If there was one thing you wish people knew about the therapy experience who might be hesitant to try it, what would that be?
One of the most important things that people should know about therapy is that being worried, anxious, scared, fear of being judged, and trepidatious before coming to counseling is very normal. It is really hard to come to a complete stranger and talk to them about very personal problems. Most people do not realize how much strength is takes to come through a therapists door. I am always grateful that a person is willing to put their trust and faith in me to help them. I am not there to judge and in 99% of the time you are not going to say something I have not already heard or dealt with in the past. I really look at the therapy setting to be one where I am my clients employee and that they are paying me for specific skills that I can teach them. I also believe it is important that clients know that as worried as they are about talking to a therapist, the therapist is just as worried that they won't be able to connect with their clients.
What are some the unique issues faced by clients in your particular field of specialization, in terms of mental health education, care, and/or treatment?
A lot of my clients are experiencing a roller coaster of emotions. They often come in to see me where they are often struggling with what is occuring in their life. They often wonder what went wrong in their relationship. They had married a person that they cared about, loved, wanted to spend time with them, and saw as the person who was willing to support their dreams, start a family with, grow old with, create incredibly memories. Now they are feeling confusion, wondering what went wrong, where all the arguments came from, how these arguments get so far out of control, how there is now dread when your partner comes home. Then there is the suspicion when your partner gets a phone call or text message and walks out of the room, who are they talking with, what is going on, why this strange behavior, what are they doing. Than comes all the catastrophic thoughts, they are not happy, they want to leave, they are having an affair, you are going to be all alone, how are you going to manage this being divorced, you will never be able to love agin. So often the people I see are scared, worried, anxious, depressed, feeling like this is the worst thing that will ever occur in their life and they are not sure they will ever recover. These are all very normal feelings and actions for the majority of people I see and are completely normal and expected considering the situation
In what ways does your personality influence your approach to therapy?
I see my personality as being very laid back, casual, relaxed but very personalble. I have often been referred to as a big teddy bear. That people are often surprised by my size and possibly gruff exterieor, but as they get to work with me and know who I am as a therapist that I am very caring. That I work really hard to find areas where I can connect and relate with them as I build rapport. I see myself as being the kind of person that is real, genuine, honest, and willing to learn recursively through my clients lived experiences. I really hope that clients see me as the person who is literally what you see is what you get and they appreciate that fact.
Specialties
Communication issues
Source of communication challenges in circumstances and relationships that can have a negative impact on mental health. Misunderstandings and misinterpretations often lead to arguments in personal, platonic, or professional relationships.
Divorce & separation
Separation and divorce can trigger a range of mental health challenges, even when the split is mutually agreed upon. Prolonged challenges can lead to stress, anxiety, depression and more.
Marriage issues
Issues within a marriage. Can include issues related to trust, intimacy, communication, infidelity, parenting, or conflict. Can also include discussion related to separation or divorce.
Sex Therapy
Sex Therapy
Couples
Provides couples therapy/counseling
General Expertise
Depression
Depression often causes people to feel sad, empty, or hopeless, and can cause a lack of interest in life. It can also affect a person's thinking patterns and physical health.
Anxiety
Anxiety can mean nervousness, worry, or self-doubt. Anxiety disorder is a mental health disorder that entails excessive, repeated bouts of worry, anxiety, and/or fear.
Relationship Issues
Refers relationship issues with a partner or spouse. Can include issues related to relationship distress, relationship satisfaction, communication, intimacy, etc.
Loss/Grief
Grief is a reaction to an emotionally significant loss and often comes with symptoms of depression or anxiety. These symptoms can remain intense and last for a long time after a loss, making it difficult to move forward with a healthy lifestyle.
Self-Esteem
Self-esteem is the degree to which a person feels confident, valuable, and worthy of respect. Feeling low self-esteem can influence overall well-being and be linked to anxiety and/or depression.
Fees
$200
First Session
$150
Family Therapy
$150
Couples Therapy
$60
Group Therapy
$125
Individual Therapy
Types of Therapy
Couples Session
Family Session
Individual Session
Group Session
Clientele
Parents
Young Adults (18-24)
Adults (25-65)
Treatment Approaches / Modalities
Animal-Assisted Therapy
Emotionally Focused Therapy
Family Systems Therapy
Humanistic Therapy
Marriage and Family Therapy
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy
Motivational Interviewing
Positive Psychology
The Gottman Method
Training / Certifications
Advanced Psychological Testing
Animal Assisted Therapist - University of North Texas
65 Doctoral Level Credits
Licensure
TX, LPC, 69671
Education
Masters of Arts Professional Counseling Lindenwood University
Masters of Arts School Counseling
Work History
2005 - 2010 - Family Services/Crisis Counselor at St. Louis Public Schools - Worked with families and couples in crisis to help alleviate problems so that students coul be more successful. Completed risk assessments to families, students, and couples, addressed identified barriers to success, provided family, couples and individual therapy to families that were having communication and relationship issues. 2010 - 2014 - Family and couples counselor supervisor at UTSA as part of Doctoral program. Supervised and monitored master level counseling students work with couples and families provide counseling. Provided direct feedback and different ways to address areas when students became stuck in counseling sessions, Helped students learn different theories and implement theories in counseling sessions. 2014 - 2020 Center for HeralthCare services - provided in home direct counseling services to couples, families, and individuals who had high needs for counseling services but did not have insurance to pay for counseling. 2020-present - Owner of Marriage and Family counseling agency - providing direct counseling services to couples, individuals and families facing issues involving affairs, communication problems, anger issues, shame, guilt, anxiety, depression.
Location
9222 Culebra Road, Suite 105, San Antonio, 78251, TX