Denise Aguilera

Licensed Associate Counselor

Accepting New Clients
Virtual Appointments
M, T, Th 5-7p

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Growing up in a small border town, I was raised by a resilient single mother and surrounded by the strong values instilled by my grandmother. Their influence taught me the importance of kindness, compassion, and nurturing—principles that guide my work as a counselor today.

My early experiences were marked by challenges and trauma, often leaving me feeling alone and lost. These struggles, however, have deepened my empathy and understanding of the complexities of human emotion. It is this connection to others’ journeys that fuels my passion for helping people heal and grow.

I’m here to create a safe, supportive space where you can explore your path to healing and transformation. As a trauma-informed therapist, I focus on helping you manage and heal the challenges of your past while equipping you with tools to build a brighter future. I specialize in approaches like EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and inner child work to meet your unique needs. Together, we’ll unpack the pain you’ve been carrying, without fear of judgment, and create room for self-forgiveness, growth, and freedom.

Faith has also played a significant role in my healing, and I strive to incorporate spiritual elements into my practice when appropriate. My goal is to help others find peace, understanding, and empowerment as they embark on their own healing journeys.

As a therapist, I bring unique experience from working in an addiction recovery center in the Scottsdale area, specializing in mental health and substance use. Through this work, I developed strong expertise in supporting clients with borderline personality disorder and bipolar disorder. I facilitated group therapy sessions by fostering a safe and empowering environment, helping clients navigate their recovery journeys with confidence. These experiences have deepened my understanding of the substance use field and enhanced my ability to provide comprehensive, compassionate care. I am passionate about helping individuals achieve their goals, overcome challenges, and improve their overall well-being.

I invite you to reach out if you’re ready to explore this transformative process together.

Love is within us. It cannot be destroyed. It can be ignored. To the extent that we abandon love we will feel it has abandoned us. Denying love is our only problem, and embracing it is the only answer. Through the power of love, we can let go of past history and begin again. Love heals, forgives, and makes whole.
– Ernest Holmes

Experience

Denise is a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) with a Master’s degree from Grand Canyon University. She began her career working with individuals recovering from addiction, first as an intern and then for an additional three years. In her practice, Denise integrates inner child work, cognitive behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing to tailor her approach to each client’s unique needs in individual sessions.

Providing therapy for:

Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, and Self-Esteem
Borderline Personality Disorder, Bipolar, Addiction, and Innerchild Work

Client Focus: Teens 15+, Young Adults, & Individuals

Therapy Modalities

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Motivational Interviewing

Inner Child Work
Creative Parts Work

Spirituality, Trauma
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing)

Training & Education

M.S. in Counseling at Grand Canyon University
Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC)

More Than Just My Work

In my personal time, I find joy in exploring the great outdoors through hiking, which allows me to connect with nature and recharge my spirit. Cooking and baking are not just hobbies for me; they’re ways to express creativity and share love with those around me. Staying active is also essential to my well-being, so I prioritize my fitness routine at the gym. Family is at the heart of my life, and I cherish every moment we share, always making time to nurture those relationships. Attending church each week is important to me, as it provides community and spiritual growth. To keep my mind and spirit centered, I engage in practices that fill my cup—such as journaling, prayer, and expressing gratitude. Reading my Bible is a daily ritual that guides and inspires me to live with purpose.