Collaborative Counseling Institute

Sooo excited to welcome Ruth Edeto-Malone to Collab team. Ruth has big plans for supporting the community and we are so lucky to have her here 🎉

I believe meaningful growth begins when you feel safe enough to explore who you truly are. I provide a warm, supportive, and culturally responsive space where teens and adults can navigate life transitions, relationship challenges, workplace stress, identity exploration, and personal growth. With a special interest in supporting high-performing women, I understand the unique pressures of balancing expectations while striving to care for yourself. My approach is collaborative, practical, and holistic..blending evidence-based clinical tools with genuine connection. Together, we’ll identify your strengths, develop strategies that align with your values, and build the confidence and self-trust needed to create lasting change. My goal is to help you leave each session feeling empowered, equipped, and more connected to the life you want to live

Therapy is inherently political. Mental healthcare accessibility is more limited than ever. And like all healthy relationships, it’s okay to hold two difficult truths at the same time.

I get it. Who has time to prioritize the relationship when the baby hasn’t slept longer than 2 hour increments, the dog just tracked in mud all over the couch, and dinner is about to be eaten in 3 places on the way to 3 different after school activities?

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Maybe it’s not right now, but at some point we have to turn toward each other.

Otherwise, life is going to slow down one day and we are going to wonder..

When did we make our way away from each other? And how do we make it back?

As therapists we get asked all the time..”how do you do what you do?”

It’s a good question! This work is incredibly challenging. Clinician burnout is increasing at an alarming rate.

This right here though…This is how we prevent it. We were so thrilled to play a role in the very first Not Your Typical Therapist Conference presented by

Thank you Patti for a weekend full of connection, education, and replenishment 🤍 this community is so thankful for you!

“I shouldn’t have to ask. They should know that about me already”

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In a world of “if they wanted to, they would” it’s hard to keep risking vulnerability.

Sometimes if they wanted to, they would….

But also sometimes if they heard the same message differently, they would.

Or sometimes if their protective parts felt more safety in the conversation, they would.

Or if they really fully and DEEPLY understood how important it is to you, they would.

Just your friendly neighborhood marriage and family therapist checking in to make sure you’re giving yourself every opportunity to get your needs met. Because you’re important. Promise. 🫶🏼

It’s 2026. Accessibility to quality mental health care is limited enough. Don’t let the myths of working with an intern block you from receiving heartfelt support!

To schedule a phone consult with our intern clinical supervisor, call or text: (480)665-8759

We are stoked to welcome Sarah Chang to the Collab team as part of our partnership with ASU’s Marriage and Family Therapy program. Sarah brings years of experience working with kiddos and teens and is passionate about supporting couples and families.

Hi! I’m Sarah, a MAS-MFT intern at Arizona State University. I’m deeply passionate about supporting people while exploring their inner worlds with curiosity, compassion, and authenticity. My interests and approaches to therapy are rooted in a belief that our struggles are not a sign that something is “wrong” more rather that something important is asking to be better understood. 
I’m a lifelong learner who finds joy in new experiences! Whether I’m studying, baking, writing, or painting, creativity is one of the ways I stay connected to life and to others. Outside of the therapy room, you can usually find me trying new foods, taking a nap, coloring, or enjoying live music and stand-up comedy. I value warmth, humor, and a genuine relatable human connection, and I strive to bring that same presence into my work with clients.

Reflecting on our people after our winter dinner last night…

If you’re a client with our office, I hope you feel the sense of connection this team has. I hope you walk in the door and feel a sense of belonging. I hope you get to witness therapists chatting in the hallway together between sessions, regulating our own nervous systems and practicing what we preach.

If you’re a therapist, I hope you’ve found your people. I hope you’re part of an environment where you know you can talk through your hardest moments with safety and security. I hope you have someone who highlights your strengths and gifts as a helper. This work is hard and humbling- especially this time of year.

We’re hardwired for connection folks. What a gift when we find it.