Counseling Interns

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.

 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.

Hi, I'm Joshua McBride, a counseling intern with over 20 years of military experience. My background gives me a unique, empathetic lens through which I approach therapy. I combine psychodynamic principles with somatic awareness, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and hypnotherapy to offer a holistic, personalized experience for each of my clients.

My goal is to create a compassionate and safe space where you can explore who you really are, work through past wounds, and move toward a more balanced and fulfilling life. I'm especially attuned to the challenges that come with trauma, stress, identity shifts, and the complex transitions we all face—particularly those tied to military service or major life changes.

In our work together, I’ll help you uncover the unconscious patterns and past experiences that may be influencing your present. Through somatic awareness, we’ll tune into the body to release stored tension, trauma, and emotional blockages. With IFS, we’ll explore and support the different parts of you, fostering self-compassion and greater internal harmony. I also use hypnotherapy as a gentle, effective way to access the subconscious, promote deep relaxation, and support lasting change.

Having spent many years in the military, I understand the complexities of resilience, service-related trauma, and the transition to civilian life. I'm passionate about helping people step out of the shadows of their past, process their experiences, and rediscover a stronger, more authentic sense of self.

At the heart of my approach is empathy, integrity, and a deep respect for your journey. I'm here to support you in healing and growing into the life you want to live.

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.

Daniel is a counseling intern who works with individuals across the lifespan, offering a supportive, nonjudgmental space for clients from all backgrounds and walks of life. He believes deeply in the power of human connection and sees each person as inherently capable of growth and healing. Daniel primarily practices from an Internal Family Systems (IFS) lens and also incorporates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Daniel is passionate about walking alongside individuals as they navigate grief, anxiety, trauma, identity, spirituality, and life transitions. His approach is rooted in curiosity, presence, and a belief that healing happens in safe, attuned relationships. Outside of counseling, Daniel enjoys spending time in nature, camping, snowboarding, spending time with his dog Sunny, and playing frisbee. 

I'm a counseling intern working toward a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an emphasis in Acceptance and Mindfulness Informed Therapies. I meet clients with respect for their unique stories, trusting in each person's ability to know what's best for themselves. Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), I help people accept difficult emotions, clarify what matters most to them, and take steps toward a more meaningful life. At the heart of my work is a commitment to walk alongside clients with an attitude of curiosity, compassion, and nonjudgment.

I have a special interest in religion and spirituality, and I'm happy to integrate these topics into counseling according to clients' preferences. I support clients of all faiths and spiritual paths, including those navigating faith transitions or challenges related to belief. 

I strive to create a safe and welcoming space for clients of all backgrounds, including the LGBTQ+ community.

In my free time, I enjoy reading, gardening, songwriting, and spending time with my husband and kids.

Hello! My name is April Zaleski, and I am grateful to be serving as a graduate student intern in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Northwest Nazarene University. I am passionate about supporting children, teens, and families through life’s challenges and difficult seasons.

My clinical focus includes child-centered play therapy and supporting clients of all ages through trauma, crisis, and grief. I am training in Internal Family Systems (IFS), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and somatic practices, drawing on the belief that stress and trauma are often stored in our bodies. By creating a safe, compassionate space, I strive to help clients gently reconnect with themselves, release what has been carried, and move toward greater clarity, resilience, and self-compassion.

I also have a heart for supporting parents as they navigate relationships with their children, as well as guiding families through divorce, custody transitions, and other complex changes. I believe every client brings unique strengths to the therapeutic process, and it is my honor to walk alongside them in fostering growth, healing, and hope. I offer an affirming space for our LGBTQIA+ community and bring experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities.

Outside of counseling, I enjoy my roles as wife and mom to three kids, rock climbing, and spending time in nature.

I’m a clinical intern passionate about helping people cultivate self-compassion, emotional balance, and resilience through life’s ups and downs. I draw from approaches like Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), because I’ve seen how these therapy modalities have helped people process trauma, regulate emotions, and reconnect with their inner strength.

I see therapy as a shared journey. You don’t have to have it all figured out. Together, we’ll explore what’s happening beneath the surface of your emotions, notice patterns that may be holding you back, and build practical tools for lasting change. I also integrate techniques that nurture emotional healing and self-compassion, supporting growth in ways that honor both your past experiences and present needs. My goal is to create a space that feels warm, validating, and nonjudgmental, where you can feel supported and gently challenged to grow.
Outside of work, I value mindfulness and creativity which are things that help me slow down, stay present, and approach life with curiosity. Whether you’re looking to heal, gain clarity, or better understand yourself, I’m here to walk alongside you.

Hi, I’m Michelle. I know that reaching out for counseling can feel vulnerable and sometimes even a little scary, and I want to acknowledge the courage it takes to do so. I’m really glad you’re here.

I approach therapy with warmth, authenticity, and curiosity. My work is grounded in empathy and collaboration, drawing from Internal Family Systems (IFS) and attachment-based approaches.

I’ve completed a 70-hour in-person IFS workshop and graduate-level coursework in trauma and grief, as well as additional training in mindfulness and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

I enjoy working with clients across the lifespan and welcome people from diverse backgrounds and identities, including those in the LGBTQIA+ community. I value supporting people from all walks of life as they navigate the many transitions and challenges that come with being human.

In my work, I listen deeply and sit beside clients in their experiences. My hope is that, through our work together, they learn to trust themselves more fully, build confidence, and create lives that feel authentic, connected, and meaningful.

As a compassionate counseling intern, I am dedicated to supporting children, teens, and young adults through life’s challenges with warmth, creativity, and care. My approach is grounded in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and somatic practices, helping young people build awareness of their inner experiences and strengthen their connection to both body and mind.

In my work, I often incorporate child-centered play therapy, art therapy, and sandtray therapy to create a safe, expressive space where clients can explore their feelings, tell their stories, and discover new ways of coping. Whether a child is struggling with anxiety, a teen is navigating identity and relationships, or a young adult is working toward greater self-understanding, I strive to meet each person where they are with empathy and curiosity.

My goal is to help clients cultivate emotional regulation, self-compassion, and resilience, empowering them to move toward a more confident, balanced, and wholehearted Self-led life. I believe that every young person possesses the inner resources needed for healing and growth—and my role is to help them rediscover that strength within themselves.