The bottom line premise of my therapy style is Rogerian, or people-centered therapy. On top of that, I want to offer helpful therapy, which I currently find to primarily be CBT, DBT and psychodynamic or simply processing what they are going through.

The intake session is super important, as this is when the patient will experience what kind of therapist and person I am, and if they feel I am a good fit for them. It is my goal during the intake session to get to know as much about the patient as possible. I like to spend some of the intake getting to know their background, and then I want to really understand what is bringing them into therapy at this time in their life, what they are dealing with, and what they would like to get out of therapy.

Most patients have told me that the thing they found most helpful during their therapy experience was the relationship we built with each other. I take this to mean that without a solid, healthy, and trusting relationship with me, none of the techniques I use would matter if they didn’t feel I genuinely cared for them and wanted the best for them. Previous patients have expressed that they felt I made sure our relationship had healthy therapeutic boundaries, and that this is what was unique to them – that they remained aware I was their therapist and that they knew I did truly care about them and their well-being, which allowed them to open up more than they ever thought they would.

Credentials

Education

Master of Science in Social Work, University of Texas at Austin, 1998

Personal Interests

I grew up with 3 older brothers, and when people hear that, they often say “Aww, I bet they were so protective of you.” Not true! To them, I was one of the gang and an equal target for their mischievousness. My 4 grandparents were a huge part of my life, and I was blessed beyond belief to have all of them live into their 90’s and be part of my life until my mid-to-late 20’s. I am also blessed to still have both of my parents together and well-functioning, both at age 89! One set of my grandparents took me to many places to volunteer on weekends from the time I can first remember, and we often visited people in nursing homes as well as orphanages (which existed in Dallas when I was a child). I knew by age 16 that I would one day adopt a child who needed a family. That dream came true 22 years ago when I adopted a precious baby from Guatemala who had no family who could care for her. She is such a joy in my life. We both are crazy about animals and love having both a cat and a dog. I am blessed to have all of my closest family live in Dallas.

In-network

Insurance Accepted

  • Employers Health Network
  • Aetna
  • Sana Benefits
  • Cigna/Evernorth
  • Scott and White Health Plan

Specialties and Expertise

Top Specialities

Mood Disorders (Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar), History of Childhood Abuse, Women's Issues, Sexual Abuse/Assault, Trauma, Self-Harm, Suicidal Ideation/Tendencies

Expertise

  • Addiction
  • Adoption
  • Alcohol Use
  • Anger Issues
  • Anxiety
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Borderline Personality
  • Childhood Abuse or Neglect
  • Codependency
  • Depression
  • Dissociation
  • Divorce / Breakup
  • Domestic Abuse
  • Family Conflict
  • Gender Identity (LGBTQ)
  • Religious Trauma
  • Self-Esteem / Negative Self-Talk
  • Self-Harm
  • Sexual Abuse
  • Sexual Assault
  • Sexual Identity (LGBTQ)
  • Spiritual Growth
  • Substance Use
  • Trauma / PTSD
  • Women's Issues

Treatment Approach

Types of Therapy

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Compassion Focused
  • Culturally Sensitive
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
  • Faith-Based Counseling
  • Family / Marital
  • Family Systems
  • Gestalt
  • Imago
  • Interpersonal
  • Mindfulness-Based Interventions
  • Person-Centered (Rogerian)
  • Process Oriented Psychology ('Process Work')
  • Psychodynamic
  • Strength-Based
  • Transactional Analysis

Client Focus

  • Age Groups Served: 12 - 65+
  • Services Type: Individual Therapy, Child or Teen Therapy, Family Therapy, Relationship Therapy (Cash Pay)
  • Languages Spoken: English

My goal is to communicate to each person that they are a person of ultimate value and worth, despite whatever they have been through, are going through, mistakes they feel they have made, challenges they are facing. I strive to communicate this message both verbally and nonverbally during every session.