About Dr. Bigler
Helping People Reach Their Pinnacle Mental Health
Therapy is a vulnerable process, and I believe the person coming in for treatment should always be in control. It is my philosophy that the patient is always behind the wheel, controlling where we go and how fast we get there. My job is to keep us safely on the journey, checking for blind spots along the way.
My Background
I grew up in Las Vegas and moved to the Phoenix valley in 2014 to attend graduate school. Over the years we have been blessed to have four amazing children. I was told in graduate school that a therapist needs to have unconditional acceptance and care for those they work with, and I truly believe my experiences as a father has helped me to develop those key traits.
Shortly after moving to Phoenix, I knew this was home. I have loved the community, the beautiful desert, and the family centered culture. After graduate school I completed my 2-year residency in Minnesota, but I always knew I would come back to Arizona.
Personal values such as family and health been the foundational principles in my life. It has been these values that have led to the passion I have for mental health care. Mental health illnesses create distress and dysfunction in families. I have found some of the most rewarding experiences as a psychologist when I am able to help individuals and families heal.
Education and Professional Experience
My education began with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas where I graduated Cum Laude. I then completed a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology at Argosy University in Phoenix, AZ and shortly thereafter completed my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Washington, D.C.
I completed my doctoral internship training at The Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation’s residential treatment center in Center City, MN. I then decided to complete an additional training year as a fellow at Hazelden’s outpatient mental health clinic in St. Paul, MN, where my training and experience focused upon diagnostic assessment and individual therapy skills. I also gained valuable experience working with adolescents, young adults, and professionals who struggled with chemical and virtual addictions with co-occurring mental health difficulties such as depression, trauma, and anxiety.
I am currently a licensed psychologist in Arizona, and I am also licensed to provided Teletherapy sessions in other states through the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PsyPact).
My Approach & Philosophy
When I meet with a patient I truly believe there are two experts in the session. The person coming in for treatment is the world renowned expert on themselves, while I provide expertise in the assessment and treatment of the problems the person is presenting. I trust that the person I’m working beside will guide treatment in a way that is best for them. I use a values based approach with each patient, first seeking to understand their own individual, cultural, and spiritual values, and then collaborate with them on specific goals that both honor their values and help lead them to their pinnacle mental health. As an LDS psychologist, I am able to counsel and guide those with similar beliefs with a personal understanding of the unique challenges of both the spiritual and cultural aspects of the LDS faith. Regardless of a person’s spiritual or non-spiritual beliefs, it is my role as a psychologist to seek and understand the values, goals, and desires of each person I work beside, and assist them in finding a healthy path towards their pinnacle mental health.
I am trained in a wide variety of therapy interventions such as CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, 12-step Facilitation, Trauma Focused, Person-Centered, and many others. I use all of these approaches in a way that best serves each individual patient, creating a tailored and culturally sensitive therapy experience.
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