SAWYER BEHAVIORAL HEALTH - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Clinical Director
- Owner
- Supervisor
Shannon Sawyer is the Clinical Director and Owner of Sawyer Behavioral Health. Initially a military spouse and stay-at-home mom, Mrs. Sawyer obtained a Master's Degree with High Distinction in Professional Counseling from Liberty University in 2010. She later gained experience as a Licensed Professional Counselor at a local behavioral health hospital, working in both inpatient and outpatient settings as well as for a longstanding counseling center in the El Paso community. Mrs. Sawyer opened a private practice in 2015 that has seen exponential growth with the addition of seven fully licensed counselors and several LPC-Associates and student interns.
Mrs. Sawyer believes the most effective way of navigating the intricacies of emotions, behaviors, and self-concept is to take a strengths and values-based approach to therapy while remembering that an individual's source of power and wisdom lies within themselves. When working with clients, Mrs. Sawyer incorporates the understanding of one's emotions, behaviors, and biology relating to their well-being, daily functioning, and self-concept.
Stephanie Murray (She/Her) is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate who has a Master of Science in Professional Counseling from Grand Canyon University.
She has experience providing counseling services to a variety of individuals, particularly adolescents and young adults. She also works with clients who identify as LGBTQ+. She strives to create a safe and non-judgmental space where her clients can freely express their thoughts and emotions. Her focus lies in utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to assist clients dealing with anxiety, depression, and ADHD
My name is Valorie Velasquez Gates. I am a student intern at Grand Canyon University. I am currently pursuing my Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. My desire is to provide a safe, non-judgmental space where clients of all ages can feel secure and confident to share life's challenges. Together we will determine your strengths and values and use them as a foundation for healing. Life can bring struggles, but as we determine your goals and needs, there are healthy strategies and coping skills to be found that will allow you to overcome those fears and pain. Based on your individual needs, we will apply the approach that works best for you. I also offer Christian/Biblical Counseling for those who desire a more spiritual approach to counseling.
Veronica Barajas, MA, LPC, has been part of Sawyer Behavioral Health since 2016. She completed her undergraduate studies in Psychology/Neuroscience at Baylor University. In 2006, Veronica continued her graduate studies at New Mexico State University. Ms. Barajas has worked both clinically and in research. She has worked with specialized populations including, but not limited to, those facing chronic pain/illness and children and adults on the spectrum. Veronica Barajas uses expressive modalities and pragmatic problem-solving to help clients connect more deeply to mind, body, and spirit. Areas of particular interest include anxiety disorders, mood dysregulation, grief, adjustment, and general wellness.