Adults Archives - Vista Counseling & Wellness Center

Naomi Smits, MA

July 1, 2026

Julie Liszka

Professional Counselor Associate

Current clients can book a therapy session here

I work with:

I specialize in:

Does this sound familiar?

Are you experiencing big emotions, racing thoughts, and a brain that feels impossible to manage?
Does loneliness, identity confusion, or the feeling of never quite fitting in or being truly understood permeate your thinking?
Do you struggle with family or relationship tension, friendships, or the quiet ache of trying to figure out who you are and whether that person is okay?
Do you experience symptoms of ADHD, anxiety, or rejection sensitivity?

I Can Help.

I believe it’s important to meet young people where they are, not where the world expects them to be.
I understand the unique challenges that come with a brain that works differently and an identity still taking shape.
I approach clients with warmth and curiosity and like to use different approaches like ACT, CBT & DBT.
I hope to help you understand the stories your mind tells you, find steadiness in overwhelming emotions, and begin moving toward a life that actually reflects who you are and what matters most to you.

What can you expect?

Move from feeling overwhelmed and misunderstood to having real tools that help you manage your emotions, your relationships, and your everyday life.
You will gain tools and self understanding for your ADHD symptoms.
You will develop a clearer, more confident sense of who you are, what you value, and the confidence to live a life in your authenticity.

Kayte Brock, MSW

June 30, 2026

Julie Liszka

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Current clients can book a therapy session here

I work with:

I Specialize In:

Does this sound familiar?

You are a neurodivergent child, teen, and young adult experiencing frustration, overwhelm, and anxiety
You are a teen or young adult who wants support building self-confidence or navigating identity development
You are a new parent or caregiver seeking to better understand, connect with, and support your young children through developmental phases

I Can Help.

My work bridges education, mental health, and family support, offering a broad understanding of child, adolescent, and young adult development informed by both professional training as a former teacher and my lived experience as a caregiver to young people.
I use my experience as a yoga and mindfulness instructor along with evidence-informed therapeutic approaches to support children, teens, and young adults in developing emotional regulation, self-awareness, resilience, and practical skills for navigating life’s challenges.
I believe meaningful growth happens through connection. I create a warm, collaborative, and nonjudgmental space where children, teens, young adults, and their caregivers feel respected, understood, and empowered to build on their strengths.

What can you expect?

An inclusive and welcoming space to explore challenges from a place of curiosity and compassion.
A collaborative person-centered approach for setting meaningful goals and building skills to meet them.
Evidence-based practices (such as CBT) that integrate movement, play, and creativity making our work together feel accessible, engaging and enjoyable.

Chris Barker, LCSW

May 5, 2026

Julie Liszka

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Current clients can book a therapy session here

I work with:

I specialize in:

Does this sound familiar?

Being neurodivergent in a neurotypical world? Perhaps it feels like you are measuring life in meters while everyone else is measuring in feet?
Maybe you are a veteran who feels like they never left the battlefield and aren’t sure how to be a civilian? I have not served, but for some folks having a civilian therapist can make therapy more effective.
Feeling like you have left no stone unturned as you try to be the best version of yourself, but all that turns up is self-blame?

I Can Help

I believe everything the brain does it does for a reason. Your brain wants what’s best for you and those you love, but sometimes too much anxiety, too little self-esteem, or just the right amount of doubt can get in the way.
I treat everyone as the expert of their own life. I find the greatest strides in therapy occur when the therapist is just holding the flashlight.
I will always treat you with dignity, respect, and kindness no matter your skin color, culture, ability level, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity, race, religion (or absence of religion), sexual orientation, marital status, biological sex, political beliefs, socioeconomic status, or any other aspects of your identity and circumstances.

What can you expect?

I will walk with you as you identify how trauma has impacted you, where it came from, and what you want for yourself instead.
At no point will I tell you who you “should” be or what you “should” do. Your thoughts, feelings, and values are yours to determine, and yours alone.
When you get out of bed each morning you can expect your thoughts and feelings to serve you, and you can feel safe knowing that you have what it takes to handle the day if they don’t.

Amy Watson, LPC

January 21, 2026

Julie Liszka

Licensed Professional Counselor

Current clients can book a therapy session here

I work with:

I specialize in:

Does this sound familiar?

Do stress, anxiety, depression, and unhealthy coping strategies impact your life negatively?
Are you navigating loss or grief in your life that you are having trouble processing?
Are you impacted in the present by past traumatic and/or overwhelming feelings and experiences that you want to better understand and process?
Are you wanting a change in your professional life and/or career choice?

I Can Help.

I believe we are all fellow travelers on this journey through life and sometimes we need help reminding us of our inner resources and capacity for healing.
The counseling relationship is a unique opportunity to shine light upon the habits and patterns in our lives that are no longer serving us and learn new habits that connect to that inner wisdom.
I integrate a present-centered, person-centered, psychodynamic approach. I am trained in EMDR therapy for trauma processing and also lean heavily on somatic (body-centered), mindfulness and compassion-based therapies as well.
Previously, I was a high school teacher for almost 20 years and am enjoying my career change. I am honored to walk with you on this journey towards better mental and emotional health.

What can you expect?

My intention is to create a safe, caring, and supportive environment for you to explore what might be getting in the way of you reaching your goals and helping your life journey be lighter and more joyful.
You will learn new ways of experiencing difficult feelings/emotions and thoughts by building on your innate abilities and strengths and tapping into your innate resources.
You will gain opportunities to experience mindfulness and compassion for helping you regulate and process difficult feelings and thoughts.

Claris Velez, MS

September 11, 2025

Julie Liszka

Graduate Student Intern

Current clients can book a therapy session here

I work with:

I Specialize In:

Who I Work With

I support children, young adults, and parents who may be facing challenges such as:

Racism, discrimination, or bullying
Anxiety, life transitions, or low self-esteem
Parenting struggles, especially for parents of children ages 5–10 who feel stuck or overwhelmed in managing emotions and behaviors

What Makes My Approach Unique

My work is grounded in clinical training that is both evidence-based and flexible, allowing me to honor the unique cultural backgrounds and life experiences of each client. I take a collaborative, client-centered, and strengths-based approach, ensuring that treatment feels supportive and empowering.

The Benefits of Therapy

Through our work together, you can expect to:

Build confidence in expressing and managing emotions
Develop practical tools to cope with stress and navigate challenges
Strengthen parenting skills and feel more effective in supporting your child
Make meaningful progress toward the goals that matter most to you

Noah Stuart, LPC

September 11, 2025

Julie Liszka

Licensed Professional Counselor

Current clients can book a therapy session here

I work with:

I Specialize in:

Does this sound familiar?

Are you experiencing anxiety, depression, overwhelming emotions, isolation, or daily stress?
Are major life changes—such as grief, loss, trauma, or other significant stressors—affecting you?
Are you struggling with challenges in relationships or identity, such as communication, boundaries, self-esteem, or confidence?

I Can Help.

I strive to create a warm, safe, and collaborative environment where you feel truly heard and supported.
With experience in both mental health and substance use concerns, I meet you where you are and tailor treatment to your readiness for change in a holistic way.
My approach is client-centered, evidence-based, and rooted in compassion, offering a non-judgmental space providing a nonjudgmental space for healing, growth, and connection.

What can you expect?

Develop a deeper sense of self-awareness and self-compassion.
Begin to feel more grounded, resilient, and empowered in your daily life and relationships.
Build practical skills that help you navigate challenges and move toward your goals.

Ry Smith, MA

September 11, 2025

Julie Liszka

Professional Counselor Associate

Current clients can book a therapy session here

I work with:

I Specialize in:

Helping People Understand the Roots of Their Patterns and Create Lasting Change.

Does this sound familiar?

Do you feel stuck in patterns that keep repeating no matter how hard you try to change them?
Do stress, overwhelm, or burnout make it hard to feel present in your life?
Do anger, shame, or perfectionism get in the way of your relationships or your own peace of mind?
Are you moving through a transition or identity shift and wondering who you are on the other side?
Are you wanting to heal from unresolved childhood wounds, trauma, or grief?
Are you wanting more connection and meaning in relationships and daily life?

Whether your symptoms show up as exhaustion, conflict, or just that quiet sense that “something has to change,” therapy offers a path forward.

I Can Help.

I work with adults who are ready to look beneath the surface and create lasting change. Together, we’ll uncover the roots of what keeps you stuck, explore the needs that have gone unmet, and build new ways of responding with clarity and intention.

You’ll learn how to:

Slow down and notice your emotional triggers
Break cycles of anger, shame, or disconnection
Manage stress and burnout with tools that actually work
Build deeper, more authentic relationships
Move toward a life that feels freer, more grounded, and aligned with who you truly are

What can you expect?

A warm, collaborative space where you’ll feel supported but also challenged to grow.
A balance of insight and practical skills you can carry into your daily life.
A chance to laugh, reflect, and reconnect with parts of yourself that may have felt hidden or stuck.

Before becoming a therapist, I worked as a career counselor in higher education, where I helped students and professionals navigate transitions, clarify their goals, and find meaningful next steps. I also spent time in the military and environmental science fields, experiences that deepened my perspective on resilience, identity, and change.

In therapy, I draw from Schema Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy, Solution Focused, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Relational Life Therapy, and attachment-based approaches to help you not just cope, but transform the way you understand and live your story.

When I’m not working with clients, I’m often at the forge shaping steel into useful tools. The process requires patience, attention, and care — qualities I also bring into my work as a therapist.

Anna Mallea, MS

August 12, 2025

Julie Liszka

Professional Counselor Associate

Current clients can book a therapy session here

I work with:

I Specialize In:

Does this sound familiar?

Anxiety, worry, and all the “what ifs” controlling your life?
Excessive time spent checking, ruminating, and living by rigid “rules?”
The overwhelm of being a helper (ex.: teacher, caregiver, parent)?

I Can Help.

A personal and professional understanding of anxiety, OCD, and its treatment.
Experience working in the school system with a heart for those in helping roles.
Experience working with people at various stages in life.

What can you expect?

Greater connection to the values you want to guide your life.
Increased sense of self empowerment.
Better understanding of unhelpful patterns getting in the way, and strategies to help.

Jesse Cetz, MA

August 12, 2025

Julie Liszka

Marriage and Family Therapist Associate

Current clients can book a therapy session here

I work with:

I Specialize In:

Are you navigating one of these areas in your life?

Relationship issues
Marital conflicts
Intercultural communication
Racial/ethnic identity exploration
Systemic racism
Life transitions
Grief and loss
Men’s issues
Anxiety and depression
Premarital support

What would it look like to work with me?

Life can be different. Change is possible. I believe in helping you on your journey of self-understanding and healthy relationships. I am a first-generation Latino with white privilege. I grew up in a low-socioeconomic neighborhood. I received my master’s degree from George Fox University in marriage, couple and family counseling. I use an attachment-based approach (Emotionally Focused Therapy) that emphasizes change occurring in the therapy room with an exploration of core emotions at the root. I also use mindfulness as a way to gain awareness into the present moment. I have 4.5 years of experience in higher education helping young adults navigate racial/ethnic identities and life transitions. You can expect me to show up as the unique me because I value you bringing your unique self.

Potential counseling outcomes

Identifying and expressing your emotional needs
Increased understanding of your internal world
Learning how to communicate with your partner
Feeling connected with your partner

Paris Hunt, LCSW

July 21, 2025

Julie Liszka

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Current clients can book a therapy session here

I work with:

I Specialize In:

Does this sound familiar?

Are you struggling with perfectionism and procrastination?
Do you find that you tend to leave yourself out of the equation when making decisions, then struggle later with burn out and resentment?
Do you struggle with self-esteem or emotional regulation in conjunction with neurodivergence (imposter syndrome, burn-out, RSD, reactivity)?
Are you an adult child of parents with addiction issues/personality issues?
Are you experiencing emotional struggles or burn-out related to being in a caregiving profession or family role?
Do you need a dedicated space to process grief and loss?

I can help.

I have significant professional experience working with people recovering from acute mental health crises, people navigating end-of-life and/or dementia as a patient or caregiver, and people in early recovery from active substance addiction.

What can you expect?

Increased ability to stay present and embodied throughout the day, thereby allowing you to better recognize and meet physical and emotional needs, recognize thinking patterns and enjoy opportunities for connection and pleasant experiences.
Increased insight into how family, work and other social dynamics are affecting your nervous system.
Increased insight into your thought patterns and the things you do to cope.
Increased insight into how unmet needs result in unpleasant emotions, how to recognize emotions in the body, and how to use values (rather than just emotions and mood) as guides for decision-making/action.
Increased ability to consistently keep yourself in the equation when making decisions. Increase in compassionate accountability for self and others.

Katie Sunwold, MA

July 10, 2025

Julie Liszka

Professional Counselor Associate

Current clients can book a therapy session here

I work with:

I specialize in:

Does this sound familiar?

Feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, or stuck in patterns that are no longer helpful?
Struggling to manage distressing symptoms like anxiety, depression, or the lasting effects of past hurt or trauma?
Finding it hard to experience joy, navigate life transitions, or feel secure in your identities?

I Can Help.

I bring a warm, nonjudgmental presence and tailor sessions to each person’s unique needs, goals, and values.
I take a collaborative, client-centered, and trauma-informed approach, meeting each person where they are at on their journey.
We will work together with compassion, curiosity, and even a little humor when it feels right.

What can you expect?

A renewed sense of meaning, empowerment, and direction in life.
The ability to respond to life’s challenges with flexibility and self-compassion.
Enhanced self-awareness and a deeper understanding of your patterns, needs, and relationships with others.

Hannah Wahl, CSWA

June 26, 2025

Julie Liszka

Clinical Social Worker Associate

Current clients can book a therapy session here

I work with:

I specialize in:

Does this sound familiar?

Do you identify as neurodivergent and are looking for a therapist who truly gets them and offers support without judgment?
Are you struggling with anxiety or panic, especially when big life changes feel overwhelming?
Do you feel scattered or “all over the place” and want help slowing down and feeling more grounded?

I Can Help.

I believe the heart of therapy is the relationship we build. I show up as a real person and we create a space where you feel seen and supported.
My style is warm and collaborative—we’ll explore what’s working in your life and gently challenge what’s not, always with curiosity and care.
Clients often tell me they feel both supported and pushed in the right ways. I don’t just listen—I help you move forward.

What can you expect?

You’ll feel more confident making choices that align with who you are.
You’ll feel more present and connected to your daily life, instead of stuck in your head.
You’ll notice more joy, more calm moments—even in the middle of stress.
You’ll build tools to handle life’s curveballs without feeling like you’re unraveling.

I help teens and adults who feel overwhelmed, scattered, or stuck start to feel more grounded and empowered. Many of my clients identify as neurodivergent or anxious and are looking for a therapist who understands their experience and offers warm, affirming support. I bring honesty, care, and a collaborative spirit to our work—creating a space where real growth can happen.

Adults

Does this sound familiar?

I Can Help.

What can you expect?

Does this sound familiar?

I Can Help.

What can you expect?

I work with:

I specialize in:

Does this sound familiar?

I Can Help

What can you expect?

Does this sound familiar?

I Can Help.

What can you expect?

Who I Work With

What Makes My Approach Unique

The Benefits of Therapy

I work with:

I Specialize in:

Does this sound familiar?

I Can Help.

What can you expect?

Helping People Understand the Roots of Their Patterns and Create Lasting Change.

Does this sound familiar?

I Can Help.

What can you expect?

Does this sound familiar?

I Can Help.

What can you expect?

Are you navigating one of these areas in your life?

What would it look like to work with me?

Potential counseling outcomes

Does this sound familiar?

I can help.

What can you expect?

Does this sound familiar?

I Can Help.

What can you expect?

Does this sound familiar?

I Can Help.

What can you expect?

Eugene

Portland

Bend

Wellness Center

Video Therapy Oregon

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