Kathleen Costello, Family Therapist in Scottsdale, AZ

Specialized therapy, anchored in hope.

If there’s anything my clients get out of therapy, I want it to be this:

You are important,
you are cared for,
and your story matters here.

I know how lonely it can be to struggle. You might be dealing with things right now you haven’t ever shared before, things that might feel almost too big to even say out loud. You’re scared about what this means about you—the kind of parent, partner, or person you are. You’re worried about what this means about your child and your future.

I get your questions. In fact, I welcome them! And as isolating as this may feel today, you don’t have to stay in it alone. I’m here to help shine a light on all that is strong and wonderful in you or your child, so you can begin to live out that potential yourselves.

I do therapy the way I would want it as a client:

  • Compassionate

  • Nurturing

  • Non-judgmental

  • Honest

  • Specialized

WHAT IT’S LIKE TO WORK WITH ME

My approach to therapy is the opposite of one-size-fits-all.

I believe each client is unique and special, so I take the time to listen and learn about your circumstances, natural inclinations, and past experiences. Then, we can tailor your therapy accordingly. 

As a family therapist, I focus on understanding the “system” you or your child is operating in. That means understanding the family dynamics, relationships, school or work settings, and other areas that influence how you feel, think, and behave. In therapy, we’ll work on nurturing the whole person (and the whole system) to help your child connect to their own inner strength and resources and to equip you with the skills and insight you need to form lasting, healthy connection with them.

I am a Biblically based private practice, but you can always choose how (or if) you’d like faith incorporated into our work together.

My methods

  • Play is your child’s language. Play therapy is a structured, theoretically-based approach to help children share their challenges through toys, art, and other age-appropriate expressions when they may not otherwise have the words to communicate them.

  • Sand tray therapy uses small toys or figures to help children and adults express themselves, their feelings, and their challenges without the need for words. It is a powerful technique for anxiety, trauma, grief, and more.

  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) bridges both sides of the brain in order to identify and reprocess stored memories or painful past experiences. It leverages your brain’s innate ability to heal itself.

I am also a certified Grief Educator and Child & Adolescent Trauma Professional (complex trauma). Prior to opening my practice, I spent over two decades supporting children and families in the school system.

Training & Experience

  • Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor - Supervisor (LPC-S)

  • Registered Play Therapist - Supervisor (RPT-S)

  • Certified Child and Adolescent Trauma Professional

  • Certified Grief Educator

  • Integrative Holistic Complex Trauma Trained

  • Trained in Informed Expressive Arts 

  • Advanced Sand Tray Trained

  • Board Certified Professional Christian Counselor

  • Integrative Nutrition Health Coach

  • Certified Professional Life Coach

  • Certified Professional Therapeutic Art Life Coach

  • EMDR/EMDRIA Trained

  • Certificate in Domestic Violence

It’s okay to ask for help.

Click the button below to request a free, confidential consultation with me. Tell me a little about what’s bringing you to therapy, I’ll share about my approach and how I can help, and you can decide if I’m the right therapist for you.