WILLOW EMOTIONAL & RELATIONAL HEALTH, LLC
Therapy for Individuals, Couples, Families, & Children
785-594-5359
Our Master's Level Student Intern Therapists
Therapy Sessions with our Masters level interns are a flat, out of pocket rate of $35
Working with a master’s-level therapist offers a unique and often underappreciated blend of clinical rigor, fresh perspective, and collaborative care. These clinicians are immersed in the most current evidence-based practices—approaches like trauma-informed care, attachment-focused therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and modern integrations of CBT and somatic work and actively shape how they think and practice. Their training is recent, dynamic, and closely aligned with the evolving understanding of mental health, neuroscience, and relational healing.
What sets this experience apart is not simply cost-effectiveness—though that can make therapy more accessible—but the depth of support surrounding the therapist. Master’s-level clinicians practice under close supervision, meaning your care is thoughtfully considered not just by one mind, but by a small network of experienced professionals. Cases are discussed (with confidentiality maintained), perspectives are broadened, and treatment approaches are refined with intention. This built-in consultation process can lead to especially attentive and nuanced care.
There’s also something meaningful about working with a therapist who is deeply engaged in their craft—someone who is actively learning, refining, and showing up with curiosity and humility. They tend to be highly attuned, motivated, and invested in doing good work. Rather than relying solely on years of habit, they’re often more flexible, integrative, and responsive to feedback.
In many ways, working with a master’s-level therapist means receiving care that is both grounded in best practices and enriched by collaboration, accessibility, and genuine presence. It’s not a lesser option—it’s simply a different model of high-quality care, one that can be especially effective for many individuals.
​I believe everyone deserves a space where they feel seen, heard, and genuinely cared for. Life can be messy and unpredictable, and while we’re often told to “figure it out,” no one should have to do that alone. My hope is to offer a space where you can be fully yourself—where we can hold both the hard things and the hopeful things side by side.
My approach is collaborative and rooted in respect. I show up as a real person, and I welcome you to do the same. Whether you’re working through old wounds, navigating something new, or just feeling stuck, I’m here to walk alongside you. Therapy takes courage, but it doesn’t always have to feel heavy—it can also be a space for laughter, insight, and the discovery of new strengths.
Kayla Shepherd
Masters Level Student Intern Therapist
Friends University Marriage & Family Therapy Program
​Life can be challenging, and no one should feel alone in their battles. Regardless of the issue, it helps to have someone that you can be open, honest, and trust with these struggles. In my therapy room, I strive to make everyone feel seen, heard, and validated in their experiences. I believe that every person deserves to know that
they are enough and that they are worthy of happiness. If you are struggling with something and want to make a change in your life, I invite you to step into this space with me, and let's work together to help you achieve the goals you have for your life.
Nicholas Huggard
Masters Level Student Intern Therapist
Friends University Marriage & Family Therapy Program
Sean Eggers- Masters Level Student Intern Therapist
Friends University Marriage & Family Therapy Program
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I believe that healing begins in a space where you feel safe, understood, and accepted just as you are. Life can feel overwhelming, especially when anxiety, self-doubt, or old patterns start to shape how you move through the world. You don’t have to navigate any of that on your own. My hope is to create a grounded and compassionate environment where you can slow down, make sense of what you're carrying, and reconnect with your strengths.
My style is warm, collaborative, and rooted in genuine curiosity. I strive to show up with realness and empathy, and I invite you to bring your full, honest self into the room. Whether we’re exploring tough emotions, unpacking your relationships, or building new tools for coping, I’m here to support you with care and respect. Therapy can be hard work, but it can also be a space for connection, insight, and the kind of growth that feels deeply meaningful.
Alaia Uxue Galiana Abal, Ph.D.,
Masters of Counseling Student Intern Therapist
Ottawa University
I am Dr. Alaia, a Counseling Intern at Willow Emotional and Relational Health, where I work with children over 10, teens, adolescents, adults, and seniors. My journey to counseling has been both interdisciplinary and international. Before starting my clinical training in the United States, I spent decades in Europe working as a forensic neuropsychologist. My academic background in Linguistics and Anthropology continues to influence how I understand human experience, particularly how language, culture, and social context shape emotional life and relationships. I currently serve as Professor and Chair of Applied Psychology at Ottawa University and previously worked as an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi for two years.
In therapy and under clinical supervision, I support individuals dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma-related disorders, including PTSD, OCD, and related conditions, as well as somatic and dissociative disorders. I also assist individuals and couples facing complex relationship challenges and work with clients exploring sexual concerns such as sexual dysfunction and paraphilic interests in a respectful, culturally humble, and nonjudgmental environment. My background in neuropsychology provides me with experience working with individuals and families affected by brain injuries and neurodegenerative illnesses. Earlier in my career in Europe, I also helped first responders and veterans process trauma and build resilience.
My approach combines psychodynamic insights with evidence-based methods, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness-Based practices, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Compassion-Focused therapies. It also integrates Somatic, Polyvagal, Yoga-Based, and Contemplative and Expressive therapies. My goal is to create a thoughtful, compassionate, creative, and culturally sensitive therapeutic environment where clients feel heard, respected, and supported in making meaningful changes.
Hi, I’m Tiffany!
Getting this far is your first brave step toward healing, way to go!
I believe we all share a core longing to be known, seen and cherished, but somewhere
along the way we often get stuck. Whether you’ve been wounded by others, made
mistakes, or just got lost along the way, your story is uniquely yours and you deserve to
have someone hold a safe space for you to explore it. I strive to provide that empathic
and non-judgmental place. I am deeply honored to have the opportunity to come
alongside you on your journey to finding hope and freedom.
Tiffany McIlvain
Masters Level Student Intern Therapist
Friends University Marriage & Family Therapy Program