Jeff Scott, LCSW, Certified EFT Therapist & Supervisor
Jeff Scott is the owner of Ascend Higher and earned his Master of Social Work degree and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Utah. He has been practicing social work for 10 years. Jeff is licensed in Utah and Washington State.
Jeff is one of nine ICEEFT Certified Emotionally Focused Supervisors in Utah, and specializes in couples and family therapy and LGBTQIA+ in the Salt Lake area. He serves as the Chair of the Northern Utah Emotionally Focused Therapy non-profit community board, and is an Adjunct Professor at Utah State University, teaching Emotionally Focused Therapy to second-year Master's students throughout the state.
Jeff was a member of the Clinical team in Uganda and Kenya for the Summer 2023 and 2024 EFT Externship and Core Skills; cross-culturally training with other clinicians
In addition to his clinical work, he served as a board member for the Utah Chess Association, sang tenor for the Salt Lake Vocal Artists, and played the Tuba for the Utah Wind Symphony. Jeff, a father of a 3-year-old daughter, is dedicated to teaching her the importance of traveling young and valuing cultures from around the world. In 2020, he presented at the Bountiful Utah TEDx conference, sharing his journey of overcoming cultural biases to embrace people different from him; a message he continues to impart.
Jeff has a passion for global exploration, having traveled to over 40 countries to learn about the world and grow from different cultures and beliefs. This extensive travel experience enriches his understanding of the human experience and informs his therapeutic approach around the science of Secure Attachment.
Rebecca Hoffman, AMFT
Rebecca Hoffman holds a Master’s degree from National University in Marriage and Family Therapy and specializes in couples, teens, and severe trauma, utilizing trauma-informed systemic therapy. She has finished all core training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and is currently pursuing EFT and Gottman Certification. Rebecca also has experience and a strong interest in working with law enforcement.
Hope is a potent tool. Research indicates that progress and healing can occur when individuals possess it. Adversity, trauma, abuse, betrayal, abandonment, chronic illness, conflicts within couples and families, divorce, single parenthood, blending families, and grief can all induce significant pain. Drawing from her personal life experiences, Rebecca chose to further her education to extend support to others seeking relief. She firmly believes that even the most challenging circumstances can be healed through therapy, and she offers her services to individuals, couples, and families. Rebecca is a Marriage & Family Therapist Associate.
“Coming to any therapist's office can be a daunting task. Will we get along? Will they judge me? Will they listen to me? Are they qualified? Having been through this process, I know how difficult it may be. I look forward to creating a safe space and being a therapist you look forward to meeting with.”
Tracy Powers, Master of Marriage and Family Therapy Student Professional - Capella University
Tracy Powers is currently pursuing her Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Capella University and has completed the 2024 EFT Externship as part of her ongoing training. Tracy received her undergraduate degree from the University of Colorado, Boulder where she studied Dance and English Literature. Her previous life experiences include owning a Pilates studio where she helped clients heal from injuries, build strength, and have fun in the process. She also has expeirence as a life coach and leading women’s circles.
As a systemic therapist, Tracy believes no one lives in a vacuum, and no problem exists in isolation. Your stories and culture have developed you into the unique individual you are. Tracy believes in looking at the whole picture to gain insights and utilizing connections to foster healing.
Tracy is dedicated to creating a safe, warm, and collaborative environment free of judgment where you feel seen, heard, and ready to explore what therapy offers. Therapy starts by clarifying your personal goals and identifying your strengths and resources.
Tracy brings an integrative approach to therapy, focusing on Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and including elements of Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Narrative Therapy as needed to tailor to your specific goals and personality.
Tracy has experience and interest in working with couples, teens, and families, navigating the challenges around partnership, sexual intimacy, and LGBTQ+ issues.
In addition to clinical practice, Tracy is committed to motherhood, lives in a blended family, and enjoys hiking, travel, and reading.
Orrin-Porter Morrison, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Morrison is a compassionate and skilled clinical psychologist who is deeply committed to helping individuals and couples navigate life's challenges. He creates a safe and collaborative therapeutic environment where clients can explore their concerns and work together toward relief, emotional safety, and inner calm.
Dr. Morrison works with couples to enhance communication and helps them identify areas where they may feel "stuck" in their relationships, offering guidance on how to overcome obstacles and move forward. In addition to his work with couples, he provides therapy to individuals facing a variety of emotional and psychological struggles, including depression, anxiety, trauma (including childhood trauma), and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). He also specializes in helping individuals who experience deep emotional concerns, such as low self-esteem, grief and loss from life changes or the passing of a loved one, fear of abandonment or rejection, and difficulty trusting themselves or others. Dr. Morrison also works with those who struggle with managing anger, emotional disconnection, and challenges in recognizing or connecting with their feelings. He is also open to addressing cultural, diversity, and religious/spiritual concerns upon request from his clients.
Therapeutic Approach
Dr. Morrison uses an integrative, evidence-based approach to therapy, tailoring his methods to each client's unique needs. His primary therapeutic modality is Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), which helps individuals and couples develop a deeper understanding of their emotions and how to process them in an adaptive way. He also incorporates techniques from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to assist clients in gaining greater awareness of their current emotional experiences and behavioral patterns.
Dr. Morrison believes that the cornerstone of effective therapy is a collaborative relationship built on trust, safety, and openness. Whether he is using EFT, ACT, or DBT, he is dedicated to creating a supportive environment where clients can explore their concerns and work toward improving their emotional functioning, self-awareness, relationships, and overall quality of life.
Dr. Morrison earned his B.A. in Psychology, M.A. in Clinical Psychology, and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Windsor in Canada. He has extensive experience working in various clinical settings, including the Psychological Services and Research Centre at the University of Windsor, the Centre for Psychological Services and Research at the University of Ottawa, the Ottawa Institute of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, the Ottawa Couples and Family Institute (Dr. Sue Johnson's original clinic), Barrhaven Psychological Services, and the Ottawa Anxiety and Trauma Clinic.
Outside of his professional work, Orrin-Porter enjoys spending time with loved ones and engaging in a variety of hobbies, including cooking, camping, backpacking, gardening, playing board games, sailing, and exploring the beautiful sights of Utah. He is passionate about continuing his education and actively seeks opportunities to further his training, particularly in the areas of trauma and risk management.
