Meet the Team
Elise Wickers
Mental Health Counseling Practicum StudentHi everyone! I’m Elise, an intern working closely under the supervision of Dr. Rachel Hughes at Connect Minds Counseling and Consulting and the Divergent Minds Collective. I am currently working towards my Masters of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an emphasis on children and adolescent populations. At this time, I have an extensive background working in behavioral health and neurodiverse settings. I value working with all ages between 5-100 in a diverse number of settings. So far, I have had the pleasure and privilege of learning how to work with neurodivergent children, teens in foster care, and adults with histories of substance use, disabilities, and those transitioning out of prison. I also have experience working closely alongside caregivers and family members who are needing support and a listening ear as they manage end of life care.
There are several identities I hold that shape how I approach my therapeutic practice. I am a neurodivergent, first-generation Korean-American, queer, and a single mother to a wonderful child. I am also a survivor and advocate for victims of domestic violence. During my day-to-day, I am often found at the gym, reading, playing piano, and taking on the rewarding (yet tiring) tasks of being a parent and cat mom.
I strongly believe that the therapeutic space is one in which an individual can fully express their true, authentic self. I approach my clients through a humanistic and person-centered lens. It is my understanding that humans are inherently good individuals and it is the systems and relationships around them that play a role in shaping their choices, beliefs, and behaviors today. I want to assist my clients in finding the good within themselves to break cycles that may be causing them harm or stress in everyday life. When working with children, I apply direct and indirect approaches through child-led play, exploration of feelings and coping strategies, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT).
If you or your child are interested in working with a therapist that holds space for both the good and bad of everyday life, has experience in working through trauma or stress, developing boundaries, and advocating for self-empowerment, then please feel free to reach out to Dr. Rachel Hughes or myself!
Jess Morley
Clinical Social Work InternI see therapy as a relational space where we can experience ourselves as held and already whole, while gently working to expand our capacity for life, shift out of old patterns that no longer serve us, and explore new shapes for ourselves. I view many of the challenges we face as stemming from the impacts of oppression and systemic harm; tending to our relationships with self, our communities and the larger earth body can resource us in facing the many collective, intersecting crises of these times.
We might be a good fit to work together if you’re seeking support with: integrating a late-identified neurodivergent identity, living with chronic illness or disability, being an LGBTQ+ person in a hetero and cis-normative world, navigating significant life transitions, holding grief – personal and collective, working with trauma, exploring your spiritual identity, or growing in embodied awareness and capacity.
I currently work as an intern for The Divergent Minds Collective, supervised by Dr. Rachel Hughes.
Outside of DMC I can be found camping under cedars and sitka spruce, growing dahlias, playing soccer, reading poetry and trying to spot orcas in the Salish Sea.
Briana Brooks
Couple and Family Therapy InternHi everyone! I’m Elise, an intern working closely under the supervision of Dr. Rachel Hughes at Connect Minds Counseling and Consulting and the Divergent Minds Collective. I am currently working towards my Masters of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an emphasis on children and adolescent populations. At this time, I have an extensive background working in behavioral health and neurodiverse settings. I value working with all ages between 5-100 in a diverse number of settings. So far, I have had the pleasure and privilege of learning how to work with neurodivergent children, teens in foster care, and adults with histories of substance use, disabilities, and those transitioning out of prison. I also have experience working closely alongside caregivers and family members who are needing support and a listening ear as they manage end of life care.
There are several identities I hold that shape how I approach my therapeutic practice. I am a neurodivergent, first-generation Korean-American, queer, and a single mother to a wonderful child. I am also a survivor and advocate for victims of domestic violence. During my day-to-day, I am often found at the gym, reading, playing piano, and taking on the rewarding (yet tiring) tasks of being a parent and cat mom.
I strongly believe that the therapeutic space is one in which an individual can fully express their true, authentic self. I approach my clients through a humanistic and person-centered lens. It is my understanding that humans are inherently good individuals and it is the systems and relationships around them that play a role in shaping their choices, beliefs, and behaviors today. I want to assist my clients in finding the good within themselves to break cycles that may be causing them harm or stress in everyday life. When working with children, I apply direct and indirect approaches through child-led play, exploration of feelings and coping strategies, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT).
If you or your child are interested in working with a therapist that holds space for both the good and bad of everyday life, has experience in working through trauma or stress, developing boundaries, and advocating for self-empowerment, then please feel free to reach out to Dr. Rachel Hughes or myself!
Adam Shapiro
Couple and Family Therapy InternHi, I'm Adam, a graduate intern completing a Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy (LMFT) at the City University of Seattle. I am the parent of two daughters who have ADHD and ASD, and I have practical experience helping them to live their best lives. In my former career, I was a teacher and a professional musician. I decided to become a therapist largely because of my frustration in finding help and support for our children when they were younger. We became aware that the whole family functions together to support our kids, and the way we respond as parents makes a huge difference in their lives. I am passionate about working with families to help them function at their best
I also enjoy working with adults on issues including anxiety, depression, and life and career transitions. I am very interested in addressing men's issues and mid-life, and I welcome a variety of clients. In addition, I am a chaplain and have experience dealing with end-of-life issues and the grieving process. Please get in touch with me at Divergent Minds Collective to explore how I can help.
Our interns are supervised closely by Dr Rachel Hughes and offer therapy at a reduced fee. We want good care to be reachable for more people, and we’re working to make that true in more ways.
How Fees Work
Affordable, Neuroaffirming and Identity-Affirming Therapy in Washington
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Our interns work out of Puyallup and Issaquah offices in person and virtually across all of Washington.
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Our interns operate on an equity-based sliding scale. This ranges typically from $30 to $80.
People who feel more financially secure may choose a higher rate to help support folks who may be at a lower rate balance costs to sustain our internship program.
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Unfortunately, private insurance options are limited for training therapists.
Our interns are in the process of being able to accept some Medicaid plans. We’ll update the information as soon as we’re able!
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For many people, yes. Here’s what you get:
At least weekly supervision from a licensed clinician who reviews your care with you in mind
Lower fees on our equity-based sliding scale
A therapist with time and energy for you, and often a fresh, curious approach
Neuroaffirming care, with the same standards as the rest of our practice
Here’s what to know:
Interns are still in training. Some have less experience with complex or high-risk situations.
If we think someone else would serve you better, we’ll tell you and help you find them.
Not sure? Send us a message. We’ll talk through it with you before you commit to anything.
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It’s true that your interns are typically here for specific amounts of time (usually 9 to 12 months). We’re going to communicate that at the beginning of your treatment.
All interns in good standing are encouraged to stay on with Divergent Minds Collective as clinicians, so there’s a chance you’ll continue in a similar capacity with your intern becoming an associate.
In the event that your intern does not continue with us, we will do a warm handoff to another intern with a mindful recommendation made by your current intern. We won’t leave you hanging!
If you wish you transfer with your intern to another site of practice, that’s okay too.
We’ll walk you through all of the options possible and make sure that you feel taken care of.