Intern Therapists

Melissa Clay

Hi my name is Melissa (she/her), and I am completing my MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through Walden University. I have a background in peer support, and have special interest in the areas of trauma and neurodivergence. As a clinician-in-training, my intention is to offer a non-judgemental and empathetic space for my clients to process experiences and explore aspects of their lives and themselves. My goal is to foster an authentic and respectful therapeutic relationship, and co-create a path toward healing. I like to pull from multiple theories, including Person Centered Therapy, Relational Cultural Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Each client is unique, with different needs.  I believe you are the expert in your life, and I am here to offer a safe space to process, to walk along side you, and offer support as you reach your therapeutic goals.

Sarah Sutphin

Hi! I’m Sarah Sutphin, and I’m super excited to join Puyallup Therapeutic Alliance as an intern! I recently earned my BSN and am currently working on my Master of Social Work (MSW) because I love helping people find hope, healing, and a little bit of joy along the way. My experience includes community outreach, advocacy, and creating programs for youth aging out of foster care and individuals facing housing or mental health challenges. I bring a big heart, empathy, and a sprinkle of humor to my work—because sometimes a laugh is just what someone needs to feel seen and supported. I can’t wait to learn from this amazing team and help create a safe, empowering, and welcoming space for everyone we serve.

Light Devine

I am completing my degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and bring a person-centered, strengths-based approach to my work. I believe resilience is not the absence of weakness, but the ability to hold both strength and vulnerability together. My mission is to create a safe and respectful space where people can explore challenges, recognize their inner resources, and move toward greater self-determination.

With training in both mental health and rehabilitation, I support individuals in their inner healing while also helping them navigate the practical realities of work, disability, and community. I welcome the full range of human experience, walking alongside clients as they uncover meaning, build resilience, and live more authentically.

Curtis Allen

My therapeutic approach is rooted in a person-centered, nonjudgmental, empathetic,
and collaborative philosophy. My primary focus is supporting the healing of physical and
childhood trauma. I also draw inspiration from the work of internationally recognized
therapists such as Gabor Maté, Terrence Real, and Bessel van der Kolk to help clients
navigate anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, and relationship challenges.
I believe you are the expert on your own inner experience. My role is to provide a safe,
supportive, and confidential space where you can feel fully heard, understood, and
empowered in your healing journey. Because every person’s experiences and needs
are unique, I tailor therapy to the individual by drawing from a variety of therapeutic
modalities.
For most of my life, I was a physically healthy outdoor enthusiast. Eight years ago, my
life changed dramatically after a fall that broke my neck and left me paralyzed from the
middle of my chest down. I spent the following three years in and out of hospitals,
mostly in, fighting for my life. Throughout my life, I have embraced challenges, and I
have come to view my current circumstances, including living with severe chronic pain,
as another challenge to navigate with resilience and purpose.
As a heterosexual male, I have often found myself relating closely with women and
members of the LGBTQ community, which has deepened my empathy and appreciation
for diverse life experiences and perspectives. At the age of 60, I applied to and was
accepted into a graduate program in therapy so that I could dedicate my life to helping
others heal from the effects of trauma and emotional suffering.

Kolton Immel

I am currently pursuing a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at City University of Seattle.

My approach is rooted in Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT), where I work alongside clients to identify and challenge the beliefs that fuel distress. Through tools such as the ABC model, reframing, and disrupting irrational thoughts, I help clients develop more flexible perspectives and practical skills for navigating daily challenges.

I have experience working with individuals managing anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, ADHD, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. My style is collaborative, direct, and supportive—I balance compassionate listening with concrete strategies that clients can apply outside of sessions.

I view counseling as a process that not only addresses current challenges but also equips clients with tools that support long-term growth and resilience. My goal is to help you gain clarity, challenge unhelpful patterns, and build a more balanced, fulfilling life.

Jacque Penning

Hi, I’m Jacque (she/her). I work with adults via Telehealth who feel stuck or overwhelmed and are seeking meaningful change in their lives. My approach is person-centered, which means I meet you where you are with empathy and respect for your unique experiences. I also incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help identify and shift unhelpful thought and behavior patterns. Additionally, I draw on narrative and solution-focused therapies grounded in self-compassion.Whether you’re facing challenges or navigating a life transition, therapy is a collaborative process where we work together to explore what matters most to you. Through our work, I hope you’ll gain insight, connect more deeply with your inner strengths, and move toward the sense of wholeness you’re seeking. I would be honored to support you on that journey.