Risse Hancock, CMHC
Work Experience
Therapist at The Utah House, 2015-2023
Substance-Use Counselor at Metamorphosis, 2013-2015
Substance-Use Counselor at Alpine Center for Personal Growth, 2012-2013
Substance-Use Counselor (Intern) at Youth Care Inc, 2012
Education
Argosy University Masters of Mental Health Counseling, 2013-2015
Argosy University Substance Abuse Program Certificate, 2012
Argosy University Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, 2012
Certified Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Current
Hello! My name is Risse. I have been a therapist working with teenagers and their families for 10 years and have absolutely loved every second of it! Before finding a passion for working with teens and their families, I spent several years as a substance abuse counselor working with individuals struggling with addiction. Through both of these career paths, I found a passion for helping people through any challenges they are facing.
What led me to my calling of helping people was my own personal struggles with depression, anxiety, and other trauma in my life. Through my own process of healing I found a desire to help other people learn how to better cope with their challenges, and embrace their self-worth. I believe that everyone, no matter what their past may be, deserves to be happy and healthy.
Growing up in Wisconsin, I’ve watched a lot of friends and family struggle with addictions to drugs and alcohol. I did not want to see others go down that same path for themselves. Because of this, I recently decided to open my own private practice to continue to help people in my community who may be facing struggles of their own. I specialise in trauma recovery, PTSD, addiction recovery and relapse prevention, depression, grief and loss, and anxiety. My focused interventions include CBT, DBT, and EMDR. My goal is to create a safe space for my clients that allows them to heal, while also holding people accountable for their choices and actions. I firmly believe that growth happens when we are pushed out of our comfort zone.
I am happily married and have been with my husband since 2009, getting married in the mountains in 2014. After we got married, we decided to try and start a family. This was an emotional roller coaster to say the least. This journey took 5 years of seeing doctors, a lot of weight loss and finding healthier habits. After two miscarriages, we were finally blessed with our little girl, Aspen, who is now a healthy, sassy 4 year old.
I love sports and being outside. Go Packers, Bucks, and Brewers! I have found a passion for enjoying nature and the great outdoors. I found the healing that Mother Nature gives me has helped me with my own mental health, as well as bonding with my family, and I hope to pass the same values onto my daughter as she grows up.
Jenny McKay, APRN
Jenny McKay, NP is an intelligent board certified provider, dedicated to her patients. Prior to becoming a Nurse Practitioner she was a intensive care nurse at Primary Children's for 10 years.
Graduated from Concordia University in Wisconsin with Advanced Practice Registered Nursing Master's Degree.
McKay Family offers a wide variety of medical services, everything from pediatrics to geriatrics, Jenny has your back. Yearly physicals, sports physicals, well child checks, diabetes control, mental health, and much more can be found at McKay Family Practice. Located in the same building as Embrace, Jenny McKay works closely with Risse to support clients in their medication needs.
Call of text 801-210-2445 , or visit www.mckayfamilypractice.com to schedule an appointment.
Stephanie Hunt, CMHC
Hi! I’m Stephanie! I’ve been a therapist for about a decade and love it. I began my journey working with teenagers in a day treatment program. I then began working at House of Hope with women struggling with addiction and their children.
I work with all ages and enjoy doing EMDR for trauma work. I also like CBT and doing fun activities during therapy.
I am originally from Colorado where most of my family is from. I love spending time with my nephew when I have the chance. For fun, I love doing Zumba and being outdoors!
Chandice Commeree, MSW
I’m so glad you’re here! Taking the step to either start therapy for the first time or continue working on your journey is hard, but I’m so glad you did! My name is Chandice Commeree and I love to work with humans of all kinds. I have experience working with all age groups, but I have a special love working with adults.
I received my undergraduate degree from Utah State in Family Consumer Human Development and am an Aggie at heart! I received my Master’s of Social Work from the University of Utah. I specialized in experience working with cognitive disorders and older adults.
Connecting with, and helping others has always been a passion of mine. It has been my experience that through connection and aid of a mental health professional, we can learn the tools and find the strength within ourselves to heal and to grow. I would love to be the one to walk with you on your journey of healing and growth! I have experience with CBT (Including CBT-P and CBT-I) DBT, ACT, Reminiscence Therapy and other models. I often utilize skills from multiple models at once to find the right treatment plan for each person.
If you struggle with depression, anxiety, executive dysfunction, life transitions, cognitive disorders, neurodiversity, grief and loss, or other life struggles, I am excited to start doing the work with you. I also work with trauma and am a believer of learning how to connect the mind and the body to heal.
Jasmyne Litanski, CSW
Hello! My name is Jasmyne. I’m a Clinical Social Worker in Northern Utah. I graduated with my Bachelors and Masters in Social Work at Weber State University. I believe in showing up for people who need/want extra support in their life. I enjoy being compassionately honest with people in order to guide them through the goals they bring to me.
For those parents who are looking for added support in raising their little ones, I am caregiver trained in Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI). This method teaches children to trust their caregiver through practicing skills relating to nurturing and structure.. As a part of this, I will be teaching you, as a parent, how to take home these same skills.
I can work with people who have an interest in practicing mindfulness with the guidance and support of a therapeutic professional. I also treat those who are struggling with depression, anxiety, or their general mood. To provide this treatment, I take a DBT-oriented approach by teaching you life skills that you can take anywhere! To fully complete these treatment approaches, it will generally take 11-14 weeks.
If you’d like to discuss either of these methods more fully, I’m available for 15-minute consultations.
The Embrace Values
Healing takes time.
Overcoming trauma doesn’t happen over night, but it does happen. Investing in yourself is the first step toward healing and becoming whole.
Healing takes work.
You don’t have to face the challenges of every day life alone. The process toward healing is a team effort. Remaining open to the support of others can be the most impactful part of your path to healing.
Healing is a journey.
Embrace has helped many people overcome their suffering, and find self-love, wholeness, and self-awareness, impacting relationships and the relationship with the self.