MEET Sammy, csw

Sammy Jones (They/Them) is a Clinical Social Worker. Sammy was born and raised in Provo, Utah and received their master’s degree at the University of Utah in the advanced standing social work program. Sammy works well with trans and gender nonconforming youth as well as adults experiencing faith transition, self-harm, eating disorders, anxiety, depression, and trauma

Sammy’s therapy style is casual and calm while offering skills in emotional regulation, communication, boundary setting, mindfulness and self-compassion. Sammy believes that true healing comes from connection with others and authenticity to the self. Much of that therapeutic work involves meeting clients where they are at and empowering them based on their personal goals and values. Sammy provides a space that is non-judgmental and supportive, in order to processed anxiety, depression and trauma.

Sammy has been working and volunteering as a frontline social worker since 2014. Sammy genuinely cares about all their clients, and loves to see the progress and growth that comes with the therapeutic process. Sammy has a passion for mental health and social justice, and would love to work the LGBTQ population as well as anyone else who feels like they don’t fit into the dominant culture here in Utah. In their free time, Sammy can be found playing drums in a local rock band and climbing mountains with their dog.

MEET Brittany, csw

Brittany is a Certified Social Worker and obtained a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Utah. Brittany has always maintained the mentality that nothing should be deemed too taboo to talk about because when we can communicate openly and without fearing judgment, only then can we best understand and accept ourselves and others. Brittany wishes to create an environment allowing for growth and healing in which her clients can embrace their individuality and discover their place in the world, their community, and within themselves.

Brittany’s past career as an educator set the stage for her to make what felt like a very natural transition into the field of social work. Her love for being a teacher and working with children gave her the opportunity to teach English in South Korea and Taiwan, to embark upon a working holiday through New Zealand, and to connect with people from across the globe. For nearly a decade, Brittany took part in experiences that allowed her to build an extensive repertoire of knowledge about the world and its incredible inhabitants and cultures. In fact, it was her time spent living abroad and traveling outside of the U.S. that reaffirmed her decision to pursue a career as a therapist. In her conversations with strangers and friends—locals, travelers, and other expats, alike—Brittany always found herself diving into the most intimate of conversations in the unlikeliest of places with people from all walks of life and is continuing to do so at Mindful Counseling.

Brittany is ardent about incorporating cultural humility and her educational background into her therapeutic practice. Specifically, she is extremely passionate about promoting self-confidence, sex positivity, body acceptance, and the formation of healthy relationships with oneself and others. In her practice, she utilizes Humanistic Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Sex Therapy, as well as LGBTQIA+-Informed and Trauma-Informed approaches and her knowledge of Women’s Issues and Faith Transitions to partner with individuals and couples to guide them down the path best designed for them. Soon, Brittany will be seeking to become a Certified Sex Therapist (CST) because she recognizes the importance of sexual empowerment and how it extends into all facets of our lives. Brittany truly believes that we can all find beauty, purpose, and fulfillment in our lives; sometimes we just need a little help getting there.

meet Candice, mswI

Candice Townsend (she/her) Is originally from Texas, she holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Utah and is currently a Master of Social Work intern at Louisiana State University.

In her practice, she compassionately challenges mental and emotional barriers to help individuals from all walks of life become the best versions of themselves. Well-versed in inner child work, emotional regulation, confidence building, family relations, and trauma-informed therapy, she specializes in a diverse range of therapeutic modalities. These include Solution-Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion-Based Therapy, Mindfulness, and Emotional Focused Therapy (EFT). Her approach is tailored to meet the specific challenges of each person, valuing their unique experiences.

Creating a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to openly express their thoughts and emotions is central to her practice. Her mission is to break down barriers and destigmatize mental health discussions, providing valuable resources and unwavering support to empower individuals on their journey to emotional well-being and resilience.

Firmly believing that breaking through these barriers is essential to achieving personal transformation and fulfillment, she is dedicated to empowering her clients with culturally sensitive and effective strategies drawn from these evidence-based modalities to face life's challenges courageously. Her practice is a home for breakthroughs and transformation, and she will be there every step of the way as individuals become the best versions of themselves. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys outdoor roller skating and reading, with a deep passion for Marvel and Anime.

meet Kelsey, msWI

Kelsey Lythgoe, a dedicated psychotherapist intern, is currently pursuing a Master's in Social Work at Western New Mexico University, building on her Bachelor's degree in Marriage and Family Studies. With a focus on openness and empathy, Kelsey helps individuals navigate life's complex changes.

Specializing in attachment-based, client-centered, and cognitive-behavioral approaches, Kelsey guides clients through shifts in beliefs, purpose, and identity. Her therapeutic approach includes attachment-based therapy, client-centered therapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Whether questioning faith, exploring sexual or gender identity, or re-evaluating relationships, Kelsey provides a judgment-free space to understand and process these changes.

Kelsey's background includes supporting individuals through ideological shifts, career transitions, and relationship expansions, particularly in the realm of non-monogamous relationships and faith transitions. With a holistic perspective, Kelsey recognizes the interconnectedness of mental, emotional, and social well-being.

Beyond therapy, Kelsey finds joy in snowboarding, music, and cherishing moments with her two wonderful kids. If you're conflicted about not fitting into prescribed molds, defining your true identity, or pursuing non-traditional connections, Kelsey offers compassionate guidance for aligning your life with your evolving truth.