(he/him)
Hello, and congratulations on taking this step. Reaching out for counseling can take courage, and I'll work hard to provide a space where you feel respected, understood, and safe to speak honestly. I earned my master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Auburn University in 1999 and have worked in behavioral health for over 25 years. My experience includes serving as a full-time clinician, clinical supervisor, and clinical director of a community behavioral health center. I have also provided Military and Family Life Counseling at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base before opening my private practice. My current work is focused on helping individuals navigate trauma, anxiety, depression, stress, emotional overwhelm, life transitions, and relationship-related concerns. My approach is warm, collaborative, and practical. I do not see therapy as simply treating a diagnosis; I see it as working with you as a whole person, with strengths, fears, hopes, values, and goals. In our work together, I will listen carefully, but I will also be active in helping you identify patterns, understand difficult thoughts and emotions, build coping skills, and take meaningful steps toward the life you want to create. I will not take the stance that I am the expert on your life. Instead, I will walk alongside you and help guide the change process at a pace that feels respectful and manageable. For more information about me and my practice see my website: ottotherapyandwellness.com
In our first session, we will begin building a relationship of trust and comfort. I will ask questions to better understand your background, culture, current concerns, strengths, support system, and what led you to seek counseling at this point in your life. I will also explain the counseling process, answer any questions you have, and talk with you about what helps therapy be effective. I want to understand your preferences for how we work together so that therapy feels collaborative, respectful, and focused on your goals.
I bring over 25 years of experience as a therapist, supervisor, and clinical leader. Those experiences have taught me the importance of being fully present with each client, listening carefully, and tailoring therapy to the person in front of me rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach. Some of my greatest strengths are being a nonjudgmental and empathic listener while also helping clients stay focused on meaningful change. I will work with you to clarify your goals, identify patterns that may be keeping you stuck, and take practical steps both in and outside of session. I believe therapy works best when it is collaborative, focused, and active. My role is to support you, challenge you when helpful, and help you move toward the changes you want in a way that feels respectful and manageable.
I enjoy working with clients from diverse backgrounds. Though I am experienced in working with a variety of behavioral health struggles, what I enjoy most is helping people resolve trauma and working with individuals struggling with anxiety and depression. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I respect the spiritual beliefs of my clients. I provide counseling to all people, regardless of their religious and spiritual beliefs.
Top specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
Other specialties
Men's Issues
Military/Veterans
Spirituality
I identify as
Christian
Man
White
Adults (18 to 64)
Elders (65 and above)
Arizona
Aetna
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
I was first introduced to IFS while in graduate school 25 years ago. Since then, it's grown and is continually being proven as an effective mode of treatment. The IFS model of therapy can be used for a variety of presenting issues such as trauma, depression, anxiety, and even in decision making. In IFS we identify that parts of ourselves experience events differently. Some of those parts have unresolved issues they are holding onto; other parts of ourselves are trying to protect us from further pain. The goal of IFS is to resolve past issues so we are not hijacked by any one part of ourselves. IFS has become one of my favorite models of care due to the success many clients have with it.
EMDR
I was trained in EMDR about 4 years ago and have been amazed with the outcomes. EMDR is usually a very efficient way to treat trauma and can be effectively done via telehealth. Because of the positive results I've seen from it, it's made trauma work my favorite work to do.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
ACT is a combination of CBT and mindfulness practices. I like to think of it as the best of the best from both approaches. What I like about it most is that it's goal is to help you live a meaningful and fulfilling life-however you define it. To do that, we help you identify what is most important to you and how you want to show up in life and then help you align those two things. In the process we overcome the emotional and cognitive hurdles that stand in the way.
Christian Counseling
I'm not specifically trained in Christian counseling techniques but would consider myself sensitive to the needs of religious individuals who want their views and beliefs treated respectfully. My first seven years providing counseling was with a private Christian-based organization. I also served as a missionary for two years in Venezuela and in many local positions, including leading a congregation, in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS).
11 ratings with written reviews
January 16, 2026
I feel very blessed to have someone like Paul who has the skill of guiding me through my mental health without controlling the reins himself, but allowing me to self discover my inner voice and what it intends for me. It hasn't been a full 3 months yet, but I already feel happier in my life and better equipped to navigate the challenges I experience. The person who started this journey is so proud of who I'm becoming and is glad she made the choice to begin.
November 7, 2025
As someone who has never partook in therapy before, I am happy and grateful to start this journey with Paul as a guide and confidant. Even though we are still at the beginning, I feel very comfortable to be honest with no fear of judgement or embarrassment. I can already see how much more accountability is surfacing from these sessions and I'm confident that the end result will be a beautiful one.
October 10, 2025
My therapist is genuine, and truly empowering. He creates a comfortable space that helps me see things more clearly and focus on real solutions. Every session leaves me feeling grounded, supported, and capable of moving forward.