Life Change Psychotherapy Institute of Albuquerque, New Mexico

Life Change Therapists

Thomas F. McKenna, Ph.D. is the co-founder of Life Change Psychotherapy Institute, PC and director of clinical training. He has been a practicing depth psychotherapist for over twenty five years. Dr. McKenna has helped people overcome almost every kind of life problem. He provides skilled guidance in a healing environment that is non-judgmental, caring and strictly confidential. His goal is to help each person regain their mental and emotional health and discover new potentials for a more fulfilling life.

“With guidance any person can learn the life change skills that empower you to overcome and become the best version of you. Learning life skills such as intimate communication, listening to one’s inner wisdom and active experimentation of new behaviors are keys to overcoming any psychological problems.

Dr. Thomas F. McKenna received his B.S. and B.A. from the University of Norte Dame, a M.A. from Antioch University and his Ph.D. in Depth Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute. His research and clinical interests focus on exploring the value and power of Life Change Therapy to heal and transform life.

Dr. Tricia McKenna, Ph.D. is the co-founder of Life Change Psychotherapy Institute, PC. She is a Licensed Psychologist who brings to her practice a variety of clinical experiences ranging from psychiatric hospital settings and outpatient clinics to emergency stress management at nationally declared disasters. She is skilled in treating psychological problems in varying degrees of severity. She has recently become a Certified Heart Math provider, which helps clients learn how to access the intuitive intelligence of the heart. This revolutionary form of stress management integrates the mind and body through the power of the heart.

“Essentially, most problems that bring people into therapy are the result of attempts to deal with loss, whether it be loss of a person, a job, or unrealized dreams. Movement toward change occurs when emotional wounds are fully explored and experienced. This therapeutic process opens the door to acceptance and change.”

Dr. Tricia McKenna received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the Wright Institute In Berkeley, California. Her research and clinical interest focus on how individual and couples can utilize the inevitable traumas and losses to deepen relationships and gain perspective on how these events shape their life.

Melissa Zellner, LPCC is a licensed professional clinical counselor who specializes in relationship issues. She also treats depression and anxiety, grief and loss issues, as well as treating trauma survivors. She earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Family Studies and Psychology at the University of New Mexico and her Masters Degree in Counseling at Webster University. Ms. Zellner has been practicing therapy for ten years and has been in the helping profession for fourteen years.

In her practice, she feels that we can all learn how to heal from our losses by paying attention to our emotions and symptoms. We can learn how to manage them appropriately rather than just trying to make them disappear. Life changes and transitions can become less painful and make more sense as we learn to use our instinctual coping skills. "I believe that my job as a psychotherapist is to help people discover and apply their internal knowledge and skills about how to heal from trauma and loss. I also believe that part of the healing process involves learning to live contentedly, not just surviving from day to day. My desire is to be a guide for others through this process."

Alison Roberts, MS, LPCC is a licensed professional clinical counselor who uses a person-centered approach to help clients realize more fully who they are and what they value. She believes that psychological symptoms and maladaptive patterns are signals that our souls send to let us know when something vital is out of balance. Out of a deep respect for each person's innate capacity to heal, Ms. Roberts aims to uncover clients' own inner resources for solutions to their problems. Her goal is to create a safe and caring relationship in which she and the client seek an increasing depth of understanding and a way to transform suffering into strength.

Ms. Roberts earned her Masters in Counseling Psychology from the University of Wisconsin, and her Bachelor of Science Degree in Philosophy and Psychology from the UW. She has found Eastern spiritual traditions, mysticism, postmodernism and existential psychology to be especially useful to her evolving understanding of what it means to be human and to live harmoniously in the universe.

Lisa Graff, LPAT is a Licensed Professional Art Therapist. She works with individual, couples and families on a wide range of life challenges including communication, relationships, pre-martial counseling, depression, anxiety, personal growth, loss and grief, trauma recovery, illness, creativity and spirituality. Lisa earned her Masters Degree at Southwestern College in Santa Fe and her Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Maryland. Trained as a transformational, person-centered and experiential therapist, she uses a variety of approaches including talk therapy, art therapy and sand tray therapy.

Respecting the integrity of each individual, Lisa’s warmth, compassion support and skill provide the opportunity for a cooperative and therapeutic relationship where you can find growth and healing. Working together, we will help you gain a deeper awareness, find purpose in your life, make healthier self-choices increase your understanding of your past, learn new skills to reduce suffering and restore balance, engage in more satisfying relationships, and live your life with more health, joy and love.

Anne Lawrence is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She assists people in uncovering negative patterns and utilizing untapped strengths. Anne guides people in becoming more self aware, relating more effectively, reducing anxiety and depression, increasing self confidence, and trusting their inner wisdom.

Anne’s skill lie in her ability to connect with people on a deep level. She is able to be fully present and receptive when individuals are ready to explore and truly experience their feelings. In a gentle, caring and nonjudgmental manner she creates an environment in which people feel safe to access their inner core. Anne believes true healing occurs when that which has been hidden become conscious. Once insight is gained, new and empowered ways of thinking and behaving can be implemented allowing people to evolve into the fully functioning, joyful individuals they are meant to be. Anne recognizes that within each person lies the answers and feels privileged to assist people in that journey. She also utilizes Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) to help people cope with trauma.

Anne received her Master of Counseling degree from the University of Phoenix in Albuquerque, N.M. and her Bachelor of Science degree from the State University of New York at Oneonta, New York.

Lisa Graff Here at Life Change Psychotherapy Institute we believe successful treatment starts first with psychotherapy then if necessary medication is added. If you and your therapist agree that psychiatric medications might help in achieving your therapeutic goals, then your therapist will refer you to me for an evaluation for medications. Some medications can be counterproductive to the healing process, but in many cases psychiatric medication can be very helpful to strengthen and organize your efforts towards your therapeutic goals.

William C. Keightley, M.D. has been a practicing psychiatrist since 1976. He received his bachelor degree from Johns Hopkins University and his medical degree at St. Louis University School of Medicine. Dr. Keightley is board certified with the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Dr. Keightley has extensive experience helping adult clients who may benefit from psychiatric medication..

Lisa Graff Beverly Miller, MA, LPCC is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. She holds a Masters in Music from Yale and a Masters in Counseling from Southwestern College in Santa Fe.

Ms. Miller believes the answers we seek lie within us and that the therapeutic process can be captured in the words of the Buddha, “the pain that leads to the end of pain” rather than, “the pain that leads to more pain.” Through archetypal psychology, insight, spiritual awareness and self-empowerment, she helps clients define more skillful life choices and joyful ways of being. Ms. Miller brings creativity, humor and depth in an interactive style, encouraging clients to recognize and appreciate the unique gifts of living from their authentic self.

We offer adult psychotherapy, couples therapy, dream therapy and group therapy. We accept most insurance plans. Call (505) 271-5050 to set up an appointment or email us. Together we will design an individualized therapy plan to create change in your life.