Life is tough. We all have big feelings, but we aren’t born knowing how to manage them. Learning healthy and fun ways to regulate our moods can help us to be our best selves and may be the key to long-term wellness. I see my clients as good people, valuable, and worthy of love and happiness. While we all make mistakes, I feel so many of us simply need compassion and someone who can talk to them without judgement. In your work with me, I hope you will feel accepted, encouraged, seen, and heard in ways that matter to you.

I will personalize your treatment by integrating different therapeutic approaches to meet your needs and interests. Laughter and joy can be like a medicine with the power to heal, so we will prioritize them in your treatment and make sure they have a place in your daily life. Enhancing your self-care will also be a core focus in our therapy, as building healthy routines and boundaries are essential for reaching your goals. I will do my best to guide you through your difficult times and help you to develop the confidence and strategies you need to navigate life’s challenges. My goal is to work myself out of a job where my clients learn to handle their lives and emotions so well that they no longer need me.

My background in Special Education has given me a wealth of experience with children and adolescents facing various disorders, learning differences, and behavioral challenges. Using engaging and developmentally appropriate strategies, I incorporate play-based interventions, creative activities, music, and interactive games with the youngsters I work with. I strive to build a strong therapeutic connection, so they feel understood and at ease to share about their lives. Tasks often include strengthening emotional regulation, coping skills, healthy communication, family relationships, self-esteem, social skills, and peer dynamics. I collaborate with parents through regular progress updates and pre-session check-ins, adjusting goals and interventions as needed, ensuring our focus stays aligned with the child’s needs.

LICENSE, EDUCATION, and EXPERIENCE

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (#83437) with a Bachelors of Arts degree in Psychology from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and a Masters of Education Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lamar University. Following 19 years as a Special Education Teacher, I became a Behavior Specialist and a Certified TBRI (Trust-Based Relational Intervention®) Practitioner, a trauma-informed model for supporting children and families, through the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development (KPICD). My experience has centered on those navigating life changes, mental health diagnoses, and a wide range of disabilities.