April Blackwell

April Blackwell, AMFT, APCC, is the Office Coordinator at West Valley Counseling and has been with the organization for three years. She is currently in her second year of clinical work as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and Associate Professional Clinical Counselor.

She earned a Bachelor of Science in Sociology with a minor in Child Development from Florida State University and a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University, with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy and Professional Clinical Counseling.

Ms. Blackwell brings a diverse professional background to her clinical work. She has over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, including seven years in hotel management, as well as executive-level experience in the music industry. Additionally, she worked as an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapist in California, supporting children on the autism spectrum. These roles have informed her understanding of the interplay between occupational stress, self-care, and mental health.

In her clinical practice, Ms. Blackwell provides psychotherapy to adults, adolescents, children, older adults, LGBTQ+ individuals, and individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Her clinical interests include the treatment of trauma, sexual abuse, mood and anxiety disorders, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorders.

Her therapeutic approach is integrative and client-centered, drawing from psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and family systems modalities. Ms. Blackwell emphasizes the development of insight, emotional regulation, and relational well-being. She works collaboratively with clients to integrate past experiences with present functioning in order to foster psychological healing and resilience. She has a particular interest in intergenerational trauma and the role of family dynamics in intrapersonal distress and symptomatology.