Counseling Intern

Hello! My name is Yasmeen, or Yaz for short. I am a counseling intern in the final year of my Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Louisiana at Monroe. I previously earned a Bachelor of Science in Counseling and Applied Psychological Sciences from Arizona State University and a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Northern Arizona University.

I have lived in Arizona for over 25 years, and I value the opportunity to serve the Arizona community by providing accessible, high-quality counseling for individuals, couples, and families navigating life transitions, trauma, anxiety, depression, and relational challenges. As a United States Army combat medic veteran and the partner of a United States Air Force pilot, I have an appreciation for the resilience, transitions, and unique demands that military life and other high-pressure roles can place on individuals and families.

My therapeutic approach is integrative, grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and informed by humanistic values, attachment theory, existential perspectives, and principles of interpersonal neurobiology. I view therapy as a collaborative process in which clients can safely explore how their thoughts, emotions, and past experiences shape present-day patterns, behaviors, and overall well-being. I believe relationships both shape and heal us, and that meaningful change begins within a safe, attuned therapeutic relationship that fosters trust, co-regulation, and insight.

I strive to create a space where clients feel understood, supported, and appropriately challenged as they grow and move toward meaningful change. Within this environment, I work with clients to identify and shift unhelpful beliefs and behaviors that keep them feeling stuck, while also exploring identity, agency, and meaning. I recognize the significance of early experiences in shaping beliefs about oneself and the world and help clients make sense of these influences. As a counselor, I see my role as a facilitator of insight—guiding clients through thoughtful questioning, collaborative exploration, reflection, and skill-building. I emphasize building emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness to support resilience, connection, and sustainable growth beyond the therapy room.

I approach my work with curiosity, humility, authenticity, and respect, honoring the complexity of each client’s lived experience while attending to the broader relational and cultural contexts that shape their identity. I am committed to whole-person care and empowerment. I aim to support clients in moving from hopelessness toward healing, strengthening their capacity to live authentically, navigate life stressors, and engage in meaningful relationships.

Yasmeen is a multiculturally sensitive, trauma-informed Masters Student Intern with experience in the educational setting. Her clinical expertise includes working with children and families in the school setting. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Counseling and Applied Psychological Sciences from Arizona State University and a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Northern Arizona University, and is nearing completion on her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Louisiana at Monroe.

As a Student Intern, Yasmeen receives direct and clinical supervision from an AZBBHE approved clinical supervisor, Danica Williams, MA, LPC, PMH-C (danica@novusleaf.sprucecare.com, 520-492.0492). Her work is logged, monitored, discussed, and reviewed by her clinical supervisor. Client care is handled with professional quality; knowledge, feedback, and insight are gained from a team of professionals. Counselor accountability, growth, and development within this supportive infrastructure is emphasized.