About Us
My Story
WeThrive was started as a result of a lifelong career dream. I went to graduate school in 1982 with the intention of doing private practice. I did not land into private practice until 2015 as my career and life took me down a variety of other paths. In February of 2017, I found myself an unexpected widow (which I like to believe, way too young) and 6 months later I opened my own practice, WeThrive Counseling Center. The name was developed from the idea that we are all thriving at different stages throughout our lives, the individuals we serve as well as ourselves as therapists. My belief is we can choose to never stop growing and learning.
Our Story
After opening I wanted to expand and looked for only the best therapists, and eight therapists later I can say I did not find any of them–they found me. Each of the WeThrive therapists, as well as our office manager, approached the practice as they were drawn to the culture of our professional community, one of connection through respect, creativity, love and honesty. It has been a pretty magical and spiritually enlightening experience. As a group we gathered and created our vision and culture. WeThrive was no longer mine… it is ours. We believe in the importance of connection to the people we serve, to one another, the community of Jenks and Tulsa. We love what we do, we are passionate, and we invite you to join us…just call.
-Mari
Mari Butterfield, LCSW
Therapist and Owner
Choosing courage over comfort can be life changing. Let me help you with this journey called life. I love people and love helping people reach their full potential. Feedback I have received is that people are comfortable with me and appreciate my openness and directness. You can count on me to tell it like it is, life is too short to beat around the bush. I love working with people and find people who come for help are courageous and resilient. I have a therapy dog, Sammy, who is full of love and comfort!
I am a Certified Daring Way™ Facilitator, a curriculum based on the research of Brené Brown. I have received training in the Gottman Method Couples Therapy and Sue Johnson’s Attachment. I have years of training in leadership and find it meaningful to share this experience with others in the helping profession.
John Ayers, LPC-S
Senior Therapist
Life can feel overwhelming at times. We’ve all been there…that place where it feels like simple things are a struggle and it’s hard to make sense out of our own thoughts. Working with a professional therapist, who can provide unconditional support and guidance can help make the journey a little less challenging.
I enjoy working with people and focus on helping individuals learn new perspectives, develop inner strengths, and voice their own truth. I create a professional relationship, where it’s safe to explore difficult thoughts or feelings. We’ll identify what causes you problems in life, then we’ll work together on developing healthy solutions.
I function as a mentor and trainer to WeThrive therapists. I stay abreast of current changes and developments in our software system and train the team on all updates.
Amanda Maves, LPC-S
Therapist
I love the work I am able to do helping people create positive changes to enhance their well-being and giving them a safe place to talk about their struggles. Sometimes we experience traumatic or stressful events in our lives that can throw us off our path of wellness and leave us feeling stuck. I hope to partner with you to better understand the challenges you are facing and help you find healing.
Sometimes we need additional help to make positive changes in our lives. I have specific training in trauma, grief, attachment, and relationships. I really enjoy working with adults and adolescents who are struggling with the impact of trauma, grief, depression, and anxiety. I strive to offer a safe space where people are able to heal at their own pace. I hold a certification for Infant Mental Health and I am certified as a Grief Counseling Specialist.
Engaging in therapy can be hard and reaching out is a brave step. Please know you will be met with kindness and compassion.
Leigha Wooley, LPC-S
Therapist
Life is ever-changing. Some changes come with excitement and planning, others confront us with no warning. New circumstances, situations, relationships, and everything else life presents can leave us thinking we are lost and feeling alone. Through examination and reflection, we can grow to overcome these challenges.
I believe my clients are the experts on their experience, but sometimes it’s hard to see the capabilities you have while our minds are intensely focused on issues at hand. Through partnering in a safe, professional relationship – we can navigate these paths and find better understanding.
Karly Mason, LCSW, PMH-C
Therapist
As human beings, I believe that we are inherently social creatures. Therefore, when our lives become difficult, I think that it becomes even more beneficial to rely on each other. My goals as a therapist are to normalize asking for help, to shine light and importance on vulnerability, then to turn that openness and surrender into an opportunity to help others. I hope to make your experience coming to therapy as comfortable and productive as possible.
My specialty is working with the perinatal population – new moms and dads during pregnancy and during the postpartum period. I have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults, as well as family systems. I have training in attachment, cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy, and complex trauma.
I believe that we all are all capable of hard things, and sometimes it is during the toughest of times that we find our true strengths. I am here to help you do that.
GRANT WEST, LPC
THERAPIST
The content of our lives varies, and yet the feelings we experience are universal. It makes no difference where we come from the language of feelings is ever present. As your therapist, allow me to walk with you through the healing process. Healing from the distress of everyday life or through traumatic events, you and I together can develop the tools you need to grow.
You can expect warmth, compassion, safety as we collaborate in your treatment. I am grateful for any opportunity to help and look forward to walking with you on
your journey. I am a licensed professional counselor who practices solution focused and cognitive behavioral therapies to help individuals create hope and growth. I specialize in trauma treatment by utilizing written exposure therapy (WET) – a brief treatment approach that can help alleviate symptoms of PTSD within 5 sessions.
JOHN MULLIGAN, MS, LPC
THERAPIST
It has been said that “Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.” We often face uncertainty that was not something we would have chosen, whether it be changes in relationships, work, our environment or anything that life throws at us. We often spend years in repetitive cycles before we recognize there is a problem. For those with the courage to begin counseling, they are often pleasantly surprised that unraveling those problems can happen relatively quickly!
I believe people are extremely resilient, often just needing a slight change of direction to feel better. Our thoughts are sometimes fragmented and confusing when we are overwhelmed, through therapy it is possible to conceptualize and solidify these thoughts giving you the ability to take action. Feedback I have received is that I am down to earth and genuine. I would consider it an honor to assist you along your path.
Chad Stephens
Office Manager
Often times Chad will be the first person you talk to on the phone. He has a very big heart and will greet you with a kind, understanding voice. He works tirelessly to secure insurance information and/or payment. It is part of our values that we give you the best cost information from the beginning, which is a tough order with insurance companies, but Chad is up to the challenge. He is our center and a valuable member of our team.
Sammy
Therapy Pet
Pet therapy is a broad term that includes animal-assisted therapy and other animal-assisted activities. Animal-assisted therapy is a growing field that uses dogs or other animals to help people recover from or better cope with health problems, such as heart disease, cancer and mental health disorders.
Benefits of Pet Therapy:
♥ Lowers blood pressure.
♥ Improves cardiovascular health.
♥ Releases endorphins (oxytocin) that have a calming effect.
♥ Diminishes overall physical pain.
♥ The act of petting produces an automatic relaxation response, reducing the amount of medication some folks need.
Our office environment is warm and welcoming, designed to ensure comfort and privacy. Our location is quiet and private, giving us the ability to see high profile individuals within the community. We offer late afternoon, evening and weekend appointments.
Life can be challenging, but you don’t have to handle it alone. Call today and let’s see what we can start working on together.
