Prather Harrell, MS, LAMFT-T

Long before I had children, I had a love of understanding WHY we are the way we are.  When I found out that two of my four boys were on the spectrum of autism, my curiosity went to exponential heights.  I quickly learned that we are not "one size fits all,” but our educational, social, economic, and medical systems are designed as if we are.  I am acutely aware that each person, even if they share the same situation or diagnosis, is uniquely different, has unique needs, and is designed to walk their own path.

The journey is long, the road is winding, and the light on the path may appear very dim at times, not just for those with special needs, but for anyone suffering in their mental health. I hope to be able to shed light on your path as you journey towards wellness and wholeness, as individuals, as a couple, or as a family.  I simply desire to align my heart, training, personal experience, and gifts with your needs. Armed with empathy, compassion, and deep curiosity, I would love to hear your story!

My Education

I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Hospitality & Tourism Management with a minor in Tourism at the University of Wisconsin-Stout. I also completed the Life Coaching program at Southwest Institute of Healing Arts in Arizona.  Most recently, I earned my masters in Marriage & Family Therapy at Fuller Theological Seminary. After graduation, I am honored to continue practicing with AZ Pinnacle Counseling as a Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist.

My Professional Journey

After receiving my bachelor’s, I worked in hospitality and tourism for three years and sales & marketing for ten years.  Not long after relocating to Arizona, I completed my certification as a Life Coach in 2005.  I loved helping people remove barriers, achieve goals, and discover their life's passion.  However, for some clients, trauma prevented them from moving forward in their lives.  They had one foot sinking in the quicksand of their present, and the other was stuck in the cement of their past. In addition to that, having children with developmental disabilities thrust me into the world of Autism/ADHD, special diets and sensory regulation. I eventually worked with families who had children with special needs as a provider trainer, community coordinator and parent partner/social worker at various agencies.  I knew I needed more training to be a better help, so in 2018, I enrolled in the Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) program at Fuller Theological Seminary. I graduated in 2022 and now enjoy my work as a Licensed Associate Marriage & Family Therapist.  

Specialties include, but are not limited to, clients struggling with:

• Medical Family Therapy (supporting clients and their families to navigate life after receiving a diagnosis)

• Special Needs (Autism/ADHD) 

• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) 

• Anxiety

• Grief

• Depression

• Trauma 

• Caregiver Support

• Marriage or family relationships

or clients interested in:

• Food as Medicine & Holistic Health

• Faith-based Counseling

In Addition to Therapy

I am the proud mother of four very courageously different boys-to-men and have celebrated 22 years of marriage with my "almost” high school sweetheart. My husband and I enjoy comedy shows, watching our youngest play baseball, backyard BBQs with our boys, and hanging out with friends and family. I love reading, watching documentaries, cooking and coffee. I also enjoy writing, digital photography and hiking, and do not do any of them nearly enough…I'm working on that!