Gigi N. Veasey, LCSW, LISAC, CCBT, is a distinguished executive director, owner, and psychotherapist with more than four decades of experience in social work and substance abuse counseling. Since 1998, she has led Alcohol Recovery Solutions, providing state-licensed outpatient services to adults struggling with substance abuse. Concurrently, she operates GNV Counseling & Consultation Services, where she offers personalized therapeutic support. Her innovative approach to therapy is exemplified by her creation of the “Five Written Expressions to Grief,” a trademarked process designed to help individuals navigate chronic and complicated grief.
Ms. Veasey began her career as a medical social worker in hospitals, a role she held for 20 years. During this time, she played a pivotal role in facilitating an employee education program on HIV and AIDS and provided consulting services in medical social work. Her dedication to advancing mental health services led her to co-found Inspired Life Strategies, where she served from 2008 to 2019. Additionally, she owned Foothills Psychiatry & Wellness, further expanding her impact on the field. She is also a past president and board member of the Employee Assistance Professional Association and remains an active member of the National Association of Social Workers and the National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors.
Ms. Veasey laid a strong academic foundation, earning a Bachelor of Applied Sciences in sociology and pre-nursing studies from Washington State University in 1982, followed by a Master of Social Work from Arizona State University in 1983. She holds multiple credentials, including licensure as a clinical social worker and independent substance abuse counselor, as well as certification in computerized cognitive behavioral therapy.
Ms. Veasey is an accomplished author, with works including “Me After You: Surviving the Loss of a Loved One: Five Steps Toward Healing from Grief,” published in 2021. She is also preparing to release “The Therapist’s Poet” in 2025, offering a creative approach to grief support.
Reflecting on her professional path, Ms. Veasey has learned that every client offers new insights, reinforcing her belief that grief leads to transformation. Having experienced personal loss, she understands how deeply change can shape a person’s journey. Her most profound realization came while working in hospital settings with patients facing traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and other neurological conditions. Being present with individuals in their final moments and supporting their families gave her a deep appreciation for life’s fragility and unpredictability.
As a result, Ms. Veasey approaches life with greater intentionality, focusing her time and energy on meaningful work that aligns with her passion and expertise. She actively avoids distractions, ensuring that her efforts remain purposeful and impactful. She is deeply committed to her work and feels fortunate to have discovered her passion. Encouraging others to do the same, Ms. Veasey reminds them that help and hope are always available for those who seek it.
Outside of her professional life, Ms. Veasey enjoys listening to music, gardening, cooking, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. Looking ahead, she aspires to travel globally to speak on grief and expand her consulting work through intensive workshops on grief and loss. She plans to educate therapists on her models, work directly with families in crisis, and complete “The Therapist’s Poet,” a poetry workbook designed to support individuals navigating grief.