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Welcome to Athena Counseling

“The healing you’re looking for is in the work you’re avoiding. Let us help you walk this path with clarity, compassion, and intention.”

— The Athena Team

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Our Mission

Welcome to Athena Counseling!

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We help individuals, couples, and families move from feeling stuck or overwhelmed to grounded, empowered, and growing. Based in Tucson, Arizona, we offer both in-person and online therapy tailored to your needs. Whether you’re navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, or major life transitions, we provide compassionate support backed by proven methods.

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Our approach is inspired by the wisdom and strength of the goddess Athena. We blend clarity, resilience, and personal growth. Interventions include Internal Family Systems (IFS), EMDR, CBT, DBT, Gottman Method, Somatic Experiencing, and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) for adults seeking deeper healing.

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Athena Counseling is also proud to support the next generation of therapists. We offer clinical supervision, master’s-level internships, and professional consultations for licensed clinicians.

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If you’re ready for thoughtful guidance and real change, we invite you to reach out today! You don’t have to do this alone. Let’s work together to help you reclaim your calm, your strength, and your direction!

Supervision Team!

We are excited to introduce you to our compassionate and experienced Clinical Director and Supervision Team, who is dedicated to supporting your well-being and offering exceptional clinical expertise. With a unique set of skills and a genuine commitment to helping you thrive, our team is here to guide you on your journey of healing and personal growth. Whether you're seeking individual therapy, couples counseling, or family support, you will find the guidance you need. Take that crucial step toward a happier, healthier you by meeting with our supervisors today

Meet Our Therapists

Dedication. Expertise. Passion.

 Meet Our Caring Therapist Team!  Welcome to our therapist team bio page, where you'll get a glimpse into the compassionate professionals who are dedicated to supporting your well-being. Each member of our team brings a unique set of skills, expertise, and a genuine commitment to helping you thrive. Whether you're seeking individual therapy, couples counseling, or family support, we have a diverse group of therapists ready to guide you on your journey of healing and personal growth. Discover the right fit for you as you explore their backgrounds, areas of specialization, and therapeutic approaches. Take that first step towards a happier, healthier you by meeting our therapist team today!

Therapies We Offer at Athena Counseling

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  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – Helps you face difficult emotions while committing to actions that align with your values.

  • Art Therapy – Uses creativity and expression as a pathway to healing and self-discovery.

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Focuses on identifying and reshaping unhelpful thought patterns that affect mood and behavior.

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) – Strengthens skills in mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and relationships.

  • Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) – Builds deeper bonds and repairs relationship struggles by addressing core emotional needs.

  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) – Processes traumatic memories to reduce their emotional impact and foster healing.

  • Family Systems Therapy – Supports families in improving communication, setting boundaries, and strengthening connection.

  • Gottman Therapy – An evidence-based couples method that promotes trust, intimacy, and healthier communication.

  • Internal Family Systems (IFS) – Promotes self-compassion by helping you understand and harmonize your inner “parts.”

  • Motivational Interviewing (MI) – Encourages change by exploring your values and building confidence in your strengths.

  • Narrative Therapy – Empowers you to reframe your story and separate yourself from problems.

  • Play Therapy – Helps children express emotions and experiences through play, fostering growth and understanding.

  • Psychodynamic Psychotherapy – Explores how past experiences shape current emotions and behaviors, building insight and resilience.

  • Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) – Focuses on solutions and future goals rather than staying stuck in problems.

  • Somatic Experiencing (SE) – Uses body-based awareness to release stress and trauma stored in the nervous system.​​

Consultation Services:
Peer-Support and Insight

Athena Counseling offers professional consultations for therapists who want peer-to-peer guidance, case reviews, or support with complex situations. This might include working through a challenging client case, questions about supervising, or just wanting another perspective on your approach. I also support therapists in exploring ethical dilemmas, new strategies, and client dynamics. Having gone through a board complaint myself, I understand how overwhelming that process can feel. I can offer insight and space to talk through concerns or clarify next steps while always in line with AZBBHE rules and standards.

Consultations are $150/hour, with a 20-minute option at $50.

Contact: Jacqueline Sheppard -📞 Call or text: (520) 477-8697📧 Email: jacqueline@athenacounseling.net

Supervision & Practice Support

I offer tailored supervision and support for three groups:

  • Counseling Interns (MA/MS in Counseling or Clinical Mental Health): Flexible scheduling, the ability to choose your clients, and weekly supervision (minimum one hour) through a mix of individual and group sessions.

  • Licensed Associate Counselors (LACs) as 1099 Contractors: Opportunities to build your caseload with bi-weekly pay, consistent supervision, and practice monitoring aligned with ACA and AZBBHE standards.

  • LACs Launching Private Practice: One-on-one guidance for setting up your business with compliant documentation, ethical frameworks, and sustainable workflows, so you can feel confident running your own practice.

If you’re looking for flexible, supportive growth with clear standards, let’s talk.

Contact: Jacqueline Sheppard -📞 Call or text: (520) 477-8697📧 Email: jacqueline@athenacounseling.net

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)

A Pathway for Deep Healing and Transformation

At Athena Counseling, we offer Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) to support adults who may not have found relief with traditional therapy or medication. KAP can be especially helpful for those living with treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, complex trauma, anxiety (including end-of-life anxiety), bipolar depression, certain eating disorders, mild to moderate OCD, and chronic stress or emotional numbness.

We provide a safe, inclusive, and LGBT affirming space. We welcome first responders, healthcare providers, veterans, and survivors of trauma or assault. Our approach blends KAP with evidence-based therapies like Somatic Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and existential methods to help you process trauma and move toward resilience and wholeness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is KAP?

KAP combines low-dose ketamine with psychotherapy to create a temporary shift in awareness. This shift often allows clients to access emotions and memories from a new perspective, opening space for deep insight and healing.

A typical KAP journey includes:

  • Preparation: Setting intentions and reviewing your history.

  • Medicine Experience: Resting in a quiet, supported space with music, guided by your therapist.

  • Integration: Reflecting on insights and applying them in daily life.

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What does a KAP cycle include?

  • KAP Session (120 minutes)

    • 30 minutes prep & check-in – Set intentions and review progress.

    • Sublingual ketamine – Taken as a dissolvable tablet (troche), prescribed by a collaborating medical provider.

    • 40–45 minutes medicine journey – Relax in a safe, supported space.

    • Grounding & reflection – Gentle close to the session.

  • Integration Session (30–60 minutes, no medicine)

    • Reflect on your experiences.

    • Billed as standard psychotherapy (insurance may apply).

Important Information

  • Ketamine is prescribed only after a medical evaluation and clearance.

  • Medicine is provided as sublingual troches (not IV or IM).

  • First visit is preparation only; subsequent sessions include medicine and integration.

What does it cost?

  • KAP Session (2 hours): $300 (not covered by insurance)

  • Integration Session (30–60 minutes, no medicine): $150 (billable through insurance as psychotherapy)

Who is KAP for?

KAP may benefit adults struggling with:

  • Trauma and PTSD

  • Depression or anxiety that hasn’t improved with traditional treatment

  • Chronic stress, burnout, or emotional numbness

What does KAP feel like?

Experiences vary. Some clients feel calm detachment, others report vivid imagery or deep emotional release. Many describe gaining new clarity or perspective.

Is it safe?

Yes. Ketamine is a legally prescribed medicine. Safety screenings are required, and a licensed professional remains with you throughout each session.

How do I get started?

Schedule a consultation:
📞 Call or text: (520) 477-8697
📧 Email: jacqueline@athenacounseling.net

Where can I find more information:  

Pricing and Insurance

We’re committed to making counseling accessible and transparent. Below, you’ll find information about our session rates, sliding scale options, and accepted insurance plans so you can choose the path that works best for you.

For more information or to book an appointment please contact us:

Our Location: 3131 E 2nd St. Tucson, AZ 85716

Email: jacqueline@athenacounseling.net

P: (520) 477-8697

F: (520) 337-0534

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