando Grijalva, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Bilingual Therapist (English-Spanish)
Beyond Counseling is a place to explore your true self and confront the trials of life. Together, we create a sacred space for healing, growth, and discovery. As a counselor, hearing your story is one of my greatest privileges. It is my hope that as your life story unfolds, we can better prepare you (the main character) to face and embrace the challenges, opportunities and events that shape you.
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We will identify the gifts and qualities within you that bring about a sense of satisfaction and direction, then examine the assumptions about life that may no longer be serving you. We will also strengthen those beliefs which guide you onward toward a greater sense of fulfillment.
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In our sessions, we learn to trust in the therapeutic process, as well build trust between one another. I offer my counsel for your journey toward a consistent sense of well-being. It is an honor to be of service to you. Mr. Jacobson has been trained in Gottman Method Level 2 for Couples Counseling
I believe while our minds carry our emotional stress, our bodies do, too. We store trauma and stress in our bodies and I am looking forward to helping you to reprocess and release that trauma. What is trauma, exactly? It is any stressor that occurs in a sudden and forceful way and is experienced as overwhelming. My passion is helping my clients resolve deeper problems hidden beneath the current patterns. Whatever has you feeling stuck, I am looking forward to be a source of energy and direction as you choose to become unstuck.
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I am passionate about exploring your story with you, at your own pace, with the strengths, insights, and spirituality that are important to you. I provide a safe place to be heard and understood, supportive listening, thoughtful questions, the sharing of insights, exploration of ideas, an opportunity to explore mindfulness, and practical suggestions. It brings me great joy to empower my clients to discover and foster their innate strengths while providing help to grow their tool box.
Santiago Ayala, LAC
Santiago brings a wealth of experience working with individuals all ages, from young children to teenagers, in both clinical and school environments. He utilizes a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) framework with a person-centered approach, fostering client growth and healing in a safe, nonjudgmental space. His expertise encompasses a range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, anger, trauma, grief, and life transitions, delivered through individual, group, family, play, and sand tray therapy. Santiago believes that effective communication empowers individuals to express their thoughts and behaviors more appropriately, ultimately strengthening their relationships.
Rosa Ruales, MS MFT. LPC, LAMFT, MBA
Licensed Professional Counselor
Gottman Trained Level 3 Therapist
Certified Grief Informed Professional
Licensed Associate Marriage & Family Therapy
Bilingual Therapist (English/Spanish)
Rosa Ruales is a Licensed Professional Counselor working with child, adolescent, individual and family therapy in English and Spanish. She creates a safe and compassionate environment in which self-understanding and self-empowerment are explored and promoted to create healthier, sustainable, and greatly fulfilling change.
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He is trained in the use of Sand Therapy and play therapy. Ms. Ruales has been trained in the Gottman Method for Couples Counseling (level 3) and has advanced training in hypnotherapy. He currently works for a mental health provider for a professional baseball team locally and internationally.
Zack Boberg, MC
Marriage and Family Counseling
Gottman Method Level 1 trained
Zack is a dedicated Licensed Associate Counselor with a strong educational background, holding a degree in Behavioral Science from San Jose State University and a Master's in Mental Health from Grand Canyon University, where he specialized in Marriage and Family Counseling. With experience in both substance abuse and various treatment settings, Zack brings a calm and supportive approach to his practice. He has completed Gottman Level 1 training and enjoys working with adults, couples, children, and families, helping them navigate their challenges and build healthier relationships.
Alex Gonzalez, NCC, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
EMDR Certified
Gottman Level 1 Trained Therapist
Bilingual Therapist (English/Spanish)
Alex is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a National Certified Counselor. Alex has more than 20 years of experience working in the mental health and substance abuse field. He completed his undergraduate studies in psychology and graduated with a master's degree in mental health counseling. Prior to worning to Beyond Counseling, Alex has been working as the Clinical Director for an SMI clinic in Chandler, AZ and he spent 5 years as Clinical Director of a Psychiatric Hospital in Utah. Alex is EMDR certified and has been trained in the Gottman Method Level 1 for Couples Counseling. He enjoys working with teens, couples, and adults in English and Spanish. He also has considerable experience working with autism disorder. In his spare time, Alex enjoys traveling around the world with his beautiful wife.
Dianna Isles, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Angela Binns, LMSW
Licensed Master Social Worker
Dianna has experience working with individuals of all ages experiencing depression, anxiety, life transitions, and interpersonal issues, values that every client is an individual with unique circumstances, and strives to meet them where they are. Her approach is person-centered and strengths-based, focusing on empowering the individual. Dianna believes that the most essential component to client growth and healing is a safe, nonjudgmental therapeutic environment
Karissa Stringfield, LMSW
Licensed Master Social Worker
Currently serves as an Associate Licensed Master Social Worker Upon completing her Masters degree in 2021 from Wayne State University (Detroit, MI), She relocated to Arizona to pursue her purpose in clinical social work. Karissia brings a wealth of knowledge in behavioral & general mental health services across an array of populations and specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution Focused Therapy (SFT) Modalities. Specialized Client demographics: Adolescents (13-17) and Adults (18+).
Angela Binns is a licensed Master Social Worker. Angela completed her master’s degree from University of Denver in 2021, specializing in trauma informed care, Angela has worked as a school social worker in Phoenix and Tempe public Schools over the last two years working with children ages 5-11 year olds and their families.
She uses Cognitive Behavioral and play therapy techniques. Her experience includes but is not limited to those struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, communication, self-awareness, life adjustments and children with Asperger/autism.
She creates a safe, non-judgmental and open environment in which to explore the gifts of each individual client. She allows them the space to for clients to navigate, express themselves safely while learning new ways to effectively communicate with others, increase self-esteem, and build more fulfilling relationships.
Desirai Browning, LAMFT
Licensed Associate Marriage & Family Therapist
Tricia Hetrick is a licensed Associate Counselor who specializes in Trauma Therapy. “My passion is to help in the healing process, those individuals who have been through a traumatic experience.”
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She works with both children and adults to identify, understand, and process their trauma in a safe, carding and supportive environment. I have 5 years of experience working with individuals who have experienced trauma, utilizing evidence-based intervention strategies such as CBT and DBT.
She has a master’s in clinical counseling, mental health counseling, and a certification in addiction.
CLINICAL INTERNS
Abby Lyon
Master's Level Clinical Intern
Sandra Vargas
Master's Level Clinical Intern
Bilingual Clinician (English/Spanish
Hello, my name is Abby Lyon, I am a third-year graduate student currently pursuing her degree in Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an emphasis on Trauma from Grand Canyon University. I obtained her Bachelor's in Family and Human Development from Arizona State University.
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I treat young adults, adults and have particular interest in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, abuse, ADHD, substance abuse, codependency, and working with the LGBTQ population. I value diversity, and create a safe space to be yourself. Come as you are.
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Personally I enjoy getting outdoors, playing the drums, and the occasional bake!
Sandra is a third-year graduate student pursuing a Master’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a focus childhood and adolescent disorders at Grand Canyon University. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Arizona University, affiliated with Arizona State University.
As a dedicated master's intern in counseling, Sandra has extensive experience working with children from birth five years old, as well as children and teenagers in foster care. At 39, she is passionate about supporting young children and their families and understands the unique challenges parents face, as she is a mother of two herself.
Fluent in both Spanish and English, she aims to create inclusive and supportive environments for children and their parents, ensuring that language is not a barrier to accessing vital resources and support. Her goal is to promote emotional and social development in early childhood, empowering families to thrive together. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, and watching movies.
Carlee Bornhoft
Master's Level Clinical Intern
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THE PRACTICE
TESTIMONIALS
“I've tried out many therapists and felt as if they did not want to understand me as a person but just wanted to diagnose me as a patient/client.
Here I feel affirmed and valued as a client. Very helpful especially during these difficult times during the pandemic. Thank you Beyond Counseling!”
"When we entered counseling we had seemingly lost hope. Our sessions with AJ were extremely valuable and instrumental in saving our marriage. He was the best counselor we've ever had. He not only taught us about having a good marriage, but taught us how to be better people. We are now excited to share a loving and fruitful future together. We would refer AJ to anyone and are sincerely grateful for him.
With appreciation,"
(Couples Client)