Family therapy and counseling in Scottsdale, AZ

I believe anyone can live a meaningful and fulfilling life and that we all can change and grow even in the most challenging times. For over twenty years, I have worked with Adults, Couples, Teens/Children, and families from a diverse population, helping clients change problematic behaviors and thinking patterns to achieve wellness and growth.

I work best with driven people experiencing a big change. Perhaps, despite your best efforts, things aren’t working out as you’d hoped. Or perhaps you’ve gotten all you wanted and it doesn’t satisfy. I work often with D1 athletes & pros (as well as their family members). I love supporting the romantic partners of people in the public eye. Though I often work with athletes I am not a Sports Psych. In fact, I don’t even follow sports! I’m here for the rest of your life and identity.

You have been managing. Getting through the days, handling what comes at you, keeping it together. But somewhere along the way, that started to feel like the ceiling instead of the floor. I work with adolescents and adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, and the kind of stress that stops feeling temporary. I also work with LGBTQIA+ and transgender individuals, and with people facing major life transitions who are ready for something to genuinely shift. My approach is practical and grounded. I am here to help you get unstuck and move forward with more confidence than you walked in with.

I help clients manage anxiety, depression, and stress one step at a time by offering practical tools and supportive, empowering therapy in a safe, nonjudgmental space.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with a PsyD in Behavioral Health Leadership and Industrial/Organizational Psychology. I primarily work with adolescents and young adults, often incorporating family members to improve communication and relational patterns. I also work with professionals and athletes to strengthen mindset, reduce stress, and enhance performance using principles from mental performance and organizational psychology. My approach integrates CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and trauma-informed care to help clients build resilience, self-awareness, and meaningful, lasting growth.

Welcome! I'm John Ely - formally John N. Ely, Ph.D., LPC, informally "John" or "Doc". I hold an earned doctorate in Counseling granted by Marquette University in 1980 and have over 40 years of experience and psychotherapy. I'm essentially a general practitioner but with somewhat of a specialty in treating anxiety and trauma; I'm also comfortable with treating adolescents, couples and families and with facilitating recovery from substance abuse and addiction.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 30 over 30 years of experience in the mental health field and have worked with clients at all ages of the lifespan. I earned my Master of Social Work degree from Indiana University. I am licensed to practice in the states of Florida, Arizona, Indiana, Missouri and Alabama.