Meet Eryn Cloutier of Scottsdale

Today we’d like to introduce you to Eryn Cloutier.

Hi Eryn, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
While pursuing a medical track as an undergraduate at the University of Arizona, a single psychology course changed everything. I became deeply curious about the brain and the powerful ways it shapes mental health, behavior, and human experience. That curiosity ultimately redirected my path, leading me to graduate school in Texas, where I earned a master’s degree in clinical psychology. I began my career working in community mental health with children and over the years worked in a variety of treatment facilities with adolescents and adults. In 2000, I transitioned to private practice. I specialize in co-occurring disorders (primary mental health issue and addiction) with a primary focus on trauma. I am certified in Brainspotting and Accelerated Resolution Therapy. I benefited from outstanding supervisors, mentors, and clinical teams who supported and challenged me, fostering both my professional and personal growth.

I also spent 14 years as a professor, where I found deep fulfillment in educating and training others. As a lifelong learner, I continue to explore and expand my skills in order to better support those I serve. I am deeply passionate about guiding individuals on their journey toward growth, healing, and becoming the best version of themselves.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Along the way, the struggles I encountered became powerful opportunities for growth, deepening my capacity to show up as a more grounded, compassionate counselor, educator, and human being. In my work with mental health clients, I consistently navigate complex clinical presentations, including co-occurring disorders, trauma histories, and psychosocial stressors that can impact engagement, progress, and continuity of care. These challenges require flexibility, patience, and strong therapeutic boundaries, as well as ongoing efforts to build trust and maintain client engagement within the therapeutic process.

I also work within a mental health system that presents structural barriers such as fragmented services, limited access to specialized care, insurance constraints, and high administrative demands. These systemic challenges require proactive coordination, advocacy, and effective communication to support clients while maintaining ethical and professional standards.

An important area of ongoing growth for me involves identifying my own clinical limitations and actively seeking opportunities to strengthen my skills. I engage in self-reflection to recognize areas where additional training, consultation, or supervision would enhance my effectiveness. Taking initiative in professional development—while balancing workload demands—has been essential to improving my clinical competence, preventing burnout, and ensuring high-quality care. I view these challenges as opportunities for continued learning and professional growth, and I remain committed to expanding my clinical knowledge and skills to better serve clients.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a Licensed Independent Addictions Counselor providing outpatient therapy to adolescents and adults, both in-office and via telehealth. I also work with Redefine Wellness and Treatment, where I offer individual therapy services with a primary emphasis on Brainspotting.

With 25 years of clinical experience, I specialize in treating co-occurring disorders—addressing the intersection of mental health conditions and addiction—with a strong focus on trauma-informed care. Addiction may include substance use as well as process addictions such as internet use, gambling, shopping, and compulsive sexual behaviors.

I am certified in both Brainspotting and Accelerated Resolution Therapy and work closely with other agencies and providers to ensure coordinated, comprehensive care for those I serve.

Brainspotting is a gentle yet powerful therapy developed by David Grand, Ph.D., that helps people heal from trauma and addiction by working with both the brain and the body. Rather than relying only on talking, Brainspotting uses eye position to access deeper emotional and physical responses where stress and trauma are often stored.

This client-led approach allows individuals to process difficult experiences at their own pace, while feeling safe and supported in a highly attuned relationship with their therapist. Brainspotting can be especially helpful for substance use and behavioral addictions, as it supports the brain’s natural ability to regulate emotions and reduce reactivity.

A specialized Brainspotting method called the Crocodile Technique, developed by Dr. Roby Abeles, focuses on strengthening the connection between the parts of the brain involved in cravings and decision-making. By improving this communication, individuals often experience greater clarity, increased self-control, and a stronger ability to choose recovery-focused behaviors.

Accelerated Resolution Therapy®(ART) is a brief, structured form of psychotherapy that helps people process distressing memories and symptoms by changing how those memories are stored in the brain. ART removes triggers by erasing negative images from view. ART uses guided eye movements and visualization techniques to reduce emotional and physical reactions to past experiences while allowing you to stay fully in control. Many clients report significant relief in just a few sessions.

I believe that healing begins with remembering the strength we already carry within us. Much of my work is grounded in the understanding that meaningful change happens when people feel truly seen, heard, and safe. I am deeply committed to creating a space that is supportive, dignified, and free from judgment—especially for those who have experienced trauma. In that space, healing can unfold naturally, allowing people to reconnect with their sense of safety, rebuild confidence, and find their way back to themselves and the world around them.

Alongside my clinical work, I spent 14 years as a professor, an experience that shaped my love of teaching, learning, and guiding others. Education remains a central part of who I am. I am a lifelong learner, continually expanding my skills and understanding so I can better support those I work with. Whether I am teaching, training, or sitting with someone in a moment of vulnerability, I feel honored to walk alongside people on their healing journey and to support them as they grow into the most authentic and empowered version of themselves.

I am proud of my commitment to remaining curious and open to learning from others. I continue to cultivate meaningful relationships within the community, and the fact that most of my clients are referred by former clients is a true honor. Being invited to serve as a guest speaker or to train professional teams is a privilege I hold with deep gratitude.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Every person I connect with is unique, and I approach each interaction with presence and respect. Being fully present and truly listening has been one of the most important lessons I’ve learned. People often tell you what matters most when you give them the space to be heard. It is also important to continue to do your own inner work. There is always an opportunity to reflect and grow.

Pricing:

• Private Pay
• Contracted with Aetna Health Insurance

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.arizonaepiccounseling.com
• Instagram: azepiccounselingsvcs_pllc

Image Credits
Pinnacle Peak Recovery