Mindful Connections Therapy

“

Life becomes fuller and richer when we awaken to the wisdom inside

“
Therapy Tucson

Kristy Schutt, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

I believe in the power of therapy to instill hope and support reconnection to the self. It is a place where you can be heard and seen in a way that you likely do not experience in life. 

Why am I a therapist? I have been on “the couch” as a client and continue to do my own soul exploration. I know what it is like to be emotionally vulnerable in therapy and in life. I strive to live authentically and with intention to shed the self-criticism. I want to help others do the same. It is because of my personal experiences in this human journey that I can connect on an intimate level with my clients. I am humbled to do this work. 

My Education

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in AZ. In 2011 I completed a Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN. This program focused on mental health diagnostic assessment and psychotherapy training. My undergraduate degree is in Social Work with an emphasis on multiculturalism. My style is a blend of Eastern and Western approaches.

During my graduate studies, I completed a year long research on body-oriented psychotherapy for the treatment of trauma. I was immersed in studying the nervous system’s role in transforming trauma and emotional pain into aliveness and healing. Through this research, I discovered Somatic Experiencing (SE) or rather, it found me. Soon after, I began a deeper level of my own healing and became trained at the intermediate level (2 year program) in SE. 

Additionally, I studied one year in a trauma studies post-grad program at the University of Minnesota. I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) by the International Association of Trauma Professionals. 

 

My Training

  • Somatic Experiencing (SE)-Intermediate level
  • Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP)
  • Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy
  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Level II
  • Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
  • Sand Tray Therapy
  • Internal Family Systems (IFS) informed
  • The Enneagram of Personality 
  • Jungian Shadow Work
  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
  • Center For Mind Body Medicine Professional Training
  • I am currently studying Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy see HERE for more information

I am very fortunate to have received superior clinical supervision and mentorship by experienced therapists, shamans, and other guides. Other areas:

  • Risk Hanson’s Train Your Brain for Happiness
  • Tara Brach’s Radical Acceptance: Healing Shame & Fear
  • Gabor Mate’s Compassionate Inquiry
  • Diane Poole Heller’s Intergenerational Trauma Therapy 

I engage in regular trainings and consultation to refine my skills and keep current on the latest brain research.

I have worked in the mental health field for 28 years in a variety of settings with adults, adolescents, and families including: psychotherapy in private practice and community mental health, in-home therapy, crisis/walk-in therapy, residential addiction treatment, and hospital social work. Working with the Yaqui people on a reservation outside of Tucson has been the highlight of my career. I have also been in management and Director positions, where I completed additional training and licensure in generalized social work administration. As of October 2021 I am a board-approved Clinical Supervisor for those seeking licensure in Arizona. 

My Joys

What brings me aliveness, joy, and a deeper connection with life: 

  • Hiking in the mountains
  • Meditating
  • Dancing
  • Qigong
  • Traveling near and far
  • Tending to my abundance of houseplants
  • Expanding my knowledge through reading

Most of all I love having fun through play, laughter, creating adventure, and fostering an insatiable curiosity for LIFE. 

Contact me here.