About Us
SLC Psych - Salt Lake's Premier Therapy Practice
About Us
SLC Psych - Salt Lake's Premier Therapy Practice
LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST, PHD
Brandon Yabko
Brandon founded SLC Psych in 2022 in order to provide care to hospital workers and educators who are burned out and stressed, as well as, to the general population who are experiencing heightened degrees of mental health issues.
Brandon is not new to therapy as he started in 2008 and has been working for the past decade in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Over the past few years, Brandon experienced the downside of success, in that after successfully creating new programming (e.g., one of the VA’s first “Mindfulness Centers.”), he then found himself stuck in administration, which was never his goal. Now Brandon gets to do what he loves, which is to work directly with his clients.
During the winter you can find Brandon on his snowboard, exercising, hot tubbing it, and enjoying his young family. In the summer, he loves camping, pool time with his family, and still hot tubbing it! Year round he enjoys making his own beer, eating sushi, spending time with his kidFAQs and hanging out with his partner.
What makes Brandon Stand out?
He will only provide “homework” if it is directly related to what matters to you. “Home practice,” as Brandon calls it, could include: meditation, exercise, self-compassion, hobbies, practicing a new way of being with others, and the like.
He will not replace learning in the therapy session with reading at home. Unless that reading is something you and he think can add to what was learned in therapy.There is a continuum of supportive to action oriented therapists. Brandon is supportive and leans more heavily to the action oriented side. Meaning, at times you might come to session needing to vent and have someone hear you out.
However most of the time, Brandon helps you develop skills, process the past, and move toward your goals in therapy.There is both science and art of therapy.
Brandon believes in both and brings the art through easily digestible metaphors and in the moment exercises specifically tailored to you. He brings passion and creativity to everything he does.
Therapeutic Goals
Brandon believes that focusing on what matters and creating meaning in your life are essential.
He works with you to identify your core values, build mindfulness and compassion skills/experience, and approach difficult aspects of experience. When challenging and entrenched beliefs, body sensations, emotions, and memories keep you stuck in these areas, he works with you utilizing a variety of ACT, EMDR, and Mindfulness and Compassion therapies to help you get unstuck.
Overall, When you meet with Brandon you get an authentic, kind, and knowledgeable person to join you on the path toward healing and well-being.
In addition to working with all adults on a variety of issues, Brandon has specific populations and mental health issues that he has special experience and expertise in:
Healthcare Workers
Men’s issues
Burnout/Stress
PTSD/Trauma
Chronic Pain
Mood and Anxiety disorders
Modalities used:IndividualACT and EMDR trained
GroupCertified in MSC, Trained Teacher status in MBSR, and trained in MBCT
Training
Graduate School
Arizona State University, Counseling Psychology Doctoral program, earned PhD in 2013
Fellowship/Postdoctoral Training in 2013/14
Salt Lake VA Healthcare system, completed 1 year of specialty training in clinical psychology with emphasis in PTSD and Trauma.
Internship:
Tucson VA Hospital
LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST, PHD
Stephanie Voigt Yabko
Stephanie joined SLC Psych in 2022 in order to better help the general population who are experiencing heightened degrees of mental health issues.
She had been associated with various group private practices across the Salt Lake Valley for the past 8 years where she had grown her specialty area of providing psychological evaluations for those involved in third party reproduction, and she is excited to further expand the services available to patients struggling with infertility and the challenges of growing a family as a LGBTQ person.
Outside of work, you can find Stephanie spending time with her 2 young children and husband, skiing, hiking, camping, spending time at the pool, dabbling in interior design, cooking delicious foods, traveling, and eating lots of sushi.
What makes Stephanie Stand out?
She will only assign “homework” if it is directly related to what matters to you.
Oftentimes, homework looks like “experimenting” with new behaviors to try them out before fully committing to the change.
She does not view herself as a gatekeeper regarding psychological evaluations. She genuinely hopes for everyone to be fully informed about their family building plans to allow for the most positive experience possible.
There is a continuum of supportive to action oriented therapists. Stephanie is a very patient person and she tends to lean more heavily on the supportive side of the continuum. When action is required, know that it will be on your own time when you are fully ready to address the issues at hand.
Therapeutic Goals
Stephanie works with clients utilizing an integrative, strengths-based, individualized approach to therapy, often combining concepts of self-compassion, mindfulness, and acceptance to help you attain your personal goals. She believes in helping you to flourish in your life, not just eliminate symptoms. She does this by helping you use your inner creativity, wisdom, resilience, appreciation, and courage to change your life.
In addition to working with all adults on a variety of issues, Stephanie has specific populations and mental health issues that she has special experience and expertise in:
Young Adults
Women’s issues
Burnout/Stress
Anxiety
Depression
Family Issues
Modalities used:
Individual
CBT and person-centered, motivational interviewing
Training
Graduate School
Arizona State University, Master’s of Counseling in Community Mental Health Counseling, earned in 2008
Arizona School of Professional Psychology, Doctorate of Clinical Psychology, earned PsyD in 2013
Internship
Regional Mental Health, Merrillville, Indiana and East Chicago, Indiana
Adjunct Faculty at University of Utah School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry at Huntsman Mental Health Institute since 2014
Therapist, LCSW
Kyrian Nielsen
Kyrian is from the scenic Eden, UT. During her childhood, she lived in both Costa Rica and Panama for about a year. She pursued her undergraduate studies at Weber State and later attended Syracuse University for grad school. Intriguingly, therapy seems to run in her family, with four out of the six members being therapists. She shares a close bond with her family.
Kyrian grew up with therapist parents, initially resisting the profession.
Her passion ignited in high school during an AP Psychology class, as she became intrigued by the connections between past experiences and current behaviors. This interest led her to mentor youth at a residential treatment center during undergrad, where she saw firsthand the transformative power of genuin
e connections and relationships. Personal challenges, especially navigating the complexities of being LGBT within a demanding religion, deeply influenced her. Her journey from shame to empowerment, facilitated partly by therapy, propelled her to aid others facing similar challenges.
What makes Stephanie Stand out?
She will only assign “homework” if it is directly related to what matters to you.
Oftentimes, homework looks like “experimenting” with new behaviors to try them out before fully committing to the change.
She does not view herself as a gatekeeper regarding psychological evaluations. She genuinely hopes for everyone to be fully informed about their family building plans to allow for the most positive experience possible.
There is a continuum of supportive to action oriented therapists. Stephanie is a very patient person and she tends to lean more heavily on the supportive side of the continuum. When action is required, know that it will be on your own time when you are fully ready to address the issues at hand.
Therapeutic Goals
Stephanie works with clients utilizing an integrative, strengths-based, individualized approach to therapy, often combining concepts of self-compassion, mindfulness, and acceptance to help you attain your personal goals. She believes in helping you to flourish in your life, not just eliminate symptoms. She does this by helping you use your inner creativity, wisdom, resilience, appreciation, and courage to change your life.
In addition to working with all adults on a variety of issues, Stephanie has specific populations and mental health issues that she has special experience and expertise in:
Young Adults
Women’s issues
Burnout/Stress
Anxiety
Depression
Family Issues
Modalities used:
Individual
CBT and person-centered, motivational interviewing
Training
Graduate School
Arizona State University, Master’s of Counseling in Community Mental Health Counseling, earned in 2008
Arizona School of Professional Psychology, Doctorate of Clinical Psychology, earned PsyD in 2013
Internship
Regional Mental Health, Merrillville, Indiana and East Chicago, Indiana
Adjunct Faculty at University of Utah School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry at Huntsman Mental Health Institute since 2014
LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST, PHD
John Jackson
John is from Lexington, a small town in Northeast Georgia.
He attended the University of Georgia in Athens, benefiting from both its rural surroundings and vibrant arts scene. While initially passionate about literature and creative writing, John's interest in psychology grew during his college years.
His appreciation for therapy came when he saw it as a blend of art and science. Influenced by literature, media, and clinical psychology courses, he pursued advanced degrees in Counseling Psychology.
He further refined his therapeutic skills in a Ph.D. program at the University of Maryland, guided by renowned mentors. Today, he remains committed to his field, both in practice and through research and writings.
What makes John Stand out?
John adopts an approach that diverges from the commonly used third wave CBT techniques. While valuing CBT's methodologies, he believes some of its frameworks can overshadow the client with rigid structure.
Prioritizing the individual, he uses an integrative approach with a dynamic emphasis, ensuring genuine therapeutic interactions. If any theory is pertinent, he conveys it clearly and succinctly. His strength lies in capturing clients' experiences and offering insights that provide clarity and emotional relief, facilitating lasting behavioral changes.
Therapeutic Goals
John places a strong emphasis on the artistry inherent in therapeutic practice, harmoniously blending elements from the arts and sciences. At the heart of his approach is the development of a solid therapeutic alliance.
This involves creating a genuine bond characterized by accurate empathy, setting clear therapeutic objectives, and pinpointing tasks and interventions aligned with the client's goals. Drawing from an integrative stance, John combines techniques from psychodynamic, emotion-focused, and cognitive-behavioral schools.He prioritizes understanding relationships and attachment patterns, using techniques like immediacy and reflection of feelings.
Committed to clarity, he ensures clients understand the purpose behind each intervention, promoting a collaborative therapeutic environment. Outside sessions, his dedication continues with engagement in research and professional writing, underscoring his commitment to continuous growth in his field.
Training
Graduate SchoolUniversity of Georgia, Master's Degree in Community Counseling, earned 2007
University of Maryland, College Park - Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology, earned 2014
InternshipEmory University - Emory Counseling Center, completed 2013University of Georgia Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) Post-doctoral Fellowship in Clinical Psychology, completed 2014
Chloe Mitchell, BS - Psychologist in Training
Counseling Psychology PhD Practicum Student
Chloe is a caring and personable therapist who is interested in supporting people through life transitions and trauma. She has a special interest in serving those of the BIPOC and LGBTQ communities.
Brooke Franklin, BS - Psychologist in Training
Counseling Psychology PhD Practicum Student
Brooke is a warm and nonjudgmental therapist. She takes a holistic approach to therapy, with a focus on seeing the whole person and their unique experiences. Brooke is particularly interested in supporting individuals struggling with both physical and mental health symptoms. She also has a passion for serving individuals with diverse backgrounds and strives to create a safe space in therapy.
Manny Gutierrez-Chavez, M.S. - Psychologist in Training
Counseling Psychology PhD Practicum Student
Manny is a kind and encouraging therapist trained in clinical health psychology. For example, he has experience working in primary care, bariatric/weight management, and general psychology practices with adults. Manny hopes to empower individuals from many backgrounds to understand their circumstances better and make changes based on their values—services provided in English or Español.
Ryan Mayfield, M.S. - Psychologist in Training
Counseling Psychology PhD Practicum Student
Ryan meets people where they are at, collaborating with each person on their counseling goals, and tailoring the counseling process to each person’s unique short-term and long-term needs. Ryan’s foundation for counseling involves building a strong therapeutic relationship and facilitating meaning-making of lived experiences. Through the meaning-making process, the opportunity for desired change becomes more accessible. Ryan serves people with a range of concerns including, but not limited to, issues of identity, interpersonal functioning, anxiety, depression, loneliness, adjustment, stress management, career counseling, and academic distress.
Piper
In Office Therapy Assistant
Piper is a naturally supportive and intuitive being. She speaks with her eyes, although a welcome bark might greet you in the waiting room, and she knows when people need her.
If you feel extra comfort from dogs, please don't hesitate to invite her into your session with you.
LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST, PHD
Brandon Yabko
Brandon founded SLC Psych in 2022 in order to provide care to hospital workers and educators who are burned out and stressed, as well as, to the general population who are experiencing heightened degrees of mental health issues.
Brandon is not new to therapy as he started in 2008 and has been working for the past decade in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Over the past few years, Brandon experienced the downside of success, in that after successfully creating new programming (e.g., one of the VA’s first “Mindfulness Centers.”), he then found himself stuck in administration, which was never his goal. Now Brandon gets to do what he loves, which is to work directly with his clients.
What makes Brandon Stand out?
He will only provide “homework” if it is directly related to what matters to you. “Home practice,” as Brandon calls it, could include: meditation, exercise, self-compassion, hobbies, practicing a new way of being with others, and the like.
He will not replace learning in the therapy session with reading at home. Unless that reading is something you and he think can add to what was learned in therapy.There is a continuum of supportive to action oriented therapists. Brandon is supportive and leans more heavily to the action oriented side. Meaning, at times you might come to session needing to vent and have someone hear you out.
However most of the time, Brandon helps you develop skills, process the past, and move toward your goals in therapy.There is both science and art of therapy.
Brandon believes in both and brings the art through easily digestible metaphors and in the moment exercises specifically tailored to you. He brings passion and creativity to everything he does.
Therapeutic Goals
Brandon believes that focusing on what matters and creating meaning in your life are essential.
He works with you to identify your core values, build mindfulness and compassion skills/experience, and approach difficult aspects of experience. When challenging and entrenched beliefs, body sensations, emotions, and memories keep you stuck in these areas, he works with you utilizing a variety of ACT, EMDR, and Mindfulness and Compassion therapies to help you get unstuck.
Overall, When you meet with Brandon you get an authentic, kind, and knowledgeable person to join you on the path toward healing and well-being.
In addition to working with all adults on a variety of issues, Brandon has specific populations and mental health issues that he has special experience and expertise in:
Healthcare Workers
Men’s issues
Burnout/Stress
PTSD/Trauma
Chronic Pain
Mood and Anxiety disorders
Modalities used:IndividualACT and EMDR trained
GroupCertified in MSC, Trained Teacher status in MBSR, and trained in MBCT
Training
Graduate School
Arizona State University, Counseling Psychology Doctoral program, earned PhD in 2013
Fellowship/Postdoctoral Training in 2013/14
Salt Lake VA Healthcare system, completed 1 year of specialty training in clinical psychology with emphasis in PTSD and Trauma.
Internship:
Tucson VA Hospital
LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST, PHD
Stephanie Voigt Yabko
Stephanie joined SLC Psych in 2022 in order to better help the general population who are experiencing heightened degrees of mental health issues.
She had been associated with various group private practices across the Salt Lake Valley for the past 8 years where she had grown her specialty area of providing psychological evaluations for those involved in third party reproduction, and she is excited to further expand the services available to patients struggling with infertility and the challenges of growing a family as a LGBTQ person.
Outside of work, you can find Stephanie spending time with her 2 young children and husband, skiing, hiking, camping, spending time at the pool, dabbling in interior design, cooking delicious foods, traveling, and eating lots of sushi.
What makes Stephanie Stand out?
She will only assign “homework” if it is directly related to what matters to you. Oftentimes, homework looks like “experimenting” with new behaviors to try them out before fully committing to the change.
She does not view herself as a gatekeeper regarding psychological evaluations. She genuinely hopes for everyone to be fully informed about their family building plans to allow for the most positive experience possible.
There is a continuum of supportive to action oriented therapists. Stephanie is a very patient person and she tends to lean more heavily on the supportive side of the continuum. When action is required, know that it will be on your own time when you are fully ready to address the issues at hand.
Therapeutic Goals
Stephanie works with clients utilizing an integrative, strengths-based, individualized approach to therapy, often combining concepts of self-compassion, mindfulness, and acceptance to help you attain your personal goals. She believes in helping you to flourish in your life, not just eliminate symptoms. She does this by helping you use your inner creativity, wisdom, resilience, appreciation, and courage to change your life.
In addition to working with all adults on a variety of issues, Stephanie has specific populations and mental health issues that she has special experience and expertise in:
Young Adults
Women’s issues
Burnout/Stress
Anxiety
Depression
Family Issues
Modalities used:
Individual
CBT and person-centered, motivational interviewing
Training
Graduate School
Arizona State University, Master’s of Counseling in Community Mental Health Counseling, earned in 2008
Arizona School of Professional Psychology, Doctorate of Clinical Psychology, earned PsyD in 2013
Internship
Regional Mental Health, Merrillville, Indiana and East Chicago, Indiana
Adjunct Faculty at University of Utah School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry at Huntsman Mental Health Institute since 2014
Therapist, LCSW
Kyrian Nielsen
Kyrian is from the scenic Eden, UT. During her childhood, she lived in both Costa Rica and Panama for about a year. She pursued her undergraduate studies at Weber State and later attended Syracuse University for grad school. Intriguingly, therapy seems to run in her family, with four out of the six members being therapists. She shares a close bond with her family.
Kyrian grew up with therapist parents, initially resisting the profession. Her passion ignited in high school during an AP Psychology class, as she became intrigued by the connections between past experiences and current behaviors. This interest led her to mentor youth at a residential treatment center during undergrad, where she saw firsthand the transformative power of genuine connections and relationships. Personal challenges, especially navigating the complexities of being LGBT within a demanding religion, deeply influenced her. Her journey from shame to empowerment, facilitated partly by therapy, propelled her to aid others facing similar challenges.
Therapeutic Goals
Kyrian's therapeutic goals center on adopting a strengths-based approach, emphasizing that while clients might approach her due to specific struggles or traumas, there's an entirety of their persona beyond just that. She endeavors to see the full spectrum of the individual, acknowledging that while trauma is a part of them, it doesn't wholly define their essence. She believes that many perceived weaknesses are merely overused strengths and aims to help clients find balance by viewing their challenges through this perspective. Integrating a mind-body method, Kyrian acknowledges that mental stress and emotions manifest in physical ways.
To foster healing, she integrates both the mental and physical realms, enabling clients to master their emotions and the bodily reactions they instigate. Furthermore, her therapeutic style mirrors her life philosophy, wherein amidst pain and struggles, there's always room for levity and laughter. Kyrian considers humor not just a relief but a genuine healing component.
Regarding specific therapeutic techniques, Kyrian operates from an individualized perspective, ensuring her approach aligns with both her clinical training and the unique needs of her clients. While she maintains a structured plan for each session, she remains flexible to adjust based on the immediate needs of the client. Soft homework, often thematic, is provided, though tangible assignments are rare unless specifically requested. Additionally, she might recommend reading materials, leaving the decision to pursue them to the client.
Training
Education
Weber State University, Bachelor of Psychology, earned in 2017
Syracuse University, Master of Social Work, earned in 2020
Internship
ACR Health, Syracuse, New York SUNY Upstate Medical University - Department of Psychiatry, Syracuse, New York
Graduate Research Assistant at Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York
LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST, PHD
John Jackson
John is from Lexington, a small town in Northeast Georgia. He attended the University of Georgia in Athens, benefiting from both its rural surroundings and vibrant arts scene. While initially passionate about literature and creative writing, John's interest in psychology grew during his college years. His appreciation for therapy came when he saw it as a blend of art and science. Influenced by literature, media, and clinical psychology courses, he pursued advanced degrees in Counseling Psychology. He further refined his therapeutic skills in a Ph.D. program at the University of Maryland, guided by renowned mentors. Today, he remains committed to his field, both in practice and through research and writings.
What makes John Stand out?
John adopts an approach that diverges from the commonly used third wave CBT techniques. While valuing CBT's methodologies, he believes some of its frameworks can overshadow the client with rigid structure. Prioritizing the individual, he uses an integrative approach with a dynamic emphasis, ensuring genuine therapeutic interactions. If any theory is pertinent, he conveys it clearly and succinctly. His strength lies in capturing clients' experiences and offering insights that provide clarity and emotional relief, facilitating lasting behavioral changes.
Therapeutic Goals
John places a strong emphasis on the artistry inherent in therapeutic practice, harmoniously blending elements from the arts and sciences. At the heart of his approach is the development of a solid therapeutic alliance. This involves creating a genuine bond characterized by accurate empathy, setting clear therapeutic objectives, and pinpointing tasks and interventions aligned with the client's goals. Drawing from an integrative stance, John combines techniques from psychodynamic, emotion-focused, and cognitive-behavioral schools.
He prioritizes understanding relationships and attachment patterns, using techniques like immediacy and reflection of feelings. Committed to clarity, he ensures clients understand the purpose behind each intervention, promoting a collaborative therapeutic environment. Outside sessions, his dedication continues with engagement in research and professional writing, underscoring his commitment to continuous growth in his field.
Training
Graduate School
University of Georgia, Master's Degree in Community Counseling, earned 2007University of Maryland, College Park - Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology, earned 2014
Internship
Emory University - Emory Counseling Center, completed 2013
University of Georgia Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) Post-doctoral Fellowship in Clinical Psychology, completed 2014
Chloe Mitchell, BS - Psychologist in Training
Counseling Psychology PhD Practicum Student
Chloe is a caring and personable therapist who is interested in supporting people through life transitions and trauma. She has a special interest in serving those of the BIPOC and LGBTQ communities.
Brooke Franklin, BS - Psychologist in Training
Clinical Psychology PhD Practicum Student
Brooke is a warm and nonjudgmental therapist. She takes a holistic approach to therapy, with a focus on seeing the whole person and their unique experiences. Brooke is particularly interested in supporting individuals struggling with both physical and mental health symptoms. She also has a passion for serving individuals with diverse backgrounds and strives to create a safe space in therapy.
Manny Gutierrez-Chavez, M.S. - Psychologist in Training
Clinical Psychology PhD Practicum Student
Manny is a kind and encouraging therapist trained in clinical health psychology. For example, he has experience working in primary care, bariatric/weight management, and general psychology practices with adults. Manny hopes to empower individuals from many backgrounds to understand their circumstances better and make changes based on their values—services provided in English or Español.
Ryan Mayfield, M.S. - Psychologist in Training
Clinical Psychology PhD Practicum Student
Ryan meets people where they are at, collaborating with each person on their counseling goals, and tailoring the counseling process to each person’s unique short-term and long-term needs. Ryan’s foundation for counseling involves building a strong therapeutic relationship and facilitating meaning-making of lived experiences. Through the meaning-making process, the opportunity for desired change becomes more accessible. Ryan serves people with a range of concerns including, but not limited to, issues of identity, interpersonal functioning, anxiety, depression, loneliness, adjustment, stress management, career counseling, and academic distress.
Piper
In Office Therapy Assistant
Piper is a naturally supportive and intuitive being. She speaks with her eyes, although a welcome bark might greet you in the waiting room, and she knows when people need her.
If you feel extra comfort from dogs, please don't hesitate to invite her into your session with you.
It's time to step into a new chapter of your life.
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2681 East Parleys Way Ste. 203, Salt Lake City, UT 84019
Therapy in Salt Lake City
