[email protected]
Contact: (208) 501-2181

Methodist Counseling Center

Therapy for Children, Individuals, Couples & Families

 
 

Methodist Counseling Center

Phone: (208) 501-2181

Fax: (855)854-9075

4444 W TAFT ST
Boise,  ID  83703-4148

[email protected]

 
 

Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists

Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) and Marriage and family therapists (LMFTs) have either a master's or doctorate degree specializing in clinical counseling, school counseling or family and interpersonal dynamics. LPCs typically treat individuals and often have specialized training in a particular area of study such as trauma, addiction, school counseling, etc. LMFTs treat individuals in the context of family relationships or a system, addressing issues from anger and resentment to intimacy and communication skills.

Merinda Leach, MS, LPC, LAMFT

Clinical Director, Counselor, Office in N. Boise

Merinda received her Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Counseling from Northwest Nazarene University. Working with individuals of all ages, couples, and families from a Narrative perspective; Merinda helps people to develop a healthy and satisfying life story.  Her couple work addresses the deeper emotional needs and fears that underlie many marital concerns. She works at both the Emmett and Boise locations.

Contact Phone: 208-557-1328

Contact Email: [email protected]

Stephanie Sternes, MS, LPC, LAMFT

Assoc. Marriage & Family Therapist, Office in Emmett

Stephanie completed her studies in Marriage and Family Counseling at Northwest Nazarene University.  Over the last 12 years, she has served her community as a resource specialist, teacher, and small claims mediator. Born in Arizona, Stephanie grew up living in both the city and working on a farm.  Between these two different environments, she has learned a skill set that delivers a sense of balance in working with people from many different backgrounds.  Stephanie is a wife and mother with 6 children ages 7 to 33.


As a counselor and mediator, Stephanie has worked with individuals, families, businesses and communities to problem solve and uncover new areas of positive engagement.  Stephanie has a particular interest in helping people build and regain relationships. Stephanie’s approach to counseling is through power of choice and a realistic look at strengths and options.  She believes that you are the expert of your own life and with clarity more options are available to you.

Contact: 208-918-0054 Email: [email protected]



Susan Earnst, MS, LPC

Clinical Counselor, Office in North Boise
Susan received her Master’s degree in Clinical Counseling, with an emphasis in trauma, grief, and crisis, from Northwest Nazarene University. Having a PhD in zoology and working for many years as a research ecologist, Susan brings a wealth of life experience to the counseling relationship.
Susan helps individuals experiencing depression, grief, anxiety, and symptoms of PTSD. She also works with clients of all ages who wish to improve relationships, increase self-esteem, identify career strengths, or work through life transitions. Susan’s goal is to provide a safe, non-judgmental space where client and counselor work together to clarify and achieve the client’s goals. She uses EMDR, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and guided imagery.

Contact: 208-996-3879

Email: [email protected]

Malinda Poe, MS, LPC

 Clinical Counselor, Office in North Boise

Malinda is a Licensed Professional Counselor who graduated with her masters degree in Clinical Counseling from Northwest Nazarene University. She specializes in cross cultural counseling, depression, life stage difficulties, interpersonal conflict, and faith based counseling. 

She has done and continues to do research on sex education, including sex and pornography addiction and disorders. She has spent some time in African cultures and has a heart for refugees. She enjoys working with clients of any age, though much of her experience has been with adolescents and adults between 18-35. She works from the wholeness model so one can expect to discuss the implications of spiritual, social, emotional, intellectual, and physical aspects of their life as it relates to what is bringing them to counseling. Malinda is currently only available for Thursday evening appointments.

Contact Phone: (208) 501-2181

Contact Email: [email protected]

 

Lena Biondolillo, M.Ed, LCPC

Clinical Counselor, Office in north Boise
I am an Idaho Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor as well as a Registered Clinical Supervisor.  I have over a decade and a half of clinical experience in working with people of all ages to help them get "unstuck" when they feel stuck.  Experience matters and I am humbled by the people, through the years, who have allowed me to walk alongside them for a time as they sought healing. My passion is helping women rediscover who God created them to be so they can thrive.
I have a down to earth, realistic approach to life and I bring that to my counseling practice.  My interests include helping people be the best they can be. This includes clients/patients as well as colleagues, student interns and professionals I supervise. I am passionate about helping children and their families thrive. This involves asking "what works?" and figuring out how to create more of that.
Contact: 208-501-2181
Email: [email protected]
Katie Gulley, MS, LPC
Clinical Counselor, Office at Cathedral of the Rockies
Katie received her Master’s degree in Clinical Counseling from Northwest Nazarene University. Her Bachelor’s degree is in Communication, which allows additional insight and skill into helping individuals communicate more effectively with others, specifically during times of conflict. She helps individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, and grief. She also works with individuals to help navigate life stage difficulties, self-esteem issues, and interpersonal conflict.

Katie enjoys working with clients of any age, though most of her experience has been with clients aged 17-45. She has a passion for working with engaged and newlywed couples, college aged individuals to help with career development, and with the faith based population. She operates from the wholeness model so one can expect to discuss all aspects of life – emotional, intellectual, physical, spiritual, and social – during the counseling process. 

Contact: 208-501-2181
Email: [email protected]

Stephanie R. Alvarez, MS, LAMFT

Assoc. Marriage & Family Therapist, Office in Kuna

Stephanie Alvarez is a Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Professional Counselor.  She is a pre-clinical member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy and a new professional member of the American Counseling Association.  She emphasizes in addictions, grief, trauma, crisis, including relationship issues, depression, anxiety, anger and resentments. 

She emphasizes in addictions, grief, trauma, crisis, including relationship issues, depression, anxiety, anger and resentments.  She is Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) and Theophostics trained, to assist in resolving disturbing events and discover inner Peace/well-being.  Faith-based approach may be included, if desired.  She empowers strengths and goal setting from a wellness perspective.  She is retired from the Air Force with 23 years of active duty service.  So she understands family difficulties in a military environment, as well as the transition to civilian life.  She has 5 children and 3 grandchildren with a son-in-law in the Navy.  

Contact: 208-501-2181 Email: [email protected]

Counselor Interns

Part of the mission of the Methodist Counseling Center is to help train new counselors through supervised internships. Our interns are held to high standards of excellence by supervisors with years of supervision experience. One of our wisest supervisor might even have received training from Methuselah (last statement not verified).

Veronica Van Buren

Veronica earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Boise State University. Currently a student at Northwest Nazarene University working on her Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Counseling. Originally from the mid-west Veronica has found herself setting down roots in the Treasure Valley.
      Her goal as an intern is to work with couples, families, groups, and individuals to provide the tools needed to reach their goals. She understands counseling is a courageous step and she wants to assist you in this journey. She is passionate in aiding with healing, growth, healthy relationships, and goal setting for all. She recognizes that all community members are on their own journey and is ready to work with you along the way.

Adrienne Patridge

Patrick Barga

Kelsey Allen

Kelsey is an intern at Northwest Nazarene University studying her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. Originally from the agricultural central valley of California, Kelsey attended Boise State University and received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Bachelor of Arts in Multi-Ethnic Studies, and a minor in Basque Studies.

      Kelsey’s experience ranges from teaching in bilingual preschool environments to working with the geriatric population. This range of experience accounts for her interests in working with individuals, couples, and families from all walks of life. Kelsey’s approach to counseling is holistic and considerate of the many identities each individual holds. She considers the mind, body, and spirit as interconnected and recognizes the various systems we each are a part of in our lives.

Keith Moore

Keith is an intern at Methodist Counseling Center earning his Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northwest Nazarene University. An Idaho resident for over thirty years, Keith received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Anthropology from the University of Idaho.

       Keith’s experience includes 11 years working in the mental health field at community agencies specializing in helping people with mental illnesses integrate into their communities to lead fuller lives.  Keith enjoys working with clients of all ages and backgrounds.  Keith has a passion for helping people work through life’s difficulties in a positive and self-actualizing manner.  Keith approaches counseling as a partnership with his clients, walking alongside them as they explore new paths towards their goals.  He looks forward to experiencing the growth of his clients as they discover and tap into their inner strengths.

Amanda Breneman

Amanda is an intern at Methodist Counseling Center, working toward her master’s degree in Marriage and Family Counseling from Northwest Nazarene University. Amanda is a local from Meridian, Idaho and earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Boise State University.

Amanda has 5 years’ experience helping clients in the community. She specialized in assisting adults and children with mental illness and developmental disabilities in becoming independent. Amanda’s goals as an intern are to work with families, couples, and individuals, helping them through the struggles they are experiencing in their lives. She wants to come alongside her clients and help facilitate positive change and growth in areas that the client wants to work on. She is eager to meet each client where they are on their journey and assist them in becoming the best they can be.