About Joshua Tree Counseling Tucson
The History and Story Behind Joshua Tree Counseling Tucson
Joshua Tree Counseling Tucson was founded in 2021 by Rachel Neville, LPC in Tucson, Arizona with a specific vision in mind. The goal was to create a comfortable, home-like counseling setting where clients come to heal from mental, emotional, and relational pain and trauma. This vision also included gathering a collective of mature Christian believers. These counselors share a passion for meeting people in the midst of their suffering and partnering with them toward healing.
Our desire is to help clients move from hopeless to healing. In every session we value authenticity, compassion, curiosity, faith, and humor. These values guide our approach with each client and family we serve. We believe healing is possible when people feel seen, supported, and understood. View our Notice of Privacy Practices.
The Story Behind the Name
The name Joshua Tree Counseling Tucson was chosen in honor of Rachel’s brother-in-law, Joshua. In July 2019, Joshua ended a long battle with mental illness, choosing to take his life so that the pain would finally stop. Most people did not see his internal struggle. The Josh that others knew was friendly and approachable. He spoke with anyone and lit up a room with his laugh and smile. Joshua loved learning new things, and he freely shared what he knew with others. He never passed up a chance to help someone. He also loved cars, hunting, and found comfort and peace with horses. In addition, he collected boots and lived for music, adventure, and exploring new places. Most of all, Joshua loved his wife and daughter.
A Haunted Mind
Rachel describes Joshua’s experience as living in a haunted house inside his mind that he could not escape. Tragically, Joshua believed suicide was his only way out.
Grief Flash Fiction
After his death, Rachel was determined to better understand his fractured inner world. She pursued trainings that eventually shaped her clinical specialty areas of complex trauma, dissociation, and suicidality. In time, Joshua’s pain, which he never found healing for, has now helped save the lives of others. Knowing this brings a deep sense of meaning and purpose to the work we do.
The Joshua Tree
Soon after Joshua’s death, a tree was planted at his memorial service in his name. This tree became known as the Joshua Tree. In 2021, when Rachel decided to open a group counseling practice, the name felt right. She shared the idea with her sister, who is now the practice manager. Her sister said Joshua would be proud and glad to know he is still helping people through this work.
and Family Connections
Rachel is the founder of Joshua Tree Counseling. Her sister, Kelly, now serves as practice manager and office support. Kelly brings brightness, steadiness, and compassion to every client and caller who reaches out. She understands the desperation families feel when seeking help for a loved one. Because of this, Kelly is often the first person families meet before they begin counseling. She also supports counselors on difficult days and brings treats and encouragement to the office.
Clients might also see Rachel and Kelly’s daughter, Isabel, at the counseling space. She occasionally stops by and brings joy into our work environment. Their mother, Becky Neville, is an artist and a poet. Becky hand-drew the Joshua Tree logo, which now represents healing and hope within our community.
Rachel’s daughter created a copper portrait of Joshua during high school. This piece now hangs in the entry hallway at Joshua Tree Counseling. It serves as a reminder of why this work matters so deeply. Looking ahead, Rachel hopes to continue growing Joshua Tree Counseling and eventually bring in her other two sisters to help expand the work.
A Tribute to Josh – written by Rachel Neville on 7.20.22
Josh was often larger than life; his presence in our lives has been missed and grieved. But grief is messy and complicated; his life was messy and complicated. His pain overtook his ability to live. It’s hard to make sense of him not being here and its hard to think about what life would have been like if he was still here.
I named my practice after him, Joshua Tree Counseling Tucson; it will forever be his legacy. He would have wanted others to heal even though he never could. He would have been my biggest cheerleader. I think he would’ve said, “I’m so freaking proud of you right now.” My sister is now running the practice. Josh would have loved that too. He would have been at every one of Isabel’s volleyball games. Josh would have loved Henry. He’s missed so much; he will miss so much in the future.
Sometimes
Sometimes I talk to him. There are times I get angry with God because I wish he had been given a safe and beautiful childhood; I wish he didn’t carry so much pain. And if I’m honest, sometimes I’m grateful that the turmoil stopped, that the roller coaster ended. Every day, though, I’m grateful that my sister met him, married him, and that they gave me my soul niece, Isabel.
Most of the Time
Most of the time I just hear his laugh, see his smile, and think of the vision I had of him after he was gone. He wanted my sister to know he loved her. And the next day, he ran with me down a dirt road, weightless and free, for just a brief moment…and then he was gone. I know his soul is at peace. I know he is with my grandmother who passed 4 years and a day before breathed his last. What couldn’t heal on Earth was made perfect in heaven.
Grief is messy and complicated. It can take you under like the waves crashing into the ocean; and it can feel like a calm, peaceful sunny day.
Josh. You loved large, you lived hard, you are missed, we are grateful to have known and loved you, you will always be loved, always be missed. We are forever changed by your life and your pain.
