The Kintsugi Difference
At Kintsugi Counseling, we focus on the well-being of both our clients and therapists. A balanced therapist is more effective and attentive to client needs. By managing workloads, therapists can connect meaningfully with each individual, ensuring they receive the compassion and understanding they need.
Continuing education is crucial. We encourage ongoing training to keep our therapists updated on new practices, improving therapeutic strategies and benefiting clients. We also value personal time, allowing therapists to take breaks and prioritize family, which revitalizes their energy and focus.
We believe that caring for our therapists improves service quality. By fostering an environment that supports self-care, we create a welcoming atmosphere for clients, guided by dedicated and engaged therapists.
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Vanessa Shannon, LCSW
CLINICIAN / CO-OWNER
Vanessa is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Alaska with over 18 years of experience helping youth, adults, and families in various areas, including mental health facilities, community programs, juvenile justice, child protective services, and schools. She utilizes evidence-based, trauma informed modalities to include EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), Parts Work,-The Progressive Approach, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Vanessa is also influenced by and trained in Solution Focused Therapy, Person Centered Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Vanessa enjoys serving adolescents and adults as a trauma informed therapist. She helps clients create a space to process their emotions, feel more connected to themselves, and empowered to live life more fully. Many of her clients seek support in holding and maintaining better boundaries in their relationships, expressing their needs, and improving vulnerability with others so that they can live life how they desire.
Vanessa enjoys strength training, hiking, berry picking, camping, and spending time outdoors with her family, friends, and dog.
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Virginia Redmond, LCSW, CDC I
CLINICIAN / CO-OWNER
Ginny has over 15 years of experience working with transition-age youth, adults, children and families. She spent much of her career at University of Alaska Fairbanks where she provided advising and mentoring for at-risk college students and led an awesome staff. She earned an MSW degree from Boise State University and worked in inpatient and outpatient substance use treatment. Prior to coming to private practice, she worked in Community Mental Health as a child and family clinician where she specialized in child trauma, anxiety and mood disorders, in addition to behavior management and parenting support. Ginny has training in the Attachment, Regulation and Competency (ARC) Framework, Motivational Interviewing, EMDR, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. Ginny is certified in EMDR, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and as a level I Chemical Dependency Counselor.
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Carol Altepeter, LCSW
CONTRACT THERAPIST
I have been in the field of social work for over twenty years. I moved from Ohio to Alaska in 2006 and have lived and worked in Bethel, Sitka, and now Fairbanks. I have extensive experience working with military families and first responders and am currently providing telehealth counseling across the state for adults age 18+. I work with a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, life transitions, relationship issues, self-esteem, and substance abuse.
I use an integrated approach that draws upon a variety of techniques tailored to your unique needs. I view things through a trauma informed and attachment-based lens. Some of the techniques I utilize include EMDR, Mindfulness-Based Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Insight-Oriented Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. I teach clinical courses for UAA and actively seek opportunities for growth to stay up to date with the most effective interventions.
I believe counseling can help you gain a deeper understanding of yourself and underlying issues, uncover strengths, and learn skills that will help you reach your goals. I am committed to creating an authentic and healing environment for you to share your personal struggles and desires for the future. Regardless of the techniques used, the most important aspect of counseling is the relationship and connection you have with your counselor. Please reach out to see if we would be a good fit.
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L. Jenae MacNaughton, LPC-S
CONTRACT THERAPIST
Jenae (she/her, they/them) hold a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Walla Walla University and a Master of Science in Thanatology (the study of death/grief) from Marian University. She has been independently licensed since 2008 and is an approved supervisor for professionals seeking licensure in Alaska. Jenae is a Certified Advanced Grief Counseling Specialist (CAGCS), a Certified Family Trauma Professional (CFTP), a Board-Certified Telehealth Provider (BCTP-II), and Certified in Brainspotting (BSP-C) (see www.brainspotting.com). She is also formally trained by the IFS Institute in Internal Family Systems (IFS) work and seeking certification.
Jenae considers herself a Solution-Focused Therapist (SFT), meaning she focuses on finding the strengths and solutions people already have within themselves (often a re-discovery process).
She calls herself an IFS Therapist who specializes in Brainspotting and Psychoeducation. Her approach depends on her client’s comfort level with each method and their individual needs each session. As mentioned above, she specializes in grief/loss and trauma. Additionally, she specializes in serving individuals who struggle with addiction, chronic illness, life transitions, relationship issues, women’s issues, and sexual identity and sexuality. Her specialty populations are active/retired First Responders (i.e., law enforcement; nurses; military members, veterans, and their families; etc.), individuals who identify as queer or LGBTQIA2S+, individuals who suffer from spiritual trauma, adolescents (ages 13 and older, due to the nature of telehealth/online services), and Alaskan Natives/Native Americans (AN/NA).
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Erica Nardella, LCSW
CONTRACT THERAPIST
I am a licensed clinical social worker who loves what I do. I have been working in this field since 2018 within settings of community mental health, children and families, substance use, active duty service members and their family members, and advocacy. I particularly enjoy working with individuals who have experienced traumatic events and find it difficult to be engaged in daily life. I utilize evidence based practices and techniques such as Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing and Parts/EGO State work which help individuals to heal and feel okay in their bodies, in the present moment, one day at a time. My toolbox includes non-judgement, compassion, integrity, authenticity, curiosity, respect, honor, kindness, and fun. Therapy comes in all different forms, pathways, and possibilities. I would love to learn what feels right to you.