Dr. Laurie Cessna
Dr. Cessna is a clinical psychologist. She earned her doctorate at Pacific University, in Hillsboro, Oregon. She completed her internship and residency at Southwest Behavioral and Health Services in Phoenix, Arizona. She also holds a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling and a Bachelor’s degree in Biology. Dr. Cessna was born in Sandusky, Ohio, but grew up in Arizona. She spent many years in the Pacific Northwest attending school and working. Prior to becoming a psychologist, Dr. Cessna was a licensed professional counselor in Oregon and Washington. She has served patients in community mental health, juvenile detention, inpatient behavioral health hospitals, and university counseling centers. She has also worked as a psychometrist in a neurological assessment clinic and is skilled in group therapy. More recently, Dr. Cessna was the director of a clinic at Southwest Behavioral and Health Services for six years, where she cared for patients, supervised doctoral students, and provided clinic oversight. She transitioned to Clinical Director of the Arizona State Prison Phoenix Complex before beginning private practice at Sarva Center for Well-Being.
Dr. Cessna cares for adults, families, couples, and adolescents. She treats anxiety, depression, life transitions, mood and personality disorders, and relationship conflicts. Her specialties include adolescence and young adulthood, behavioral issues, addiction, peer relationships, life adjustments, and parenting challenges.
A note from Dr. Cessna:
“I offer a supportive, non-judgmental space for people to explore ways to heal and grow. My therapeutic approach is marked by warmth, empathy, support, and compassion. I utilize a client-centered, collaborative approach where motivational interviewing, positive psychology, cognitive behavioral therapy, and existential therapies are emphasized. I believe that everyone has the potential to live a fulfilling life, we just may need help getting there! Sometimes we are faced with challenges that prevent us from moving forward with our life goals, and therapy is a great option to help us gain personal insight and growth.”
Fun Facts:
Dr. Cessna enjoys all outdoor activities, specifically water sports! She likes SCUBA diving, paddleboarding, swimming, wake surfing, and snorkeling. She loves to travel and explore new destinations and cultures with her family. She has dove with sharks and was once chased by a black bear while trail running! Her patients described her as empathic, down to earth, approachable, understandable, and helpful.
Favorite Quote:
It is never too late to be what you might have been. ~ George Eliot
Professional Memberships:
The American Psychological Association, the Arizona Psychological Association, Psy/Pro ASPPB E. Passport, Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT) Arizona Psychologist – license number AZ4919