Immediate Openings for Trauma-Informed Therapy!
Welcome to
ATHENA COUNSELING
Welcome to Athena Counseling, where you do not have to minimize your pain, explain away your reactions, or keep pretending you're fine. Our work focuses on helping you understand what is happening beneath the trauma, anxiety, anger, guilt, shame, disconnection, and shutting down. Here, you will be met with honesty, compassion, and respect as we uncover the patterns that have kept you stuck, reconnect with the person underneath survival mode, and help you move toward a life that reflects who you truly want to be.
“The healing you’re looking for is in the work you’re avoiding. Let us help you walk this path with clarity, compassion, and intention.”
— The Athena Team
Our Mission
Welcome to Athena Counseling!
We help individuals, couples, and families move from feeling stuck or overwhelmed to grounded, empowered, and growing. Based in Tucson, Arizona, we offer both in-person and online therapy tailored to your needs. Whether you’re navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, or major life transitions, we provide compassionate support backed by proven methods.
Our approach is inspired by the wisdom and strength of the goddess Athena, blending clarity, resilience, and personal growth. We provide trauma-informed, evidence-based care using approaches such as Internal Family Systems (IFS), EMDR (including virtual EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), somatic and nervous system-based interventions, mindfulness, and the Gottman Method to help adults move beyond survival and into lasting healing.
Athena Counseling is also proud to support the next generation of therapists. We offer clinical supervision, master’s-level internships, and professional consultations for licensed clinicians.
If you’re ready for thoughtful guidance and real change, we invite you to reach out today! You don’t have to do this alone. Let’s work together to help you reclaim your calm, your strength, and your direction!
Supervision Team!
We are excited to introduce you to our compassionate and experienced Clinical Director and Supervision Team, who is dedicated to supporting your well-being and offering exceptional clinical expertise. With a unique set of skills and a genuine commitment to helping you thrive, our team is here to guide you on your journey of healing and personal growth. Whether you're seeking individual therapy, couples counseling, or family support, you will find the guidance you need. Take that crucial step toward a happier, healthier you by meeting with our supervisors today
Founder | Director | Supervisor | Psychotherapist
Jacqueline Sheppard, LPC
I am Jacqueline Sheppard, MS, LPC, NCC, CCTP (she/her), a Licensed Professional Counselor, Supervisor, and founder of Athena Counseling. I specialize in helping people heal from trauma and PTSD, relationship and attachment wounds, and the challenges of living with neurodivergence. My work blends insight and somatic approaches, supporting not only awareness of the past but also the body’s reactions that can linger long after.
My style is warm but direct. I help my clients process the past, build resilience, and move toward living in a way that feels authentic and intentional. I enjoy working with other therapists! Often, the very places we hesitate to go hold the answers we’ve been searching for, and I am committed to guiding you through that process at a pace that feels supported and safe.
In our work together, I draw from approaches such as IFS, EMDR (virtual-based), CBT, DBT, somatic practices, mindfulness, and psychoanalytic insight to support deep healing. I also provide clinical supervision and peer consultation for therapists who want to strengthen their skills in trauma-informed care. My goal is to offer a safe and supportive space where individuals and professionals can work through trauma, build resilience, and create lasting growth.
Insurances accepted: Aetna, Cigna, BCBS, UMR, UHC, and Optum.
Cash Rate: $130/hour
VIRTUAL SESSIONS ONLY
Phone/Text: (520) 477-8697
Email: jacqueline@athenacounseling.net
Psychology Today Profile
Supervisor | Founder of Aspire for Change
Liliana Sanchez, LCSW
I am Liliana Sanchez, MSW, LCSW (she/her), a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Registered Clinical Supervisor with the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners (LCSW-21826). As a bilingual therapist and supervisor with Athena Counseling, I provide clinical supervision for MSW interns pursuing independent licensure and offer therapy for adults and couples in both English and Spanish. I specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, parenting challenges, and relationship issues.
My approach is compassionate, honest, and culturally responsive. I help individuals strengthen their emotional awareness, communication, and sense of self.
In my work, I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Family Systems, Solution-Focused, Narrative, and Trauma-Focused approaches. As a supervisor, I focus on professional identity development, ethical confidence, and the integration of cultural and relational dynamics in clinical practice. My goal is to empower both clients and emerging clinicians to discover their strengths and use them as foundations for long-term growth.
Insurances accepted: BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna/Evernorth, Optum, UMR, UnitedHealthcare/UBH, Oscar, and Oxford.
Self-pay rates: $125 per individual session | $150 per couples session.
Phone/Text: (928) 615-5286
Email: liliana@aspireforchange.net
Meet Our Therapists
Dedication. Knowledge. Passion.
Welcome to our therapist team bio page, where you’ll get a glimpse into the compassionate professionals dedicated to supporting your well-being. Every clinician on our team receives trauma-focused training and works from a trauma-informed lens, ensuring care that is thoughtful, attuned, and grounded in emotional safety.
Each therapist brings a unique set of skills, clinical expertise, and a genuine commitment to helping you thrive.
Whether you’re seeking individual therapy, couples counseling, or family support, our diverse team is prepared to meet you with empathy, insight, and evidence-based approaches tailored to your needs.
As you explore our therapists’ backgrounds, areas of specialization, and therapeutic styles, we invite you to find the clinician who feels like the right fit for your journey. Take the first step toward healing, growth, and greater well-being by meeting our therapist team today.
Psychotherapist
Jacqueline Vidal, LAC, MA
Jacqueline (she/her) is a Licensed Associate Counselor who offers a compassionate, non-judgmental therapy space. Trained in EMDR and Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy, and informed by IFS, she embraces all parts of her clients. She is currently specializing in Somatic Trauma Therapy and supporting clients in creating meaningful, lasting change.
VIRTUAL ONLY
P: (520) 477-2175
Psychotherapist
Elena DeClermont, LAC, MC
Elena (she/her), is a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) and has a passion for empowering others to find renewed hope, develop deeper relationships, and gain coping skills through compassionate therapeutic practices. Trained in EMDR, she enjoys working with clients with PTSD, depression, anxiety, and other struggles. Bilingual in English/Spanish.
IN-PERSON OR VIRTUAL
Accepts Aetna and Self-Pay
P: (520) 329-1440
Psychotherapist
Karly Valenzuela, LAC
Karly (she/her) is a Licensed Associate Counselor with a passion for helping individuals and couples create meaningful change. Trained in EMDR, the Gottman Method, and EFCT, she is working on specializing supporting clients who are experiencing C-PTSD, anxiety, depression, relationship conflict, trauma bonds, and inner child wounds.
VIRTUAL ONLY
Accepts Aetna and Self-Pay
P: (520) 261-0446
Psychotherapist
Annette Spychalla, MA, LAC
Annette (she/her) is a Licensed Associate Counselor passionate about helping women reconnect with themselves, understand what their bodies are communicating and navigate meaningful change. She uses somatic, trauma-informed and integrative approaches, supports adults experiencing trauma, anxiety, emotional overwhelm, burnout, grief, relationship concerns, and major life transitions.
VIRTUAL ONLY
P: (480) 779-9539
Psychotherapist
Sarea Elhassan, LAC Pending
Sarea (she/her) focuses on empowering clients through faith-based, cognitive-behavioral, and existential approaches. Sarea is working on specializing in geriatric counseling and multicultural issues. She's driven to creating a safe, supportive environment toward growth, healing, and meaningful change.
Temporary Update: Sarea is currently away from clinical practice while completing LAC licensure and is unable to provide clinical services or respond to client communications.
Please contact Jacqueline Sheppard at jacqueline@athenacounseling.net for assistance during this time.
Psychotherapist
Danny Arias, Intern
Danny (he/him) is pursuing his LAC and is dedicated to helping clients achieve optimal well-being. He works with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, ADHD, and OCD, using CBT and solution-focused approaches. With 19 years of experience in coaching and teaching and an undergraduate degree in Public Health, Danny brings a strong foundation in health and wellness to support clients in building balanced, sustainable lives.
IN-PERSON OR VIRTUAL
P: (520) 762-4687
Psychotherapist
Kathryn Abel, Intern
Kathryn (she/her) is pursuing her LAC and is passionate about supporting individuals on their journey toward emotional well-being. She strives to empower clients as they navigate anxiety, depression, and interpersonal conflict. Kathryn provides a compassionate, collaborative environment where clients can explore their emotions and strengths, build self-awareness, develop effective coping skills, and achieve meaningful, sustainable change.
IN-PERSON OR VIRTUAL
P: (520) 302-4434
Psychotherapist
Position Available for LPC/LAC
Athena Counseling is seeking an LPC or LAC to join our practice as a 1099 independent contractor. Licensed psychotherapists interested in learning more about the position are encouraged to contact Jacqueline Sheppard at jacqueline@athenacounseling.net to inquire or follow up.
Therapies We Offer at Athena Counseling
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – Helps you face difficult emotions while committing to actions that align with your values.
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Art Therapy – Uses creativity and expression as a pathway to healing and self-discovery.
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Focuses on identifying and reshaping unhelpful thought patterns that affect mood and behavior.
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Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) – Strengthens skills in mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and relationships.
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Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) – Builds deeper bonds and repairs relationship struggles by addressing core emotional needs.
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Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) – Processes traumatic memories to reduce their emotional impact and foster healing.
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Family Systems Therapy – Supports families in improving communication, setting boundaries, and strengthening connection.
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Gottman Therapy – An evidence-based couples method that promotes trust, intimacy, and healthier communication.
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Internal Family Systems (IFS) – Promotes self-compassion by helping you understand and harmonize your inner “parts.”
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Motivational Interviewing (MI) – Encourages change by exploring your values and building confidence in your strengths.
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Narrative Therapy – Empowers you to reframe your story and separate yourself from problems.
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Play Therapy – Helps children express emotions and experiences through play, fostering growth and understanding.
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Psychodynamic Psychotherapy – Explores how past experiences shape current emotions and behaviors, building insight and resilience.
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Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) – Focuses on solutions and future goals rather than staying stuck in problems.
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Somatic Experiencing (SE) – Uses body-based awareness to release stress and trauma stored in the nervous system.
Consultation Services:
Peer-Support and Insight
Athena Counseling offers professional consultations for therapists who want peer-to-peer guidance, case reviews, or support with complex situations. This might include working through a challenging client case, questions about supervising, or just wanting another perspective on your approach. I also support therapists in exploring ethical dilemmas, board complaints, new strategies, and client dynamics. I understand how overwhelming some processes can feel. I can offer insight and space to talk through concerns or clarify next steps while always in line with AZBBHE rules and standards.
Consultations are $100/hour, with a 30-minute option at $50.
Contact: Jacqueline Sheppard -- 📞 Call or text: (520) 477-8697 -- 📧 Email: jacqueline@athenacounseling.net
Pricing and Insurance
We’re committed to making counseling accessible and transparent. Below, you’ll find information about our session rates, sliding scale options, and accepted insurance plans so you can choose the path that works best for you.
Individual Counseling
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Insurances Accepted (LPC only):
UHC, UMR, Aetna, Optum,
Out of Pocket:
LPC/LCSW - $130/hr (Virtual only)
LAC/LMSW - $100-125/hr
Intern - $30/hr
Family and Couple's Therapy
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Insurances Accepted (LPC only):
UHC, UMR, Aetna, Optum,
Out of Pocket:
LPC/LCSW - $185/hr (Virtual only)
LAC/LMSW - $125-150/hr
Intern - $30/hr
Child and Teen Therapy
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Out of Pocket only:
LAC/LMSW - $100-125/hr
Intern - $30/hr
In-person or virtual sessions offered
Professional Consultation
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Practical guidance on trauma-informed care, complex case conceptualization, documentation, and private practice development.
$50 (30 min) | $100 (60 min)
For more information or to book an appointment please contact us:
We are based out of Tucson, Arizona
P: (520) 477-8697
F: (520) 337-0534
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