Kristi M. Estrada, LPC-S, NCC

Welcome. I’m Kristi M. Estrada, the founder of Healing Servant (formerly Alliance Coaching and Counseling Group) in Phoenix, AZ. I established this practice in 2015 with a heart full of hope and a mission to heal. My journey—from surviving a traumatic childhood to becoming a leader in trauma-informed care—has shaped me into the therapist, advocate, and community builder I am today. I’m honored to walk alongside you on your path to wholeness.

I grew up in the hard streets of South Phoenix in the 1970s, where my early years were marked by pain. From a young age, I carried the weight of knowing my mother wished she never had gotten pregnant with me. Forced into a marriage with my abusive stepfather for financial support, she faced an unimaginable choice when neighbors and school staff intervened. His ultimatum—him or me—led her to choose him, and I was placed into CPS custody, told I’d never see my family again. No consequences touched my stepfather, and my mother was free to turn away.

Foster care brought its own challenges. The education I received mirrored the trauma of home—except I was older, wiser, and beginning to see the world through others’ eyes. At 15, I witnessed a state scandal that stripped funding for vital services like clothing, outings, and therapy—services I desperately needed. 

Without formal counseling, only the guidance of line staff (now called BHTs) sustained me. 

Eventually, I was sent to Mingus Mountain Estates in Prescott, AZ, for behavioral challenges. There, no therapy was offered, but the healing power of nature and 96 horses began to soothe my broken heart. That’s where my passion for comprehensive mental health care was born—a longing to offer others what I once yearned for.

Aging out at 18, I graduated high school and stepped into college with a Psy 101 class. My journey as a lifelong learner continues. For over 30 years, I’ve served others through philanthropy, teaching, mentoring, and leading—mostly with nonprofits—until founding Healing Servant.

My life’s work is rooted in a strengths-based, trauma-informed approach I call Trauma Restorative Care™. Drawing from my deeply personal journey and over 30 years of professional experience, I offer specialized, compassionate care to individuals and families. My background spans child welfare, human trafficking, foster care, and the treatment of trauma, abuse, and deprivation, blending somatic and attachment-based therapies to promote healing and growth. I believe every individual has the inherent capacity to heal from trauma, and my work is dedicated to helping you rewrite your story and cultivate resilience through a holistic, client-centered approach.

As a passionate advocate, I weave tools for hope, healing and restoration into our sessions, helping you reconnect with your body and find peace. I specialize in mood disorders, addiction, trauma, self-harm, and anxiety, driven by the belief that everyone deserves joy free from past burdens. My vision? To create a sanctuary where Trauma Restorative Care™ and resiliency building are woven into our community’s fabric, healing wounded hearts—especially those most vulnerable.

With dual Master’s degrees in Professional Counseling (Ottawa University, AZ, and Liberty University, VA), I bring a wealth of training and certifications to my practice:

• Certifications: Certificate Program in Traumatic Stress Studies (Trauma Research Foundation), Specialization in Trauma Stress Studies, Advanced Somatic Experiencing, Infant Toddler Mental Health (Harris Institute), Certified Family Trauma Professional (CFTP), Certified in Reasonable and Prudent Parenting (RPP).

• Therapeutic Modalities and Techniques: 
  • Somatic Therapy: Somatic Experiencing, Somatic Movement Therapy, Body-Based Interventions.
  • Trauma-Informed Modalities: Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Compassion-Focused Therapy, EMDR.
  • Attachment-Based Therapy: Family Systems Counseling, Internal Relationship Focusing (IRF), Circle of Security, Inner Critic Work, and Inner Focusing combined with Somatic Experiencing.
  • Specialized Approaches: Superhero Therapy, Play Therapy, Expressive Arts Therapy, Role-Play/Behavioral Rehearsal, Eating Disorder Treatment (Food, Mood, and Me).

• Focus Areas: 
  • Trauma-Informed & Somatic Therapy: Expertise in trauma recovery for children, adults, and families.
  • Resiliency Building: Empowering clients to integrate past trauma and regain control through body-mind connection.
  • Community Engagement & Advocacy: Promoting mental health awareness and advocating for systemic change in vulnerable communities.

My dedication extends beyond therapy.

 I actively share my expertise through:

• Publications & Speaking Engagements: Authored two articles, ten books, and presented at conferences on trauma recovery and somatic practices. Speaker for Red Light Rebellion, Tumbleweeds, and Princess Royal Tea, advocating for foster care youth to realize their full potential beyond the “foster girl” label.
• Program Development and Activities: 
  • Department of Child Safety (DCS) Involvement.
  • Founding member of the Initial Capacity Pre-Removal TDM Subgroup.
  • Collaborator with Federal Partners: SAMHSA and Federal Grants.
  • Co-partnered in the evaluation report of the Arizona Human Trafficking Program.
  • Developed Sex Trafficking Treatment Curriculum.
• Professional Affiliations: 
  • Arizona Trauma Informed Faith Community Network Work Group: Building resilient faith-based organizations to facilitate sensitive care, training, and advocacy.
  • The Arizona Adverse Childhood Experiences Consortium: Work groups include Healing Historical Trauma, Rural Community Committee, Faith Community, and Creating Trauma Sensitive AZ Schools.
  • Valley Leadership (VL) – Class 24: Empowering leaders to impact Arizona’s pressing issues.
  • American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC): The world’s largest faith-based health organization.
  • National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC): Flagship certification for counseling.
  • American Psychological Association (APA): Representing psychology with over 133,000 members.
  • American Counseling Association (ACA): Dedicated to the growth of the counseling profession.
  • Association for Treatment of Sexual Abusers (ATSA): Preventing sexual abuse through evidence-based practice.
• Volunteer Experience: 
  • Member of Arizona Blue Ribbon Foster Family: Celebrating Arizona’s foster families through Hope & A Future.
  • Foster Care Alumni of America: Advocating for improved outcomes for foster care alumni, reducing isolation, and influencing policy.
  • TDM Removal Sub-Committee: Developed strategies to reduce unnecessary removals in child welfare.
  • Christian Family Agency – Foster Parent (Retired): Provided adoption and foster care services through a Christ-centered lens.
  • Arizona Helping Hands – Board of Directors (Retired): Provided essential necessities for children in foster care.
  • Reasonable and Prudent Parenting (RPP) Work Group: Established guidelines for caregivers to encourage emotional and developmental growth.
  • AZ State Veterinarian Medical Examining Board (Retired): Served as a public member.
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters – Board of Directors (Retired): Supported youth mentoring programs to build resilience.

   

Awards & Recognition: Honored as part of the Valley’s 40 Under 40 by the AZ Business Journal and recognized by the Small Business Administration (SBA) of Yavapai County as one of the youngest up-and-coming business leaders.

 I provide clinical supervision to therapists, mentor emerging professionals, and foster a community where healing thrives. My leadership is solution-focused, collaborative, and servant-oriented, built on trust and rapport with diverse populations. With marketing savvy and strong agency relationships, I’ve grown Healing Servant into a sanctuary for those seeking change. 

My story is one of survival, resilience, and a relentless commitment to giving “the best of the best to the least of the least.” If you’ve felt the weight of trauma or struggle, I’m here to walk with you—tenderly, expertly, and with unwavering compassion. Let’s create a brighter, stigma-free future together. Reach out for a free consultation, and let’s take that first gentle step toward your healing.