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! We 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! 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), Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) and Solution Focused strategies to help you deeply resolve whatever internal conflicts or experiences have robbed you of happiness, self-esteem and peace. We 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 11 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), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) 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. This year, I will complete an advanced certification in EMDR. 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 our God-centered relationship and 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 $125/session. She accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield , HealthChoice, Kempton Group and private pay.
Holly Forster-Nguyen, LCSW
Licensed Therapist
Over my ten years of work within the scope of mental health and therapy, I’ve connected with clients through hundreds of personal, vulnerable, and difficult client stories. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I strive to provide a non-judgmental space for my clients to openly share and build a trusting therapeutic relationship. My clinical work with those who have experienced anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and PTSD has led to me to continuously search for evidenced-based treatment options for clients and their families. I have worked with a variety of populations, including elders, veterans, pre and post-partum mothers, human trafficking & sexual assault survivors, American Indians, immigrants, and LGBTQ communities. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral and Solution-focused approaches, as well as, Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) for PTSD, depression, stress, and personal resilience . I specialize in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) . This year, I completed an advanced EMDR Certification.
I graduated from the University of Oklahoma with an undergraduate degree in Criminology and went on to earn a Master’s in Direct Social Work Practice. I have lived in Oklahoma for most of my life. I enjoy spending time with my family, listening to “true crime” podcasts, and traveling.
I have been honored to witness so much powerful transformation in clients who have found relief from intense trauma memories. These early childhood or traumatic experiences may manifest as negative self-talk, blocking beliefs, indecisiveness, nightmares, panic attacks, or feeling not good enough. It is so refreshing to know that there is hope for freedom from all of these struggles! I invite you to take that courageous step and reach out for therapy. Together, we can thoughtfully address these issues with a trauma informed approach. I know every situation is unique. I will value and respect your individual story, along your healing journey.
Holly's fee is $125/session. She accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield, Kempton, HealthChoice, Aetna, Healthcare Highways and private pay.
Rob Rodgers, LPC
Licensed Therapist
Throughout nearly 22 years of counseling, I have seen amazing transformation in people's lives and know real change is possible. I love walking alongside my clients to help change their thoughts so they can come to their own solutions and heal their relationships. To do so, I approach therapy from a non-judgmental, strength-based, solution-focused approach.
My personal relationship with Christ greatly influences my life and my approach to therapy. My faith provides a deep-rooted hope that God can work in all people. With this biblical worldview, I integrate sound psychological principles to treat the whole person – emotionally, physically, and spiritually and socially. Faith and biblical integration are incorporated based on each client's desire.
I have been counseling since 2000 and I am trained in EMDR, CBT, play therapy, TBRI, and other solution-based therapies. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Sociology from the University of Central Oklahoma and a Master of Arts in Counseling from Southern Nazarene University. I love helping older children, teenagers, college students and adults work through traumatic events, anxiety, depression, anger and negative self-thoughts.
My wife and I have been married for 27 years and are currently biological/foster/adoptive parents to 5 children, ranging from 4 to 23 years old. In my spare time, I love fishing, being outdoors, and spending time with my family. I also love serving and being active at my church and within my community. I consider it an enormous privilege to be invited into some of the most critical moments in a person’s life and to facilitate the transformation God has in store. I look forward to meeting you!
Rob's fee is $125/session. He accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare/Optum, HealthChoice, Kempton and private pay.
Elizabeth Duren, LMSW
Licensed Therapist
I have over five years of experience in the field of behavioral health. My passion lies in working with adolescents and young adults facing issues such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. I also enjoy working with couples on communication and helping prepare for marriage before it begins. I provide both Christian and traditional counseling and I can help work through your challenges in an informed, loving, God-honoring way.
I graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and completed my Master’s in Social Work at the University of Oklahoma. I have experience working with a variety of populations including American Indians, human trafficking survivors, and domestic violence survivors. I strive to apply biblical principles to my life, my marriage and my counseling practice, and will incorporate faith into our sessions at a level that is comfortable for you.
When I am not doing therapy, I enjoy soaking up every minute with my husband, our baby girl and our dog! My husband and I enjoy attending all things sports, especially OU Football games. I also enjoy reading and listening to the latest true crime podcasts! It is an honor to hear your stories and walk with you through positive life changes. I would love the opportunity to assist you in your journey!
Elizabeth's fee ranges from $85-$115, depending on service. She offers individual and couples therapy. She accepts private pay only. (No insurance)
David Smith, CPT, CPLC
Certified Professional Life Coach, Relationship Coach &
Elite Personal Trainer
I am a professionally certified Life Coach, Relationship Coach, ISSA Elite Personal Trainer, and busy Dad who knows the struggle of trying to balance a career and family. In my coaching practice, I provide the tools, strategy and support for executives, professionals, couples, athletes, adolescents, and individuals to grow and maximize their strengths, reach their potential, achieve results, and create meaningful change in their lives. I work on leadership coaching with executives and groups, and I work with people one-on-one to help them find new careers, balance their lives, improve their relationships, work more effectively, clarify and reach their goals, and be the best versions of themselves. I mentor adolescents through motivational, resilience, and stress tolerance techniques, along with community involvement. I also love working with couples, through relationship coaching, to help them reach their maximum partnership potential! My wife, Summer and I often conduct relationship sessions together!
My passion for health, fitness, personal transformation, and helping others led me to personal training over 18 years ago. I’ve trained and coached for years in many studios as well as at The University of Oklahoma. I trained individuals around the world...in the US, South Korea, England, and deployed locations. I discovered life coaching while studying to become a Master Trainer. My personal training evolved to the coaching arena when I saw how quickly people were able to improve their lives through the process of coaching paired with personal training. My background and training in health and fitness gives me an added advantage as a coach. I recently expanded my individual coaching to include relationship coaching, corporate team building and visioning as well as corporate group fitness training.
After 14 years in the US Air Force, I returned to Oklahoma where I met my wife, Summer. We own and operate In The Arena together, and do our best to manage our house full of children! When I’m not coaching, training, or creating meal plans, I’m reading, cooking, enjoying music with friends, and doing whatever else I can to be an example and lead a balanced life.
David 's fees range from $50-$125, depending on service. He offers personal training, life coaching, and relationship coaching. He accepts private pay only. (No insurance)
Kateri Bohanan, LCSW
Licensed Therapist
I graduated from Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, Kansas with a Bachelors of Arts in American Indian Studies and also received my Master’s Degree in Social Work from The University of Washington in Seattle, Washington. In 2013, I became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
My expertise is assisting people with understanding the interrelatedness’ of core beliefs, thoughts, feelings, behaviors and how they impact their life and relationships. I specialize in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution Focused Therapy.
I utilize biblical principles in therapy offering faith-based or non-faith based counseling. I will incorporate faith into our sessions at a level comfortable for the client. I have been married to my husband for 10 years and we have been blessed with 3 children. I enjoy learning and spending time with family. It will be an honor to hear your stories, walk with you through life’s challenges, and to help you find freedom in your journey.
Kateri 's fee is $125/session. She is currently seeing clients with Blue Cross Blue Shield, HealthChoice and private pay.
Amanda Browning, LPC
Licensed Therapist
I graduated from Northeastern State University with a Masters of Science Degree in Counseling Psychology. I have been licensed for 8+ years as a Licensed Professional Counselor. I am trained in and utilize Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. I have also completed basic certification in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) through IS-ART for PTSD, depression, stress, and personal resilience. I incorporate a variety of techniques from various approaches, including ACT, CBT, DBT, Solution-Focused Therapy and psycho-education to individuals age 17 and up. I have provided care for anxiety, depression, stress, life adjustment issues, relationship issues, grief/loss, trauma, and most other mental health issues.
I believe that each person has their own story that has shaped what they are currently experiencing. I strive to promote a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can tell their story, gain insight into how that has impacted them, and create a new reality that is more gratifying. Clients will understand that the therapeutic relationship is a partnership in which they will be expected to put in the effort outside of the therapy session, be accountable, and be present within a therapeutic alliance. I would love to work with you to explore problematic feelings, thoughts or behavior patterns to repurpose your mindset and reveal the best version of yourself.
Amanda's fee is $125/session. She is currently seeing clients with Blue Cross Blue Shield, HealthChoice and private pay.
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 $85-$150, depending on the service. She provides individual therapy, couples therapy, & enneagram coaching. She is currently seeing clients with private pay only. (No insurance)
Misty Lashomb, LMFT
Licensed Therapist
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I recognize how family patterns, behaviors and larger systemic contexts influence an individual. In marriage and family therapy, the unit of treatment isn't just the person - even if only a single person is interviewed - it is the set of relationships in which the person is embedded.
With 13 years experience, I have a passion working with couples and families to strengthen the familial unit. This may include enhancing effective communication between couples, helping children and families through a traumatic incident or generational trauma, and helping families navigate developmental disorders, attachment concerns, and adolescent relationships.
I practice using evidenced based models and have specialized training in couples counseling, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, Filial Play Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Trust- Based Relational Intervention therapy.
I graduated from Oklahoma State University with a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy. I am currently a law student at Oklahoma City University. I am also a certified foster parent and married to an active military member. My experiences drive my passion for helping children and families build resilience in adverse circumstances. The evidenced based practices I use are designed to help vulnerable families with complex needs. These practices include holistic approaches to improve connection, decrease defiance or aggression and increase family satisfaction.
My specialties include: trauma, foster care, attachment issues, couples counseling, polyamorous relationships, parent-adolescent conflict and child developmental/behavioral concerns.
Misty's fee is $125/session. She is currently seeing clients with HealhChoice, United Healthcare 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.
