Averie Lucero, CMHC-Intern
American FOrk Office
About Me:
I am currently a Clinical Mental Health Counseling Intern with my undergrad studies in
communication with a minor in Deaf studies. I would love to work with women navigating
perinatal mental health, individuals working through daily stress management, somatic
work, couples therapy, family systems, and individuals struggling with anxiety, depression,
addiction, grief, and a disconnection with themselves and their bodies. In addition to my
communication studies, and Deaf studies, I have had years studying in the birth and doula
spaces and have worked with women during their motherhood journeys and the many
phases that take place in pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. I have also spent time studying
somatic practices, energy work, and mindfulness practices. When working with individuals
and couples I would like to focus on physical, emotional, spiritual, and sexual health. I also
would love to focus on those in the Deaf community, and families working through
communication barriers. As I work towards completing my master’s in clinical Mental
Health Counseling, I am passionate about supporting individuals through their mental
health journeys and with an integrative approach contribute to their overall well-being.
Personal Philosophy:
I believe that everyone has the inherent capacity for growth and healing. My approach is
centered around empowering clients by fostering self-awareness and resilience. I view
mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health through a more holistic lens but with
grounded, structured, and evidence-based approach. I am dedicated to supporting
individuals in their journey towards personal fulfillment and emotional well-being. It is my
goal to act as a guide to help individuals find their way through life’s inevitable challenges
in a way that doesn’t disconnect themselves from their true self, and the world around
them.
Specialties and Areas of Focus:
• Perinatal/Maternity Mental Health: Assisting women who are mothers, trying to
become mothers, and each stage of pregnancy, birth, and beyond. Mental health in women
dealing with hormonal changes, life changes, and family dynamics can be difficult to
navigate, and helping them find their role in motherhood, for their highest good and good to
their families.
• Couples Therapy: I would be incorporating future trainings with working with the
Gottman Method, helping couples find their way back to loving relationships, healthy
communication, and accepting love from each other. This includes physical, emotional,
spiritual, and mental goals to reach unconditional loving relationships.
• Somatic & Mindfulness Practices: Helping others improve their self-esteem,
confidence, and connection back with their mind, body, and spirit through evidence-based
mindfulness practices. Assisting those who have anxiety and depression, and who have
experienced trauma, learn how to love themselves in their own skin once again.
Therapeutic Approach:
My therapeutic approach is an eclectic, holistic, and grounded approach that incorporates
person centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, internal family systems, acceptance
and commitment therapy, the Gottman method, and more. I strive to create a supportive
and empathetic environment where clients feel safe to explore their thoughts and
emotions. By tailoring interventions to everyone’s unique needs, I aim to foster personal
growth and self-discovery.
Experience and Education:
• Current Degree Pursued: Masters in Clinical Counseling at the University of Phoenix.
Undergrad in Communications at Utah Tech University with minor in Deaf studies.
• Relevant Coursework/Training: I have a crisis support badge through the University of
Phoenix to work with those in crisis. I have completed coursework in addiction
management, as well as minored in American Sign Language/Deaf studies, making me well
versed in the Deaf community, and deep study into cultural awareness, and
communication. I also am a master level Reiki practitioner with extensive work with
mindfulness practices and somatic practices. I have done training in birth doula work as
well. I plan on pursuing continued education in trauma-informed care, maternal mental
health, ART, EMDR, IFS, and Gottman training.
• Experience: I am about to embark on my internship and practicum journey in a private
practice setting. Prior to that, I have been doing energy work with women dealing with
depression, anxiety, self-esteem issues, parenting, relationships, etc. I have spent 5 years
recognizing the importance of the mind-body connection, and prior to my energy work was
pursing birth doula work. I have also worked in Deaf centers in southern Utah helping those
in the Deaf culture learn how to communicate and acclimate to a hearing world, as well as
assist CODA’s (Child of Deaf Adults) through their language journey in their family. In
addition to formal training, I have walked to trail of deep grief myself, and feel called to help
others along the way. Lastly, I am a mother of four beautiful humans, and wife of 14 years. I
want to bring my life experiences and training to the table to better understand each client
that sits in front of me.
What to Expect in Therapy:
In therapy sessions with me, you can expect a collaborative and empathetic approach. I
focus on building a strong therapeutic alliance, where we work together to address your
concerns and develop practical strategies for overcoming challenges. My goal is to support
you in achieving your personal goals through a tailored approach and enhancing your
overall quality of life. I hope to create an inviting, open, honest, and empathic space where
clients feel comfortable to be themselves, and face parts of themselves that they don’t
want to face alone. Mental health is something I am so passionate about, and I hope to
bring an inviting, holistic, and nonjudgemental energy to each session, because each client
deserves the best.
Averie is in-network with the following insurance Providers:
- Select Health
- PEHP
- EMI
- University of Utah
- Optum/United Healthcare/UMR/Surest
- Cigna/Evernorth
- Regence/Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield (Any state)
- Aetna
- DMBA
- Tricare
- Medicaid (must verify first)