Our Team
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Derek Barney, LCMHC, Owner
Women, Men, Couples, Teens, Young Adults
Addiction, Grief and Loss, Trauma
I’m a mental health counselor who works with people navigating addiction, trauma, and grief. I got into this work because I’ve lived it; I struggled with substance use and lost my dad at a young age. Those experiences shaped who I am and gave me a deep understanding of what it’s like to feel overwhelmed, stuck, or alone.
Over the years, I’ve worked with teens in inpatient settings and later supported adults in addiction recovery. I’ve also done specialized training in DBT, Brainspotting, and SMART Recovery to offer more focused, effective care. My approach is real, compassionate, and always nonjudgmental. Whether you’re dealing with something specific or just trying to find your way back to yourself, I’m here to walk with you, one step at a time.
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Melissa Barney, Practice Manager, Owner
I am a mom first, and that really shapes everything I do. Whether I am with my own kids, talking with clients, or helping run the practice, I try to show up with care, kindness, and connection.
Before this, my husband Derek and I spent eight amazing years running a residential treatment home. We were "mom and dad" to a house full of teenage girls, and that time taught me how powerful it is to create a space that feels safe and full of love. That same heart is what I bring into the work we do now.
Since helping Derek start the practice in 2020, I have done a little bit of everything including intakes, billing, scheduling, and all the things behind the scenes that help keep things running. One of my favorite parts is talking with new clients and helping them feel welcome from the very first call.
Outside of work, I love spending time with my family, making meaningful memories, and throwing the occasional kitchen dance party.
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Jocee Hospodarsky, AMFT
Women, Men, Couples, Kids
Divorce, Betrayal Trauma, Relationship Issues, Sex Therapy Support
Going through divorce, betrayal, or relationship problems can be really painful. You might feel angry, lost, or like everything is falling apart. Maybe your partner cheated, or your relationship does not feel safe anymore. Maybe your child is having a hard time because of things happening at home. You do not have to face it alone.
I help people heal from betrayal trauma, divorce, abuse, and broken trust. I work with men, women, couples, and kids, especially children going through big family changes. I also help couples who want to feel close again and fix struggles with intimacy and communication.
I have certifications in sex therapy and use that training to help clients talk about trust, connection, and physical closeness in a safe space. I also have lived through abuse and divorce myself, so I understand how heavy these things can feel.
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Matthew Valentine, AMFT
Kids, Teens, Young Adults
Grief, Addiction, Stress, Family Problems
Being a kid, teen or young adult can feel overwhelming. Life comes with pressure, big emotions, and sometimes deep sadness or confusion. You might be grieving someone you love, feeling stuck in unhealthy habits like pornography use, or struggling with changes at home that feel out of your control. You may feel like no one really gets what you are going through.
I help teens and young adults work through grief, stress, addiction, and family problems. Many of my clients are dealing with loss, anxiety, or shame they do not know how to talk about. In therapy, we work together to understand what is happening and find ways to feel more in control and at peace.
When I was young, my parents got divorced, and I lost my dad to cancer not long after. I know what it is like to carry pain you do not have words for. That is one reason I became a therapist. I want to be someone who listens, supports, and helps others find a way forward.
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Sandee Everett, ACMHC
Women, Children, Teens
Anxiety, Trauma, Depression
I work with women, children, and teens, offering a safe, supportive space to work through life’s challenges. I use a blend of approaches including EMDR, CBT, ACT, DBT, and play therapy, tailoring each session to meet your unique needs or the needs of your child. My style is client-centered and grounded in compassion, empathy, and truly listening. I believe that growth happens when you feel heard, accepted, and supported exactly where you are.
I often work with clients facing anxiety, trauma, depression, or difficulties with mood and coping. Whether you’re looking for support for yourself or your child, I’m here to help you navigate it with care and consistency.
I earned my bachelor’s degree from BYU and my master’s from Purdue. My husband and I have been married for over 30 years, and we have five grown children. We raised our family in the Washington, D.C. area, Indiana, and Southern California before settling in beautiful St. George, Utah. When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me doing yoga, hiking, spending time with family, or hanging out with our dog, Beau.
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Hollie Enniss-Poe, ACMHC
Everyone Ages 7+
Disabilities, Chronic Illness, Caregivers, Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Life with a disability or chronic illness can be really hard.
You might feel tired, stressed, or like no one truly understands what you are going through. You may be in pain, feel left out, or try to push through even when things feel too heavy. You are not alone, and you do not have to do this by yourself.
I help people living with disabilities and chronic illness feel supported and understood.
Whether you were just diagnosed or have been living this way for a long time, therapy can help you feel more in control and less overwhelmed. I also work with caregivers who are feeling tired, worried, or burned out from helping someone they love.
Before becoming a therapist, I spent years working at Vocational Rehabilitation, helping people with disabilities find support, confidence, and tools to move forward. I now use that experience in counseling sessions to help clients feel heard and cared for. I also work with Deaf and hard of hearing clients in a space that is safe, respectful, and welcoming.
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Kendal Barney, Administrative Assistant
As part of the support team at A Way Back Counseling, I help make sure things run smoothly behind the scenes so clients can focus on healing. I handle insurance billing, verify benefits, answer phones, schedule therapy appointments, and help clients with questions about their care or coverage.
Before joining the team, I worked as a pharmacy technician, where I learned how much I enjoy helping people feel calm and cared for especially when they are dealing with stress, health concerns, or confusion about what comes next.
Now, I get to bring that same care into my work here. Whether I’m working on insurance claims, answering calls, or helping someone get scheduled with the right therapist, my goal is to make sure every client feels seen, supported, and taken care of.
Outside of work, I love doing nails. It is a creative outlet and a fun way to help others feel confident and express themselves. For me, it’s one more way to bring color, comfort, and joy into the day.