We are therapists in Glendale Arizona, helping you find your way forward

At Embracing Change Counseling, we walk beside you with empathy, respect, and care, creating space for healing and growth. Our team is dedicated to creating a safe space where you feel seen, supported and never alone in your journey. Whether you’re seeking a Black therapist in Glendale, AZ or affirmative therapy for LGBTQ individuals, your story matters here.

EXPLORE THERAPY OPTIONS
  • Natalina Mariscal, LMSW Virtual Therapist (ages 18+)

    Natalina (she/her) chose to become a therapist to offer people a safe space to simply exist—somewhere they can process emotions and trauma, feel seen and heard, and build the skills to live life on their own terms. To her, embracing change means leaning into every part of the process—the good, the bad, and the messy. Change can be vulnerable and uncomfortable, but she believes that accepting it fully is how we create the transformation we long for.

    She is passionate about working with anyone ready to do the work of therapy, whether they come in brimming with belief or holding on to just a spark of hope. Her counseling style is intentional, non-judgmental, and fun—because healing takes effort, but it doesn’t always have to feel heavy. She also loves challenging the myth that therapy is only for those who have been through “big” experiences. In her eyes, everyone has a story worth being heard and honored.

    Virtual therapy is one of Natalina’s favorite ways to connect with clients because it allows her to literally meet people where they are. And if you’re nervous about starting, she wants you to know: your feelings are always valid, and you’re not alone. Even therapists get first-session jitters—we’ll get uncomfortable together.

    Natalina is a Licensed Master Social Worker and therapist. She earned her Master of Social Work degree from Arizona State University in 2018 and has been serving the community for more than nine years. In addition to her counseling work, she mentors other social workers, continuing her commitment to growth and support within the field.

    A little more about Natalina:

    Outside of counseling, Natalina finds joy in movement, which she sees as a way to recharge body, mind, and spirit. Her comfort snack is cheese in any form (always paired with a Coke Zero), and when it’s time to unwind, she enjoys family time after a little “doom scrolling.” For a feel-good watch, she recommends The Good Place, a show that reminds us all that at the end of the day, we’re just trying to be good humans.

  • Kendra Richardson, LMSW Virtual Therapist (ages 13+, couples)

    Kendra (she/her) became a counselor because she knows firsthand how powerful it is to have a safe, nonjudgmental space to talk. She’s passionate about walking alongside people on their journey toward hope and healing, helping them lean into growth—even when it feels uncertain or uncomfortable. To her, embracing change means letting go of what no longer serves us and opening up to the possibility of transformation.

    Kendra is a therapist in Glendale, AZ who is deeply inclusive. She works with clients from all walks of life and is especially committed to creating safe, affirming spaces for BIPOC communities, LGBTQ+ individuals, people navigating gender or identity exploration, youth and adults at all stages of life, military families, and those living with disabilities. Every story matters, and she feels it’s a privilege to honor and support each one.

    Her counseling style is warm, authentic, and nonjudgmental, guided by the belief that therapy is not about being “fixed” but about finding tools, insights, and support to make life feel lighter and more manageable. Whether meeting virtually or in person, Kendra prioritizes comfort, privacy, and connection—meeting each client exactly where they are.

    Kendra is a Licensed Master Social Worker and therapist. She earned her Master of Social Work degree in 2022 from Walden University and has been serving diverse populations for over 14 years.

    A little more about Kendra:
    When she’s not in her role as a Glendale, AZ therapist, Kendra loves traveling and immersing herself in different cultures. She’s equally happy curled up on her oversized couch with a true crime show and her favorite woodblock puzzle. Fun fact: she got married in beautiful Santorini, Greece. Her go-to pick-me-up is a Snickers bar (to stave off hangry moments), and her favorite feel-good movie recommendation is Inside Out, which she often uses as a jumping-off point to help clients explore emotions through Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). You can also find her vibing to house music when she needs an energy boost.

    License # LMSW-21735

  • Kristen Crum, LMSW Virtual and In-person Therapist (ages 18+)

    Kristen (she/her) didn’t so much choose counseling as it chose her. With a background in social work and a deep compassion for others, she discovered her calling in helping people navigate life’s challenges and embrace change—even when the future feels uncertain. To her, change is not something to fear but an opportunity for growth, healing, and hope.

    Kristen is passionate about supporting people from all walks of life and at every stage, but she is especially drawn to working with those experiencing grief and loss, anxiety, or relationship struggles. Her style is down-to-earth, warm, and engaging—she strives to create a safe space where clients feel comfortable, supported, and empowered to take steps forward at their own pace. She wants everyone to know that seeking counseling is not a sign of weakness, but a tremendous act of strength.

    Kristen embraces the flexibility of virtual therapy, recognizing how it removes barriers of time and distance while still allowing for genuine connection. She reassures new clients that it’s completely normal to feel nervous before a first session, and her priority is always helping them feel safe, comfortable, and in control of what they choose to share. Clients often leave feeling lighter and more hopeful by the end of their time with her.

    Kristen is a Licensed Master Social Worker and therapist. She earned her Master of Social Work degree from University of Pittsburgh and has spent over 20 years helping people grow, find strength and reach their goals.

    A little more about Kristen:
    Outside of counseling, Kristen enjoys painting for the joy of the process, practicing guided meditation, and hanging out with good friends. Her comfort snacks include vanilla ice cream or salty chips and dip, sometimes paired with an iced coffee pick-me-up. A fun fact: she spent her early childhood in Japan, attending first and second grade there. After a full day with clients, you’ll likely find her at the gym, curled up with a good book, or watching a Netflix series. She’s inspired by timeless stories that remind us of our worth—like It’s a Wonderful Life—and fueled by coffeehouse jazz, which never fails to put her in a good, relaxed mood.

    License # LMSW-15903


  • Samantha Marcus, LMSW Virtual and In-person Therapist (ages 12+)

    Samantha (she/her) has always felt drawn to supporting people through life’s most difficult moments. For her, counseling is about meeting challenges with openness, patience, and hope—even when the path forward feels uncertain. She believes that embracing change is not about rushing the process, but about finding strength and healing in each step of growth.

    Samantha is especially passionate about working with teens navigating identity, adults managing stress, and families moving through conflict. She has a heart for clients who feel unseen or unheard, and her work is centered on helping them rediscover their voice, resilience, and sense of self. Her counseling style is empathic, collaborative, and grounded, creating a space where clients feel truly supported and understood. She reminds people that therapy isn’t just for “big problems”—it can be just as valuable for everyday stress, relationship challenges, or personal growth.

    In virtual sessions, Samantha appreciates how clients can show up in the comfort of their own space, often feeling more at ease and open in their work together. For those who feel nervous about starting therapy, she reassures them that there’s no “right” way to begin—the first step is simply showing up.

    Samantha is a licensed Master Social Worker and therapist. She earned her Master of Social Work degree from Arizona State University in 2020 and has been working in the community for over 8 years.

    A little more about Samantha:
    Samantha finds inspiration in Arthur Ashe’s reminder: “Start where you are, use what you have, do what you can.” She carries this belief into her sessions, encouraging clients to embrace meaningful progress at their own pace. Outside of counseling, she recharges by spending time outdoors, exploring new places, enjoying music, coffee, and the company of her pets. Her go-to comforts are coffee and dark chocolate, and if she had a superpower, it would be helping clients see themselves as she sees them: strong, capable, and worthy of compassion.

    License #LMSW-19194

  • Anna Okerlund, LMSW Virtual Therapist (ages 18+)

    Anna (she/her) became a counselor because she’s passionate about helping others grow into their fullest selves. To her, embracing change reflects the incredible human capacity to learn, heal, and continually improve. She believes therapy is not a prescriptive process but a deeply relational one—where connection, trust, and attunement make all the difference in a client’s success.

    Anna is excited to support anyone seeking to enhance their life experience. She approaches each client with the belief that everyone is doing the best they can, and she works collaboratively to help them uncover solutions, rediscover their worth, and feel empowered to move forward. For those nervous about beginning therapy, Anna reminds them that it’s okay to “shop around” until they find the right therapist fit—because the relationship itself is such an important part of healing.

    She values the accessibility that virtual therapy offers, allowing more people to receive the care they need without the barriers of travel or distance. Her counseling style blends attunement, affirmation, and a solution-focused approach, always rooted in the belief that each person is worthy of compassion and growth.

    Anna is a Licensed Master Social Worker and therapist. She earned her Master of Social Work degree in 2021 from ASU and is committed to helping individuals improve their life experience.

    A little more about Anna:
    Outside of her work, Anna finds joy in all things food—whether that’s cooking, sharing meals, or trying something new—along with time at the beach and quality moments with friends and family. Chocolate is her go-to pick-me-up, and dinner with loved ones is her favorite way to unwind after a long day. A fun fact? She still holds the cosmetology license she earned back in high school. Her playlist of choice is “classical goes pop,” which never fails to lift her spirits. If she had a superpower, it would be helping clients instantly recognize their intrinsic worth—a truth she works to highlight in every session.

    License #LMSW-20070

  • Amy Girimonti, LCSW, AASW Virtual and In- Person Therapist (ages 10+)

    For Amy (she/her), becoming a counselor is about learning to trust the process—even when the bigger picture isn’t clear yet. She’s passionate about providing affirming care for individuals navigating disordered eating, body image struggles, and identity exploration. She has a special heart for LGBTQIA+ youth and neurodiverse clients, creating spaces where they know they matter, feel truly seen, and can embrace their inherent worth.

    Amy’s counseling style is empathetic, collaborative, and empowering. She believes therapy isn’t about being “too late” or “too early”—it’s about starting where you are and knowing it’s never the wrong time to ask for support. She especially appreciates how virtual counseling makes care more flexible and accessible (and, as she likes to point out, traffic-free!). For those who feel nervous about starting, Amy reminds them it’s completely natural to feel that way—what matters most is taking that first brave step.

    Amy offers therapy in Glendale, AZ. She is a board-licensed master social worker and received her Bachelor’s in Psychology from Nova Southeastern University and her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Denver. She holds a certificate in Animal Assisted Social Work from the Institute of the Human Animal Connection and partook in the Professional Program in Eating and Weight Disorders at the University of California, Berkeley.

    A little more about Amy:
    Amy draws inspiration from Brené Brown’s work on courage, vulnerability, and connection, which deeply shapes how she shows up with clients. Outside of counseling, she finds joy in hiking, reading, and watching her kids play. Her favorite comfort snack is vegan Brussels sprout nachos (yes, really!), and her fun fact is that her parents’ names are—quite literally—Bert and Ernie. After a long day, you’ll likely find her unwinding with Bravo TV or The Great British Bake-Off, her top feel-good recommendation for clients. And when she needs a mood boost, nothing beats jamming to The Dead, The Beatles, or anything that makes her want to move.

    License #LCSW-22614


  • Heather Huiting, LCSW Virtual and In-person Therapist, Clinical Supervisor and Founder (ages 18+)

    Heather (she/her) started her career as a teacher, where she quickly noticed that many kids’ emotional and behavioral struggles weren’t being addressed in schools — creating barriers to their learning and growth. That realization inspired her to pursue counseling, with the hope of helping others navigate change in ways that bring healing and strength.

    She founded Embracing Change Counseling on the belief that while change is constant — and often uncomfortable — it can also be the pathway to becoming who we’re meant to be. Her counseling style is attuned, flexible, and connected, always focused on meeting clients exactly where they are.

    Heather is especially passionate about supporting LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities, shaped by her own upbringing in diverse neighborhoods with a single mom who taught her to value respect, curiosity, and compassion. She brings that same openness into her sessions, reminding clients that therapy isn’t what you see on TV — it’s about connection, trust, and simply showing up as yourself.

    Heather earned her Master of Social Work degree from Arizona State University in 2004 and has been helping adults ages 18+ create positive change for over 15 years. She is a Clinical Supervisor in Arizona, EMDR trained and deeply committed to advancing the social work profession while mentoring the next generation of clinicians. Heather prioritizes building a team of therapists for LGBTQ in Glendale, Arizona who are LGBTQIA2S+ and BIPOC allied, with a shared dedication to creating affirming spaces and dismantling hate.

    A little more about Heather:

    Outside of counseling, Heather enjoys arts and crafts, painting, and iced coffee breaks (with a soft spot for birthday cake). She loves sitcom rewatches like The Office and Superstore — and sometimes even sneaks those references into sessions. Above all, she wants her clients to know: the strength and beauty they’re searching for are already within them.


    License # LCSW-15434

FAQs

 We know starting therapy can bring up questions, and that’s completely normal.
This section is here to give you clarity about how we work, what to expect, and how we can best support you on your journey.

  • Our therapists are deeply committed to creating safe, affirming spaces for LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC clients. Each member of our team is trained to understand and honor the unique experiences, identities, and challenges that come with navigating marginalized communities. We hire and mentor therapists who are LGBTQIA2S+ and BIPOC allied, and who are dedicated to dismantling bias and hate in every aspect of their work. Whether you’re exploring identity, managing life stressors, or seeking support for trauma, our team approaches every client with empathy, respect, and care—ensuring you feel truly seen, heard, and supported.

  • Yes! All of our therapists are licensed in Arizona and meet the state’s professional standards for social work and counseling. You can feel confident that you’re receiving care from qualified, experienced clinicians who are dedicated to supporting your growth and well-being.

  • Yes! We encourage you to choose the therapist who feels like the best fit for you. Finding the right match is an important part of the therapeutic process, and we’re here to help guide you if you need support in making that choice.

 Ready to start your therapy journey?

Take the first step toward healing, growth, and support in a space where you’re truly seen. Our team is here to walk beside you, every step of the way.

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