Welcome to Catalyst
Solution focused counseling, Insight focused therapy and assessment
Solution focused counseling, Insight focused therapy and assessment
Please feel free to peruse and check out what Catalyst Counseling is all about! Plus, if you scroll to the REFERRALS section, you’ll find a list of (highly) recommended clinicians and providers—even if we can’t currently help you, we want to make sure you’re in the right hands.
Catalyst Counseling is a judgment-free space in which our fellow humans explore and heal from their pasts, acquire tools to problem-solve in the present, and work to create their desired future.
We are part of a small, but growing, intentional group of therapists with a focus on social justice, evidence-based practices, and meeting folx where they are.
We loudly and proudly create an intentional safe space for marginalized communities.
Catalyst is making a difference by:
Offering accessible and inclusive mental health services
Providing validation, support, unconditional positive regard, encouragement, and honest feedback
Fostering a judgment-free environment where learning and growing are acknowledged as a messy—and essential—process
Tackling issues around identity, sexual orientation, poly relationships, addiction, porn, personality disorders, and losing faith
Utilizing technology and referral sources to provide services and connect people with appropriate resources
So, I hate talking about myself. But I know you are contemplating trusting me with your life story, so here are a few things you should know about me. (I guess.)
I'm an Independently Licensed Psychological Examiner and behavioral health care professional, and I’ve been practicing since I graduated from the University of Central Arkansas in 2011. I’m quite proud of the relationships I’ve built throughout my career, and I am very excited to be part of an incredible network of physicians, physical and massage therapists and, of course, mental health professionals in Arkansas.
I practice what I preach to my clients—I’m a firm believer in actively seeking the good, the positive, and the real. I’m quite practiced at setting healthy boundaries and sticking to them. Outside of the office, you can find me gardening and doing home improvements, like building a deck or replacing a floor. I get a kick out of thrift-store shopping, both because of the bargain and the idea that it’s environmentally conscious. Should you choose Catalyst as your partner in leveling up, you will definitely be exposed to my crocheting—it's a bit of an obsession. Oh, and I have a wonderfully weird purse that looks absolutely nothing like a purse; it’s ridiculous, which is why I love it.
From Ashley:
As a pre licensed Arkansas counselor, (which means I can’t accept insurance), I’m committed to making mental health support accessible which is why I’m offering FREE counseling sessions! I know how important flexibility is, so I’ll be available for appointments every day from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with options for alternative timings if needed. All sessions will be held through a HIPAA secure televideo platform, so you can connect with me from anywhere in Arkansas that has WiFi or cell service!
My background is as varied as my approach to counseling. I spent over a decade as a special education teacher and another decade dedicated to holistic wellness. I’m a licensed massage therapist, an experienced registered yoga teacher (E-RYT 200), a Reiki Master teacher and practitioner, and so much more. This diverse experience allows me to bring a holistic and whole-person centered approach to mental health.
I’m passionate about creating a safe, accessible, and affirming space for everyone. My particular areas of interest include working with LGBTQIA+ individuals, including those exploring or questioning their gender identity and sexual orientation; adult survivors of sexual abuse and/or domestic violence; women, non-binary, gender fluid, and trans individuals; neurodivergent individuals of all kinds (both self-diagnosed and clinically diagnosed); chronic illness and chronic pain; individuals dealing with religious trauma and deconstruction; and those experiencing pet loss, including anticipatory grief. I am also especially passionate about supporting those seeking a fat-affirming and body-positive counselor to navigate the impacts of diet culture.
My counseling philosophy is grounded in being trauma-informed, person-centered, culturally sensitive, and Health At Every Size (HAES)-informed. I believe in meeting each client where they are, honoring their unique experiences and identities, and walking with them on their path to healing and self-discovery.
I look forward to working with you at Catalyst Counseling, where we can embark on a journey of growth, healing, and transformation together!
I’m thrilled to announce that Ashley Clifton, Masters level counseling student, will be doing her practicum with Catalyst Counseling this Fall. She is currently on an exciting journey towards becoming a licensed counselor, studying clinical mental health counseling at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock!
If you’re reading this, you likely have already decided that some changes need to take place. Maybe you’re exhausted from too many sleepless nights where decades-old conversations play on a loop in your mind. Maybe you’re tired of being triggered by the same traumas and want to break the cycle. Maybe you’ve maxed out your stress levels and just want to learn how to put yourself first, how to distance yourself from toxic people, how to turn off your phone for a while and just breathe—or how to tell your sister’s friend’s cousin, “No, thank you, I would rather let my cat claw my eyeballs out than partake in your most recent pyramid scheme.” Or maybe you want to figure out how to be yourself in a world that would rather you be anything else.
Regardless of the reason(s), if you’re looking to create real, lasting change in your life, then you’re in the right place. Starting counseling will be the catalyst for you to achieve your goals and overcome your hurdles.
I (Maureen, owner and founder) went to school for a long time and learned about a bunch of useful (and scientifically validated) tools—but you have been YOU your whole life, so you're kind of the expert in that department. You know your hopes, your desires, your fears, and your “why” for starting therapy.
And whether you heard about me through a friend or just the good ol’ internet, you’re here because you’ve decided to make some changes—and why not?—whether that be to deal with trauma, change harmful behaviors, come to terms with your identity, or to simply acquire the tools to navigate through life better; change is the only constant.
So great job! —Catalyst Counseling can help with all of the above. (Plus a lot more, of course.) Through counseling and therapy, we will explore, heal, energize, and help you become aware of your inner strengths.
At Catalyst Counseling, regardless of labels, you can expect a safe, judgment-free, affirming, positive, bullshit-free zone where—together—we will work on the things that are no longer working for you.
The Catalyst Counseling Approach is Especially Effective When Dealing With:
● Trauma
● Substance misuse
● Family Issues
● Anxiety
● Depression
● Communication Barriers
Depression, fear, and anxiety are some of the most common and uncomfortable emotions that we can experience at some point in our lives. Through counseling and treatment, we are able to help you recover motivation, perspective, and joy that you once had in your life.
Many individuals can experience mental health symptoms associated with painful and traumatic circumstances. Anxiety, fear, and hopelessness are a few emotions that can linger post traumatic events. Counseling and therapy can help you overcome these symptoms and guide you through the process of grief and healing.
If you’re asking the question, the answer is YES, YES, YES. In truth, everyone needs some level of therapy or counseling from time to time—whether it’s weekly appointments to process past trauma or just a monthly check-in to keep you on the right track and maintain momentum. At Catalyst Counseling, we will work together to identify what type of therapy fits YOU, your needs, and your lifestyle!
Counseling and therapy are similar and are often used interchangeably—but also can be defined differently. Counseling is often solution-focused and shorter in terms of the number of visits; there is an end-goal you achieve, often a behavior that is ultimately changed. Therapy is more insight-focused and seeks out the root cause of the thoughts and feelings you may be experiencing.
Whatever you prefer to call your journey, it’s definitely a collaborative process.
I believe in meeting my clients where they currently are in life—mentally and emotionally—in order to help them move forward. My background is diverse, including working in community mental health settings with acute, severe mental illness, private group practice with individuals seeking greater understanding of themselves—and now, solo private practice with adolescents and adults seeking to make improvements in their lives and gain understanding of the underlying issues holding them back.
My style is relaxed, compassionate, and nonjudgmental.
I use a combination of strengths-based focus and basic behavioral and cognitive principles. I practice motivational interviewing with an emphasis on uncovering and identifying your intrinsic motivation for change. These methods are particularly effective for Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, and Psychotic Disorders.
I believe in the power of relationship and the transformative nature of the therapeutic process. As a Psychological Examiner, I also perform specialized psychological evaluations, psycho-educational testing, career testing, objective-personality testing, diagnostic interviewing, and consultation.
Ambetter, BlueCross BlueShield and Qualchoice.
Yes. We also offer cash pay rates for those without insurance. This is negotiated on a case by case basis and at the discretion of your clinician. Should you need to use or you choose the cash pay option, a good faith estimate for services can be provided.
A therapist’s job is quite literally to help, so even during times when I can’t take on new clients—or maybe you’re needing specialized treatment options such as EMDR or trauma focused yoga—I want to make sure you find the help and resources you’re seeking.
At Catalyst, we’re working to build a network of care teams for Conway and Central Arkansas and beyond. We recognize that you have options in your healthcare choices and appreciate the fact that you choose us.
With that in mind—and because medication management and prescription services are not available at Catalyst and sometimes it’s hard to find a medical provider—I’m also including links to psychiatric professionals who may be options for any medication questions you have.
The following list is in no way exhaustive and I have not been compensated in any way for these shoutouts.
Sarah Beall, LPEI
Verdant Counseling
Bernadette Stanford, LPC
Heber Springs Counseling
https://www.heberspringscounseling.com
Adrea Jones, LPC
Hope Arising Counseling
https://www.Hopearisingcounseling.com
Rachel Pinto, LPC
Cardinal Counseling Services
https://cardinalcounselingar.com
Brandi Rodgers, LCSW
Because You Matter Counseling
https://www.becauseyoumattercounseling.com
Amy Ballard, LPC
Amy Ballard Therapy
https://www.amyballardtherapy.com
Katelyn Coney
InSYNC Counseling
https://www.insynccounseling.com
Wendy Blackwood, LPC
Healing Path Counseling
https://www.healingpathcounseling.com
Holly Scott, LPEI
Therapy With Holly
https://www.therapywithholly.com
Dr. Elizabeth Stout
Lance White, LPC
https://www.strategiccounseingcenter.com
Collin Davies, LPEI, LPC
Central Arkansas Testing & Therapy Center
https://www.centralartestingtherapy.com
Ariella Frazier, APRN
Chenal Family Therapy
Dr. Kelsey McClellan
Alleviant Health Centers
Included below are resources for folks who may need sliding-scale fees, who may be unhomed, needing LGBT+ specific resources, links to the suicide prevention hotline, and/or harm-reduction resources.
Conway Counseling and Wellness*
Chenal Family Therapy*
Central Arkansas Harm Reduction Project
https://www.facebook.com/centralarkansasharmreducctionproject/
Call or text: 501-438-9158
Intransitive
Lucie's Place
The Van
National Suicide Hotline
800-273-8255
Senior Citizen resources:
Dedicated to Enhancing
the Quality of Life
of Aging Adults.
https://www.assistedliving.org/
*offers sliding-scale services
Please contact us with any questions you may have.
In an effort to make things easier, this business number accepts text messages. (data and messaging rates apply)
930 Wingate St, Suite E2, Conway, Arkansas 72034, United States
(501) 500-4114 *MMS enabled, data and messaging rates apply.
Open today | 08:00 am – 04:00 pm |
Mon-Fri: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Closed Saturday and Sunday
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