Our Staff

As a counseling intern, I operate from a narrative therapy perspective, helping individuals explore and reshape the stories that define their lives. I am passionate about working with adults, particularly older adults, navigating the complexities of aging, end-of-life concerns, or contemplating their legacies.

I believe that each person’s story is rich with meaning, resilience, and wisdom. My role is to help clients reclaim agency in their narratives, honor their experiences, and find empowerment in the face of life’s challenges. Whether processing grief, reflecting on a lifetime of experiences, or seeking comfort in uncertainty, I provide a compassionate and supportive space where clients can explore their values, relationships, and legacies.

My approach is collaborative, respectful, and deeply rooted in the belief that people are not defined by their problems but by the strength of their lived experiences. Through our work together, my goal is to help clients find clarity, connection, and a sense of peace as they continue writing their stories.

 Hi, my name is Lisa and I’m a Graduate Counseling Intern at Northwest Nazarene University (NNU), dedicated to helping individuals navigate the challenges of life. Seeking counseling can be a big step, and I commend your courage in seeking support. Life can feel overwhelming at times. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, work or financial stress, my goal is to help you recognize and build upon your inner and outer resources and resilience.

My work is informed by my professional training (my emphasis is in grief and trauma) and lived experience with the ups-and-downs of dating and marriage, parenting, career changes, dysfunctional family systems, addictions, grief and loss, and life transitions. I provide a safe and nonjudgmental environment where you can openly express all of your Self.

If you are struggling to manage stress, establish boundaries, or process past experiences—such as childhood wounds or traumatic events—I am here to provide guidance and support. My goal is to help you gain clarity, build confidence, and develop a path forward that aligns with your values and aspirations.

I integrate holistic, trauma-informed approaches, including Internal Family Systems (IFS), to facilitate deep healing and personal growth. IFS is a therapeutic model that helps individuals understand and harmonize the various “parts” of themselves, promoting emotional balance, inner confidence, and healthier relationships.

You and your life’s story are truly one-of-a-kind. It would be my honor to witness your story and accompany you on your journey toward healing and self-discovery. Together, we can work toward achieving greater clarity, connection, and fulfillment in your life.

 Welcome!

I am a graduate intern at Northwest Nazarene University, working toward my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, with a focus on trauma, grief, and crisis. I deeply believe that mental health challenges are not a sign of being "broken," but rather, they are our body's natural response to difficult and unhealthy circumstances. Simply put, you are not crazy—your mind and body are doing their best to protect you. Therapy can help you understand these responses, heal from past wounds, and create healthier patterns moving forward.

I am passionate about helping teens and adults navigate life transitions and trauma, creating a space for healing and growth at their own pace. My approach blends Internal Family Systems (IFS), Sandtray therapy, and a humanistic perspective. I also have cultural competency in working with members, both current and former, of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I strive to create an inclusive, welcoming environment for everyone, including LGBTQ+ clients.

My professional background spans childcare, adult developmental disability services, and the foster and adoption system. Outside of the counseling office, I enjoy walking my pit bull, Marmalade, diving into Dungeons & Dragons, exploring Reddit threads, and losing myself in a good book.

If you’re seeking a compassionate space to navigate life’s challenges, I’d be honored to support you on your journey.

 Sarah J. Mann is a Master’s-level counseling student with a B.S. in Plant, Soil, and Insect Sciences from UMASS-Amherst. She is passionate about working with the LGBTQ+ community and focuses on issues related to sexual health, intimacy, and relationship dynamics. Her work includes helping clients navigate sexual trauma, dysfunction, desire and arousal concerns, identity exploration, and the impact of cultural or religious influences on sexuality. Grounded in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Sarah strives to create a kind, open, and safe environment where clients can collaborate with her to improve their lives.

With precious loved ones in the LGBTQ+ community, Sarah has a deep understanding of the unique challenges individuals face, particularly in the wake of legislative impacts. She is dedicated to advocacy and actively works to support and uplift her community.

In her free time, Sarah enjoys growing medicinal herbs in her garden and crafting natural remedies.

Joshua McBride is a counseling intern with over 20 years of military experience, offering a unique and empathetic approach to therapy. He integrates psychodynamic principles with somatic awareness, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and hypnotherapy to provide a holistic and individualized therapeutic experience. Joshua creates a compassionate, safe space for individuals to uncover their authentic selves, heal from past wounds, and build a path forward toward more balanced, fulfilling lives. Drawing on his extensive military background, Joshua is particularly attuned to the challenges of trauma, stress, identity shifts, and the complex transitions many individuals face.

His psychodynamic approach helps clients explore unconscious patterns and past experiences that shape their present emotional and psychological landscapes. Joshua’s integration of somatic awareness supports clients in connecting with their bodies to identify and release stored tension, trauma, and emotional blockages. Through Internal Family Systems (IFS), he empowers clients to engage with and heal the various parts of themselves, fostering self-compassion and inner harmony. Additionally, his use of hypnotherapy offers a powerful tool for accessing the subconscious mind, facilitating deep relaxation and transformation.

Joshua’s military background has given him a nuanced understanding of resilience, service-related trauma, and the complex dynamics of transitioning to civilian life. He is passionate about helping individuals process their experiences, rebuild a sense of self, and cultivate lasting emotional well-being. His approach is rooted in empathy, integrity, and a commitment to supporting clients on their journey toward healing and personal growth.

I am a clinical intern passionate about helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with clarity and confidence. My approach to counseling is rooted in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), not only because of its effectiveness but because I have personally experienced its benefits in my own journey. I know firsthand how powerful it can be to develop psychological flexibility, build resilience, and align actions with values, and I want to help others do the same.

I see therapy as a collaborative process where we walk the path together. My role is not to "fix" but to help remove obstacles that may be preventing you from moving forward. I strive to create a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you can explore your experiences and take meaningful steps toward growth.

Above all, I am a husband and father, roles that shape everything I do. My family is my greatest priority, and the lessons I learn in my personal life—patience, presence, and commitment—deeply influence my approach as a counselor. Just as I aim to support and guide my own family, I bring that same care and dedication to my work with clients.

 I'm a marriage and family counseling intern in my final year at Northwest Nazarene University. I work with individuals, couples, and families. My approach is grounded in trauma-informed care, acceptance and mindfulness informed therapies, and family systems. I’m here to support you in navigating life’s triumphs and challenges, joys and difficulties.

I believe in the inherent strength and capability of every individual. I am here to provide a safe and supportive environment where you can explore your experiences, build resilience, and find meaningful solutions. Whether you're facing relationship issues, family dynamic challenges, or personal struggles, I’m here to walk alongside you on your journey.

 It is my honor to spend time with people on their life journey. I believe that we have all that we need within ourselves to sustain our own emotional health and wellness.  I also believe that therapy can provide transformational support to help us draw from our inherent capability to heal and grow.

I endeavor to provide trauma-informed, mindfulness-informed, and spirituality-informed counseling support from an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) perspective.  I’m delighted to be a counseling intern here at Families ETC.

I enjoy spending time in my roles as a husband, father, grandfather, and friend.