Meet Julie McAllister and Deana Charter of EMDR Transformations Counseling

Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie McAllister and Deana Charter. Julie shared their story with us below:

Deana and I met at another group counseling practice in Gilbert, where we worked together for almost 6 years. We really honed our craft and enhanced our skills as trauma therapists by attending regular trainings and participating in weekly clinical consultations during our time at that practice. We built a strong connection with our fellow therapists and with one another while we were there. It was certainly a highlight of our careers. Reflecting on that period, we’re immensely grateful to the practice owners, mentors, and colleagues who played pivotal roles in shaping our careers. Their influence laid the foundation for the launch of our own practice.

Deana and I founded EMDR Transformations Counseling in the summer of 2020. We wanted to create a space where we could help clients to feel welcome, supported, and secure as they work through distressing life circumstances and process painful emotions, unlearn unhelpful behaviors that started as useful adaptations in the past, and heal from the effects of trauma. Another goal was to create a space where our therapists could find purpose and cultivate connections, recognizing that we are truly better together.

It is our mission to destigmatize mental health, creating an environment where our clients could experience a sense of connection and nurturing throughout their journey towards healing. Amid the pandemic, we launched our practice, initially conducting virtual sessions while actively seeking a physical space. We looked for a place where we could build a community that was inviting for all. We found our office building, and with the help of Deana’s sister, a talented interior designer, we had a lot of help in bringing our vision to life. We remodeled the space to have a central “family room” and kitchen where we invite our clients to come in and make themselves at home. We cultivate a warm and inclusive environment within our practice, fostering a sense of community that extends a heartfelt welcome to both clients and therapists alike. Many of our clients enjoy hanging out in our space as they wait for their counseling sessions or for their family members who are in sessions. We’ve organized a range of events and classes at our practice, covering topics like self-defense, the advantages of exercise, father’s support groups, and various gatherings with community partners, colleagues, and friends in the counseling community. We have an upcoming “Self-care Sunday” team-building event to be held in our space featuring a healing sound bath and other health-focused activities. We continue to seek opportunities to unite our mental health community along with the businesses and individuals in our Gilbert neighborhood.

In line with redefining mental health, we are working with a number of local businesses to provide mental health services to their employees, as we know that when individuals are healthy, the team is healthier. This helps with employee satisfaction and retention. Our team actively engages with local businesses through informative presentations, delving into mental health topics and spotlighting EMDR therapy, our primary treatment modality. By sharing our expertise, we aim to promote a deeper understanding of mental health and its role in overall well-being. In an effort to expand our community impact, this year we joined the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce. Our objective is to foster connections with neighboring businesses, with the aim of educating and exploring ways we can contribute to their mental health and wellness initiatives.

Specializing in addressing the impact of trauma, we possess a unique expertise and a special interest in serving the mental health needs of first responders. Our services extend statewide, providing both in-person and virtual support to this community. Collaborating with non-profit organizations such as the Compassion Alliance and Firestrong, we offer therapeutic services tailored to the specific challenges faced by first responders. We are proud to share that we have recently been chosen by one of Arizona’s fire departments as the sole provider to develop and conduct mental health assessments as well as follow-up services for their service members. It is a part of our mission to actively seek and embrace opportunities to contribute to the healing journey of first responders. As a practice committed to giving back, every member of our team contributes to local first responder charities, reinforcing our dedication to the well-being of those who serve our communities.

Our practice presently consists of seven therapists with a goal to expand to twelve. Each team member is committed to improving their expertise in the practice of EMDR therapy. Five of our therapists are actively seeking advanced EMDR Certification, while Deana and I are currently EMDRIA Consultants in Training. This signifies that we are working with therapists who have completed the 50-hour EMDR Basic Training and are now seeking the more advanced EMDR Certification.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

In the initial years, we encountered challenges in assembling a team that wholeheartedly embraced our mission. Lacking experience in conducting interviews to identify candidates aligned with our values, we initially felt demoralized by the difficulty of fostering the connection and collective commitment to our goals. However, these challenges became crucial learning experiences for us. We adjusted our interviewing process, refined our criteria, and took a more strategic approach to team building. Unexpectedly high therapist turnover presented significant financial challenges, given the substantial investment required in onboarding and supporting therapists to build their caseloads. This hurdle prompted us to reassess our support systems and tailor our approach to ensure a smoother onboarding process and enhanced therapist retention. We attempted to integrate a naturopathic physician into our team, but the collaboration was unsuccessful. Through this experience, we recognized our passion for investing time and resources into therapists, aligning with our own expertise in the field as therapists ourselves. These obstacles have been instrumental in shaping our practices, making us more resilient, and guiding us towards building the cohesive and dedicated team we have today.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

At our group counseling practice, we’ve curated a team of exceptional therapists dedicated to continuous learning through ongoing education and regular consultations. What sets us apart is the personalized and nurturing experience we provide to our clients. From the first call to the final session, we prioritize creating a space where individuals feel genuinely cared for and supported. Our specialization lies in fostering a therapeutic environment that goes beyond traditional counseling. We are known for our commitment to the ongoing growth of our therapists, ensuring they stay at the forefront of the latest developments in mental health care. This dedication translates into a dynamic and cutting-edge approach to therapy.

What we are most proud of brand-wise is our unwavering dedication to destigmatizing mental health. We strive to redefine mental health as an integral part of overall well-being, and our team works tirelessly to create a welcoming space for clients to embark on their healing journey. Our practice is not just about counseling sessions; it’s about creating a supportive community. We pride ourselves on offering a unique and holistic experience that extends beyond therapy sessions, including biofeedback services for energetic healing, as well as events, classes, and community gatherings. Our goal is to stand out as a leader of mental health and wellness in our community, fostering connections and providing comprehensive support for individuals seeking personal growth and healing.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?

A quality that has significantly contributed to our success is the establishment of a culture centered around generosity and community engagement. We believe in giving back to both our internal team and the broader community. Within our practice, we prioritize the continuous growth and well-being of our clinicians. This commitment is manifested through ongoing consultation, professional development services, and a supportive environment that fosters growth and guidance. In line with our value of giving, our practice and each individual clinician contributes to first responder charities, underlining our dedication to supporting those who serve our communities. We support the community by offering free classes and presentations when we can. Our objective is twofold: to educate others about the benefits of EMDR therapy and, equally importantly, to contribute to destigmatizing mental health in our community. By sharing our knowledge and expertise, we aim to empower individuals with a better understanding of mental health and facilitate a more supportive and informed community. Ultimately, our success is not only measured by the growth and well-being of our clinical team but also by the positive impact we strive to make in the wider community through education, support, and a shared commitment to giving back.

Pricing:

• Our therapy services range from $140-190 for individual and couples sessions.
• We proudly offer a reduced rate of $120 per session for veterans, first responders, and k-12 teachers.
• Reduced session rates are available for businesses that wish to provide counseling as a mental health benefit to their staff. Inquire for details.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.emdrtransformationscounseling.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emdrinaz/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emdrinaz/

Image Credits
Joanna Dawn Photography