Lauren Yoder-Goeden, LCPC, CST, NCC
I'm Lauren Yoder-Goeden (She, Her, Hers), Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, AASECT certified sex therapist, and owner of Balanced Rock Wellness, LLC. Though my background started in education, I soon found myself transitioning to school counseling and eventually found my best fit in clinical practice.
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While I continue to enjoy working with children and families, my clinical specialities currently lean more toward adult issues, specifically relationship distress (including but not limited to infidelity, divorce, and coparenting), sexual exploration and sexual concerns, self-valuation issues, mood and anxiety disorders, religious trauma, childhood trauma, parenting concerns, and general life phase difficulties.
I am passionate about working with underrepresented and marginalized individuals, specifically of the BIPOC, Queer, Trans, Kinky, and Poly/Non-Monogamous communities, though my door is open to any and all who would seek help and support. As an AASECT certified sex therapist, I seek to help clients gain healthy sexual perspectives in order to decrease shame and increase sexual knowledge, pleasure and wellbeing.
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My main modalities in treatment are rooted in teaching self-compassion, self-acceptance, self-validation, and ultimately self-love. I focus on boundary setting, improved communication skills, and clarification of personal beliefs and values in order to help my clients live out their most congruent and healthy lives and relationships.
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When I'm not working I am spending all of my time enjoying my own brand of messy awesomeness with my partner and kids and probably more pets than is strictly necessary.
Kendra Johnson, LMSW
Hello, I’m Kendra Johnson (She/Her/Hers), a Licensed Master Social Worker. I’m committed to creating a safe and nurturing environment for individuals to explore their emotions, heal from trauma, and navigate life’s challenges. I believe that everyone has the strength and resilience to grow, and my mission is to support you in discovering your full potential through a caring and non-judgmental approach.
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With a passion for trauma-informed care, I provide a space where clients can feel empowered to process their experiences, develop healthy coping strategies, and build meaningful change in their lives. Whether you’re dealing with an eating disorder, trauma, anxiety, depression, or relationship issues, I’m here to guide you on your journey to healing and self-empowerment. My approach is person-centered, strengths-based, and rooted in mindfulness and compassion.
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I specialize in working with individuals, couples, and families of all ages, drawing from a variety of therapeutic approaches, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Narrative therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. My trauma work is focused on helping clients process their emotions and thoughts related to past experiences, allowing them to regain control over their lives and move forward with clarity and confidence.
I’m also deeply committed to supporting individuals in marginalized communities, ensuring that every person feels heard, valued, and understood. My goal is to create an inclusive and affirming space for everyone.
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When I'm out of the office, you can find me enjoying the outdoors, spending time with my loved ones, going on walks with my dog, or at home reading. I look forward to supporting you as you take your steps toward a fulfilled and empowered life.
Melani Samples, LMFT
Hi, I’m Melani and I’m so glad you’re here.
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I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from California Baptist University. I have spent over a decade working with individuals, children, teens, couples, and families, helping them navigate life’s challenges with compassion, clarity, and intention.
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My work is rooted in a trauma-informed approach, integrating family systems, attachment theory, and narrative therapy to help clients better understand the patterns shaping their lives. I specialize in working with anxiety, depression, trauma, identity development, and self-worth. I am especially passionate about supporting children, teens, and families who feel overwhelmed by pressure, expectations, or the weight of trying to hold everything together.
I believe healing happens in safe, honest spaces where individuals feel seen, valued, and understood. Many of the clients I work with come from strong family or faith-based backgrounds and are looking for a place where they can process what they’re carrying without fear of judgment, while still honoring what matters most to them. Whether you are navigating emotional struggles, relational challenges, or questions around identity, purpose, or faith, my goal is to create a space where you can slow down, gain clarity, and move toward meaningful, lasting change.
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I also enjoy integrating faith into the therapy process when it is important to my clients, helping them explore their beliefs in a way that feels supportive, grounding, and aligned with their values.
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While we cannot change the past, I believe we can take an active role in shaping a present and future we feel connected to. Therapy is not about having everything figured out—it’s about creating space for growth, healing, and forward movement, one step at a time.
Outside of the therapy room, I enjoy spending time with my teens and our golden retriever exploring the outdoors, off-roading, and discovering new places. I find a lot of joy in creative expression through writing, drawing, and cooking, and I value staying connected to my community through service and meaningful relationships.
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It is truly an honor to walk alongside my clients in this work. You don’t have to navigate it alone.
Kayanna Gunther, LMSW
Hello, I’m Kayanna Gunther (She/Her/Hers & They/Them/Theirs), Licensed Master Social Worker and EMDR Trained Clinician. I graduated from Boise State University and have been working in mental health since 2019. My goal is to provide safe, supportive, sex-positive/kink allied, and trauma informed assistance to any and all who seek it out.
Building community and connection, I believe, both professionally and personally, is an integral part of being human and supporting healing within yourself. In taking the first step in acknowledging a desire for assistance, you have already begun your healing journey. Through the collaborative therapeutic process, I believe I can provide the needed support and assistance as you address your concerns.
I am passionate about working with individual teens and adults, specifically those in the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities. I additionally have experience in working with clients who struggle with mood disorders, anxiety, trauma & PTSD, and chronic suicidal ideation. In practice, I gravitate toward a person-centered approach, utilizing different modalities based on each client's needs.
When not in the office, I am practicing self care in many forms. I love to write, create art, spend time with family & friends, listen to music, explore and experience nature, and read.
Michael Gritton, LPC
I'm Michael Gritton, a Licensed Professional Counselor that takes a grounded, relational, and trauma-informed approach to my work with individuals, couples, and families. My areas of focus include trauma and PTSD, anxiety disorders, depression, attachment wounds, relationship conflict, identity development, and self-worth concerns.
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I integrate a blend of evidence-based modalities, including Trauma-Focused CBT, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR-informed interventions, mindfulness-based strategies, and somatic/attachment-oriented approaches. I am centered on helping clients feel supported, understood, and equipped with practical tools for genuine, lasting change.
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Clients describe me as steady, compassionate, and as someone who creates a supportive environment while offering clear guidance and actionable insight. My therapeutic approach emphasizes trust, collaboration, and empowerment.
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My favorite thing to do when I’m not working is anything that has me close to my wife. We have two dogs, Sam and Chester, who are good at keeping us on our toes. I love Lego’s, Star Wars, and space. I’m thrilled to help support you on your journey to where you want to be!
Melissa Marquez, LCSW
Hi, I'm Melissa Marquez (She, Her, Hers). I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 25 years of experience supporting teens, adults, seniors, couples, and families navigating anxiety, depression, relationship stress, and life transitions. I earned my Bachelors of Social Work at Boise State University and my Master of Social Work degree from Eastern Washington University in 2001. I have worked in a variety of clinical settings, which has shaped my steady, thoughtful, and grounded approach to care.
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I believe healing begins in a space where you feel safe, understood, and accepted just as you are. My approach is warm, collaborative, and trauma-informed. I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR, Gottman, family systems, strengths-based practice, and person-centered therapy to meet you where you are. I also draw from mindfulness-based strategies and solution-focused techniques. I view therapy as a partnership. Whether I’m working with an individual, a couple, or an entire family, I focus on strengthening communication, deepening understanding, and fostering meaningful change.
In my free time, I like to spend time with my husband and our five children and our dog Pearl. I enjoy reading, watching scary movies or true crime, teaching at Boise State university, and traveling.
Kenzi Kaba, LPC
Hello! My name is Kenzie Kaba (She, Her, Hers), Licensed Professional Counselor. I graduated from Northwest Nazarene University in 2024 where I spent my Internship experiences working with victims of domestic violence at the Nampa Family Justice Center, and new and expecting moms at a community Women and Children’s clinic. Before officially entering the world of mental health I was a middle school English teacher for 6 years and absolutely loved working with the families and children of my community to ensure the growth of the whole child.
I work mainly from mindfulness based approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing where I focus on the present moment and work towards expanding that awareness to build “psychological flexibility”. This allows us to be flexible and compassionate with ourselves and others in this ever-changing world. I also work from a trauma-informed background and use pieces of Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Narrative Exposure Therapy to “re-author” one's life and experiences in a way that is empowering and brings about positive change.
I am dedicated to working with individuals aged 10 and up, as well as couples and families from all different backgrounds and demographics. I am also an LGBTQIA+ ally and work on maintaining a safe and supportive environment for those facing discrimination. I specialize in working with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, and symptoms of PTSD as well as those struggling with suicidal ideation, life transitions, and just the general struggle that comes with living a human life!
When I am not seeing clients, my life is filled with spending time with family and friends, my boyfriend, and my cat, Beetle. I’ve been getting more into puzzles as I’ve hit my 30’s and enjoy my daily walks that keep me limber for playing volleyball once a week with my old high school teammates. I love to laugh and see the beauty in the everyday as much as possible and I can’t wait to embark on this journey of life with my new clients.
Emma Ballantyne, LCSW
Emma (she/her/hers) has previously worked as a therapist with children, adolescents, teens and their families in both outpatient and inpatient settings. She is excited to expand to include adults and couples. Emma is a lifelong learner and through her work she participated in many training and skill development opportunities including CBT, DBT, ACT, ERP and EMDR. Emma enjoys working with folks to understand and navigate anxiety, self esteem, communication and relationships. Additionally, She has experience working with neurodivergent youth and their families.
Emma is currently working towards her certificate in Sex Therapy and Sexuality Education with the University of Michigan. This learning is something Emma is very excited to bring to you. With a special interest in kink, she hopes to work with you to enhance your relationship to your sexuality and self.
Outside of the therapy room, you would probably have the best luck finding Emma gardening, spending time with her family, painting, baking, catching up on a show, or reading a book…or of course learning something new.
Autumn Johnson LMSW
I’m Autumn Johnson (she/her/hers), a Licensed Master Social Worker committed to creating a therapeutic space where clients feel seen, heard, valued, and understood. I enjoy working with teens, adults, and couples. I specialize in supporting individuals navigating a wide range of trauma, including domestic and intimate partner violence, childhood and developmental trauma, grief and loss, and other overwhelming or life-altering experiences. I also support clients with
attachment patterns, mood and anxiety disorders, family and relationship challenges, and identity exploration.
I’m deeply passionate about working with individuals from marginalized communities, includingLGBTQIA+ populations. I strive to offer an inclusive, judgment-free environment that challenges traditional norms and opens new possibilities for what healing can look like. I believe everyone deserves a space where their identity and lived experiences are honored and respected.
My approach to therapy is integrative and client-centered. I draw from Adlerian therapy, InternalFamily Systems (IFS), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, inner child work, and mindfulness and grounding techniques. I believe therapy is not one-size-fits-all, and I tailor my approach to meet each client’s unique needs, goals, and pace.
Outside of my work, I enjoy spending time with my partner and our two dogs, Juno and Venus. You’ll often find me outdoors or exploring creative outlets such as pottery, photography, and horticulture. I embrace the weird, imperfect, and sometimes chaotic parts of life—and I believe those parts often hold powerful opportunities for growth and healing.
Tara Portugais, LMSW
Hi there, I’m so glad you’re here. I'm Tara Portugais (she, her, hers). I’m originally from Northern California, but Boise has been home for over a decade now—Go Broncos! My passion for mental health started when I was a young teen, and that early spark has grown into a career I truly love. I’ve spent about six years working across outpatient, inpatient, and community‑based settings, which has given me a deep appreciation for the many ways people show resilience and courage.
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I take a relational, down‑to‑earth approach to therapy because I believe people heal best when they feel safe, understood, and genuinely welcomed. Your decision to seek support is brave, and I honor the trust it takes to let someone into your story. I’m not afraid to use a little humor when it helps, and I strive to show up as warm, nonjudgmental, and empowering. My goal is to create a space where you can gently confront old patterns, explore new possibilities, and move toward the healing and growth you deserve.
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My areas of focus include anxiety, depression, sleep challenges, behavioral disorders, trauma, suicidal ideation, substance use, disordered eating, and supporting adolescents and teens. I also enjoy working with other medical and mental health professionals, as well as individuals navigating major life transitions such as parenting or divorce.
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It’s an honor to walk alongside the people I work with, and I view therapy as a true partnership.
Outside the therapy room, you’ll usually find me spending time with friends and family, attending local events like concerts or shows, trying new restaurants, and enjoying everything our wonderful community has to offer.
Mikki Griffel,
Counseling Intern
Hi! My name is Mikki (she/her/hers), and I am a counselor intern here at Balanced Rock Wellness. I am currently pursuing my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Phoenix. Although I am new to the counseling profession, I have spent the last nine years deeply involved in the mental health field, including time serving our local community and schools as a CBRS, Case Manager, and Behavioral Health Specialist.
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My passions lie in supporting teens and adults in the LGBTQ+ community, those who have (or love someone with) a personality disorder, and individuals who have experienced trauma. I am also trained to work with individuals facing depression, anxiety disorders, OCD, disabilities, Autism, ADHD, grief and loss, relationship challenges, suicidal ideation, and low self-esteem.
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I consider myself a humanistic therapist and primarily draw from a person-centered approach and trauma-focused CBT techniques. I am also pursuing further training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Internal Family Systems (IFS). My goal is to help you navigate your struggles and empower you with the tools you need to become the best version of yourself. I see counseling as a collaborative process where we walk side by side, exploring your experiences, challenging unhelpful patterns, and celebrating each step toward healing and self-discovery.
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When I’m not seeing clients, I love spending time with friends, family, and my beautiful cats. I’m a big fan of metal music and enjoy going to as many shows as I can. I also love exploring the Treasure Valley, discovering new local restaurants, coffee shops, and hidden gems. I have a strong passion for learning, whether that’s diving into a new topic, exploring my own personal growth, or discovering something new about the world. If I’m not out and about, you’ll probably find me reading, doing something creative, playing video games, or watching reality TV.​​
Lindsee Perry,
Practice Administrator
Hi! My name is Lindsee Perry, Practice Administrator for Balanced Rock Wellness. I have recently moved to Idaho from Washington state and am looking forward to enjoying all the fun things Idaho has to offer.
I have over 15 years of experience working in the medical field with a portion of that time spent in the behavioral health realm. My favorite part of working in healthcare is meeting new people and being a friendly face to help them navigate through their patient experience.
When I am not in the office, I am spending time with my husband and our four kiddos. We love live music, getting outdoors as a family, and trying new restaurants. Although we enjoy the comforts of home, we look for any excuse to book a trip and travel because there is just so much beauty to be found everywhere.
Jaxx Goeden, Office Pup
Jaxx is a five pound chihuahua blend who hails from the Idaho Humane Society. He is small but very curious (as well as very nervous, like most small dogs.)
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You can find him around the Balanced Rock Wellness office in sessions with Lauren Yoder-Goeden or else in the admin office. He may bark if startled, but warms up quickly and loves to say hello to new people and may even snuggle up to you on the couch in the admin office if you have business there.
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When he's not at work, he likes to be at home with his family, terrorizing the cat more often than not, or snuggling up with both his human and canine siblings.
