Chris has worked extensively with Marriages, Families, and individuals. His practice has grown almost exclusively from word-of-mouth referrals from happy clients. During the past several years of his practice, Chris has been instrumental in developing marriage and family treatment more effectively targeting and addressing underlying themes and emotional patterns. This model incorporates, but goes beyond traditional talk therapy – being more experience based. The result has been more effective and longer lasting results. Hence his quickly growing practice – in spite of working more time-efficiently with each marriage and family.

Chris’s work has extended from very significant mental health and family dynamics in inpatient settings, to more common marital, family, and individual concerns, to simply enhancing happy marriages.

Chris has a particular love of supporting and helping couples and families. He enjoys helping parents and children live and work together. He finds joy in helping couples as they learn to live and grow together through life’s many challenges. Chris is excited to be a part of the Connections Clinic and the collaboration and growth resulting from working with other particularly effective professionals.

Chris was raised in northern Utah, and when not at the clinic, you will most likely find him out-of-doors with his beautiful wife Natalie and son Dalton.

Call today to schedule and appointment with Chris at 801.272.3420

Jenn is passionate about working with and empowering clients who have experienced trauma. She has experience working with adults and couples to identify strengths, create solutions to problems, learn healthy communication skills, and increase a sense of peace and harmony.

Jenn received her master’s degree and a Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Utah. She is trained in EMDR and Clinical Hypnosis and specializes in trauma work. She also utilizes Positive Psychology and Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Emotion-Focused Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Grief Counseling, Gottman Couples Counseling, and Dialectic Behavioral Therapy.

Jenn aims to help you create the life you want by healing the past through discovering your strengths to find solutions to change the unhelpful stories or beliefs and become unstuck in negative behavior and relationship patterns. She believes in taking a holistic approach to support you through empowerment, clarification of values, and mindfulness to create and live a more authentic life.

Jenn is happily married and has four children. She enjoys playing golf with her husband, making jewelry, reading, and spending time with family and friends.

Call today to schedule an appointment with Jenn at 801.272.3420

Drew is originally from Atlanta, Georgia, and transitioned to Salt Lake City, Utah, in the summer of 2021. His career in human services started in 2017 as a volunteer at a psychiatric hospital. Drew eventually worked up the field to achieve a master's degree in clinical social work from Kennesaw State University. Drew developed a passion for psychotherapy, emphasizing existential and spiritual psychology. Having an undergraduate in philosophy, Drew received education on world religion, spirituality, and the fundamental questions of reality. He developed a blend of interpersonal talk therapy, mindfulness, and meditative sound therapy that helps individuals transcend the narratives that have kept them stuck in recurring maladaptive patterns. Drew has years of experience working with substance addictions, behavioral addictions, trauma, relationship strain, and spiritual issues.

Drew comes from a family of musicians and incorporates his musical ability into a unique style of sound therapy. Drew uses a collection of crystal singing bowls, native-style flutes, drums, chimes, and rattles to create a sound immersion experience. Drew guides clients through mindfulness skills, breathwork, and body-centered scanning with various sounds to access the subconscious directly. Drew feels the goal of therapy should be to find one’s highest self.

Jess is an experienced therapist that works with teens and adults, ages 14 and up. She prides herself on her ability to translate her clinical knowledge into understandable and relatable terms. She creates a therapeutic, yet conversational, environment that cultivates safety and allows people to truly be themselves.

Jess’ passion lies in helping each person achieve a more complete understanding of their own unique mind and experiences. She believes that understanding yourself comes with the ability to navigate life’s challenges more naturally and effectively. She works with her clients to process uncomfortable emotions, build communication and coping skills, and set goals that are simple but impactful.

She utilizes EMDR, Mindfulness Techniques, Psychoeducation, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and other modalities based upon the needs of each unique individual.

She is experienced and passionate about issues such as: trauma-processing (EMDR), depression & anxiety, self-esteem issues, self-harming behaviors, strained relationships, LGBTQIA+ support, and a variety of other issues and complications. She is also known to connect quickly with those who may be resistant to the therapy process.

She holds a Bachelors of Social Work from the University of Utah and completed her Masters Degree in Social Work through Louisiana State University.

Call today to schedule and appointment with Jessica at 801.272.3420

Conner is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. He has an undergraduate degree in psychology and is finishing his master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. He has a passion for working with children and teenagers. He hopes to help children and teens navigate the stresses, changes, and anxieties of life. He also seeks to help family relationships. To accomplish this, he utilizes cognitive behavioral family therapy and integrates play therapy techniques.

Conner is married to his wife Rebecca. He can be found outside of work hiking with his coonhound Artemis. In his free time, he enjoys movies, music, exercise, and playing guitar. Conner has had experiences working with diverse family dynamics and different cultures. This has solidified his passion for therapy and working with families.

Call today to schedule an appointment with Conner at 801.272.3420

Are you wanting to get out of a rut - either in your own life or in a relationship? Are you in a romantic relationship that does not seem to be improving, no matter how hard you've tried? Have you experienced the pain of an affair and are unsure how/if you can trust your partner again?
Are you wanting to develop a better outlook of yourself? Do you have an addiction or bad habit that you are trying to kick?

I assist people in finding their confidence again and implement habits that make life fulfilling. I help couples develop habits and communication patterns that help them connect and feel understood by one another. I help each client feel safe in expressing their emotions in session. No matter what, I am your biggest advocate. I am 100% invested in helping you succeed. I currently have openings! Not every therapist is right for every person. I offer FREE 15 minute consultations so you can see if I am a right fit for you!

My perspective

Hi, I’m Nikki, a dedicated student of Marriage and Family Therapy with a passion for helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges. My journey into this field stems from a deep desire to foster connection, healing, and personal growth. I am committed to developing a compassionate and supportive approach that empowers clients to create meaningful change. I believe that every person deserves to be understood, seen, valued and supported. My goal is to create a safe space where clients can explore their emotions, strengthen relationships, and learn resilience.

My experience

I am currently a masters student at Touro University Worldwide. I graduated with a BS from BYU in Marriage, Family and Human Development. I have gained extensive experience working with diverse populations in the Victims Advocate field, as a job coach and a case worker. I have enjoyed working with elementary school children in developing essential skills in emotional and behavioral regulations and social skills.

Who am I

I am a mother of 3 amazing young people. I homeschooled my older children until middle school. I enjoy the journey of watching them learn and grow. When I’m not working or spending time with my kids, you can find me hiking or exploring, I love nature and being outdoors. I also enjoy traveling, reading and good discussions.

Becky Hinchcliff is fascinated by other humans and what makes them who they are. Consequently, she studied Family Life with an emphasis in Human Development at Brigham Young University and graduated with her Master’s in Social Work from Utah State University. Becky has worked in the mental health and social work fields for close to a decade with an aim to support clients in their self discovery, individual growth, and psychological health/well-being as they process the effects of past and current life experiences by considering their personal strengths, needs, and culture.

Becky particularly enjoys working with adolescents, young adults, and their families. She is well exposed to the latest developments in trauma-informed practices and enjoys discovering with clients the layers of their psyche through talk and experiential practices. Becky is credentialed in high-fidelity wraparound and trained in mind-body-bridging, cinematherapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy.

In her intentional free time, Becky enjoys a good story in any format (books, movies, songs, tv shows, jokes, etc.), being active outdoors in the sunshine, traveling, reviving her waning Dutch proficiency, and surrounding herself with all the fresh cut flowers she can afford. She is most proud of her awesome aunt status and capacity for an abundance of friendships.

Jake has always been fascinated by the mind and the intricacies of human relationships. Deeply empathetic by nature, he is passionate about understanding people’s challenges and walking alongside them on their healing journey. Jake specializes in treating sexual addiction and unwanted pornography use, OCD and anxiety, and trauma/PTSD. He is also currently expanding his expertise in working with ADHD. Jake has experience working with individuals of all ages and tailors his approach to each unique person.
Jake approaches therapy with warmth, compassion, and a strengths-based lens. His integrative approach includes mindfulness, guided imagery, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Inner Child/Parts work, and nervous system regulation techniques. He is committed to treating clients holistically—respecting where they are and what they are ready and willing to work on. He is also completing his 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) and enjoys weaving aspects of yoga and breathwork into sessions when clients are open to it.

Outside the therapy room, Jake is a passionate musician who loves to sing and play the guitar, piano, and drums. A former elite and collegiate gymnast, he now turns to yoga and meditation for movement and grounding. He loves sunshine and finds inspiration and peace in the outdoors, always grateful for nature’s variety and beauty.

Lauren Heywood is a Marriage and Family Therapy Intern with a background in psychology and a deep commitment to mental health advocacy and awareness. She is passionate about helping couples strengthen their connection and communication, with a focus on supporting those healing from betrayal. Lauren provides an empathetic, strengths-based approach and utilizes evidence-based treatments to help clients make meaningful, lasting changes.

She is dedicated to creating a supportive, nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. In addition to her work with couples, Lauren specializes in working with children and adolescents and enjoys helping individuals navigate a variety of mental health concerns with compassion and clarity.

Outside of therapy, Lauren finds joy in musical theatre, spending time with her husband and daughter, and embracing her nerdy side with her siblings.

Call today to schedule and appointment with Lauren at 801.272.3420

Dr. Leon Butler is a licensed clinical psychologist. He has a bachelor's degree in psychology from Brigham Young University and then attended Auburn University. He graduated from Auburn University in 2010. While in school Dr. Butler studied impulse control, worked with substance related education, and provided help to students and adults in the community. He is the author of multiple journal articles and co-author to one book chapter.

Dr. Butler has a variety of valuable experience in psychology having worked in community mental health, at Hill Airforce Base, and in corrections. Dr. Butler successfully started the Behavioral Health Department at previous clinical before entering the hospital industry. Throughout his career, Dr. Butler has provided therapy to individuals, couples, and groups. He works from a Cognitive Behavioral model which informs treatment in many modalities and across multiple presenting concerns. Dr. Butler has helped individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship problems, substance use, impulse control, and psychosis. He has a wealth of experience and knowledge. In therapy Dr. Butler works primarily with adults but does conduct therapy with individuals from age 14 through adulthood.

Dr. Butler also has extensive experience conducting psychological evaluations. He has provided evaluations across the spectrum from brief disability determination evaluations to full psychological evaluations including intelligence, personality, ADHD, and autism testing. He is familiar with multiple measures and techniques to help find primary presenting concerns that help to individualize treatment and give clarity to individuals.

Dr. Butler is versed in multiple Cognitive Behavioral Therapy modalities including, primary CBT, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Trauma Focused CBT (TFCBT). He is also versed in exposure-based trauma therapy. When he works with couples, he primarily uses Gottman based couples therapy.

Dr. Butler’s model of therapy helps individuals to find personal insight and apply these insights to effect healthy change in their lives. He is both compassionate and down to business. He feels that it’s important to be honest with ourselves in therapy and that through owning all of ourselves we find insight that helps us to make progress in our lives.

In his personal time Dr. Butler loves sports. He is an avid racquetball player and enjoys playing “old man” basketball. He loves college football and most any sport. He has 5 children and has been married for more than 25 years. He enjoys time with his family and friends playing yard games, hiking, playing board games, or just eating a good meal. He loves smoking meats and cooking in general.

Call today to schedule and appointment with Dr. Butler at 801.272.3420

Kyle's clinical focus, and personal passion, is couple and family relationships. He also finds joy in helping individuals overcome their addictive and/or compulsive sexual behavior.

Kyle has worked as a youth counselor at Heritage residential treatment center working with at-risk youth ages 12-18 who experienced various behavioral and psychological issues. He was responsible in building relationships of trust with them as well as preparing and assisting them to develop healthy relationships with their friends and families.

Since 2012, Kyle’s clear-headed clinical skills have resulted in his attracting full-time private practice work with couple and marital relations, parent-child relations, and sexual addiction.

Kyle received his Bachelor’s degree in Marriage, Family, and Human Development from Brigham Young University and pursued his Masters of Arts degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Alliant International University in San Diego in 2012 when he joined Connections Counseling.

Kyle is eager to help those who are struggling personally or in their relationships. He believes that a majority of people’s problems stem from troubled relationships, often starting with attachment injuries with parents, peers, siblings, and intimate partners. When Kyle is with his clients, he understands the relationship dynamics surrounding each individual and its impact. He is able to help clients formulate specific steps and insights that move them to emotional and relationship health.

Kyle has spent most of his life in Utah and currently resides there with his wife, Jessica, and his two daughters. Beside his religious beliefs, his greatest passion is his family. He looks forward to spending time with them after work. Kyle is an avid golfer and when he is not working or spending time with his family you can find him working on his golf swing.

Call today to schedule and appointment with Kyle at 801.272.3420

“Alex works to help people find a path that will enable them to make full use of their capacity to change.”

Alex grew up in California, and moved to Utah later in life to pursue his goals as a therapist. In the early years of his education he spent his time working with the Strengthening Families Program out of Utah Valley University teaching family and parenting classes. Alex received his Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Argosy University and began his clinical work as a LAMFT.

In Alex’s work as a Marriage and Family Therapist he has had the opportunity to work with people with various backgrounds and a wide variety of concerns that brought them to therapy. After starting his work at Connections Counseling Center, he quickly developed a passion for working with couples on their varying marital (and pre-marital) concerns. His work with couples helped him develop a profound belief in people’s capacity to change. Whether he is working with families, couples, or individuals Alex works to help people find a path that will enable them to make full use of their capacity to change.

Alex’s hobbies involve a love of music that stems from his childhood desire to be a classical song writer. He enjoys writing, and one day hopes to further his career by writing books to help other therapists grow. Alex also enjoys teaching and is currently working to further his goal of teaching upcoming therapists, and eventually supervising new therapists to help shape the field he is practicing in.

Call today to schedule and appointment with Alex at 801.272.3420

I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) with a Masters of Arts degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from North Central University, and I also have a Bachelors of Science degree in Sociology and Diversity from the University of Utah.

I have a broad range of diverse life experiences that will assist me in helping you as a client. I also have gifts of empathy and patience which will help you in the therapy process. If you allow me to help you, then I will do my very best to guide you through the therapeutic process, regardless of the level of difficulty you are experiencing, because I want to help you reach your personal and therapy goals.

I thrive in attuning myself to your goals, and understanding what approach will work best for you in constructing tailored, unique solutions for your life within healthy therapeutic principles.

I also am here to serve you in moving forward with tools that will enable you to sustain your progress once you leave therapy.

Specialties:
Trauma work
Brainspotting
Elderly adults
Couples and Families
Individual Therapy
Diversity and Cultural issues
Co-Parenting Therapy

Call today to schedule and appointment with Lydia at 801.272.3420

Jennifer was drawn to this field by her interest in people and her belief that healthy relationships contribute to an individual’s well-being. Relationships often present difficulty, and she desires to help people work through difficulties to achieve stronger connections with those they love. She has a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from National University, specializing in couple's therapy, and a Bachelor's Degree in Family Sciences from Brigham Young University. She has completed additional training in treating couples, including Levels 1&2 in Gottman Method Couples Therapy and Emotion-Focused Couples Therapy (EFT).

Jennifer is also a CPTT-C (Certified Partner Trauma Therapist) and has worked extensively with clients experiencing betrayal trauma both individually and by co-facilitating Connection's Betrayal Trauma Support Groups. Jennifer has been trained in EMDR and Brainspotting to treat trauma. She also draws from DBT, CBT, and solution-focused therapy in her work with individuals.

Jennifer has a son and son-in-law who are part of the LGBTQ+ community and has a special interest in working with families to maintain unity and love while navigating faith and lifestyle differences.

Jennifer has been married to her favorite person for thirty years; they have five children, four bonus kids, and three granddaughters. Jennifer's main priorities are her faith, family, and friends. She also loves participating in outdoor activities, including running, hiking, skiing, and playing pickleball.

Call today to schedule and appointment with Jennifer at 801.272.3420

I am an Associate Clinical Mental Health Counselor. I received a bachelor's degree in Sociology from Southern Utah University and a master’s degree in Adult Education from Kansas State University. I am currently in the clinical phase of my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Southern New Hampshire University.

I’m a retired veteran who served 29 years in the Army and deployed on five combat deployments. Most recently, I served as the sleep program manager for the 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne), where I developed and managed a program to improve sleep quality amongst special operations forces.

I’m passionate about helping others learn how to deal with life difficulties. I want to help the client feel safe and develop a meaningful connection with those I treat to work together to solve their problems. In the face of current or past difficulties, we all have the potential to find growth and deal with our problems in a way that improves our overall mental and physical well-being. I take a holistic approach where I also place emphasis on the importance of nutrition, exercise, and sleep hygiene as additional interventions when working with clients.

I was raised in Utah and am excited to return to my home state after living in various parts of the world through military service. I have been married for over 23 years and have five children. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, working out, camping, fishing, and hunting. I also enjoy writing and am the author of the self-care book ``Self-Health Andragogy: Self-Directed Learning Approach to Mental and Physical Self-Care``, and I publish self-care articles online.

Call today to schedule and appointment with Christopher at 801.272.3420

Chris pursued his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in psychology and counseling from Arizona State University, and began working with youth and families in 2005.

Chris has spent several years working with youth in residential treatment settings in Utah and Arizona. He focused on individual, family, group, milieu and recreational therapy options, and worked with at risk youth ages 12-18 struggling with various mental health and behavioral issues. He collaborated with a team of line staff and teachers, clinical supervisors, nurses and physicians to understand and build therapy options to help these youth understand the struggles they have, and develop skills and strategies for success.

Chris has also worked with adults, families and youth in one on one and group therapy sessions. He is excited to work with people facing challenges, and believes that there are always options to overcome difficulties.

Chris currently resides in Arizona with his wife, Tiffany, and their 4 children! When he is not involved in family activities such as soccer, swimming or barbeques, he enjoys spending time outdoors, shooting archery or trying to catch a fish.

Call today to schedule and appointment with Chris at 801.272.3420

My Perspective: “I am more than the sum of things which have happened to me. I have the free will to choose who I am.” – C.G. Jung

Everyone has their story in this life filled with unique experiences. I am interested in hearing, listening, and working with you through the accounts of your story. From the moment you walk through our doors, I am invested in gaining a better understanding of you and your experiences through your eyes. As we work together, you will find that we will use these accounts as the foundation of our therapeutic process and that understanding your story will pave the way for growth to blossom.

Who I Am: I am a Mental Health Counseling Intern actively seeking to empower individuals, facilitate growth, understand emotions, rationalize thoughts, and embrace perspective in the therapy room. As a recent graduate, you can expect my motivation for and attention to our work to be optimal. I describe myself as a directive therapist with the ability to set goals and maintain structure, without compromising feelings of comfort in the room. I’m a firm believer that without comfort and good rapport, the integrity and effectiveness of therapy are limited.

Additionally, I am incredibly empathetic, down to earth, and highly communicative with others, which I believe are some of the most fundamental qualities for establishing rapport and displaying unconditional positive regard.

Clinical Client Experience: In the past, I have worked with various populations including adults, students, couples, trauma survivors, and minorities (including ethnicities and LGBTQI+ communities). Through my clinical experience, my desire for the field has only grown, which is why I aim to continue my work with these populations to propel my growth, my experience, and my expertise. One thing to consider while working with various populations is that all clients are unique; therefore, it is important to meet you where you are at. Therapy can seem like a scary thing sometimes, and that is okay. Something to acknowledge is that this emotion is part of the process in therapy. Therefore, my focus is to be present with you through this process and help guide you through your feelings so that we may increase understanding, awareness, and create our opportunities for positive change.

More About Me: I LOVE spending time outdoors. Utah is known for its scenic beauty! When I’m not in the office, I am likely hiking, running, photographing, and/or drawing what I see in nature. I am also a big “foodie”, love music, and am often with my dog.

Education:
• Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Florida State University
• Masters Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Florida State University with emphasis on trauma
• Specialist Degree in Counselor Education from Florida State University

Call today to schedule and appointment with Katherine at 801.272.3420

Francesca is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT). Her journey into the world of therapy began with a deeply meaningful experience volunteering for the Didi Hirsch Suicide Prevention Hotline — an experience that furthered her passion for supporting others through life’s most challenging moments.

Committed to uplifting individuals, couples, and families, Francesca approaches interactions with genuine warmth and curiosity. She believes that real change occurs when a safe environment is created, allowing one to explore boundaries and discover new perspectives.

Celebrating the diversity of individual experiences, recognizing that those moments shape who we are and how we connect with others, Francesca’s approach is compassionate, collaborative and adaptable. Her sessions are guided by empathy, openness and a sincere desire to guide and empower clients channel their capabilities for growth and healing.

Utilizing a trauma-informed, systemic lens, Francesca integrates Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) to gently uncover the root causes of relational struggles—both within ourselves and with others.

Born in Manila, Philippines, raised in Vancouver, British Columbia, and having grown up in Irvine, California, Francesca brings a rich tapestry of cultural experiences. She holds a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Alliant International University and a Bachelor’s Degree from Arizona State University.

Outside of the therapy room, you will find her playing or watching hockey, snowboarding in the wintertime, or soaking up the beauty of the outdoors.

She looks forward to walking alongside you on your journey toward greater connection, understanding, and well-being.``