Hi, I’m Nesi Lillard. My therapy approach is collaborative, creative, and rooted in person-centered principles. I acknowledge the importance of identity, culture, and systemic influences on mental health, and I believe that clients are the experts of their own experiences. I often incorporate expressive arts, mindfulness, and play-based techniques to foster insight, healing, and personal growth.
Nesi Lillard, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor (she, her)
- Appointments: Telehealth only
- Manage Medications: Provides therapy and collaborates closely with our psychiatry team for medication management, available through internal referral if needed.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and Registered Play Therapist with a PhD in Counselor Education and over a decade of experience in trauma-informed care, play therapy, group counseling, and LGBTQIA+ affirming practices. My approach is rooted in person-centered and feminist theories, with a strong emphasis on the impact of identity, culture, values, and systemic influences on mental health.
I view each client as the expert in their own experience. In therapy, we will work collaboratively to develop meaningful goals, build insight, and strengthen coping strategies. I often incorporate creative modalities such as expressive arts, music, mindfulness, guided imagery, and play-based interventions to support the therapeutic process in a dynamic and individualized way.
My goal is to provide a safe, inclusive, and affirming environment where clients feel empowered to explore their experiences and move toward healing and growth.
Credentials
Education
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Counselor Education, Sam Houston State University (2016)
In-network and Self Pay
Insurance Accepted
- Aetna
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Cigna/Evernorth
- Employers Health Network
- Medicare
- Partners Direct Health
- Sana Benefits
- Seton Health Plan
- UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Specialties and Expertise
Top Specialities
Trauma and PTSD, Women's issues, Gender Identity Issues
Expertise
- Anxiety
- Attachment Trauma or Insecurity
- Bipolar Disorder
- Boundaries / Assertiveness
- Childhood Abuse or Neglect
- Conflict with Friends
- Depression
- Dissociation
- Domestic Abuse
- Existential Issues
- Family Conflict
- Fear of Rejection
- Gender Identity
- Gender Identity (LGBTQ)
- Life Transitions
- Loss or Grief
- Mood Swings
- Open Relationship / Polyamory
- Panic Attacks
- Perfectionism
- Sexual Assault
- Sexual Identity
- Sexual Identity (LGBTQ)
- Shame
- Stress / Burnout
- Trauma / PTSD
- Women's Issues
Treatment Approach
Types of Therapy
- Culturally Sensitive
- EMDR
- Feminist
- Interpersonal
- Multicultural
- Person-Centered (Rogerian)
- Play Therapy
- Sand Tray Therapy
- Somatic
Locations
Client Focus
- Age Groups Served: Teens ( 15+), Adults (18-64)
- Participant Types: Individual Counseling
- Language Spoken: English