Jamie Beidle, M.A, MFT-I

Jamie is Currently Accepting New Clients

Life can feel overwhelming at times. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, depression, grief, relationship challenges, trauma, postpartum changes, or a major life transition, you don’t have to face it alone. I believe healing begins when we feel truly seen, understood, and emotionally safe. My goal is to provide a compassionate, nonjudgmental space where you can explore your emotions, better understand yourself, and create meaningful, lasting change.

I work with individuals, couples, and families to strengthen relationships, improve communication, and build emotional resilience. Many of my clients come to therapy feeling stuck in painful patterns or disconnected from themselves or the people they love. Together, we’ll slow things down, make sense of what’s happening beneath the surface, and identify the patterns that keep you feeling overwhelmed. Through greater self-awareness and practical tools, my hope is that you’ll leave therapy feeling more confident, connected, and equipped to navigate life’s challenges.

My Therapeutic Approach

My work is rooted in a collaborative, person-centered approach that recognizes each person’s strengths, resilience, and capacity for growth. I primarily utilize Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and attachment-based interventions to help clients understand the “why” behind their emotions, behaviors, and relationship patterns. I also integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other evidence-based approaches to meet each client’s unique needs.

Whether we’re exploring relationship conflict, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, or life transitions, my focus is on helping you gain insight into your emotional experiences, develop healthier coping strategies, and create stronger, more secure relationships with yourself and others.

My Areas of Focus

I enjoy working with adults, couples, and families experiencing:

• Anxiety and depression
• Relationship and communication challenges
• Couples counseling and attachment injuries
• Pregnancy, postpartum depression and anxiety, and adjustment to parenthood
• Trauma and unresolved childhood experiences
• Grief and loss
• Life transitions and identity development
• Self-esteem and emotional regulation
• Stress and burnout
• Medical professionals and healthcare workers

I have a particular passion for supporting women through pregnancy, the postpartum period, and the many emotional transitions that accompany motherhood. I also enjoy helping couples rebuild trust, strengthen communication, and develop deeper emotional connection through evidence-based, attachment-focused therapy.

My Background

Before becoming a therapist, I spent several years working in healthcare as an X-ray and CT Technologist. That experience provided me with a deep appreciation for the connection between physical and emotional health and strengthened my desire to support people during some of life’s most vulnerable moments. I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology and human development in 2021 and my Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2024. My background in both healthcare and mental health allows me to approach each client with empathy, curiosity, and a holistic understanding of the many factors that influence emotional well-being.

What You Can Expect

I believe therapy works best when it feels collaborative, genuine, and tailored to your unique story. You don’t need to have everything figured out before your first appointment. Our initial sessions will focus on understanding what brings you to therapy, identifying your goals, and creating a plan that feels both supportive and achievable. Whether you’re working through anxiety, rebuilding your relationship, processing grief, or simply trying to better understand yourself, I will meet you with warmth, compassion, and respect every step of the way.

Clinical Supervision

I currently practice under the clinical supervision of Cornelius Sheehan, LCSW, and collaborate with the team at Individual & Relationship Counseling Associates to ensure clients receive thoughtful, evidence-based care.

Outside the Therapy Office

When I’m not working with clients, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, exploring Northern Nevada’s mountains and trails, staying active, and finding opportunities to connect with my community.

Let’s Connect

Taking the first step toward therapy can feel intimidating, but you don’t have to do it alone. I offer a free 15-minute consultation to answer your questions, learn more about what you’re looking for, and help you determine whether we’re a good fit. I look forward to connecting with you.

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Dedicated Support for Children, Teens, and Adults in Northern Nevada

As a compassionate couple, individual, and family therapist in Reno, I provide comprehensive care for children, adolescents, and adults. Deeply rooted in the Northern Nevada community, I grew up in rural Nevada and have called Reno home for the past 20 years. I am dedicated to providing high-quality therapy for individuals and families navigating life’s complex transitions.

I have extensive experience working with a highly diverse client population. In particular, I bring a specialized, foundational background as a forensic social worker, offering expert, non-judgmental support to individuals and families whose lives have been structurally impacted by incarceration or legal involvement.

Therapeutic Approach & Philosophy

I believe that a safe, healing environment begins with an empathic, collaborative relationship. Remaining deeply emotionally present, I adapt my style to the unique individual and relational needs of everyone I sit with. My practice is built on a person-centered, strength-based approach, ensuring you feel fully seen, valued, and empowered as a partner in your own growth.

From a professional perspective, I recognize that meaningful change requires an integrative focus. I look at how motivation, cognition, behavior, and interaction all intersect to shape our lives. Clients appreciate my straightforward, down-to-earth approach combined with an unwavering commitment to utilizing evidence-based modalities.

What to Expect in Sessions with Me

Whether you are navigating individual challenges or working through complex family dynamics, you can expect a transparent, supportive, and active therapeutic process. I work to uncover systemic patterns that may be keeping families stuck, helping communication flow more smoothly between parents, children, and partners.

In our sessions, I focus heavily on identifying existing strengths to build resilience. I offer a steady, grounded presence while introducing practical behavioral skills and insights designed to break stressful cycles, rebuild trust, and foster deeper emotional connection across generations.

Advanced Specializations & Trainings

I earned my Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Nevada, Reno. As a Clinical Social Work Intern (CSW-I), my postgraduate care is enhanced by intensive team collaboration and advanced training, including:

• Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT): Advanced Externship for couples and relational dynamics.
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): Specialized skills training, including DBT for Adolescents and Families (DBT-A).
• Reunification Therapy: Supporting families navigating complex transitions and rebuilding vital connections.

Beyond the Therapy Room

When I am not in the office, I am a passionate baseball fan and love cheering on my favorite teams.

Find the Right Connection

Our team at Individual & Relationship Counseling Associates works collaboratively to support the Reno community. While we all have extensive and ongoing training in attachment-based Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples, our clinicians provide specialized focus areas to help you find the right fit:

• Hillary Harris: Find internal safety and peace. Hillary focuses on individual and relationship therapy designed to move you through anxiety and toward a secure sense of self.
• Maddie Huntley: Navigate life transitions with confidence. Maddie offers specialized therapy for young adults facing family conflict or the challenges of early adulthood.
• Karen McKinney: Heal from the past. Karen provides compassionate relationship repair for individuals and couples, with a specialized focus on healing from addiction and trauma.
• Amy Aranda: Find your path back to connection. Amy focuses on helping individuals and couples move past “stuck” patterns to build clarity, balance, and security.
• Gina Bemis: Supporting adults, teens, children, and couples. Gina blends EFT and EMDR to help clients navigate trauma, grief, and family conflict to find lasting balance.
• Cornelius Sheehan: Guidance for deep change. As a veteran clinician, Cornelius provides expert care for complex family dynamics and long-term relationship repair, alongside depth-oriented psychotherapy for individuals.

Learn more about our Therapists in Reno.

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Because Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is backed by decades of rigorous clinical research and is widely considered the gold standard for repairing relationship distress, your decision is built on a solid foundation. Unlike traditional approaches that merely offer communication worksheets or act as a referee for weekly arguments, EFT goes straight to the root of connection: rewiring the patterns that dictate emotional safety and attachment security.  

However, recognizing the power of the EFT model is only the first step. For prospective clients, the next challenge is navigating the professional landscape to ensure the therapist you choose actually possesses the depth of training your relationship deserves.  

EFT Training is Rigorous and High-Quality  

Because EFT is highly effective, the letters “EFT” appear on many general therapist directories. But it is important to know that there is a vast difference between a generalist clinician who has watched an online presentation and a therapist who has committed to a structured, multi-year developmental path.  

Navigating General Therapist Directories

This gap in training happens because of how massive, self-reported therapist directories work. On those sites, “Emotionally Focused Therapy” is just a checkbox. Because there is no verification system, any well-meaning therapist who attended a brief weekend webinar or simply uses a “warm style” can check that box in good faith. However, they may completely lack the rigorous, advanced training required to actually navigate intense relationship distress.

For couples in crisis, this distinction matters immensely. Therapy is a major investment of your time, money, and vulnerability. If a clinician hasn’t been trained to track and untangle the specific emotional loops that keep couples stuck, partners often leave therapy feeling defeated—mistakenly believing that the EFT model itself doesn’t work.

We highlight these training differences to protect your care and remove the guesswork. When you are looking for specialized relationship support, you deserve to know exactly what stands behind a checkbox. A trained EFT specialist will always be completely transparent about their specific training milestones, giving you total confidence that your relationship is in expert hands.

True fluency in navigating deep-seated, reactive relationship loops requires an investment in focused, specialized training. The benchmark for this training path is governed internationally by the International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT).  

When you are reviewing a professional’s qualifications, know that the official ICEEFT sequence involves:

1. The Externship: A foundational, four-day intensive immersion into the core theory and tracking maps of the model.
2. Core Skills Advancement: A multi-month, small-group program requiring clinicians to bring real, masked session recordings into peer groups for intensive intervention review.
3. Supervised Consultation: One-on-one consultation with a Certified Supervisor to sharpen attunement, precision, and safety.

Why Direct Certified Supervision Matters for You  

When you choose a professional to help heal your relationship, you shouldn’t have to wonder if they are operating entirely in a vacuum or guessing their way through a complex session.  

Individual & Relationship Counseling Associates functions under a unique structure for the Northern Nevada region. The practice director, Cornelius Sheehan, LCSW, is an ICEEFT Certified Supervisor. This means that the highest tier of credentialing, video review, and case conceptualization established by the international community are a regular part of the practice’s operations.  

Whether a provider on staff is a fully licensed clinician or a post-graduate associate accumulating advanced specialization hours, the entire clinical team participates in intensive weekly clinical supervision and consultation under direct, certified guidance. Individual backgrounds and training milestones can be reviewed on the Meet Our Team page.  

Why This Builds Reassurance for Your Care  

When you step into an office with any therapist at the practice, you are receiving a highly collaborative form of care:  

• A Team Approach: The therapist isn’t managing the relationship dynamic alone. They are backed by weekly case-planning sessions directed by a certified supervisor.  
• Consistent, Focused Care: Because the entire staff works under the exact same attachment-focused umbrella, post-graduate interns and associates provide elite, highly focused interventions that rival many generalist practitioners.  
• Treatment that is On Track: Every step of the therapeutic journey is reviewed for clinical precision, ensuring your time and financial investment stay sharply aligned with relationship goals.  

Improving Your Search

If you are interviewing providers, you always have the right to ask clear questions about their training. A dedicated specialist will welcome them with total transparency:

1. “Have you completed an official, four-day ICEEFT Externship?”
2. “Do you participate in weekly clinical supervision specific to the EFT model?”
3. “Is your practice guided or supervised directly by a Certified EFT Supervisor?”

By making sure the therapist you choose to work with meets these standards, you remove the guesswork from your care. You ensure that the model you have chosen is delivered with the precision and depth required for lasting safety and connection right here in Northern Nevada.  

If you are ready to see how a structured approach can help break old cycles, you can learn more about how to start therapy in Reno, or reach out to the practice Care Coordinator, Tammy to set up a no-cost consultation call.

The post You’ve Decided to Work with an Emotionally Focused Therapist for Couples. Here’s What You Need to Know. appeared first on Individual & Relationship Counseling Associates, Reno - Cornelius Sheehan, LCSW.

But there is another side to the story. Many parents and grandparents find themselves cut off, feeling confused and heartbroken. They aren’t always villains; often, they simply don’t understand what went wrong.

In our current culture, the pendulum has swung from “stay at all costs” to “cut them off if it hurts.” While this shift has helped many escape abuse, it has also oversimplified complex human relationships.

The Problem with the “Toxic” Label

The word toxic is everywhere. Sometimes it’s accurate—describing relationships defined by abuse or coercion. In those cases, distance is life-saving. However, the label is increasingly used to describe:

• Emotional immaturity or poor communication.
• Generational trauma playing out in reactive ways.
• Attachment injuries where both sides feel like the victim.

When we label every painful interaction as “toxic,” we lose the ability to distinguish between danger and dysregulation. One requires an exit; the other might require a different kind of boundary or repair.

It’s Usually About Fear, Not Malice

Attachment research shows that most family conflict is driven by two deep fears: the fear of being abandoned and the fear of being inadequate. When these fears are triggered, we move into survival mode:

• The Pursuer: Attempts to secure connection through control, criticism, or emotional intensity (which can feel like an attack).
• The Withdrawer: Attempts to protect themselves through silence, denial, or distance (which can feel like coldness).

Over time, these “protection strategies” become a cycle. Parents may defend against the shame of failing, while adult children protect themselves from repeated hurt. Neither side intended to destroy the bond, but neither knows how to stop the bleeding.

How I Work With Families: An Attachment Lens

As an EFFT (Emotionally Focused Family Therapy) therapist, I view estrangement not as a simple moral judgment, but as a painful attachment rupture. In my practice, the central question isn’t “Who is right?” but rather: “What happened to the safety and accessibility in this relationship?”

Estrangement often begins as a protest—a desperate demand to be seen or heard. When those protests fail, they harden into a decision that needing the relationship is simply too risky. My work involves slowing down these reactive cycles so family members can finally name the fears underneath the conflict.

Whether we are working toward reconciliation or processing the grief of a permanent cutoff, the goal is clarity. We focus on moving past the “villain/victim” narrative to understand the underlying injuries. This allows for a path forward that is based on grounded reality rather than reactive pain or unresolved shame.

Finding the Middle Ground

Choosing distance isn’t a “failure,” but it doesn’t have to be the only option for growth. A more nuanced approach allows us to:

1. Protect safety and name harm clearly.
2. Acknowledge the nuance of generational trauma.
3. Distinguish between “bad people” and “bad tools.”

Where This Leaves Us

A trauma-informed approach to estrangement is not “stay no matter what,” nor is it “leave at the first sign of pain.” It is about protecting safety while respecting the messy reality of human connection.

Most people do not wake up intending to damage their family; they are reacting to old wounds using strategies formed long before they had better options. This doesn’t make the behavior harmless, but it changes what healing requires.

Our task is to resist simple narratives. Whether the path forward leads to reconciliation, firm boundaries, or a final goodbye, we owe it to ourselves to move toward a conclusion that is honest, patient, and grounded in reality.

Family-Focused Therapy for Individuals

While estrangement is a family dynamic, the weight of it is carried by the individual. Navigating a “cutoff” often triggers deep-seated anxiety, grief, or a questioning of one’s own identity. This is where individual therapy in Reno can be a transformative resource. Rather than focusing on “fixing” the other person, individual sessions provide a dedicated space to process your own attachment wounds, establish healthy boundaries, and reclaim your sense of peace. Whether you are seeking a therapist in Reno to help navigate the fallout of a family rift or to work through the trauma that led to it, focusing on your own internal healing is often the most vital step toward a resolution.

Moving Toward Clarity

If you are navigating the pain of family estrangement—whether you are the one who initiated the distance or the one left behind—you don’t have to carry the weight of “simple” labels alone. Healing begins when we look honestly at the patterns and the pain beneath them.

If you are in the Reno area and would like a safe, structured space to explore these dynamics, I am here to help. You can learn more about my approach to family therapy or reach out to schedule an initial conversation.

The post Family Estrangement: Why “Toxic” Isn’t Usually the Whole Story appeared first on Individual & Relationship Counseling Associates, Reno - Cornelius Sheehan, LCSW.

Hi, I’m Amy Aranda, a clinical social work intern at Individual & Relationship Counseling Associates. With over 7 years of experience in the mental health field—including extensive experience in community health and wellness—I am a compassionate therapist in Reno dedicated to helping adult individuals and couples build the secure connections they need to live with greater ease and fulfillment.

I understand that when your most important relationships feel strained, every part of life feels heavier. I am passionate about helping both individuals and couples move past the ‘stuck’ patterns of conflict and disconnection. Together, we will work to restore clarity, balance, and connection, giving you the tools to navigate life’s challenges with a renewed sense of security and partnership.

My Therapeutic Approach

I believe everyone deserves to feel truly heard and understood. My approach is collaborative and compassionate, and I work side by side with clients to create meaningful change. I have training in attachment-based Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples and therapist for individuals, which means I focus on strengthening the bonds that help us feel secure, connected, and resilient.

By using the science of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), we look past the surface-level arguments to find the emotional safety that allows a relationship to truly thrive.

In addition to EFT, I draw from a variety of evidence-based therapies to support your unique needs, always with the goal of helping you navigate emotional struggles and move toward the life and relationships you want. Whether you’re seeking support for individual concerns or want to deepen your connection with a partner, I provide a safe, supportive environment where growth and healing can take place.

About Me Outside of Therapy

Outside of my work as a therapist, I love teaching Zumba fitness and ice skating classes. For me, movement, artistry, and self-expression are an important part of self-care, and I find joy in inspiring others to have fun while learning new skills.

I also treasure time with my wife and our beloved pets. In the summer, we enjoy camping and being outdoors together—it’s one of the ways I recharge and stay grounded.

A note from Cornelius:

Amy has a warm, easy presence that helps people feel comfortable sharing what’s difficult to put into words. She pays close attention to what clients are experiencing and responds in a way that helps them feel understood, while also helping them sort through things and begin to move forward.
Each therapist in this practice is someone I trust to provide thoughtful, careful work with the people they see. At Individual & Relationship Counseling Associates, our goal is to offer care that is grounded, respectful, and genuinely helpful, guided by well-established, research-informed approaches—and that’s the standard they bring to their work every day.

Supervision and Fees

I am currently practicing under the supervision of Cornelius Sheehan, LCSW. I am committed to offering high-quality, client-centered care. My standard session fee is $120, and I also offer a sliding-scale option to help make therapy more accessible.

Availability

I am available for sessions most weekdays after 3:00 pm, with some Saturday appointments also offered. I do my best to remain flexible to meet client and scheduling needs.

Find the Right Connection: Our Therapists in Reno

Our team at Individual & Relationship Counseling Associates works collaboratively to support the Reno community. While we all have extensive and ongoing training in attachment-based Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples, our clinicians provide specialized focus areas to help you find the right fit:

• Hillary Harris: Find internal safety and peace. Hillary focuses on individual and relationship therapy designed to move you through anxiety and toward a secure sense of self.
• Gina Bemis: Strengthen your family bond. Gina specializes in EFT-based couple and family support, helping both the unit and the individual grow together.
• Maddie Huntley: Navigate life transitions with confidence. Maddie offers specialized therapy for young adults facing family conflict or the challenges of early adulthood.
• Karen McKinney: Heal from the past. Karen provides compassionate relationship repair for individuals and couples, with a specialized focus on healing from addiction and trauma.
• Cornelius Sheehan: Guidance for deep change. As a veteran clinician, Cornelius provides expert care for complex family dynamics and long-term relationship repair, alongside depth-oriented psychotherapy for individuals.

The post Amy Aranda, CSW-I appeared first on Individual & Relationship Counseling Associates, Reno - Cornelius Sheehan, LCSW.

This article offers a clear, practical overview of how couples therapy—especially Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)—can help you reconnect, communicate more effectively, and move forward with greater confidence.

Expect Respect and Care for Your Values

Very importantly, you will be met with respect for your personal and shared views and values.

Our therapists are experienced in helping couples reach toward one another in a more open, connected way. At the same time, we remain grounded in the understanding that you are the expert on your relationship and what you want for it.

In that sense, we function as highly trained guides—helping you move toward your goals without telling you what decisions to make.

You should never feel judged or “ganged up on.” We pay close attention to how each of you experiences the process, and we adjust when needed to ensure both partners feel understood and supported.

What Is Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples?

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is grounded in the science of attachment—how we bond with one another and what happens when those bonds are strained or disrupted.

If you’d like a deeper explanation, you can learn more about Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy here.

For those looking for a concentrated experience, our Couples Retreat in Reno offers a weekend intensive format.

At a practical level, EFT focuses on helping couples:

• Feel safer and more supported with each other
• Communicate more openly and honestly
• Build a stronger, more secure foundation for the relationship

Rather than focusing only on surface communication, EFT helps you understand why certain reactions happen—especially in moments of disconnection—and how to respond in ways that bring you closer instead of further apart.

Over time, partners begin to experience their importance to one another more clearly, and that shift often changes the tone of the entire relationship.

Three Phases of Work in EFT

• PHASE ONE: Understanding the recurrent patterns that cause distance or conflict. We call this phase, “de-escalation.”
• PHASE TWO: Rebuilding the emotional bond by fostering clear two-way communication of longings, fears and pain spots.
• PHASE THREE: Consolidate these changes by applying them to past difficulties and future scenarios.

What Actually Happens in a Couples Therapy Session?

In your first session, we’ll talk about what brought you in and what you hope will change.

There’s no “right” way to begin. You don’t need to prepare anything in advance.

By the end of that first meeting, you can expect:

• A clearer understanding of how we see the challenges
• A general roadmap for the work ahead
• A sense of whether this approach feels like a good fit

Ready to see how this works for your relationship? Schedule a consultation in Reno today.

What Ongoing Sessions Typically Look Like

Couples therapy follows a clear direction, but the process unfolds naturally in conversation.

Here’s what we focus on:

Identifying Relationship Patterns
We work together to understand the cycles that lead to conflict or distance. This helps shift the focus away from blame and toward the pattern itself.

Practicing New Ways of Communicating
You’ll begin to have different kinds of conversations—often with guidance in the moment—so you can express what matters more clearly and hear each other more fully.

Developing a Stronger Emotional Connection
As the work progresses, conversations become more open and direct, helping both partners feel more secure and connected.

Feeling ready to talk? View our therapist’s availability in Reno and book online.

Step-by-Step: How the Process Unfolds

Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFCT) in Reno is a structured, collaborative process aimed at strengthening your emotional bond.

Understanding Your Relationship Patterns
We identify the recurring cycles—conflict, withdrawal, miscommunication—that keep you stuck, and begin to see them as a shared challenge.

Exploring the Emotions Beneath the Conflict
You’ll have the opportunity to express deeper feelings that often go unspoken—such as hurt, fear, or longing for closeness—in a way that can be heard and understood.

Rebuilding Trust and Security
With support, you’ll begin turning toward each other differently—responding with more openness, reassurance, and care.

Creating New Patterns of Connection
Over time, you develop more reliable ways of staying connected and working through challenges together.

For more detail about how sessions are structured, you can explore our page about couples therapy here.

How Long Does It Take to See Results?

Each couple’s situation is different, but many begin to notice meaningful shifts within the first few sessions.

In our experience:

• Noticeable changes often begin within 4–10 sessions
• A full course of therapy is typically around 18–24 sessions
• Some couples continue periodic sessions to maintain progress and work through future challenges

The most important indicator is not the number of sessions, but whether the relationship begins to feel different—more open, more responsive, and more secure.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re ready to explore how EFT in Reno can help, you can go here to get started.

Taking this step can feel like a lot. From your first contact with Tammy, our Care Coordinator, we work to make the process clear and manageable.

You can call us at 775-235-2205

What actually happens in the first couples therapy session?

In your first session at our Reno office, we focus on understanding the “cycle” of your conflict rather than choosing sides. You’ll discuss what brought you in, and by the end of the hour, we will provide a roadmap for how Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) can help you reconnect. There is no need to prepare; just come as you are.

How many sessions will we need before we see progress?

While every relationship is unique, many couples in our practice begin to feel a shift in their communication within 4 to 10 sessions. A full course of EFT, which aims for long-term emotional security and structural change in the relationship, typically spans 18 to 24 sessions.

Will the therapist take sides or tell us if we should stay together?

No. As therapists, we function as guides, not judges. Our role is to help you understand your relationship’s patterns so you can make informed decisions. We work hard to ensure neither partner feels “ganged up on,” maintaining a neutral, supportive environment for both of you.

Do you accept insurance for couples counseling in Reno?

We are a Hometown Health Plan provider and can work with various insurance structures. We recommend contacting our Care Coordinator, Tammy, to verify your specific coverage and understand your investment before your first session.

What if my partner is reluctant to attend therapy?

It is very common for one partner to feel more hesitant than the other. We suggest starting with just one “consultation” session to see if the environment feels safe and respectful. Often, when partners realize the focus is on the pattern rather than their faults, the reluctance decreases.

Moving forward with therapy is a meaningful investment in your relationship. We’re here to help you make that step with clarity and confidence.

The post Starting Couples Therapy? What to Expect in Your First Sessions appeared first on Individual & Relationship Counseling Associates, Reno - Cornelius Sheehan, LCSW.

Whether you’re facing relationship challenges, managing stress, or striving to align your life with your values, I’m here to support you with warmth, curiosity, and respect.

How We Will Work Togther: My Therapeutic Approach

My therapy approach is rooted in humanist principles, emphasizing your inherent strengths and unique capacity for growth and self-discovery. I draw from a variety of evidence-based modalities to support your unique needs. By integrating different approaches, I tailor therapy to help you gain clarity, build confidence, and create meaningful change in your life.

The Perspective I Bring as a Professional

With a background in public policy, outdoor recreation, and health and human services, I bring a broad perspective to my work. I understand that personal challenges are deeply influenced by our environments, relationships, and lived experiences. My goal is to provide a safe and supportive space where we can explore your story together and develop practical tools to help you navigate life’s complexities with greater ease.

Is this a good fit?

I find that my approach works best for individuals who feel “stuck” in their current patterns and are looking for a collaborative, non-judgmental space to explore new perspectives. Whether you are a teen navigating high school social pressures or a couple trying to find your way back to each other, we will work at a pace that feels safe and productive for you. I’ll of course be happy to provide a free phone consultation to help you decide.

Your First Session

Our first meeting is about getting comfortable. We’ll spend time discussing what brings you to therapy right now and what you hope to change. You don’t need to have all the answers or a “plan” before you arrive—my job is to help you organize those thoughts and create a path forward together.

A note from Cornelius:

Maddie has a warm, approachable way of being that helps people settle in, even when they’re unsure about starting therapy. She listens carefully and responds in a way that helps clients feel understood, creating space to make sense of what’s going on and begin moving forward.

Each therapist in this practice is someone I trust to provide thoughtful, careful work with the people they see. At Individual & Relationship Counseling Associates, our goal is to offer care that is grounded, respectful, and genuinely helpful, guided by well-established, research-informed approaches—and that’s the standard they bring to their work every day.

Supervision and Fees

I am currently practicing under the clinical supervision of Cornelius Sheehan, LCSW, ensuring that my clients benefit from a collaborative, highly supported approach to their care. My standard session fee is $130, and I offer a sliding-scale option to accommodate financial needs.

About Me Outside of My Therapy Work

When I’m not in the therapy room, I enjoy getting lost in a good book or exploring the mountains, deserts, and trails that make Northern Nevada such a special place.

Get in Touch

If you’re ready to take the next step and would like a consultation, I’d love to connect with you. You can reach me at:
📞 775-235-2205
🌐 www.csheehanjr.com

Or, you can schedule online here.

Find the Right Connection: Our Therapists in Reno

Our team at Individual & Relationship Counseling Associates works collaboratively to support the Reno community. While we all have extensive and ongoing training in attachment-based Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples, our clinicians provide specialized focus areas to help you find the right fit:

• Hillary Harris: Find internal safety and peace. Hillary focuses on individual and relationship therapy designed to move you through anxiety and toward a secure sense of self.
• Gina Bemis: Strengthen your family bond. Gina specializes in EFT-based couple and family support, helping both the unit and the individual grow together.
• Maddie Huntley: Navigate life transitions with confidence. Maddie offers specialized therapy for adults facing family conflict or the challenges of early adulthood.
• Karen McKinney: Heal from the past. Karen provides compassionate relationship repair for individuals and couples, with a specialized focus on healing from addiction and trauma.
• Cornelius Sheehan: Guidance for deep change. As a veteran clinician, Cornelius provides expert care for complex family dynamics and long-term relationship repair, alongside depth-oriented psychotherapy for individuals.

The post Maddie Huntley, CSW-I, Therapist in Reno appeared first on Individual & Relationship Counseling Associates, Reno - Cornelius Sheehan, LCSW.

When a relationship is strained by the weight of addiction, trauma, or long-standing conflict, it can feel as though the very foundation of your life has washed away. I’m Karen McKinney, a relationship therapist in Reno dedicated to helping individuals and couples navigate these deep fractures to find their way back to solid ground. I provide a compassionate, safe space where you can address the hard truths of the past while building a practical roadmap for a secure and connected future.

My approach is rooted in the science of attachment and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), which allows us to look beneath the surface of the “stuck” patterns that drive disconnection. Whether you are navigating the complexities of recovery or seeking to heal from old wounds through EMDR, we will work together to restore clarity, balance, and connection. I believe that even the most painful cycles can be transformed into opportunities for genuine emotional intimacy and lasting resilience.

Therapy Services with Karen McKinney in Reno, NV

Karen works with clients on a wide range of concerns, including:

• Relationship issues
• Anxiety and depression
• PTSD and trauma
• Addiction and recovery
• Other mental health challenges

She views behavior as a natural response to life’s challenges and provides a safe, empathetic space where clients feel seen and supported on their path to healing.

Karen’s Therapy Approach

Karen combines evidence-based therapies with a compassionate, strengths-focused style to help clients achieve meaningful growth. Her specialized training includes:

Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFCT)

• An attachment-based, research-supported approach for couples.
• Helps partners reduce conflict, rebuild trust, and create deeper emotional connection.

Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT)

• Based in attachment science, EFIT helps clients understand emotional patterns and strengthen self-regulation.
• Promotes long-term emotional well-being.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

• Effective for trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and phobias.
• Supported by thousands of studies, EMDR helps accelerate recovery and transformation.

Motivational Interviewing

• A collaborative, strengths-based method.
• Supports self-awareness and empowers clients to make lasting change.

Karen’s person-centered style creates a safe, supportive environment where clients can explore challenges and embrace their potential.

Why Karen Became a Therapist

Later in life, Karen returned to school to follow her passion for helping people heal emotionally. She finds it deeply rewarding to witness clients:

• Gain clarity around emotional patterns
• Build self-esteem and confidence
• Develop healthy coping strategies
• Create more fulfilling lives

She understands that change is difficult but knows the rewards are profound and lasting.

A note from Cornelius:

Karen has a warm, steady presence that helps people feel supported and at ease as they begin to talk about what’s been difficult. She listens closely and responds in a thoughtful, grounded way that helps clients feel understood while also making steady progress.

Each therapist in this practice is someone I trust to provide thoughtful, careful work with the people they see. At Individual & Relationship Counseling Associates, our goal is to offer care that is grounded, respectful, and genuinely helpful, guided by well-established, research-informed approaches—and that’s the standard they bring to their work every day.

About Reno Therapist Karen McKinney

Karen lives in Reno, NV, with her husband and two dogs. She and her husband recently purchased an RV and enjoy exploring Nevada’s landscapes. A proud mother of three and grandmother of six, Karen treasures her family roles.

Her personal experience with addiction and mental health challenges allows her to connect with clients on a deeper level, offering compassion and real understanding.

Getting Started with Therapy in Reno

• Standard session fee: $160
• Insurance accepted: Hometown Health
• Limited sliding scale options available

If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship issues, you don’t have to face it alone. Karen offers a safe and supportive space to begin healing.

Call our office today to schedule an appointment with Karen McKinney, LCSW, LCADC in Reno, NV.

Find the Right Connection

Our team at Individual & Relationship Counseling Associates works collaboratively to support the Reno community. While we all have extensive and ongoing training in attachment-based Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples, our clinicians provide specialized focus areas to help you find the right fit:

• Hillary Harris: Find internal safety and peace. Hillary focuses on individual and relationship therapy designed to move you through anxiety and toward a secure sense of self.
• Gina Bemis: Strengthen your bond. Gina specializes in EFT-based couple and family support, helping both the unit and the individual grow together.
• Maddie Huntley: Navigate life transitions with confidence. Maddie offers specialized therapy for young adults facing family conflict or the challenges of early adulthood.
• Amy Aranda: Find your path back to connection. Amy focuses on helping individuals and couples move past “stuck” patterns to build clarity, balance, and security.
• Cornelius Sheehan: Guidance for deep change. As a veteran clinician, Cornelius provides expert care for complex marriage and family dynamics and long-term relationship repair, alongside depth-oriented psychotherapy for individuals.

The post Karen McKinney, LCSW, LCADC-S appeared first on Individual & Relationship Counseling Associates, Reno - Cornelius Sheehan, LCSW.

When a family is in conflict or an individual feels overwhelmed by life’s transitions, it can feel as though you are speaking different languages, even in the same home. I’m Gina Bemis, a therapist in Carson City, NV and Reno dedicated to helping children, teens, and adults bridge those gaps. My priority is to create a collaborative, compassionate space where every voice is heard, helping you move from a place of frustration toward a life of genuine understanding and balance.

My work is deeply rooted in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples and families, as well as specialized trauma care through EMDR. Whether you are looking to repair a rift with your partner, support a child through creative play therapy, or find your own internal safety after a difficult experience, we will work together to build the practical tools and deep insights needed for lasting change. You don’t have to navigate these challenges alone; we can find the path back to connection together.

Personalized, Evidence-Based Care

I draw on research-backed methods to address your specific challenges, tailoring each session to focus on practical tools and deeper insights that lead to meaningful progress. My approach is grounded in fostering a strong therapeutic relationship, empowering clients to build the skills and understanding needed for lasting change.

Modalities: A Comprehensive Toolbox

I use a variety of therapeutic modalities to best meet my clients’ needs, including:

• Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT): Supporting couples and individuals in deepening connection and repairing relationships.
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Promoting mindfulness and values-driven action.
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Helping individuals heal from trauma and distressing experiences. I have completed EMDR training and am actively working toward certification.
• Expressive Arts and Play Therapy: Encouraging creative expression for children and adults.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Identifying and reshaping negative thought patterns.

I have specialized training in working with PTSD, trauma, grief and loss, anxiety, and psychosis. Whether you’re seeking support as an individual, a couple, or as part of a family, I provide care that prioritizes meaningful growth and healing. Learn more about our Therapists in Reno.

A Rich Background in Social Work and Community Care

I have lived and worked in the Reno area for over 20 years and have been a licensed practicing social worker since 2003. My early career included volunteering at a hospice agency, where I supported individuals grieving the loss of loved ones. While completing my master’s degree, I co-facilitated a bereavement group with a local therapist, further deepening my skills in grief support.

For a decade, I worked as a state-employed social worker with diverse populations, including older and physically disabled clients. One of my most rewarding roles was helping clients remain in their homes as they aged. During my undergraduate studies, I had the unique opportunity to live in Guam, where I gained a deep appreciation for the Chamorro culture while completing my degree and internship. These experiences have helped me know the importance of seeing diversity, always taking a compassionate approach, and having a commitment to understanding each client’s perspective.

A note from Cornelius:

Gina has a warm, steady way of being with people that helps them slow down and feel more at ease as they begin to share what’s going on. She listens carefully and responds with a kind of presence that helps clients feel understood, even when emotions are difficult or overwhelming.

Each clinician in this practice is someone I trust to provide thoughtful, careful work with the people they see. At Individual & Relationship Counseling Associates, our goal is to offer care that is grounded, respectful, and genuinely helpful, guided by well-established, research-informed approaches—and that’s the standard they bring to their work every day.

Let’s Get Started

If you’re struggling or simply looking to improve aspects of your life, I’m here to help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take steps toward creating a more fulfilling and balanced life. I look forward to supporting you on this journey.

Fees and Insurance: My fee is $160 and our office will provide you the necessary information, including an insurance superbill to pursue reimbursement. I am an in-network provider for Hometown Health Plan.

Find the Right Connection

Our team at Individual & Relationship Counseling Associates works collaboratively to support the Reno community. While we all have extensive and ongoing training in attachment-based Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples, our clinicians provide specialized focus areas to help you find the right fit:

• Hillary Harris: Find internal safety and peace. Hillary focuses on individual and relationship therapy designed to move you through anxiety and toward a secure sense of self.
• Maddie Huntley: Navigate life transitions with confidence. Maddie offers specialized therapy for young adults facing family conflict or the challenges of early adulthood.
• Karen McKinney: Heal from the past. Karen provides compassionate relationship repair for individuals and couples, with a specialized focus on healing from addiction and trauma.
• Amy Aranda: Find your path back to connection. Amy focuses on helping individuals and couples move past “stuck” patterns to build clarity, balance, and security.
• Sara Sims: Build strong foundations. Sara blends a down-to-earth approach with evidence-based modalities to help children, teens, and families navigate complex transitions and rebuild generational connection.
• Cornelius Sheehan: Guidance for deep change. As a veteran clinician, Cornelius provides expert care for complex family dynamics and long-term relationship repair, alongside depth-oriented psychotherapy for individuals.

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When life feels overwhelming, it’s easy to feel stuck in a cycle of anxiety or disconnection—longing for a deeper sense of peace but unsure how to get there. I’m Hillary Harris, a therapist in Reno and Carson City. I am dedicated to helping you navigate those difficult moments. My first priority is to create a safe, supportive space where you feel truly seen and understood, providing the foundation you need to move toward the life and relationships that matter most to you.

Healing begins when we understand the patterns that keep us stuck. I practice attachment-based Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), a proven approach for individuals and couples seeking to move past surface-level conflict and toward a secure, lasting connection. Whether you are navigating a painful rift with a partner or looking to find internal safety within yourself, I am here to guide you through the small, meaningful shifts that lead to deep trust and genuine closeness.

How I Can Help

My work is grounded in attachment-based Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), a proven approach for healing and strengthening relationships, alone or as a couple. Whether you’re navigating painful disconnection with a partner or struggling to make sense of your own emotions, I’ll help you identify the patterns that keep you stuck and guide you toward new ways of connecting that feel more supportive and secure. The change often begins with small, meaningful shifts—moments of reaching and responding differently—that open the door to deeper trust and lasting closeness.

I also do a form of short-term, focused trauma resolution therapy called, Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART).

My Approach

Specialty Areas:

• Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT): An evidence-based approach that helps strengthen emotional bonds and improve communication. It focuses on creating a greater sense of safety and connection in relationships.
• Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART): Helps people find relief from distressing memories in a relatively short period of time. Through guided eye movements, clients can process difficult experiences and feel less overwhelmed by them.
• Attachment-Based EFT for Individuals (EFIT): Focused on helping you heal and grow as an individual.
• Brainspotting: A powerful, focused treatment method designed to help process trauma and access deep emotional healing.

A strong connection between therapist and client is essential for therapy to work. Learn more about the importance of the therapy working alliance here. Together, we’ll explore the patterns that are keeping you stuck and find ways to create lasting change.

Who I Work With

I’m especially passionate about working with:

• Couples wanting to rebuild connection and trust. Read more about couples therapy here.
• First responders and military personnel navigating high-stress environments.
• Individuals coping with relationship loss or the effects of trauma. Read more about individual therapy here.

I have extensive, past experience as a military spouse with children. This experience has given me insight into the unique challenges faced by people in high-stakes, high-stress roles, and I bring that understanding into my work. Emotionally Focused Therapy is a well-researched model for helping military couples and families. I’ll be happy to talk with you about your specific circumstances and how I can help.

What to Expect

At Individual and Relationship Counseling Associates, we focus on providing compassionate, focused, personalized care. I’m part of a dedicated, collaborative team and regularly consult with our Clinical Director, Cornelius Sheehan, LCSW, to ensure I’m offering the best possible support for my clients.

Session Details

• Fee: $160 per session with a sliding scale.
• Insurance Accepted: Hometown Health Plan
• Ages Served: 18 and older

Hillary’s Areas of Expertise

• Relationship Issues
• Trauma and PTSD
• Veterans
• Addiction
• Anxiety
• Codependency
• Depression
• Divorce
• Family Conflict
• First Responders
• Grief
• Life Transitions
• Marital and Premarital Counseling
• Spirituality
• Stress

More About Hillary

I’m a mom of three teens. When I’m not in the therapy room I’m usually enjoying one of the beautiful outdoor opportunities that are a part of living in Northern Nevada.

A note from Cornelius:

Hillary has a warm, steady way of being with people that helps them feel understood and safe enough to begin opening up. She listens closely and picks up on what matters beneath the surface, helping clients make meaningful progress in their relationships and in themselves.

Each therapist in this practice is someone I trust to provide thoughtful, careful work with the people they see. At Individual & Relationship Counseling Associates, our goal is to offer care that is grounded, respectful, and genuinely helpful, guided by well-established, research-informed approaches—and that’s the standard they bring to their work every day.

Get Started in Therapy with Hillary Harris

I’m here to help you navigate the challenges you’re facing and support your journey toward emotional health and stronger relationships. Let’s work together to help you move forward. Call now, or use our contact form for a free consultation.

Hillary is an Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) provider for first responders.

If you are a first responder, veteran, or active military in need of relief from job-related trauma, Hillary is here to help. If you are an organization with members/employees or an individual seeking treatment, please follow the link below to complete the form and TRM promptly contact you.

TRM will cover the cost of the session. All information will be kept strictly confidential.

Find the Right Connection

Our team at Individual & Relationship Counseling Associates works collaboratively to support the Reno community. While we all have extensive and ongoing training in attachment-based Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples, our clinicians provide specialized focus areas to help you find the right fit:

• Gina Bemis: Strengthen your family bond. Gina specializes in EFT-based couple and family support, helping both the unit and the individual grow together.
• Maddie Huntley: Navigate life transitions with confidence. Maddie offers specialized therapy for young adults facing family conflict or the challenges of early adulthood.
• Karen McKinney: Heal from the past. Karen provides compassionate relationship repair for individuals and couples, with a specialized focus on healing from addiction and trauma.
• Amy Aranda: Find your path back to connection. Amy focuses on helping individuals and couples move past “stuck” patterns to build clarity, balance, and security.
• Cornelius Sheehan: Guidance for deep change. As a veteran clinician, Cornelius provides expert care for complex family dynamics and long-term relationship repair, alongside depth-oriented psychotherapy for individuals.

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