As a counselor, I know that I have a job to do. My only agenda is to help you feel more in control of your world, and to feel 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 naive. 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, 1500 of my 3000 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 individual couples, and families at all different stages of their relationship. And 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 hardships 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. In addition, 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
Today we hear so much about this generation of kids and teenagers, and how they compare to past generations. We find ourselves comparing the good, the bad, and the ugly. I’ll admit, I’m guilty of this too. What we seem to forget is how scary of a time that was – no matter what generation you grew up in.
Now, if I had to guess, your childhood probably felt like a rollercoaster of emotions. Emotions that were labeled as either “good or bad.” The thing is, that’s a myth – emotions aren’t as black and white as they seem. Emotions just are, and how we react to them is what truly matters. I’m here to help you and your child understand that emotions make us human.
Growing 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, or to do things differently for fear of what is to happen. As the oldest, I also know what it’s like to care so deeply for others but not yourself. I know what it’s like to struggle to feel seen or heard, to feel like your emotions don’t matter or maybe they’re just not understood, and to ultimately, feel like you’re alone in this big and scary world. That s**t is hard! It is why I do the work that I do, so that I may be that person that my younger self needed and that I can imagine, your child may also need.