Carla Runnels, MA, LPC

I spent many years of my career trying to help people visualize a moment in their lives where they felt completely at peace. Where there was nothing in their lives since then that could knock those moments down. These moments were untarnished by what was and would be. For me, that was in an Aspen Grove on a snow capped mountain called Snowbowl in Flagstaff, Arizona. It was completely quiet. The air was fresh. It was morning so it felt just a tad damp but not unpleasant at all. I was completely at peace. The grove trees clearly carried secrets shared amongst people there before, sweet shared experiences between lovers, and solitary moments of peace. For me, it was pure and magical. I decided to name my business after that moment in time where I was 100% present and without a care in the world other than being in that moment. I was whole. Every time I close my eyes and think of that moment, I feel calmer, lighter, and a little bit happier. The cool thing about Aspen trees is that they usually aren’t solitary trees. These trees are in a network of trees. They are meant to be connected to others whether that be family or the extended community. They are mysterious and loud. Demanding. Courageous against the elements. They are rare and beautiful. Every season, even the dark ones, cannot steal its beauty. You can love all the parts of what makes it what it is. They shed what they don’t need freely as it has no use for them. These trees are meant to bathe in the warmth and sunlight. Even when it is almost doomed and flames are moving around it, it withstands. Aspen trees are who we were always meant to be and can be. Sometimes we just have to get help to get there. You are not alone. And congratulations for taking that first step on your road to recovery. If you struggle with substance use or mood disorders you've come to the right place. Sometimes our story includes twists and turns that keeps us from moving forward in our lives. That might be through turbulent relationships, use of substances or a loved one struggling with substance use, bouts of depression or anxiety that impacts their quality of life, a loved one passing away or our own thinking patterns that influence our behaviors. My goal is assisting you with moving forward, finding new solutions or courses of action, and helping you build your toolbox so that you can cope more productively. I have over 13 years of experience working with addictions and mood disorders. These include a variety of settings from drug and alcohol inpatient, intensive outpatient, partial hospitalizations, outpatient, private practice and even corporate for a multisite addiction treatment company where I created much of their program and treatment materials as a curriculum developer and trainer for all sites. I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from McDaniel College and a Master of Arts degree is Clinical Psychology at West Chester University of Pennsylvania. My style is empathic, validating, and even humorous to help establish rapport and to form a therapeutic relationship that feels safe and comfortable for you. I place an emphasis on building collaborative therapeutic relationships that help you to feel understood and accepted. I believe whole heartedly that mental health issues are just as important as medical issues. In fact, much research reveals that mental health issues impact you medically so it is even more important that you prioritize getting support now. I am just a click away. Now is your moment!