Dr. Colleen Kowalke, PsyD
Clinical Psychologist
Hello dear friends. I was born, lived, and loved Canada for most of my life and only recently became a citizen of the United States. I received my bachelor’s degree in Psychology in Manitoba, while in Canada, then went on to obtain my Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology in North Dakota. Not surprising, it was NOT warm there. I continued to move in a southern direction and landed in Colorado, where I studied and graduated with my Doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology, in the special field of Trauma. From there, I eventually made my way South to Arizona where the weather is much more to my liking. It was there that I was fortunate enough to work with the healers at The Meadows in Wickenburg, Arizona.
My work at The Meadows became the foundation for my understanding of counseling and the human condition, and opened my eyes and my world to new ways of helping and healing. I continue to work every day with the principles and philosophies of Pia Mellody, as well as other important fellows, elders, and leaders of The Meadows. In my own work, I have learned techniques, including Eye Movement, Desensitization, and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) to assist clients with processing and releasing trauma. I have also graduated as a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP), which involves a three year training program created by Peter Levine to treat and heal individuals with developmental and shock trauma.
My philosophy for counseling is that “It’s all about kindness, unless it’s about mindfulness.” I believe that people are meant to evolve in psychological ways and will do so when they become ready. I have chosen to help guide and nurture individuals through these times, to provide safety and healing in a warm atmosphere. Eventually, it is my desire to combine several elements of wellness, including nutrition, chiropractic, massage, yoga and spirituality, for a more holistic approach to wellness and provide all of these services in one location at Del Soul Psychology & Wellness. Stay tuned…
Namaste
Pam Poole, RN
Hello, thank you for visiting our website and allowing us to introduce ourselves. I am Pam (pambam) Poole. I currently live in the state of Alabama. A few things going for Alabama… green trees, rolling hills, sweet singing waters… it’s my home.
However, I once had another home, in the heart of Phoenix Arizona! I moved there primarily because of my husband’s job requirements, but had no idea what tremendous life and career turns were in store for me over the next seven years in Arizona. I moved to Arizona with over 25years of RN experience in a variety of nursing specialties; oncology, supervision, cardiac critical care, and in-patient psychiatric care.
Once here, after research, I accepted a position in Glendale, AZ as an Outpatient Psychiatric RN.
During my new employee orientation, I met the newest (and only) Outpatient Psychologist, Dr Colleen Kowalke. And guess what guys, she was to be my boss!! Once you meet and get to know Dr Kowalke, you will see how lucky that day was for my career! Of all the exciting and wonderful knowledge Dr Kowalke introduced to me over those next seven years, her dream of starting Del Soul Counseling was among the first! She and I routinely nurtured those dreams with conversation and yearnings to the universe.
A few years later, Dr Kowalke took the courageous step and thus Del Soul began.
The evolution of Del Soul has been one that continues!! It has been one of my most enriching lifetime journeys!
When we accepted a transfer back home to sweet home Alabama, I knew I could
never leave Del Soul! I have moved but I haven’t left the dream! It is such a pleasure and honor to continue working remotely with Del Soul Psychology and Counseling.
I continue with Dr Kowalke for nursing consultations and occasionally office stand-in.
I am Pambam, what a pleasure it is to have a part in
your Del Soul experience.
Julia Wessels, MA, LASAC
My name is Julia Wessels and I have been in the counseling field for nearly 20 years. I began my career as an intern working with victims of Domestic Violence, which led to my first job as a Shelter Assistant in this field. I completed my BA in Sociology in 1994 from the State University of New York, College at Oneonta. After graduating, I continued wok there, for a short time, before moving to Arizona to continue my education. My move to Arizona was originally intended to ensure my return to school, however, instead it began a lesson in life and a journey that spanned a few years outside of my field, but which would ultimately bring me to where I am today.
It took a few years, for my realization that I would require more education, so I returned to school in 2001. I attended and completed my Master of Art’s in Counseling at the University of Maryland, University College which was based in the UK. This was a true opportunity, and one I found would work for me, while my husband was in the Air Force. During my last year of study, I began my graduate practicum and internship at a Substance Abuse Day Program, which would provide a completely different and uniquely global perspective in my field. Once I graduated in 2004, I was hired as a counselor and continued working at Focus Counselling Services, until returning stateside with my husband in December of 2005.
Once returning to the US, and after living abroad for almost 5 years, I began working as a group counselor, facilitating Diversion classes for offenders. Shortly after that, I began working as a crisis intervention therapist from 2006-2012, gaining significant knowledge and on the job training as a resource for individuals struggling with mental health and chemical dependency needs. This was a significant source of training and knowledge for me and came at a time when resources were relatively unknown. I went on from there to an agency to provide individual and group therapy and psychoeducation from 2012-2019 at a treatment program and in an outpatient treatment facility. I have since worked with many different populations and in different settings and levels of care. My job responsibilities ranged from assessing need for treatment and/or level of care needed, for individuals in the community in crisis, to in-patient and outpatient assessment and treatment. I have worked with clients, as an Intensive Outpatient Assessment Therapist, Chemical Dependency Intensive Outpatient Group Therapist and as an individual therapist for the last 2 years at Del Soul Counseling. My wish is to continue my pursuit of caring and providing therapeutic treatment and support to those in need in any capacity, and community, in which I am privileged to serve.
Mindy Crabb, LPC
Individual, Marriage and Family Therapist
Hello, I'm Mindy Crabb, a compassionate therapist dedicated to guiding individuals on their transformative journey toward healing and self-discovery. Life is a dynamic voyage, marked by intense tornadoes of disorder and serene tea times of reflection and growth. Drawing from my own journey through trauma and loss, I am honored to accompany you on your unique expedition.
Originally from Phoenix, AZ, I earned my bachelor's degree from the University of Arizona-Go Wildcats! My passion for empowering others led me into teaching, but it was a ministry calling that redirected me to the south, where my own healing journey began two decades ago in a therapist's office. Before therapy, I felt fragmented and anxious, like I was numbly going through the motions. Through therapy, I welcomed back the hidden parts of myself, achieving internal wholeness and harmony. This newfound peace blossomed into a deeper understanding and connection with my true self, rippling out into more authentic relationships with others and God.
Inspired by profound changes in my life, I pursued further education at Reformed Theological Seminary, earning a master's degree in marriage and family therapy and counseling in 2017. Post-graduation, I began my career as a therapist, initially serving as a substance abuse counselor and community mental health therapist in Mississippi. Faced with personal challenges, including divorce and the loss of my father, I returned to my roots in Arizona in 2019.
Throughout my career, I've refined my expertise in supporting adults grappling with anxiety, childhood trauma, and complex post-traumatic stress disorder. My specialization extends to empowering women navigating chronic health problems, fertility struggles, pregnancy loss, relationship issues, divorce, parenting concerns, loneliness, and grief.
Distinguished by my commitment to ongoing professional development, I've received training in Internal Family Systems Therapy from both the IFS Institute (level 1) and IFS Canada (Stepping Stone). In my practice, I integrate this transformative model with other methods, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), mindfulness and meditation, spiritual-focused therapy, and creative interventions using expressive art and somatic-informed therapy. This eclectic, person-centered approach allows me to tailor each therapy session to the unique needs of my clients, creating a safe and nurturing space for collaborative exploration toward personal growth and overall well-being.
I believe it's never too late to embark on your healing journey, and I'd be honored to support you on this courageous path. "Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" - Mary Oliver
Lynda Gordon, PsyD, MC,
Psychologist Candidate
Hello, my name is Lynda Gordon. I am four years shy of being an Arizona native. My father’s military career first took me to Michigan and then Japan. After obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Arizona State University, I went on to earn a Master of Counseling degree from the University of Phoenix. A few years later, I found the urge to pursue a five-year doctoral degree in Psychology at Argosy University, while adding two additional beautiful children to complete our family of six.
As an Arizona certified school psychologist, I have held positions as a clinical specialist and a site administrator for a private therapeutic day school. While conducting educational and psychological evaluations, I provided services to youth and families with various emotional, behavioral, social, and communicative disorders.
I bring over 25 years of experience working with children, adults, and families while working in-home, agency, and school-base settings. Today, my work continues as a Life Coaching/Psychologist Intern providing individual counseling services to individuals of all ages. Additionally, I am a contract Court Appointed Advisor with the Maricopa County Superior Court. I investigate the facts in a legal decision-making/parenting time dispute between parents/grandparents. Then, I compile a report rendering a clinical perspective in the best interest of the minor children. Most cases involve allegations of mental health, abuse, neglect, drug use, domestic violence, or a combination. My experience also extends to facilitating diversion classes for offenders of drug/alcohol, domestic violence, and anger-related charges.
My dream of becoming a licensed psychologist was deferred but not lost. What obstacles or life happenings are interfering with your dreams? I would love to provide counseling, support, and guidance as you achieve contentment. I utilize spirituality, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, mindfulness, grounding techniques, art, and other activities to promote wellness.
Langston Hughes
“What Happens to a Dream Deferred.”
Hello, thank you for visiting our website and allowing us to introduce ourselves. I am Pam (pambam) Poole. I currently live in the state of Alabama. A few things going for Alabama… green trees, rolling hills, sweet singing waters… it’s my home.
However, I once had another home, in the heart of Phoenix Arizona! I moved there primarily because of my husband’s job requirements, but had no idea what tremendous life and career turns were in store for me over the next seven years in Arizona. I moved to Arizona with over 25years of RN experience in a variety of nursing specialties; oncology, supervision, cardiac critical care, and in-patient psychiatric care.
Once here, after research, I accepted a position in Glendale, AZ as an Outpatient Psychiatric RN.
During my new employee orientation, I met the newest (and only) Outpatient Psychologist, Dr Colleen Kowalke. And guess what guys, she was to be my boss!! Once you meet and get to know Dr Kowalke, you will see how lucky that day was for my career! Of all the exciting and wonderful knowledge Dr Kowalke introduced to me over those next seven years, her dream of starting Del Soul Counseling was among the first! She and I routinely nurtured those dreams with conversation and yearnings to the universe.
A few years later, Dr Kowalke took the courageous step and thus Del Soul began.
The evolution of Del Soul has been one that continues!! It has been one of my most enriching lifetime journeys!
When we accepted a transfer back home to sweet home Alabama, I knew I could
never leave Del Soul! I have moved but I haven’t left the dream! It is such a pleasure and honor to continue working remotely with Del Soul Psychology and Counseling.
I continue with Dr Kowalke for nursing consultations and occasionally office stand-in.
I am Pambam, what a pleasure it is to have a part in your Del Soul experience.
Hello, my name is Lynda Gordon. I am four years shy of being an Arizona native. My father’s military career first took me to Michigan and then Japan. After obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Arizona State University, I went on to earn a Master of Counseling degree from the University of Phoenix. A few years later, I found the urge to pursue a five-year doctoral degree in Psychology at Argosy University, while adding two additional beautiful children to complete our family of six.
As an Arizona certified school psychologist, I have held positions as a clinical specialist and a site administrator for a private therapeutic day school. While conducting educational and psychological evaluations, I provided services to youth and families with various emotional, behavioral, social, and communicative disorders.
I bring over 25 years of experience working with children, adults, and families while working in-home, agency, and school-base settings. Today, my work continues as a Life Coaching/Psychologist Intern providing individual counseling services to individuals of all ages. Additionally, I am a contract Court Appointed Advisor with the Maricopa County Superior Court. I investigate the facts in a legal decision-making/parenting time dispute between parents/grandparents. Then, I compile a report rendering a clinical perspective in the best interest of the minor children. Most cases involve allegations of mental health, abuse, neglect, drug use, domestic violence, or a combination. My experience also extends to facilitating diversion classes for offenders of drug/alcohol, domestic violence, and anger-related charges.
My dream of becoming a licensed psychologist was deferred but not lost. What obstacles or life happenings are interfering with your dreams? I would love to provide counseling, support, and guidance as you achieve contentment. I utilize spirituality, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, mindfulness, grounding techniques, art, and other activities to promote wellness.
Langston Hughes
“What Happens to a Dream Deferred.”