About Our Practice
Dedicated To Helping You
We believe that every human being has a story, and let’s face it, sometimes our story can leave us feeling less than worthy or less than safe in this world. Fortunately, we also understand that we all have the power to heal from our past or recent pain, and that’s our specialty! We are dedicated to lending our unique gifts to your individual needs and making life-changing transformations together.
Our Background
We are passionate, trauma-informed clinicians who have been practicing EMDR and professional counseling in Oklahoma for many years. Cumulatively we have more than 87 years of experience! We have worked with children, adolescents and adults, including veterans, American Indians, and victims of sexual assault, childhood abuse, homelessness, domestic violence, and a multitude of other conditions. We have heard countless stories and treated hundreds of people just like you! Therapy is our passion - our calling - and we are great at what we do!
On a more personal note, we are great friends! Many of us have practiced together for years in other settings, but finally decided it was time to take our unique expertise and true gifts to the next level! So in 2019, we rallied together, opened our own practice and we are ready to soar to new heights! Since then, we've grown and hired several new, talented clinicians. Our team is ready to partner with you in your journey! There is no time like the present!
Treatment Approach
We use evidence-based techniques like Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS) Informed Practice, and Solution Focused strategies to help you deeply resolve whatever internal conflicts or experiences have robbed you of happiness, self-esteem and peace. Many of our therapists have extensive training in EMDR and we are passionate about showing you how life-changing it can be!
We offer Faith-Based and Non-Faith-Based counseling. We are fully person-centered! We honor the needs of each individual client and follow their lead on the approach that works best for them.
Our Commitment
We look forward to sharing our gifts with you! We’d love to walk through your journey with you and help you heal in a way that you never knew possible. We want to help you conquer those long-term feelings of shame and fear and inadequacy. We want to set you free to live your life as your true self, instead of being imprisoned by someone else’s opinion of you. As Theodore Roosevelt said, “It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles…the credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena…”.
Reach out today! Let us climb In The Arena with you and help you discover true freedom!
Meet Our Therapists
Summer Smith, LCSW
Licensed Therapist
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the owner of In The Arena. I have been practicing therapy for over 15 years. In that time, I have come to learn that every single story is complex and unique, and people are to be treated with unconditional positive regard and without judgment. I have spent much of my career working with trauma, PTSD, veterans, American Indians, anxiety, depression, and couples. I specialize in helping people discover the underlying causes of unhealthy beliefs, behaviors or symptoms. I use evidence-based techniques like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), techniques from Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Solution Focused strategies to lead people through powerful transformations, allowing them to eliminate negative beliefs and see the world and themselves through a brand new lens. I love challenging people to release the pain of the past, develop new insights and initiate new behaviors. Therapy is absolutely my gift and my calling, and I love sharing my gift with others.
I graduated from the University of Oklahoma, with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Masters in Clinical Social Work. I grew up on a small-town farm, driving tractors and building fence with my daddy (my hero). However, once I moved to Norman, I fell in love with my college town; I am still (and always will be) a Sooner at heart! I still live in Norman with my husband, David and our house full of children! David is the love of my life, and our marriage is one of my greatest treasures. We work hard every day to maintain a healthy relationship and prioritize the example we are setting for our children. What I learn in my own marriage, I openly share in counseling, as I believe we learn best together, through real life examples! David and I often work with couples together, providing a combination of counseling and coaching!
Therapy works best when you can feel that your clinician respects you, honors your story, and is committed to moving through whatever it takes to reach the transformation you desire. I know that a truly great therapist is rare, which is why I started In The Arena. My team is carefully chosen with high expectations. I am personally familiar with their experience and competency. We pride ourselves in being a unique team of therapists who are not only highly-skilled, but who possess the natural gifts that make the process comfortable and truly remarkable. I look forward to meeting you, hearing your story, and walking with you through your journey of change.
Summer 's fee is $150/session. She accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield , HealthChoice, Kempton Group and private pay.
Elizabeth Duren, LMSW
Licensed Therapist
Parenthood. It's meant to be a joy, a miracle, a time of overflowing love. But sometimes, the journey takes unexpected turns, leaving you feeling lost, overwhelmed, and alone. As a Licensed Master Social Worker trained in Perinatal Mental Health, I understand these struggles firsthand. I'm not just a clinician; I'm a mother of two who has navigated the twists and turns of pregnancy, postpartum, and early parenthood myself. And through my own experiences, I've discovered a passion for supporting others as they walk similar paths.
My training lies in creating space for those wrestling with the emotional complexities of:
- Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs): I understand the unique challenges of PMADs like postpartum depression and anxiety, and I offer evidence-based therapy to help you manage symptoms and regain your joy.
- Pregnancy and Infant Loss: Losing a pregnancy or baby is a devastating experience. I offer compassionate support and therapeutic tools to help you navigate grief, rebuild hope, and find healing.
- Infertility: The road to parenthood can be long and winding. I understand the emotional toll of infertility, and I'm here to provide guidance, support, and coping strategies throughout your journey.
- Birth Trauma: Birth doesn't always go as planned, and the emotional scars of a traumatic birth can linger. I offer a safe space to process your experience, find validation, and reclaim your birth story.
My approach is collaborative and holistic. I combine evidence-based therapeutic techniques like EMDR, CBT, Solution Focused Therapy and mindfulness with gentle guidance and unwavering empathy. We'll work together to create a personalized plan that empowers you to regain control, build resilience, and find the light even in the darkest moments. Although Perinatal Mental Health is my main focus, I understand there are other life stressors and issues. I also work with adults facing issues such as anxiety, depression, and various other life challenges. Above all, I believe in the strength and resilience that lies within each person. My heart is my practice, and I'm here to walk alongside you, step by step, as you navigate the challenges of life.
Elizabeth's fee is $115/session. She accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield and private pay.
David Smith, CPT, CPLC
Office Manager
I am a certified Life Coach and dedicated Office Manager who understands the demands of managing both professional responsibilities and family life. In my coaching practice, I provide strategy, structure, and support for executives, professionals, couples, adolescents, and individuals who seek to maximize their strengths, achieve meaningful goals, and create sustainable change.
I specialize in leadership development, career direction, performance enhancement, relationship coaching, and personal growth. I work with professionals and executive teams on clarity, communication, and effectiveness—while working one-on-one with individuals to help them transition careers, improve relationships, find direction, and live with purpose. I also mentor adolescents through resilience training, motivational coaching, and community engagement. My wife, Summer, and I conduct joint relationship coaching sessions to help couples elevate their partnership and strengthen their connection.
My career began in health, fitness, and personal development, which ignited my passion for transformation and coaching. I served 14 years on Active Duty in the U.S. Air Force before returning to Oklahoma, where Summer and I launched In The Arena. Today, I continue to coach while managing operations as an Office Manager—ensuring efficiency, organization, and support across our services and client experience.
Outside of work, I enjoy reading, cooking, spending time with family and friends, and continually pursuing a balanced and intentional life.
Private coaching services are offered by appointment only. Fees range from $75–$150 depending on service. Insurance is not accepted.
Rebecca Holt, LCSW
Licensed Therapist
My passion is helping individuals understand and heal the unhealthy patterns in their life. We are given messages about who we are supposed to be in this world and can find it challenging to connect to our authentic self. Often, we try to figure out why we do what we do. I have been a therapist for over 15 years, specializing in trauma over that time. I love helping individuals grow from trauma, find their joy, and discover the authentic self within. I believe when we focus on healing ourselves, we heal the relationships in our life. I have extensive knowledge and training in the impacts of childhood experiences and challenges adults face in their life today.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I attended The University of North Texas where I received a Bachelor of Science in Development and Family Studies and then went on to obtain my Masters in Social Work from The University of Oklahoma. In 2014, I completed training to become an Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR). I have done extensive work and training with treating trauma experienced in childhood and worked the past 5 years healing relational trauma and codependence.
In my work, I draw from different therapy modalities to create a specialized experience for each client. Some of my approaches include EMDR, internal family systems, inner child work and cognitive processing. It is my priority to provide a safe and inclusive therapeutic experience for all individuals.
Away from the office, I love spending time with my family. I have a two rescues dogs that keep me busy. My self-care usually involves nature or music and working with all the parts of myself. I have recently started the adventure of parenting and have enjoyed (mostly) all the ups and downs of being a new parent.
Rebecca's Fee is $150/session. She accepts private pay, HealthChoice and Blue Cross Blue Shield.
Jessica Stevens, LPC
Licensed Therapist
You aren’t sure why, but you’ve always felt like a burden. You don’t want to be alone, but you worry that if people really got to know you, they wouldn’t like you. Maybe this came on the heels of a traumatic experience or maybe its always nagged you without an explanation as to why. You aren’t sure if you can trust anyone to help you and wonder if anything will ever change. Sometimes you feel like giving up.
You want to live your life, to feel joy, to have confidence, and build healthy relationships. You want your life to have direction and meaning again. You long to get out of the rut and find a way to love yourself and others better. You want to heal.
If this is you, I can help. We will build an individual path to growth and freedom for you.
I I have a master’s degree from the University of Oklahoma in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I use a solution-oriented, strengths-based approach and focus on holistic wellness (mind, body, and spirit). I also specialize in personality theory and enjoy helping people to come to full acceptance of who they are as well as understand and love the important people in their life. I enjoy working with adolescents age fifteen and up, college students, adults and couples. I can help with a variety of problems including stress management, anxiety, depression, life direction, emotion management and interpersonal problems. If you are ready to take your first steps towards change and freedom, please call and schedule your first appointment today!
Jessica's fee ranges from $100-$150, depending on the service. She provides individual therapy, couples therapy, & enneagram coaching. She currently accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield, HealthChoice and private pay.
Bonnie Forster, LMSW
Licensed Therapist
I am a Licensed Master Social Worker committed to fostering healing and growth, emphasizing a trauma-informed approach. My educational journey began at the University of Oklahoma, where I earned an undergraduate degree in Lifespan Care Administration with a focus on Adolescence. Continuing at OU, I obtained a Master’s in Social Work in 2022, where I further honed my skills and therapeutic techniques.
In addition to my formal education, I've served as a youth care specialist, offering direct support to high-risk adolescents and unhoused young adults. In this role, I applied strategies to assist youths in navigating challenges, creating a supportive environment for self-expression and positive solutions.
During graduate school, I also had the invaluable opportunity to work with parents adjudicated in family court, gaining insights into complex family dynamics. This experience further enhanced my understanding of the interconnected challenges faced by individuals and families.
My passion is creating a client-centered space where healing and growth can flourish. I enjoy working with individuals across the lifespan, although I have a special affinity for guiding adolescents and young adults through the unique challenges of self-discovery and development.
I believe in the power of collaborative, empathetic relationships to explore strengths and overcome obstacles. I'm excited about the prospect of joining you on your journey toward healing and personal growth, no matter where you are on your path.
Bonnie's fee is $100/session. She accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield and private pay.
Kathleen Weinand, LMSW
Licensed Therapist
I am deeply passionate about helping individuals navigate life transitions, supporting couples in improving their relationships, and empowering clients to overcome anxiety and trauma. I specialize in working with clients who are struggling with anxiety, and I am especially drawn to helping people process trauma using Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy.
My therapeutic approach is grounded in the belief that healing is unique to each person. I provide tailored interventions that draw from EMDR and IFS to help clients gain insight into their emotional patterns and access their inner resources for healing. EMDR is particularly effective in addressing trauma, while IFS allows clients to understand and integrate different parts of themselves, fostering greater self-compassion and emotional balance.
I work with individuals of all ages, from children to adults, and approach each session with a personalized plan designed to meet my clients where they are. Whether you’re managing anxiety, navigating a difficult life transition, or working through past trauma, my goal is to provide a safe, supportive space where you can heal, grow, and thrive.
Outside of therapy, I enjoy exercising and traveling—experiences that broaden my perspective and inform my work with clients. If you’re ready to begin your journey toward healing and personal growth, I invite you to schedule an appointment
Kathleen's fee is $115/session. She currently accepts private pay and Blue Cross Blue Shield.
Roberta Heath, LMFT, CCTP II
Licensed Therapist
I have lived in Oklahoma all my life. I obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Human and Family Services at Southwestern Christian University in Bethany, Oklahoma and went on to complete my graduate studies and earned a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy at Southern Nazarene University.
I have nearly 12 years of experience as a therapist working with people from all walks of life and am passionate about seeing people heal from childhood trauma, attachment wounds, and codependency. I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and am skilled at holding space for individuals and facilitating healing from the impact of trauma. I have training in Somatic Therapy and Parts Work as well as training and experience in Pia Mellody’s Post Induction Therapy model. I utilize experiential models of therapy to help clients heal childhood and adulthood relational wounds.
I believe that people are inherently relational beings and our problems are not limited to the individual, but impact the entire family system. I have a holistic approach to healing which includes awareness of the mind, body, and spirit when working through various issues. My experience includes group therapy, group rehab, and psycho-education , outpatient, inpatient, individual, couples, and family therapy in community mental health, private practice, and residential settings. I look forward to working with you!
Roberta's fee is $150/session. She accepts HealthChoice, Blue Cross Blue Shield and private pay.
Lauren Runner, LPCC
Therapist
My approach to therapy is holistic and flows from a deep understanding that our lives are woven through our relationships – both past and present. I believe that true healing emerges through meaningful connection. In our work together, I bring warmth, genuine curiosity, and a deep respect for your unique story, engaging not as an expert, but as a fellow traveler dedicated to understanding who you are.
Together we create a space where you can safely give voice to your experiences and discover new ways of integrating your values and desires. I believe that as the therapeutic relationship deepens, it becomes a catalyst for transformation. Lived experiences of trust and safety can illuminate new possibilities for authenticity and intimacy – both with yourself and others.
My experience includes supporting clients through anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, and significant life transitions. Whether you're seeking clarity, healing, or deeper connections, I'm here to walk alongside you on your journey of growth.
Lauren's fee is $90. She is currently accepting private-pay clients only.
Katherine Sholund, LPC
Licensed Therapist
I am deeply intentional about providing a safe place for you to unmask. You can question, vent, or grieve with me without having to worry about being judged. Whether you’re navigating a new life transition, processing mental health challenges, or simply wanting to invest more time in yourself, my approach will always be individualized to you. Together we can sort through your thoughts and beliefs to work towards a life of more fulfillment and clarity.
I received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Tulsa and a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Northeastern State University. I use a blend of techniques from different therapies such as Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Narrative Therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Behavioral Activation (BA).
In addition to my training, I’m naturally curious, a little funny, and a big believer in the power of change. I often use concepts of self-compassion, personal values, and needs-based motivation while exploring the influence of past and present.
My clinical experience includes:
• Abuse and toxic relationships
• Depression and anxiety
• Trauma/PTSD
• OCD
I offer the convenience of telehealth sessions for both children and adults with backgrounds of any kind. I’m happy to provide a free phone call to answer any questions you might have about me or the counseling process.
Katherine's fee is $150/session. She accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield, HealthChoice and private pay.
Make the change today!
We use a mixture of clinical skill and Compassionate human qualities that mean you can place your trust in us
Most Common Questions
We want to make sure all your questions are answered. So we have created an FAQ page to touch on some of the most common questions.
If you still have a question after reading the FAQs, just Contact us and we will be happy to provide an answer.
