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“Change is inevitable,
growth is optional.”
― John C. Maxwell
The desire for a more meaningful life—and a deeper, more authentic version of yourself—is something many people quietly carry. Yet stepping toward change can feel uncomfortable. The uncertainty of what comes next, the vulnerability of looking inward, and the possibility of revisiting old wounds can feel overwhelming.
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You may appear to have it all together while privately feeling exhausted, disconnected, or simply moving through life on autopilot. Even so, there is often a quiet part of you that knows life can feel different—more connected, more fulfilling, and more aligned.
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Imagine feeling lighter. Laughing more freely. Breathing more deeply. Experiencing greater peace in your relationships, your choices, and within yourself. Healing is possible, and meaningful change can happen.
Getting to know Iliana...
Iliana Tintos, LPC
tel: (480) 808-6050
Welcome—I’m Iliana, founder of STT. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Arizona and have been actively practicing since 2008.
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As an Arizona native, raised in Southern Arizona, I’ve always felt deeply connected to this community. After relocating to the Phoenix area in 2001 to begin my undergraduate studies at Arizona State University, I found a place that beautifully balances my appreciation for the energy of city life, warm desert days, and the sense of connection that comes with a close-knit community. I’ve proudly called Scottsdale home for nearly 15 years.
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Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with individuals, families, and groups across a wide range of inpatient, outpatient, and community-based settings. For more than 18 years, my work has included supporting at-risk youth and their families, overseeing therapeutic group homes, collaborating with child welfare systems, family courts, and juvenile services, and ultimately bringing that breadth of experience into private practice in 2018.
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Beyond my professional role, I am a wife, a mother, a sister, and an aunt to a large and deeply loved family. My personal relationships and life experiences continue to shape the way I show up in this work—with authenticity, compassion, and a deep respect for the resilience each person carries. When I’m not in session, you’ll often find me outdoors or spending meaningful time with family and friends.
Education
Arizona State University
2004
Bachelor of Science in Justice Studies & Social Inquiry
University of Phoenix
2008
Master of Science in Community Counseling
AZBBHE Licensure, No. LPC-17300
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Training
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Trained in Cognitive Behavorial Therapy (CBT)
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Certified in Trauma-Focused - Cognitively Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
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Trained in Narrative Therapy Techniques
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Trained in Grief & Loss Treatment Certification
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Trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT),
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Trained in Mindfulness.
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Trained in Gottman Method Couples Therapy
American Counseling Association Member since 2008
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Arizona Counselors Association Member
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Association for Child and Adolescent Counseling Member
When I founded this practice, my vision was to create a space that feels warm, elevated, and—most importantly—emotionally safe. A place where clients can slow down, feel truly seen, and begin to reconnect with their strengths, resilience, and sense of self.
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My goal is to create a collaborative therapeutic relationship where together we can work through the patterns, experiences, and obstacles that may feel overwhelming, keeping you from living with greater clarity, balance, and fulfillment.
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I specialize in working with couples and families navigating conflict, communication challenges, and relationship dynamics, as well as individuals facing anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, boundary struggles, and emotional or mood-related challenges.
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Areas of focus include:
Email Iliana
o LGBTQ+ Counseling
o Racial Trauma
o Healing/Grief
o Couple's Counseling
o Adolescent Adjustment
o Boundaries & Healthy Relationships
o ADHD
o Premarital Counseling
o Sexual Problematic Behaviors
o Sexual Abuse
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My therapeutic approach is grounded in helping clients recognize their strengths, build on their resilience, and create meaningful, lasting change. I draw from a range of evidence-based modalities to provide a personalized experience for each client, integrating systemic perspectives with approaches such as Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. I am also Level 1 trained in Gottman Method Couples Therapy, which further informs my work with couples to strengthen connection, improve communication, and navigate conflict more effectively.
Meet Daniela
Daniela Ruiz, LPC
tel: (480) 808-6089
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Arizona, holding a Master’s degree in Counseling from Arizona State University. I bring over 20 years of experience working across school, home, and clinical settings, supporting both individuals and families through a wide range of life challenges.
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I was born and raised in Nogales, Arizona, a close-knit border community connected to its sister city, Nogales, Sonora, in Mexico. Growing up in a culturally rich environment shaped my deep appreciation for family, connection, and identity. I often reflect on my grandfather, who affectionately called me “Dr. Daniela,” and family continues to remain at the center of who I am. I am a wife and mother to two spirited daughters.
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A quote I carry closely in both my personal life and clinical work is: “Nourishing yourself in a way that helps you blossom in the direction you want to go is attainable, and you are worth the effort.” – Deborah Day
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This perspective guides my belief that every person deserves the time, care, and support needed to nurture their mental, emotional, and physical well-being. My passion lies in helping clients recognize their inherent worth and create space to grow into a more grounded, authentic version of themselves.
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As a proud Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), I naturally bring depth, attunement, and presence into the therapeutic relationship, helping create a safe, authentic, and emotionally supportive environment. My approach is collaborative and strength-based, integrating tools from multiple therapeutic models to meet each client where they are. While I bring clinical expertise, I deeply believe you are the expert of your own life. My role is to guide, support, and help illuminate the strengths you already carry so you can move toward greater clarity and self-trust.
I also have a strong ability to bridge communication between home and school systems when working with children, supporting more cohesive and collaborative care. I work closely with parents from a strength-based perspective, recognizing the powerful role they play in a child’s emotional development and well-being.
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I am also trained in Brainspotting, a brain-body therapy that supports healing from trauma, anxiety, and emotional overwhelm by accessing deeper areas of the brain where distress is stored. Brainspotting can help with trauma and PTSD, anxiety and panic, ADHD-related overwhelm, stress and burnout, grief and loss, relationship wounds, performance anxiety, emotional blocks, and feeling stuck.
My specialities include:
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o Adults with Childhood Emotional Neglect (CEN)
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o Child Therapy (ages 5 and up)
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o Depression
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o Grief
(including break-ups, bereavement and family grief)
o HSPs (Highly Sensitive People)
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o Latinx communities (therapy in Spanish)
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o Life transitions, including teen identity
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o Low self-esteem, self identity issues
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o Anxiety
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Education
University of Arizona
2001
Bachelors of Arts in Social Sciences with a minor in Psychology
Arizona State University
2004
Master's in Counseling
AZBBHE Licensure, No. LAC-21183
Youth Mental Health Specialist (CYMHS) Certification 2022
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Training
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Youth Advocate
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Scholarship Assistance
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Motivational Interviewing
The National Board for Certified Counselors
Member since 2008
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Arizona School Counselor
Association Member
Daniela is also a current participant and founding member of the Empezando Contigo: Association for Latine Therapists, a professional association centering the needs of Latine mental health professionals.
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Have questions or wondering whether STT is the right fit
for your counseling needs?
Reach out to schedule a complimentary consultation.
Anali, our Administrative Assistant and the heart of our office. A young-spirited mother of three, Anali’s passion for supporting others is rooted in her personal commitment to mental wellness for her family and community.
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Clients and prospective clients can contact Anali directly for all needs related to scheduling appointments and billing inquiries. She is a great resource, known for her promptness, thoroughness, and exceptional attention to detail, ensuring a seamless start to the therapeutic process. Anali is a firm believer in lifelong learning and development in all facets of life. When she’s not keeping our practice running smoothly, you can find Anali at the beach or cherishing every moment spent with her large circle of family and friends.