Since 2016, Peace, Balance, and Joy Consulting has had one goal, to help people find the balance they need in their lives to have more peace and even joy. Now our practice has expanded to better serve the needs of our clients.
Amy Nielson, CMHC
Amy is a Clinical Mental Health Counselor. Her focus is on helping people identify and work through barriers that interfere with having a joyful life. She has been a counselor for over 10 years and worked in the social services field for 10 years before that. Amy is certified in EMDR and has completed many specialized training including integrative nutrition and supplementation, complex trauma, addiction, behavioral addictions, sand tray therapy, personality disorder and DBT. Amy’s approach to treatment is to provide knowledge on how the mind and body function, teach tools to provide effective management of emotions that feel intense or unmanageable and engaging in therapeutic practices to clear out the factors that are driving the distressing symptoms. She places emphasis on creating an environment that her clients can feel safe to work through their journey of healing. She believes in being respectful and kind while also being clear and honest. Amy has lived in the Cedar City area her whole life and loves to explore all that Southern Utah has to offer. She loves playing games, camping, gardening and recreation of all sorts with her husband and 5 children.
Diane tuft, lcsw
Diane is a Cedar City local and has been working in the field of counseling for over 20 years. She is known for her her skills with children including the very young. She has extensive training in several areas of focus including trauma, attachment, sand tray therapy, DBT, EMDR, group work with both children and adults, and much more. Diane loves to travel, her sweet cat and spending time with friends and family.
Mike Mortensen,LCSW
Hey everyone! My name is Mike Mortensen. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker living here in beautiful Cedar City, Utah. I received my bachelors degree in psychology from Utah State University and my Masters degree in Clinical Social Work from BYU. I enjoy reading a good book, snowboarding, spending time with my family and animals.
Starting therapy can be scary. My personal philosophy when it comes to treatment is to build a supportive and safe relationship founded on trust. I believe you are the expert of your own life and I love incorporating personal client strengths into the therapeutic process.
While I do many different kinds of therapy ranging from relational dysfunction to major depressive disorders, I specialize in Trauma, Anxiety & Panic disorders, and addictions. I am trained in EMDR, TF-CBT, Trauma Narrative therapy, CBT, MI, and ACT. I have a passion for experiential therapy services like sand tray and poetry therapies.
You are important. You are wanted. You have so many amazing opportunities just right around the corner. I want to walk with you, step by step, to help you overcome whatever is dragging you down. I want to help you find within yourself the unique goodness that is there.
Julee Loces, CSW
Julee Loces is a Certified Social Worker who uses a person-centered, individualized approach to therapy. She understands everyone is unique with their own values, experiences, and struggles in life, and believes everyone deserves to feel heard. Julee has 5 years of experience serving both children and adults in the field of mental health through various settings, including schools, child welfare services, medical social work, and residential treatment programs. She received her B.A. in Psychology and Sociology from the University of California, San Diego in 2015 and her Master of Social Work (MSW) degree through the University of Southern California in 2017.
Continuing to build onto her skill set and education is important to Julee in her professional career. For instance, she is trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) so that she has another evidence-based intervention available to her clients wanting to overcome their past traumas. In addition, her ultimate passion is to become specialized in animal-assisted therapy (AAT), so that she can use canines to help improve the mental health and well-being of others through the human-animal bond.
Originally from Palm Springs, CA and most recently living in San Diego, CA, Julee is new to the area of Cedar City, UT. Her self-care includes hiking, traveling, cooking, experiencing new restaurants, and spending time with family.
Darlene Horton, cmhc
Darlene has over 15 years of experiences working as a counselor. She has extensive training in trauma, addictions, anxiety and much more. Darlene loves working with all ages using a variety of modalities including EMDR, Sand Tray Therapy, CBT, and DBT. Darlene loves spending time with her cute little doggy, her husband and kids.
Alissa Kovar, acmhc
Alissa Kovar is an Associate Clinical Mental Health Counselor who believes in using a person-centered approach to therapy through collaboration of client and therapist building upon the individual’s strengths and resources to develop goals toward meaningful change.
Alissa helps a variety of individuals from adults, adolescents, and children achieve their therapeutic goals through learning to observe, manage, and understand the connections between thoughts, emotions, and behavior.
Alissa’s main focus is in Dialectical Behavior Therapy in both the individual and group settings. The core skills groups of Dialectical Behavior Therapy with an emphasis on Mindfulness practices are a solid foundation for helping a variety of mental health concerns. Alissa is trained
in and uses EMDR, Sandtray Therapy, and Trauma Focused CBT as trauma treatment
modalities. Making the decision toward change can feel overwhelming and difficult, and Alissa will work
with you toward learning about and managing strong emotions while building on your personal strengths, values, and resources to make meaningful and lasting changes toward attaining your
goals. Originally from Ridgecrest, California, Alissa moved to Cedar City, Utah with her family and is
amazed at the beauty and outdoor adventures Cedar City has to offer. Alissa enjoys hiking, Jeep off-roading/exploring, traveling, learning about other cultures, cooking, and enjoying time with
family and friends.
Valerie Nielson
Valarie is in her internship year for her master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, with an anticipated graduation in December 2024. Committed to empowering individuals on their journey to mental and emotional well-being, Valarie employs a person-centered approach, creating a safe, non-judgmental space for exploring thoughts and emotions.
Valarie is actively training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), enhancing her ability to provide specialized support for those navigating trauma. She also integrates the principles of Motivational Interviewing into her practice, skillfully encouraging individuals to explore and articulate their own motivations for positive change.
Valarie believes in the holistic connection between the mind and body for comprehensive healing. Together, challenges are navigated, and successes are celebrated with understanding, warmth, and empathy.
Passionate about working with all ages facing life transitions, grief, trauma, addiction, depression, or anxiety, Valarie is empathetic and ready to meet individuals where they are and embark on the healing journey together. Beyond her professional pursuits, Valarie finds solace and joy in exploring the unique beauty of Southern Utah—whether hiking, riding ATVs, or sharing adventures with her family and beloved dogs.
Kallie Webb
Hello, my name is Kallie Webb! I grew up in a small town in Nevada. I attended college at Brigham Young University- Idaho in Rexburg where I initially went to study nursing but then
changed to Recreation Therapy. I finished college with an internship at a residential treatment center for teenage boys on the autism spectrum. After graduating, I moved to St. George where I started working at a youth psychiatric hospital with teenagers who struggle with suicidal ideation, self-harm, substance abuse, autism spectrum disorder, and everything in between. I recently left that job after having my son and beginning my master's degree through Capella University. I am studying Marriage and Family Therapy and will graduate in 2025. Recreation Therapy is using activities such as art, music, and sports to teach lessons and learn new things about ourselves. It is an essential therapy that is often unheard of but is nationally recognized and has a statewide license. I look forward to meeting you and working with you.
Dustin orton
Dustin is a dedicated professional who has recently completed the coursework for his Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, with a specialized focus on Trauma-Focused Therapy. His academic journey has equipped him with the necessary skills and knowledge to address the complex challenges individuals face in overcoming trauma, particularly Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Having served as a Sergeant in Law Enforcement, Dustin brings a wealth of experience in investigating crimes against persons, with a particular emphasis on sexual assaults and abuse of both children and adults. His tenure in law enforcement underscores his commitment to justice and his understanding of the intricate dynamics surrounding trauma.
Dustin is in the final stages of his internship program, where he eagerly anticipates applying his academic learning and professional background to support individuals in their healing journey. His transition from law enforcement to counseling reflects his passion for making a profound difference in the lives of those affected by trauma.
Outside of his professional pursuits, Dustin finds joy in various outdoor activities, including horseback riding, hunting, hiking, rappelling, and water sports. He cherishes spending quality time with his family, particularly his daughters, and seeks opportunities to create meaningful experiences with them.
Madison Nunley
Madison graduated from SUU in December 2022 with her Bachelor's Degree in Family Life and Human Development with an emphasis in family services and social work. She is continuing to build her skills and knowledge about social and clinical work through working as an administrative assistant with the clinicians at PB&J. Madison is knowledgeable in ethics and competence and plans to attend graduate school to obtain her LCSW licensure. She enjoys working with people of any age and believes in being respectful and competent while providing a safe space for all those she works with. She enjoys anything outdoors and spending time with her new husband and family.
Danniel Quinnett, CSW
My name is Danniel Quinnett, and I have lived in Cedar City for 30 years. I am originally from the Midwest. I am the proud mother of three of the most beautiful children. My children have all grown up here in Cedar City. I love getting to spend time with my family and friends whether it is going to a movie, out to dinner, or just playing video games. I think my kids love that the most because mom is easy to beat.
I have two BA from SUU; I have one in Criminal Justice and one in Biology. I also have my master’s from National University in the field of social work. I am a licensed CSW.
I have had training in play therapy, sand therapy, CBT, DBT, Zones of Regulation, MRT, and Solution Based Therapy.
I have worked in the Iron County School District for 6 years. I started as a sped aide, then behavioral technician and I am now the school counselor. My years working in the school district are what inspired me to go into the field of therapy.
Annie Anderson, cmhc
Annie Anderson graduated from Adam's State University with a master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She completed her undergraduate studies at SUU. She specializes in treating OCD, social and generalized anxiety, body dysmorphia, panic attacks, and phobias. She is well-versed in utilizing ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), and CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) in managing these mental health challenges.
She completed her practicum and two internships at The OCD Anxiety Center in South Jordan, Utah, where she trained with some of the state's most experienced OCD and anxiety clinicians. While there, she spent many hours learning and applying ERP, the gold standard for treating OCD. As an anxiety specialist, she believes that through practice, all thoughts, urges, and emotions can be viewed mindfully with curiosity and acceptance. She believes that with proper support, people can face their fears and worries and take back the parts of their lives that OCD and anxiety have stolen. OCD is not just about organization and contamination. Obsessional themes may also be scrupulosity, concerns about relationships, concerns about sexual orientation, fear of losing control, thoughts of harming oneself or others, and many others.
Annie enjoys physical fitness, including hiking with her family, friends, and dog. She also likes to read and cook. She is excited to work with adults of all ages, teens, and school-age children.
Cathy Bridges MFT intern
Each person has a unique story about how they came to be who they are and who they want to become. Sometimes people come to therapy with a clearly defined problem. Others aren’t quite sure why life is going the way that it is. Regardless of where people are on that continuum, I partner with my clients to explore what has brought them to this place and how we might create a new and better future. My goal is to create a space where people are emphatically heard, their strengths are validated, growth and breakthroughs are celebrated, and unhelpful patterns are transformed.
Our identities and perceptions are shaped by the stories we develop about our lives. These stories influence our emotions, behaviors, and relationships. In Narrative Therapy, we work to understand and reshape these stories. Together, we explore and challenge dominant perceptions that may cause distress or limit personal growth.
I respectfully support every individual's mental health journey and provide a safe and inclusive space for people of any race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or other characteristic. I provide inclusive and affirming care for members of the LGBTQ+ community. Let's partner together to design the life you want and deserve.
Adam Barker, Intern Graduate Counselor
Adam Barker, clinical social work intern devoted to creating a positive impact in the lives of individuals and families. As he completes his master's degree in social work at Arizona State University and gains clinical experience, Adam is dedicated to delivering empathetic and effective mental health services. Specializing in therapeutic interventions, psychoeducation, and counseling, Adam is focused on establishing a supportive and non-judgmental atmosphere for
clients to navigate challenges. Renowned for his empathic approach, Adam customizes interventions to address the unique needs of each person, empowering them to attain personal growth and well-being. Employing a client-centered and strength-based perspective, Adam
endeavors to improve the overall mental health and quality of life for those under his care.
Megan Bailey Office admin
Hi! My name is Megan Bailey. I’m the Office Manager, but my nickname is “Office Mom”, I’d like to think I bring the love and nurturing of a mom to the office while keeping everyone in line! :) I was born and raised in Utah, received my Bachelors degree from UVU in Integrated Studies. I have also completed a Social Impact Leadership program from UC Berkeley and a Medical Billing program from Penn Foster College. I am married and have 4 children who keep me so busy! When I’m not hanging out with my family or working, I love to volunteer in the community. I helped start up the Enoch Soccer program, served on the Enoch Elementary Community Council, currently serve on the Enoch City Recreational Committee and volunteer at the Iron County Bookmobile Headquarters. When I get free time I like to read, play soccer and travel! Someday I hope to slow down and retire with my husband to a remote cabin in the woods!
Brutus
I am a 100% purebred good boy! I can be seen running out back, giving kisses and sleeping in Amy’s office. I am working on my degree as a therapy dog.