Our Therapists

Meet Michele Rutti, MS, LAC, NCC, a compassionate therapist at Pathways Counseling Services in Scottsdale, AZ, providing therapy for children, teens, adults, couples, and families.

EXPERTISE

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Motivational Interviewing (MI)
  • Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • Trauma-Informed Care

Alyssa Dowdell is a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) at Pathways Counseling Services in Scottsdale, Arizona.
She works with children, adolescents, and adults navigating concerns such as anxiety, depression, and trauma. Alyssa helps clients develop practical tools to support emotional wellness, resilience, and healthy day-to-day functioning.

EXPERTISE

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Training
  • Solution Focused Approaches

Discover Chloe Cheek, MA, LPC, a compassionate counselor at Pathways Counseling Services in Scottsdale, AZ, offering evidence-based support including CBT, mindfulness techniques, and a holistic approach for anxiety, depression, and trauma-related concerns.

EXPERTISE

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
  • Solution-Focused Therapy
  • Mindfulness-Based Interventions
  • Clinical & Crisis Management Training
  • Trauma-Informed Care Crisis Management & Intervention
  • Experience in Probation & Child Welfare Systems

David Merrick serves as the Clinical Director at Pathways Counseling Services in Scottsdale, AZ. Moreover, he has dedicated his career to enhancing mental health services for individuals and families within the community. Consequently, his leadership helps shape a therapeutic environment that supports growth, healing, and long-term well-being.

EXPERTISE

  • Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC-S)
  • Certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
  • Solution-Focused Therapy
  • Mindfulness-Based Interventions
  • Strength-Based Approaches
  • Clinical Experience & Professional Development

Ali Kasulaitis is a dedicated child and family therapist at Pathways Counseling Services. Moreover, she specializes in supporting children as young as 4, as well as teens, through evidence-based, developmentally appropriate counseling.

EXPERTISE

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy
  • Licensed Associate Counselor

Geanine Gafni is an experienced therapist at Pathways Counseling Services, specializing in various therapeutic modalities. Moreover, her expertise encompasses Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Mindfulness-Based Therapy.

EXPERTISE

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Mindfulness-Based Therapy
  • Trauma-Informed Care
  • Couples Therapy & Relationship Counseling

Seeking therapy can be a powerful step when stress, anxiety, trauma, or relationship challenges start to feel overwhelming. Moreover, therapy offers a supportive space to process experiences, build coping tools, and strengthen emotional resilience over time.

EXPERTISE

  • Motivational Interviewing (MI)
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Biofeedback
  • Mindfulness Techniques

Haley Anderson, LCSW, holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) from the University of Connecticut. Haley has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults, helping clients navigate concerns such as trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, emotional regulation difficulties, life transitions, and behavioral or academic challenges.

EXPERTISE

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Mindfulness
  • Play Therapy
  • Art Therapy
  • Functional Family Therapy (FFT)
  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Sofia Softas-Nall is a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) who brings extensive experience supporting individuals through anxiety, depression, chronic health conditions, pain management, trauma, and LGBTQIA+ concerns. Known for her compassionate and evidence-based approach, Sofia helps guide clients through life’s most challenging transitions.

EXPERTISE

  • Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
  • Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC)
  • Specialized Training & Certifications
  • Certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Stephanie Levitt is a highly trained EMDR therapist at Pathways Counseling Services. She holds a Master’s degree in counseling and is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) as well as a National Certified Counselor (NCC).

EXPERTISE

  • Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT)
  • Gottman Method Couples Therapy
  • Premarital Counseling (Certified Prepare & Enrich Facilitator)
  • Trauma & Individual Therapy
  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Training
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Psychodynamic Therapy
  • Trauma-Informed Care
  • Grief Counseling
  • Depression & Anxiety Treatment

How Can We Help?