Meet the Team

I was born and raised in Albuquerque….I’m a life-long resident, and I absolutely LOVE this city, the people, and culture. I am married with 2 daughters and enjoy reading, talk radio, politics, practical jokes, running and working out, intentional living, faith, and life in general. I’ve been doin’ this a while… I graduated with highest honors in 2003 from the University of Southern California, one of the top 10 schools in the country for my major, with a Master’s Degree in Social Work, and with this degree, I base my philosophy on the System’s Approach, which means there’s more to the problem than “just you.” There are people, places, things, etc. outside of you that are impacting your growth capacity. Once we determine the systems that are impacting us negatively, it becomes so much easier to initiate, grow and make changes in our lives.

I really don’t take myself seriously, and find that having a sense of humor in therapy may prove better than any therapeutic technique. I am upbeat, slightly irreverent, very informal in sessions and will be both your biggest cheerleader and biggest smackdown….Hang on for the ride of your life…..though difficult- therapy CAN be fun! I look forward to meeting you!

In addition to my practice, I am also a consultant to clinical and non-profit agencies in the community, a contracted supervisor at several large outpatient agencies for non-licensed therapists getting their independent license, and an advisor to therapists in the community looking to grow their practices in a myriad of ways.

As our practice is expanding, I am focusing my energy on internal growth so am not currently taking new clients. Please contact one of the therapists below as they can all meet your mental health needs!

info@essentialmentalhealth.org

“Out of suffering has emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars.” – Khalil Gibran

Hi! My name is Amy Adair and I currently reside in Taos, NM! I’m a nature junky, and love anything outdoors from picnics to backcountry skiing, to rafting the Rio. I am an avid student and teacher of yoga, as well as an acrobat and love to integrate lessons from these activities into my own growth as a therapist.

I work with late adolescents and adults who struggle with complex trauma, anxiety, depression, codependency, and other symptoms related to attachment wounds and growing up in a dysfunctional family or world. I enjoy supporting highly sensitive people of all cultural backgrounds and identities and believe that you have all the answers within you – My work is to support you in accessing your own innate healing. 

With over fifteen years of working in the wellness field, I bring a holistic perspective to therapy, and love integrating embodiment and somatic practices. Working primarily from an Internal Family Systems approach, I will guide you to find radical acceptance for all parts of yourself, heal old wounds, and make space for balance and fulfillment in your life. We will also work together to improve your relationships with others so that you may feel connected to your community and empowered to be fully yourself.

My goal is to be a wise witness and caring companion on your therapeutic journey, supporting you in creating a life that honors your unique gifts and authentic self. I am now accepting clients in person in Taos, telehealth clients within the state of New Mexico.

Amy is currently seeing clients in person, in our Taos office, Tuesdays-Thursdays and is also available for telehealth appointments. She can be reached at 575.613.8665 or amy@essentialmentalhealth.org to schedule an appointment!

“Don’t be pushed by your problems. Be led by your dreams.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Corri Broner

Clinician

I live in southern New Mexico where I love to hike in the high mountains surrounding my little town.. Curling up with a cup of tea and a book balances my movement with stillness. Cooking, gardening, yoga and creating herbal body care products is how I love to spend leisure time.

Thirty years of practicing holistic healing therapies along with my own healing journey has led me to the belief that the creation of a loving relationship with ourselves is one of the most challenging, yet essential, parts of the process. Loving Embodiment is a system of healing based on the integration of mindfulness (MBSEP), yoga therapy, cognitive understanding, and self discovery. Old patterns of thoughts and emotions causing dysregulated nervous system responses (fight/flight/freeze) can unwind through our gentle mindful awareness of breath and body. This practice provides the foundation to rewire our nervous system and brain, therefore providing relief from anxiety, depression, PTSD, sleep issues and general feelings of hopelessness.

Once you have a stable foundation of nervous system regulation and self compassion to work with, you can design the life you want. Instead of focusing, labeling and analyzing what is wrong, together we will continually turn our attention to what is right about you and your life, and build upon your strengths, desires, and virtues. My ultimate goal is to empower you with skills to maintain balance within, so you are free to move into your most joyful expression of yourself in the world. I look forward to coming alongside you!

Corri is scheduling telehealth sessions. Please contact her at Corri@essentialmentalhealth.org or 505-307-6476

“We have to laugh. Because laughter, we already know, is the first evidence of freedom.” – Rosario Castellanos, Poet

What would you like to be free of ? Do you need a reality check, a guide to a new stage of life, aid in leaving old patterns, assistance in finding joy? If so, I’d love to join you in this discovery!

My name is Lisa, and I am an Art Therapist/Counselor. I graduated from the University of Houston and attended graduate school in Santa Fe at Southwestern College. I have been a practicing therapist working in Santa Fe for the past 6 years, and am also a working artist specializing in bead weaving. I work with adults and my Therapy practice is person-centered and inclusive.

I employ Art, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness-Based Pain Relief, play, journaling, existentialism, comedy, bibliotherapy, life narratives, memes, gifs, polyvagal regulation, brain awareness, community action, mindfulness, ritual, fairy tales, alchemy, anthropology, and empathetic listening, as healing tools when I am with clients. I will walk beside you as you explore possibilities and solutions and find your way to freedom.

Lisa sees clients via telehealth only during non-traditional hours and can be reached at Lisa@essentialmentalhealth.org or 832.368.8566.

“There are things about ourselves we need to get rid of; there are things we need to change. But at the same time, we do not need to be too desperate, or too ruthless, too combative. Along the way to usefulness and happiness, many of those things will change themselves, and the others can be worked on as we go. The first thing we need to do is recognize and trust our own Inner Nature and not lose sight of it.” – The Tao of Poo

Hello! I am Gabrielle Edidin, LMSW, (Gabi, for short.) I am a dedicated therapist practicing in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and I specialize in fostering a holistic approach to emotional well-being. I believe that healing is a journey that requires attention to the whole person- mind, body and spirit. I am certified in many modalities, and most recently obtained certifications in life coaching and end-of-life counseling. This expertise is not only for counseling end of life stage clients, but at all stages of life, and I am excited to begin this journey with you!

In my practice, I recognize the importance of integrating diverse therapeutic modalities to address the unique needs of each client, so knowing there’s not “one way” to fix you because there’s not “one thing” bringing you here, is the beginning of healing! I am committed to bringing and blending different techniques to ensure that you receive the personalized care that respects your cultural background, individual and lived experiences.

I am dedicated to fostering the resilience and personal growth in each client, as we all have internal potential waiting to be tapped. My goal is to empower you to fully navigate life’s challenges and achieve a balanced and fulfilling grounding.

Whether you are dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, or simply seeking a greater sense of purpose and harmony, I am here to walk with you every step of the way. Give me a call or send me an email to schedule an appointment!

Gabi is seeing client via telehealth only and is available most weekdays. She can be reached at (505) 600-1236 or Gabrielle@essentialmentalhealth.org

“There is no standard normal. Normal is subjective. There are seven billion versions of normal on this planet” – Matt Haig

Since life will always be chaotic, we might as well embrace it, right? Through authenticity, compassion, and gentleness, we can work through all of life’s challenges together, one at a time. In the healing process, there is power in human connection, in which my main goal is to empower you while you achieve your goals. You are the expert of your own life, and I am here to support you during this process. When our brains can feel scrambled, my intent is to provide awareness of what you already possess, including strength and resiliency, while equipping you with tools to tackle new challenges.

I am a Licensed Master Social Worker with a background of child welfare, family intervention, and aftercare services for survivors. I graduated from Western NM University with my masters in 2022, and have been in the field since 2019. I work within the perspective of strengths-based and focus on psychoeducation so we can understand where our feelings, emotions, and behaviors come from. I have experience with youth, adolescents, and adults, and enjoy working through all life stages adventures.

When I’m not in session, I like to spend time with my three dogs who I refer to as my bubbies, read/engage in book club with friends, and travel with my partner. I tend to not take everything so seriously, so if you’re looking for a provider with humor and realistic approach, we might be a good fit!

Kennedy is currently scheduling clients both in person and telehealth during Mondays-Thursdays 8:00 am-5:00 PM. She can be reached at 505-585-2048 or Kennedy@essentialmentalhealth.org

“Once we go through a process of self-discovery, no one can take away our self-confidence…inspiration comes from within, and we know without needing to be told.” – Tarthang Tulku

Hello and thank you for your interest in working together! I am honored to assist you on your journey. Whether you know *exactly* what the problem is, or have *zero* idea where to even begin, I can help! My name is Marlo, and I have had a life-long interest in psychology and personal growth; however, it was my own journey of emotional healing that taught me the most about perseverance, compassion and being present in the face of difficult circumstances. I know growth and change is within your reach, and I want to help you achieve it!

My approach to therapy is based on a positive psychology model that will give you tangible and practical tools to develop self-understanding, process stuck emotional patterns, and cultivate new ways of experiencing life that will lead to greater joy and fulfillment. Some of the modalities I use in session are somatic experiencing (tying feelings and body sensations such as tension, pressure, etc) mindfulness, trauma-informed cognitive behavioral therapy, family systems, and experiential therapy. I use an integrated approach that addresses both the emotional body and nervous system, as well as assisting clients in cultivating healthier thoughts, beliefs, and perceptions. Give me a call if you’d like more information on these modalities.

I enjoy working with clients presenting with a wide range of problematic areas, including anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, dissociative disorders, family of origin issues, and health issues, among others. My intention is that wherever you are in your process, that after each session, you leave having had the experience of feeling deeply seen and understood. I aim to collaborate with you on exploring solutions that are right for you.

When not in session, I love being with my family and friends, sight-seeing around New Mexico, and getting outdoors as much as possible. I am dedicated to personal growth, and I love reading about psychology, meditation, and the power of the mind. Whether you are dealing with a significant challenge or wanting to explore or improve an area of your life, I welcome you to contact me to begin your journey to increased health, happiness, and well-being.

At this time, Marlo is scheduling in-person sessions Monday-Thursday during regular business Hours. She can be reached at 505-933-9386 or marlo@essentialmentalhealth.org

“Becoming ‘awake’ involves seeing our confusion more clearly.” – Chögyam Trungpa, The Myth of Freedom and the Way of Meditation

Welcome! I am so honored to join you on this journey of growth called therapy! Most people don’t think of therapy as “fun,” but it can absolutely be a joyful process! I firmly believe that we are innately oriented toward growth and healing, and we all simply need support to help us move in the right direction. Balance IS intrinsic to us all, and believing this, I practice therapy in a way that helps you to find YOUR own inner healer and your own trajectory for living your most fulfilling life.

My practice is rooted in the traditions of Depth and Contemplative Psychology, two theoretical orientations that rely on cultivating self-awareness for healing, growth, and transformation. Contemplative Psychology focuses on the present moment- cultivating awareness and insight. Depth Psychology focuses on the innermost recesses of the mind, tapping into the subconscious and making what is unconscious, conscious. Through these dual lenses, you can create healthy and sustainable relationships that are free of both bias and judgment to ultimately experience wholeness. I am excited to meet you wherever you are on this path to wholeness.

When not practicing therapy, I can be found spending time with my family, practicing Buddhism and Yoga, gardening and enjoying nature, working with plant medicine, playing music, and learning to skateboard. I look forward to meeting you exactly where you are!

Justin is currently seeing clients in person, Monday-Friday, 10:00 am-6:00 pm, and can be reached at 505-270-7733 or email justin@essentialmentalhealth.org

“Life belongs to the living, and he who lives must be prepared for changes.” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Sometimes life takes us down a path we never intended. Some call it being lost….I call it a detour. And often, detours allow us to explore and experience joys we never knew existed! Let’s get you prepared for those expected and unexpected changes that life will continue to hand us. With the right tools and new coping skills, we can move through life with easier to manage symptoms and stressors.

I am a social worker with 10 years experience in case management, community outreach, advocacy work, and clinical therapy. I graduated from UTEP with my masters in social work in 2022 and have been doing clinical therapy since 2020. I am a holistic and solution focused therapist that will help you create attainable goals and walk with you through the steps it takes to accomplish these goals. I will provide a supportive and empathetic environment that allows you to feel comfortable with me. I have experience working with individuals and adolescents over the age of 14 and I enjoy working with groups teaching coping skills. I utilize DBT skills training, CBT, and motivational interviewing. I feel comfortable working with individuals who are dealing with past or present trauma, depression, anxiety, some personality disorders, ADHD, and other mood disorders.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my 2 dogs, in nature, and falling into a research rabbit hole about the latest neuroscience or behavioral health discoveries.

Alix is currently taking new individual clients and skills group members. You can reach her at Alix@essentialmentalhealth.org or 505.600.1751. She looks forward to working with you!

“As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands. One for helping yourself, and one for helping others” – Audrey Hepburn

I was born and raised in the tiny town of Santa Rosa, NM, and have called the “Big City” of Albuquerque my home for the past 8 years. Planting roots in Albuquerque, I have grown to love connecting with those in our community, especially with our young adult population.

I graduated from New Mexico Highlands University in 2019, and again in 2022, with degrees in Social Work, and I have utilized these degrees working both in outpatient settings as well as directly in the schools as a mental health counselor. Social Work and therapy holds a special place in my heart as it is a beautiful process to watch young people grow and flourish despite their struggles, background and obstacles. Working with children and adolescents plays an important role in offering preventative care, something I am extremely passionate about. The youth are our building blocks to creating a stronger community, and by teaching this next generation empathy, healthy coping skills, empowerment and so much more, we can literally change the course of the future!

I am bi-lingual and bring cross cultural knowledge to the counseling space. In therapy, though I’ll be along for the ride, I’m just the co-pilot! I hope you’ll find great joy in knowing YOU are putting in the effort to facilitate change in YOUR life, and I am excited to come alongside you on this journey. If you’re looking for a fun, music loving, all things pop culture therapist, you’ve come to the right place! When I am not working, you can find me spending time with family and friends, shopping or traveling. Give me a call or send me an email. Let’s get you going on that path to change your future!

Angelique is scheduling clients Monday-Thursday 8:00 am-6:00 pm in person, via telehealth and in the schools. She can be reached at angelique@essentialmentalhealth.org or 575.781.0534

“My job is to be a space where nothing in me is preventing the changes that you are wanting to emerge in you.” ― Ram Dass

I am a native New Mexican from Placitas, New Mexico. My journey through life has taken me down an unconventional path. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, this path has blessed me with a profound understanding of the complexities of pain and suffering. It has also given me the gift of recognizing the strength and power of resilience.

I enjoy working with individuals, couples, and families from all walks of life. My expertise and passion are rooted in supporting people through challenging situations such as current and past traumatic events, environmental trauma, adjusting to life after incarceration, overcoming addiction, managing chronic illnesses, healing from abuse, and surviving intimate partner violence.

My approach to therapy is based on your unique life circumstances, we will use various resources and tools to help you achieve your goals. I provide a more individualized approach during therapy sessions rather than relying on talk therapy or any one specific modality. My goal is to work together on your personal transformative path of healing, self-discovery, and positive change, with your well-being at the heart of every step we take.

Outside the counseling office, I am a daughter, mother, wife, sister, friend, and fellow human being. I love adventures in nature and hot springs. I respect and cherish the infinite power of the universe, philosophy, spirituality, the earth, animals, music, and many other forms of beauty.

I want to invite you to reach out so we can explore how I can support you on your journey to well-being.

Julie is currently accepting clients both in person and telehealth (though she prefers in-person!) during weekday hours. Please contact her at 505.895.3484 or Julie@essentialmentalhealth.org

“Nothing ever goes away until it has taught us what we need to know.” ― Pema Chödrön

Hi, I’m Klassie Pino! I am currently pursuing my Master’s degree in Couples and Family Therapy at Antioch University. Since joining Essential Mental Health in May of 2024, I have been dedicated to providing compassionate, client-centered care. As I enter my final semester of internship and prepare to graduate in May, I continue to approach therapy with curiosity, empathy, and a commitment to fostering meaningful change for individuals, couples, and families. My work is guided by a trauma-informed and experiential lens, grounded in a systemic framework and supported by evidence-based practices.

I take a holistic approach to therapy, recognizing the connection between mind, body, and spirit. My work is influenced by Eastern medicine practices, somatic therapy, sound therapy, and psychedelic-assisted healing. I aim to support the whole person by integrating tools that promote emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being.

As a queer, sixth-generation New Mexican and 2SLGBTQIA+ ally, I strive to create a safe, inclusive, and sex-positive space for exploring the complexities of being human. Humanistic and feminist theories guide my focus on empathy, empowerment, and social justice.

I bring lived experience to my work, including being neurodivergent, and I’m passionate about supporting individuals, couples, and families navigating trauma, identity exploration, relationship dynamics, and life transitions. I create a unique therapeutic experience by incorporating creativity, art, humor, and even games into sessions when appropriate.

My service dog, Goldie Hawn, supports me in supporting you and is available for sessions upon request. Please reach out via call, text, or email to see if we’d be a good fit to work together!

Klassie sees clients in person (telehealth available) Wednesdays-Fridays. You can contact her at 505.715.5312 or klassie@essentialmentalhealth.org to schedule an intake!