ABOUT 

OUR VISION

We are a team of therapists, naturopathic doctors, and other healthcare professionals that specialize in providing high-quality individual therapy, couples therapy, and naturopathic care (acupuncture, physical medicine, homeopathy, botanical medicine). Although we are trained in different forms of healing and healthcare, our practitioners have a shared vision to help all clients restore mind, body, spirit, and relationship by providing effective and compassionate care.

Hand holding a plant representing restored wellness & counselling's vision of care and healing
man holding a baby and looking toward the mountains and lakes representing the vision of restored wellness & counselling

WHY RESTORED?

We were all born to be uniquely ourselves, to feel safe, loved and connected, to believe we have purpose and possibility, to feel whole. For most of us, it’s not long before we experience trials in life that leave us disconnected, broken and in pain. It’s easy to wonder if we’ll ever be whole. 

The truth is humans are incredibly resilient. When given love and the right resources, restoration will follow. And although “restored” is defined as, “back to the original state,” we believe most of us have yet to truly experience our greatest potential state of being.

The journey to restoration often leads us to discovering new parts of ourselves, and also ones that are strangely familiar and will eventually feel like home. The world needs more people who have done the work to become whole, restored. It’s from this place that we can truly love and support one another. 

 

If you resonate with our vision, we would love to have you join us on the journey to restoration!

OUR VALUES

 

  • Connection – We move toward connection with ourselves, each other, and the world.
  • Courage – We have courage to be vulnerable and take risks.
  • Growth – We embrace growth, learning, and change. 
  • Equality – We believe in equality, neither better nor less than 
  • Accountability – We take accountability and do the right thing.
  • Wholehearted – We live wholeheartedly because we are enough.

“Wholehearted living is about engaging in our lives from a place of worthiness. It means cultivating the courage, compassion, and connection to wake up in the morning and think, No matter what gets done and how much is left undone, I am enough. It’s going to bed at night thinking, Yes, I am imperfect and vulnerable and sometimes afraid, but that doesn’t change the truth that I am also brave and worthy of love and belonging.”

Dr. Brené Brown

MEET THE TEAM

Nick Puchalski, LMFT

OWNER, LICENSED MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST, CERTIFIED EFT THERAPIST, Gilbert, AZ (In-person and telehealth), Minnesota (telehealth)

I have always been really good at noticing the emotions and feelings of others. I thought of it as a superpower. My own therapist once said that it is probably why I became a therapist. I initially felt a sense of pride, but as we continued therapy, she informed me that this was also an adaptive strategy that protected me from feeling and facing my own emotions. This realization began an ongoing work of connecting more authentically with myself and others. It lead to growth in my confidence and freedom to be myself and improved the work I do with my clients. With the support of my therapist, I was able to uncover this old strategy that was causing issues in my adult relationships and marriage. This type of healing and change is why I love the work that I do. 
I am passionate about helping people grow, heal, and restore themselves in ways that we cannot and should not do alone.

As a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) I believe we are built for connection. Through a safe and caring therapeutic relationship, I guide my clients toward deeper healing and connection. I have over ten years of therapy experience and have extensive training and hold a certification in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT). I am experienced at helping couples heal from the following:

  • affairs, betrayals, and relationship injuries
  • feeling stuck in repeating the same conflicts
  • moving from disconnection and disengaged to connected and engaged
  • rebuilding trust and intimacy
  • maintenance and optimization of the relationship
  • building stronger attachment and security

I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) which has proven effective at helping individuals heal from traumas both big and small. This therapy reduces both the physical and psychological distress that often comes with trauma. I also utilize Internal Family Systems (IFS), also known as parts work. I use IFS approaches to supplement and deepen my work with both couples and individuals. Apart from helping clients in therapy, I enjoy supervising and supporting therapists that are wanting to improve their EFT and couples therapy skills and approaches. I am a AZBBHE supervisor and EFT supervisor candidate. 

*Nick is licensed in Arizona and Minnesota. He is able to provide telehealth services to Minnesota residents. 

Education & Training

  • St. Mary’s University – Twin Cities
    Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
  • Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) – Fully Certified EFT therapist
  • Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) – trained

Professional Affiliations

  • Arizona Center for Emotionally Focused Therapy (AZEFT) President  
  • International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT) member
  • American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) member
  • Psychology Today member
hand holding plant illustration showing the caring vision of restored wellness & counselling

Tara Sorenson, LPC, LCPC, LAC

LICENSED CLINICAL PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR, LICENSED ADDICTION COUNSELOR, & CERTIFIED EMDR THERAPIST – Gilbert, AZ (In-person and telehealth), Montana (telehealth)

For much of my life, I’ve been captivated by the human capacity to heal, connect, and transform. My journey into the field of therapy began with my own struggles and breakthroughs. Early on, I faced personal challenges that left me feeling stuck in old patterns and weighed down by unresolved pain. It wasn’t until I sought help through therapy that I discovered the profound relief and freedom that healing can bring. This experience ignited a passion in me to guide others through their own transformative journeys.

I specialize in helping individuals and couples move toward deeper healing and connection through EMDR therapy and EMDR intensives, which provide opportunities for faster, more focused progress. I am currently expanding my training to include Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples. This allows me to support couples in understanding their emotional dynamics, healing relationship wounds, and building secure, lasting bonds.

What drives my work is a belief that we all deserve to feel safe and whole within ourselves and our relationships. I approach therapy with compassion, curiosity, and a focus on creating a safe space for my clients to explore process, and grow. Whether helping individuals overcome the grip of trauma or guiding couples to rebuild trust and intimacy, I am honored to walk alongside my clients as they reclaim their lives and relationships.

When I’m not working, you’ll find me outdoors, exploring nature, or traveling to experience new places and cultures. These moments of connection – to myself, others, and the world – remind me of the resilience and beauty in our shared human experience.

*Tara is licensed in Arizona and Montana. She is able to provide telehealth services to Montana residents.

Education & Training

  • Montana State University-Billings – Billings, MT
    Master of Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling
  • Montana State University-Billings – Billings, MT
    Bachelor of Human Services
  • Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) Certified
  • EMDRIA Approved Consultant in Training

Professional Affiliations

  • Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing International Association (EMDRIA) member
  • Psychology Today member
Dr. Alice Veirs smiling at her clinic

Emily Burnham, LAMFT

LICENSED ASSOCIATE MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST – Gilbert, AZ (In-person and telehealth)

I’ve always been fascinated with how people feel, communicate, and connect. Throughout my teenage years, I witnessed conflict, abuse, and divorce in many of my family members’ marriages. I began wondering if good marriages really existed. With a burning desire to discover how to make relationships work, I pursued an education in marriage and family therapy.

I have a deep love for all people, and I continue to be amazed by how much my heart swells in compassion when others allow me to witness their most vulnerable and painful parts.

My advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) enables me to treat the heart of the matter in relational conflict. Whether you are “too emotional” or “not emotional enough,” we will work together to uncover the root of disconnection, remove barriers keeping you from feeling safe in relationships, and heal emotional wounds. Healing starts when we can communicate our deepest fears and vulnerabilities to someone who is responsive and engaged. I would love to extend this support to you and help you and your loved ones experience it from one another.

Education & Training

  • Capella University – Minneapolis, MN, Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy with Distinction
  • Brigham Young University – Bachelor of Science in Psychology – Magna Cum Laude
  • Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) – Advanced Training

Professional Affiliations

  • American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) member
  • International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT) member
  • Psychology Today member

Publications

  • Burnham, E. J. (2021). First fictional crush: Effects of parasocial attachments on female adolescent relationships. Intuition, 15(1). https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/intuition/vol15/iss1/3/

Kerstyn Ludlow, MFT Intern & Client Care Coordinator

MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST INTERN – Gilbert, AZ (In-person and telehealth)

My therapy journey began as a client. Like many, I was initially looking for guidance on how to fix what I believed was broken within me. These concepts of “brokenness” and “fixing” deeply impacted my life and marriage. However, through my experiences with individual therapy and Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT), I learned that being “sensitive” is my greatest strength. Embracing vulnerability, rather than suppressing it, allows me to show up more authentically for my spouse, friends, and clients. In doing so, I choose to be brave.

As Dr. Brené Brown says, “Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome.”

As a Marriage & Family Therapist Intern, I am working under the supervision of Nick Puchalski, LMFT, to support individuals, couples, and families in repairing rifts, improving communication, and developing secure bonds. I approach each session by meeting you where you are at and valuing your expertise as the person living your life. We’ll work together in a safe, supportive space for vulnerability and emotional growth, building a roadmap toward stronger, more connected relationships.

Education & Training

  • Arizona State University – Tempe, AZ
    Bachelor of Science in Psychology
  • Arizona State University – Tempe, AZ
    Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience
  • Capella University – Minneapolis, MN
    Master of Science in Marriage & Family Therapy

Professional Affiliations

  • Psychology Today Member
Dr. Alice Veirs smiling at her clinic

Alice Veirs, ND

LICENSED NATUROPATHIC DOCTOR – Gilbert, AZ (In-person and telehealth)

I grew up in the sunny state of New Mexico among the cottonwoods and cacti. I spent every chance I could outside and so grew my passion for the outdoors. My mother was a midwife, so I was exposed to various forms of natural medicine at an early age, as well as the idea that our bodies have an innate healing wisdom. When it was time for me to go to college, I chose Northern Arizona University because of its mountain top location that reminded me so much of home. Despite the climate being familiar I struggled with home sickness and depression my first year away. Then tragically I lost a friend to suicide. Using therapy, meditation, yoga, and time in nature with good friends, I was able to come back to myself and find passion for life again.

I worked hard the next three years and knew I wanted to go into the medical field. However, something about the allopathic medical system didn’t sit right with me. I knew there was more to healing than pharmaceuticals or surgery, and that idea from my childhood, of the body’s innate healing wisdom rang in my head. It was then that naturopathic medicine introduced itself to me and I knew I had found the right path.
I attended Sonoran University of Health Sciences and graduated with honors in Nature Cure. I went on to complete a first-year general medicine residency with emphases on primary care, women’s health, digestive health, and acute conditions. I integrate traditional naturopathic modalities including botanical medicine, homeopathy, acupuncture, nutrition, hydrotherapy, and lifestyle modification with modern therapies, including IV therapy, injection therapies, pharmaceuticals, and bio-identical hormone replacement therapy. I am passionate about helping my patients find optimal wellness through individualized care. I don’t just treat conditions; I get to know my patients and their concerns.

Education & Training

  • Sonoran University of Health Sciences (formerly Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine) – Tempe, AZ – Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine – Honors in Nature Cure
  • Sonoran University of Health Sciences (formerly Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine) – Tempe, AZ – Residency – General Family Medicine
  • Northern Arizona University – Flagstaff, AZ – Bachelor of Arts

Professional Affiliations

  • Arizona Naturopathic Medical Association (AzNMA), member

Keely Puchalski, ND

OWNER, LICENSED NATUROPATHIC DOCTOR – Gilbert, AZ (In-person and telehealth)

As a child, I struggled with performance anxiety in school, music, and sports. I was naturally talented and performing and perfectionism quickly became my way of earning love. I was passionate and motivated but struggled finding adults and role models I could connect with. When it came to dealing with the harder things in life, I wound up parenting myself and caring for others. I was conflicted about aspects of my faith and my purpose in this world and often felt isolated and confused. At 17, I left my senior year of high school to start college, eager to begin life as an independent (almost) adult. I brought with me an ACE score of 5 (adverse childhood experiences – a survey used to predict longevity, physical and mental health ailments). I would later learn this left me predisposed to the many physical health challenges and traumas I soon suffered as a young adult. I coped with these painful experiences by shutting down my feelings and becoming more resilient. I worked harder, traveled the world, lost myself in relationships, focused on helping others, and leaned on my faith. I told myself I was okay, but the reality was, I wasn’t okay.

Thankfully, a couple of heroes came into my story. One was a close relative and mentor who introduced me to therapy. He told me that if I ever wanted to be truly successful, I needed to work through my issues. I was deeply grateful and felt seen and supported. He sent me a link to Psychology Today, and I booked my first session. The second was a naturopathic doctor who turned out to be the first medical provider who actually listened to my health concerns, validated them, and recommended treatment that didn’t make things worse, but started to move the needle in the right direction. My healing journey has been a lot of work and full of twists and turns, but the resources and tools I’ve gained for my physical, emotional, spiritual, and relational health have brought me to a place of peace and fulfillment I didn’t know was possible.

Everything I’ve learned through my own journey has given me a passion for guiding others to the same hope and healing. I would be honored to be part of your healthcare team!

As a licensed naturopathic doctor, I treat the body as one whole integrated system that has incredible potential to heal when given the right support. I love helping clients with establishing the foundations for health – nutrition, movement, sleep, hydration, connecting with nature, and optimizing mental health – and removing any obstacles to cure  – trauma responses, stress, toxins, allergens, environmental exposures, etc.  In addition to treating mental health conditions, I have advanced training and experience in treating gastrointestinal disorders and acute and chronic pain. Some of my favorite therapeutic modalities include acupuncture, physical medicine, Neuro-Emotional Technique (NET), red light therapy, botanical medicine, and supplementation. In addition to my work as a physician, I hold a research scientist position at the Ric Scalzo Institute for Botanical Research, where I conduct natural products research and help to formulate, improve, and provide scientific evidence for natural therapies. I regularly publish and present my research to members of the scientific and medical communities and the general public. I also teach acupuncture and clinical practice skills at Sonoran University of Health Sciences. 

    Education & Training

    • Sonoran University of Health Sciences (formerly Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine) – Tempe, AZ – Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine – with High Honors
    • Bethel University – St. Paul, MN – Bachelor of Arts – Summa Cum Laude
    • Minneapolis Community & Technical College – Minneapolis, MN –  Biochemistry/Health Sciences Transfer Pathway 

    Professional Affiliations

    • American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) Member
    • Women In Neutraceuticals (WIN) Member

    Publications

    • Puchalski K, Gerstel JA, Jimoh A, Shokoohinia Y, Langland J. Effects of Echinacea purpurea and Alkylamides on Respiratory Virus Replication and IL-8 Expression In Vitro. Molecules. 2025;30(2):386.  doi:10.3390/molecules30020386
    • Puchalski K, Jacobs BL, Langland JO. In vitro evaluation of antiviral activity in carnivorous plant species.Virology. 2024;597:110144. doi:10.1016/j.virol.2024.110144
    • Puchalski, K*, Salehi, A* & Shokoohinia, Y & Zolfaghari, B & Asgary, S. (2022). Differentiating Cannabis Products: Drugs, Food, and Supplements. Frontiers in Pharmacology. 13. 906038. 10.3389/fphar.2022.906038.
    • Dunning, M & Schroeder, S & Goelz, L & Sulser, A & Rose, T & Puchalski, K & Langland, J. (2021). Antimicrobial activity of the volatile substances from essential oils. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies. 21. 10.1186/s12906-021-03285-3.
    • Koehler, H & Puchalski, K & Ruiz, G & Jacobs, B & Langland, J. (2020). The Role of Endophytic/Epiphytic Bacterial Constituents in the Immunostimulatory Activity of the Botanical, Astragalus membranaceus. The Yale journal of biology and medicine. 93. 239-250.
    Dr. Alice Veirs smiling at her clinic

    Adriana Brandes, LMT

    Licensed Massage Therapist – Gilbert, AZ

    Connection lies at the very heart of my practice, for I believe that true self-care necessitates a profound connection—to oneself, to others, and to the natural world that surrounds us.

    For many years, I struggled with a profound disconnection from myself. It was difficult for me to engage with my academic studies and create meaningful relationships. It was a time marked by feelings of isolation and uncertainty, prompting a deep longing for rootedness and authenticity.

    In pursuit of self-love, I embraced a transformative journey into holistic healing practices. I received training in massage therapy, reflexology, natural aesthetics, and herbal medicine. Through my training and experiences with these treatments, I was able to reconnect with myself and gain the confidence I needed to pursue higher education and advance my career goals.

    Motivated by my holistic wellness journey, I went on to earn two more degrees –  a Bachelor’s in Biology and a Master’s in Herbal Medicine. These academic pursuits weren’t just about gaining knowledge; they were about diving deeper into the intricate connections between the human body and the natural world and bridging the gap between modern science and traditional healing wisdom.

    Drawing from my diverse background in both scientific studies and holistic practices, I now bring the best of both worlds to assist clients in need of relaxation, recovery, or deeper healing. With an integrative perspective of whole-person health, and a commitment to facilitating personalized holistic wellness journeys that harmonize mind, body, and spirit, I leverage the restorative power of touch and intuitive healing techniques to support each client in my care. My approach is rooted in empathy, compassion, and a deep respect for the interconnectedness of all aspects of health.

    Some of my specialties include:

    Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue/Trigger Point Release Therapy, Lymphatic Drainage, Acupressure Reflexology, and CBD/Essential-Oil Infused Massage 

    *See services page for more information* 

    Education & Training

    • American College of Healthcare Sciences – Portland, OR
      Master of Science in Herbal Medicine, With Honors
    • William Paterson University – Wayne, NJ
      Bachelor of Science
    • Institute for Therapeutic Massage – Hackensack, NJ
      Massage & Bodywork License
    • Institute for Therapeutic Massage – Hackensack, NJ
      Oncology Massage Certification

    Professional Affiliations

    • Women in Neutraceuticals (WIN) member

    Publications

    • Brandes A, Dunning M, Langland J. Antimicrobial Activity of Individual Volatile Compounds from Various Essential Oils. Molecules. 2024;29(8):1811. Published 2024 Apr 16. doi:10.3390/molecules29081811