Darren received his master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Utah State University. He also holds two bachelor’s degrees from the University of Utah in Psychology and Family & Human Development. He served on the Utah Association of Marriage and Family Therapy board. Years ago, when attending a Fire Fighter’s convention, he was horrified to see that EAPs and Counseling in general have so poorly helped First Responders. It became his passion, as the Clinical Director to correct this. Since then, he has helped put together a team of former First Responders and other therapists with expertise in this area. It isn’t enough to be a great therapist. We have to understand the issues of Hypervigilance, the cultural issues and demands of the job. And we have to know how to connect with them. It has been very rewarding to see for him to see this program development and to see work this team of experts helping those who show up for us.
Richard is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and received his Master’s degree in Social Work from Brigham Young University. Richard has extensive experience working with first responders. He was a trainer for CIT and a Regional Coordinator for CIT. He has provided training to first responder agencies and facilitated debriefings and has extensive experience working clinically with first responders and family members of first responders. Richard has over 30 years of experience working in community based mental health, substance use disorder treatment, and EAP services. He is trained in CBT, Solution Focused Therapy and EMDR and is a certified substance abuse professional (SAP). Richard has broad experience working with individuals, couples and teens experiencing depression, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and substance use disorder and addiction treatment Richard enjoys working with adults, couples, and teens. He focuses on helping his clients utilize their strengths to overcome challenges they are facing. In Richard’s spare time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and family, traveling, spending time at the family cabin and eating good chocolate.
Natalie received her master’s degree in social work from Columbia University and has bachelor’s degrees from the University of Utah in both Psychology and Sociology. Natalie enjoys using a positive psychology and motivational interviewing approach in therapy to help people recognize their strengths, improve their self-confidence, and increase happiness. In her 20 years as a mental health therapist, Natalie has worked with many individuals, couples, and families as they navigate difficult life events and mental health issues. In addition, Natalie is a Substance Use Professional (SAP) and has many years of experience in working with those dealing with addiction and substance use issues. Natalie has also spent many years working with first responders and is a Certified First Responder Counselor (CFRC). In her free time Natalie and her family can be found at a concert for the latest indie rock band, traveling to new places, exploring Utah’s beautiful mountains, or playing board games.
Elizabeth received her bachelor's degree from Weber State University, her master’s degree from the University of South Carolina, and her doctorate degree from Walden University. In addition, Elizabeth has certifications in SAP. She has experience in play therapy, family therapy, parenting, grief, and autism spectrum disorder. Elizabeth enjoys working with children, parents, families, older adults, and anyone seeking genuine support/help. She enjoys working with each client on identifying what they would like to gain from counseling and how she can best help them meet their goals. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, baking, and spending time with family.
Spencer received his bachelor’s degree from Weber State University with a double major in Sociology and Criminal Justice, Emphases in Criminology and Delinquency, and Law Enforcement. He decided to return to school and received his master’s degree from the University of Phoenix in Mental Health Counseling. He has experience providing individual, group, family, and couple’s counseling. Spencer’s main areas of focus have been in depression, anxiety, and trauma focused therapies. He believes the therapeutic relationship is the key factor in change. Spencer can assist others in overcoming obstacles, developing skills, and in accomplishing the goals they have set for themselves.
Kory earned his master’s in counseling from Idaho State University. He enjoys helping people reach their potential by using an integrative therapy approach. He uses client centered, solution focused and cognitive behavioral therapy to help people heal, take personal responsibility, and overcome thinking errors. He works to build a relationship with clients so they will be more receptive to learning better coping skills. He believes all people have innate and developed strengths and only need help to uncover and focus their strengths in a positive direction. Kory encourages people to quiet their thoughts, focus on their strengths and become more aware of their maladaptive thoughts and behaviors. My favorite quote is “You can do hard things.” Everyone is capable of doing hard things and overcoming obstacles in their lives. His specialties include, but are not limited to, stress, anxiety, marital, family, self-esteem, depression, coping with life changes and grief and loss.
Josh’s experiences growing up have influenced him greatly and shaped his desire to pursue a healing profession. After spending 22 years in the police services, Josh wanted to continue helping others with evidence-based therapeutic approaches incorporating positive psychology principles and practices, which help clients make lasting change through solutions rather than focusing on the problem. Josh enjoys working with public service employees, individuals, groups, and adolescents. When Josh is not working, you can find him spending time with his wife, two children, and his English bulldog Mr. Gus, enjoying his Harley, traveling the globe, and enjoying his law enforcement family.
Justin received his bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Utah and his master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Phoenix. Justin has extensive training working with individuals, couples, and families. He has worked for over 11 years as a mental therapist. He has met with hundreds of first responders and their families over the years. He has done training for multiple agencies. Justin’s wife has been a deputy for the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Department for the last 17 years. He has spent a lot of time working with clients experiencing stress, depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, substance abuse, and couples’ issues. He has extensive training in EMDR, Mind Shield, and Gottman couple’s therapy. Justin enjoys working with first responders because feels like he can help this group regain some peace and happiness after they have done some much to protect the public and help us to be safe. In his spare time, he enjoys exercising, lifting weights, running triathlons, playing/watching sports, and spending time with his wife and little girls.
Rick is originally from the Chicago area of Illinois and came to Utah twenty-eight years ago to be near family. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Utah in 1998. Soon after graduation, he hired on with the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office as a patrol deputy and continues to work as a police detective, now with the Unified Police Department Salt Lake. He received his master’s degree in social work from the University of Utah in 2008. Rick has clinical experience in inpatient and outpatient settings. He has worked with a variety of issues including anxiety disorders, PTSD, stress and anger management issues, depression, various adjustment issues, and addiction.
Charlyn received her master’s degree in counseling psychology from Pepperdine University in California and her BA from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She was originally trained and licensed in the state of CA as a Marriage and Family Therapist. She has been a Psychotherapist, Wellness Presenter, and Business Consultant for Blomquist Hale’s client companies and their employees since 2001. Charlyn’s work with clients is based on the foundation that individuals are intricately linked to and influenced by their environments, and all people strive toward growth and balance. She believes in the wholeness and resilience of individuals and supports them in developing additional skills to broaden their engagement in life. Her areas of specialty are in relational growth, successfully managing life transitions, mindfulness for stress reduction, the treatment of grief, and strategies for the treatment of depression and anxiety.
Caryl Ann Duvall is a clinical mental health counselor and a certified family life educator with master experience in teaching relationship skills, overall well-being, integrated medicine for mental health, anger management, substance abuse, anxiety coping skills, and parenting skills. She is trained in trauma focus practices and family systems. She is conscious of the effects of the social environment and can help navigate life through therapeutic tools to improve life’s satisfactions. Outside of the office she enjoys the outdoors, hiking, gardening, music, and spending time with her blended family of seven kids and four grandkids.
Layne received his bachelor’s degree from Weber State University and his master’s degree from the University of Utah. His additional certifications include ACT, EMDR, and Conflict Resolution. Layne has experience working with trauma, ACT, CPT, EMDR, and CBT. He enjoys working with people dealing with PTSD and trauma-related issues, autism spectrum disorder, and learning issues. Layne counsels, coaches, and mentors’ clients through the obstacles that come with trauma exposure. With over 25 years of experience as a first responder, he brings a unique understanding in helping others that struggle with trauma related issues.
Curtis received his masters in Social Work from the University of Utah. He has experience in providing individual, group, first responders and couples counseling. Curtis also has experience in processing traumatic events, and enjoys helping individuals work through issues that are happening in their day-to-day lives.
