As a therapist, I know that I have a job to do. My only agenda is to help you feel more in control of your world, and more fulfilled with your life and relationships. I do this in a variety of ways. Additionally, I’m an open book. You can expect me to be non-judgmental to all kinds of thoughts, feelings, and lifestyles. I’ve worked with many different people experiencing all kinds of different situations, so, I’m not naïve. I know that relationships are not like in the movies. They look and feel different and that they come in all shapes and sizes!
As a couples therapist, what makes me so confident that I can help?
I’ve put in the effort to be qualified for this kind of work. In fact, 1,500 of my 3,000 training hours were spent helping couples and families (I know!). This served as a great opportunity for me to get really familiar with different family dynamics. In addition, I got the chance to work with individuals, couples, and families at all different stages of their relationship. Since I received my license as a marriage counselor, I’ve helped thousands of people and have gained experience with almost every problem you could think of!
Beyond my formal training, much of my empathy and understanding comes from dealing with my own s**t!
I grew up in a less-than-ideal household. Addiction and abuse were in no short supply. Shortly after, I found myself dealing with an abusive marriage that was followed by a divorce with kids involved. This is something I do not wish on anyone. I became passionate about understanding how to move past our difficulties and setbacks. I learned what it takes to build strong relationships and connections after a lifetime of struggling to do this.
Education and experience has taught me many things. The biggest, and the one that stuck, was that people are not inherently weak. Actually, we’re warriors. Dealing with the hardships that life throws at us is really tough stuff, and it can seem like there’s no way to make it through. Yes, it sucks. Yes, it’s hard. But, it’s possible! As someone qualified to provide marriage therapy and individual therapy, I am here to be your guide, and I can help support you through your own journey from pain and confusion to ease and joy.
Texas Tech University
MS – Marriage and Family Therapy (2007)
BS – Human Development and Family Studies (2005)
Employment
When we are dealing with our day to day problems, we look for solutions for the issues that are right in front of our noses.Perhaps you were disappointed or hurt many times. Because of this, you developed a series of bad beliefs about yourself. One could be that you don’t deserve love. Or, that you’re not good enough. Often times, you “accept” that you must try harder than everyone else, etc. In addition, we all have a part of ourselves that longs to be loved, cared for, and valued.
As a child, this is supposed to come from your parents/caregivers. But we don’t grow up in perfect circumstances. As you grow older, you look to partners, co-workers or career to fulfil this need and feel the warmth of connection. Over time this leads to disappointments and feelings of hopelessness. And this is exhausting to live with.
Throughout my experience as a counselor and as a human, I know that we all handled things that happen to us differently. Furthermore, I know that we all have different reactions and adaptions. While everyone pursues counseling for different reasons, here are a few common reasons:
These are only a few of the many reasons to pursue counseling; what is yours?
I got into this work for a reason. As a counselor, I care deeply for every one of my clients. I take the trust that they put in me very seriously. Because of this, I want my clients to get the best version of me. This means that I’m going to be honest. I mean, really honest. Additionally, I’m going to be straightforward with you. This is is central to everything I do as a counselor and the work I do with my clients.
Think about what you need from a counselor. Think about what’s worked in the past and what hasn’t. If you think you need things to change fast and to be sugar coated, think about how that’s worked in the past. I’m not the counselor who beats around the bush or tries to be too “nice.” Because I know this would be a disservice on my part. As a counselor and fellow human, I am on your side. Through our work together in counseling, I want to see you thrive!
Individual Therapy appointments 50 min sessions: $225
Couples Therapy appointments 50 min sessions: $275
Discernment Counseling: First session (2 hour session): $450.
Session 2-5 (1.5 Hour sessions): $380
After Hours Surcharge (5pm and later): $50
Aren’t you tired of being compared to the generations that came before or after you? Being judged and criticized for what you are or are not? Comparing, being compared, and never feeling like you are good enough. I’ll admit, I’m guilty of this too.
I grew up in a big, loud, and most of the time, chaotic Mexican family, I know what it’s like to be afraid to ask questions, to speak up, and to try to do things differently. Because if I did, I would be faced with the question from everyone, including myself of, “who do you think you are”?
As the oldest in my family I always cared deeply for everyone (it was my job), and I forgot about taking care of myself, sound familiar?
In our families, which often carries in to our adult lives, we often struggled to feel seen or heard, and are made to feel like your emotions don’t matter, or they are just plain misunderstood. Which ultimately leaves us feeling like we’re alone in this big and sometimes terrifying world. That s**t is hard!
As a human (who happens to be a therapist) I recognize that the world I grew up in was vastly different than those around me, however, the emotions are almost universal.
Wether you are an adolescent or an adult, you are probably experiencing significant changes and transitions in your life – and in case no one told you…Change is normal and you are not alone!
Through our work together I will support, empower, and walk with you as you navigate this big, scary, fun, messy, and beautiful world.