Roger Hardin, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Roger Hardin graduated from National University with honors and attained a master’s degree in counseling psychology. He is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 30 years of social work experience including working with individuals and families in diverse social and clinical settings. In addition to counseling, Mr. Hardin has been an adjunct instructor in psychology at Lake Tahoe Community College for over twenty years and also was an instructor at Sierra Nevada University for four years.
Roger uses a therapeutic approach that effectively utilizes Constructivist, Cognitive-Behavioral and Universal Psychological approaches. Treatment is focused towards relieving or reducing depression, anxiety, and mood dysregulation as well as other psychological impairments including recovery in substance abuse dependency. Roger effectively joins with the client, as the client begins the journey of understanding their emotional roadblocks, reconstructs relationships, and re-establishes an awareness of their unique personal values. Additional services include treatment for the faith-based community as well as those involved in the court system.
Lisa Caswell, Licensed Clinical Social Worker/ Therapist
Lisa Hardin received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology in 2018 and then went on to receive her Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Reno NV in 2020. She has experience with children & adults and brings about almost a decade of experience in working with persons with mental health & substance abuse issues in our community.
Life can bring many challenges that often leave us feeling alone, helpless and confused. Sometimes our emotions can get the best of us, and we can become our own worst critics. It takes courage to seek help and work towards healing. Everyone deserves to be supported and have a safe place to be their full authentic selves. Whether you are going through life changes, low self-esteem, depression or anxiety, I am here to meet you exactly where you are and guide you towards healing.
I offer a strength-based approach as I truly believe each person is capable of overcoming difficult times in their lives. I utilize mindfulness, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to facilitate awareness of unhelpful thought patterns that keep you emotionally stuck and to facilitate both change and acceptance.
Valerie Zwyssig Marriage & Family Therapist and Licensed Alcohol & Drug Counselor
Valerie Zwyssig has been working in the Healing Arts for over 30 years. She has a Bachelor’s Degree from Cleveland State University in Speech & Hearing/Interpreting and went on to earn a Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from San Francisco State University working with Deaf and Hard-of Hearing persons.
Her first professional license was in Addiction Counseling from Triton College in Chicago, IL. A decade later she attended the University of Nevada, Reno, for her MFT license and earned an Educational Specialist degree in Counseling & Educational Psychology. Valerie has worked with children, adolescents and adults in various levels of treatment including, Inpatient, Partial Hospitalization, Intensive Outpatient and Outpatient settings. Her specialty is working with co-occurring disorders of mental health and addiction. She utilizes a Whole-Person approach with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, John Gottman techniques, Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Mindfulness.
“Happiness is about a life balance of the domains of the whole person. Self-compassion is learning to love yourself first and to fill your own oxygen tanks with love and joy so that you have some to share with others. Because in the end, I truly believe – It’s all about love”.
Brandon Ruby, Clinical Social Work Intern Therapist
Brandon Ruby’s educational background began with a Bachelors in Psychology from National University and then went on for a Masters of Social Work from the University of Southern California. Brandon served in the United States Navy from 2008-2013. His treatment philosophy begins with meeting people where they are at in life and developing a strong therapeutic alliance that fosters collaboration and mutual understanding. He has training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Informed Care, Grief & Loss, and Mindfulness just to name a few.
Brandon has experience in treating persons with Anxiety Disorders, Bipolar, Major Depressive Disorder, Thought Disorders, Substance Use Disorders, Personality Disorders, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), as well as many others. He works with very diverse populations including those with Criminal Justice involvement and with the LGBTQ+ populations.
“I believe in meeting people where they are and developing a strong therapeutic alliance that fosters collaboration and mutual understanding. When not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling/exploring and reading a good book”.
Favorite Quote: “Nothing is impossible. The word itself says ‘I’m possible!'” — Audrey Hepburn
Ron Toft – Clinical Professional Counselor Intern
Ron received his master of counseling degree from Oregon State University and is currently a licensed CPC-Intern and a National Certified Counselor with the NBCC. He works with adolescents, adults, individuals and couples addressing mental health, trauma, relationship, and substance abuse issues. Ron has experience working with people from many different cultural backgrounds, religions, and sexual and gender orientations.
Ron has a very relational and strength-based approach to therapy that leans on the power of empathetic and caring interpersonal experiences. While drawing on the wisdom of a multitude of evidence-based practices such as Person-Centered Therapy, Systemic Therapy, and trauma-informed care, he mostly focuses on empowering clients to recognize and utilize their natural strengths and resiliencies.
“I believe you already have the tools and abilities you need to successfully navigate the world, sometimes you just need somebody that truly believes in and cares about you to bring it out!”
Victoria Grey, Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Victoria Grey graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno with degrees in Psychology and Social Work. She has 18 years of experience serving clients in a broad array of clinical settings. In addition, Victoria has been an Adjunct Professor in Psychology, which has added to her foundation as a therapist. Victoria compassionately assists her clients move past such issues as trauma, anxiety, depression, and life transitions.
Victoria helps her clients reach their highest potential by removing barriers that are blocking success, to bring about improved well-being. She uses a variety of evidence-based methods, including CBT, Psychodynamic, Interpersonal, Client-Centered, Strengths-Based, and Solution-Based therapies. Victoria considers serving her clients to be both a privilege and an honor, and would gladly assist you with the challenges you are facing.
“I am an empathetic, caring, and supportive person by nature, which led me to the helping field. I am very dedicated to the work I do, and the clients I serve. I strive to help people achieve renewed well-being through understanding, trust, genuine connection, and respect. Sometimes, reaching out for therapy can feel overwhelming. I am here to help. I look forward to the opportunity to serve you.”
Shantell Desmond, Marriage & Family Therapist Intern
Shantell Desmond received her Master’s degree of Science in Marriage and Family Counseling/ Therapy through Capella University. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Services through University of Phoenix. As a marriage and family therapist intern, Shantell is trained in both psychotherapy and family systems, which allows her to focus on understanding client symptoms in the context of the relational interactions that influence behavior. Her treatment philosophy is that problems do not define the client but rather are symptoms of his or her system. She works with individuals, couples, and families.
“Long ago, I decided I wanted to be a part of the solution and help people get to where they want to be in life”.
Shantell uses a holistic approach to treatment, focusing on the overall, long-term well-being of the individuals and their families. She can treat a wide variety of clinical issues, including depression, trauma, anxiety, mood disorders, substance abuse, grief & loss, and relational struggles. Shantel is formally trained to provide Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy(DBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) , Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR -trained by EMDRIA standards).
Emily Campbell, Marriage & Family Therapist intern
Emily Campbell is a proud University of Nevada, Reno graduate with a double major in Psychology and Sociology. She graduated with a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Capella University.
Emily predominantly employs emotional-focused therapy and utilizes an attachment theory framework. She holds the belief that fostering attachment and connection is crucial for achieving a fulfilling life. Additionally, Emily incorporates other modalities such as CBT and mindfulness. Her expertise extends to navigating life transitions and understanding their connections to both the past and present.
“I believe in fostering a strong and safe therapeutic relationship, and believing you have it within yourself to achieve whatever you desire.”
Kimberly Holbrook, Client Intake/ Administration
Kim, originally from NW Washington, moved to Reno in 2001. She later received her Bachelors Degree in Psychology at Sierra Nevada College in 2018.
She has over 10 years experience in early education with children in the school district. Later she went on to work one-on-one with children with special needs. More recently, Kim began working with the adult population struggling with Mental Health & Substance Use Disorders. She is pursuing certification in Peer Support Recovery Specialist and hopes to receive her Masters Degree in the future.
In her free-time, Kim enjoys the arts, being with people, and camping when she can get outside in the Sierra Nevada area.
“I believe everyone has room for a helping hand in their life through hard times and I find that I am very comfortable being that helping hand”.