We had the good fortune of connecting with Julie McAllister and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Julie, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The success of the EMDR Transformations Counseling brand can largely be credited to the strong relationship between myself and my partner, Deana Charter. With our unique skillsets and passions, along with our shared values and work ethic, we are really fortunate to complement each other so well. Where one of us faces challenges, the other excels. This balance has been a huge factor in our success.

Having learned from a previous partnership that did not work out as expected, I initially had reservations about entering into another business collaboration. However, by prioritizing open communication and clearly defining our expectations and goals, Deana and I have built a solid foundation for our partnership, which has been crucial in fostering a thriving and successful business relationship. With the guidance and support of some amazing mentors and coaches, we have developed a solid business plan to direct us in achieving our goals.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
At EMDR Transformations Counseling, we are a team of mental health professionals specializing in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. Our goal is to provide compassionate and effective care to help individuals overcome trauma and lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.

We specialize in working with first responders, offering them a safe place where they can find peace and heal from the difficult experiences they encounter in their jobs. Serving as their frontline support, we take immense pride in our commitment to their well-being.

What sets us apart is our exceptional customer service. We provide a nurturing and warm experience for everyone who interacts with us—from the initial contact to the conclusion of therapy, ensuring our clients feel valued and understood.

Our journey has been both rewarding and challenging. Building EMDR Transformations Counseling into what it is today required perseverance and adaptability. We have overcome obstacles by staying true to our mission and continually adapting to the evolving needs of our clients, community, and practice. During a recent business planning retreat, we refined our mission and articulated our vision and values, which truly capture the essence of who we are as a practice.

OUR MISSION
Our mission is to transform lives through EMDR therapy, fostering a safe and compassionate environment that goes beyond traditional therapy.
OUR VISION
We envision a world where therapy is as common as meeting a friend for coffee, and mental health is openly embraced.
OUR VALUES
• Dismantling mental health stigma by redefining the concept and making ‘counseling’ an everyday word.
• Tailored support for first responders, understanding and respecting their unique challenges and culture.
• Offering a workplace culture that is supportive, inclusive, and fosters collaboration and connection among colleagues.
• Doing what we ask of our clients by actively participating in our own therapeutic work and personal growth.
• Delivering exceptional customer service, ensuring every interaction embodies empathy and care.

We want the world to know that healing is not only possible but also achievable with the right support and approach. Our brand represents compassion, expertise, and a dedication to helping individuals turn their experiences of trauma into stories of strength and growth. For first responders our brand means they will find therapists who understand their challenges and are skilled in treating their unique needs.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting Gilbert, AZ for a week, I’d ensure they had an amazing experience by showcasing the town’s best spots for eating, drinking, visiting, and hanging out. We’d start with a pour-over coffee at Pexioto Coffee at Epicenter, known for its exceptional brews, and then check out some of the cute local boutiques and shops.
Downtown Gilbert would be a must-visit, with fantastic restaurants like Postino, where we’d enjoy a bruschetta board and mimosas, and Liberty Market, a historic spot offering a mix of American cuisine. For entertainment, we’d catch a show at the Hale Centre Theatre, which features a variety of performances, from musicals to dramas or head over to O.H.S.O. Brewery + Distillery – A brewery and distillery with a diverse menu.
For some outdoor fun, we’d hike the Goldmine trail at San Tan Mountain Regional Park, where at the top you’re rewarded with a panoramic city view. Afterward, we’d head to Joe’s Farm Grill for a delicious farm-to-table meal.
A trip wouldn’t be complete without a visit to SanTan Village, an open-air shopping center with numerous stores and dining options. Buck & Ryder at Epicenter is perfect for dinner, offering exceptional seafood and steak options in a swanky atmosphere. We’d also explore Barnone at Agritopia, a community of craftspeople with a brewery, winery, and artisan shops, and grab some pizza at Fire & Brimstone. Garage-East Winery is a great place to taste local AZ wines.
For a mix of culture and history, the Gilbert Historical Museum offers a fascinating look at the town’s past. Topgolf is also fun way to spend an evening with some friendly competition, food, and drinks.
To wrap up the visit, we’d hit Gilbert’s Riparian Preserve, a beautiful spot for walking and bird-watching. A farewell dinner at Belly an Asian-inspired eatery with creative dishes and craft cocktails, would be the perfect end to an amazing week in Gilbert.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Brock Somsen from LPL Financial
Rich Ganley and Dallas Sloan from Colair Beauty Lounge
Tony Rodarte from Activated Health and Wellness and the Compassion Alliance
We are so grateful for each and every one of these people who have been friends, mentors, and coaches to us!

Website: https://www.emdrtransformationscounseling.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emdrinaz/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-mcallister-31281017

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emdrinaz/

Image Credits
Joanna “Jojo” Stewart

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.