“Trick or Treat” For Parents! Week 1

It is finally October and the holidays are fast approaching!

Holidays can be stressful for families. It is common for children who have been through trauma to regress and return to old negative behaviors. So the “trick” is to give them permission to bring back an old behavior. This will help the child to be aware of the problem and allow the cortex of the brain to be activated. If the child doesn’t bring back the behaviors… Yay!!! But if they do exhibit the behavior give them a hug and remind them that you were alright with the behavior and you gave them permission. This helps the child learn to follow your lead as a parent. Now if the behavior is particularly annoying to the siblings just “treat” the siblings every time the child exhibits the behavior. This helps preserve siblings relationships until the behavior can be extinguished again.

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Karen McIntosh, LCSW

Therapist See age 18+

CLINIC: Virtual

Compassionate. Experienced. Client-focused. Karen McIntosh brings over a decade of experience in the mental health field, helping individuals and families navigate life’s challenges with empathy and expertise. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Karen specializes in working with clients experiencing anxiety and depression by utilizing a diverse range of therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), psychoanalysis and humanistic therapy.

Karen’s experience spans across various settings, from private practice to hospital environments, where she has provided tailored treatment plans, conducted comprehensive assessments, and supported clients dealing with anxiety, mood disorders, and life transitions. Her approach is rooted in understanding each client’s unique needs, empowering them to achieve their goals through evidence-based strategies and compassionate guidance.

Karen combines academic excellence with real-world experience to offer a safe, supportive, and results-driven therapeutic experience.  Whether you’re seeking support for personal growth, emotional challenges, or relationship dynamics, Karen is committed to walking alongside you on your journey to mental well-being.

While she calls both Georgia and Arizona her home, she enjoys exploring the world to take part in culture, language, community and most of all, food.  She spends her free time hiking, walking, reading, watching documentaries and even the occasional guilty pleasure reality show.

Take the first step towards a healthier you—connect with Karen today.

Tristan Echevarria, BS

Therapist-in-training

CLINIC: Gilbert

Fluent in English

Tristan is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Grand Canyon University. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Arizona State University and has an extensive background in mental health. Tristan has worked closely with innovative alternative treatments, including Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Transcranial Photobiomodulation (Red Light Therapy), to support individuals in their mental health journey. Tristan is passionate about helping clients navigate life’s challenges by providing a safe and supportive environment. He integrates evidence-based practices with individualized treatment plans, striving to empower clients to overcome obstacles and achieve personal growth.


In his spare time, Tristan enjoys watching sports such as football and baseball, exercising at the gym, playing video games, and spending time with family.