Many professionals can help you find a therapist. You can ask your health care provider (physician or nurse) for a referral; ask someone you trust, such as a pastor, mentor, relative or friend; or you can search online and research mental health organizations in your area. If you are currently in treatment for substance abuse and/or mental health issues and are in need of an aftercare therapist, you can ask your Case Manager or someone in the Intake Department for referrals in your area.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Texas with over 11 years of experience in the field of mental health. I obtained my Masters degree in Counseling from Dallas Baptist University in 2007. I am trained to provide counseling and psychotherapy to clients for a variety of emotional and mental health concerns. In addition to those already listed are adjustment disorders, bipolar disorder, boundaries and codependency, divorce recovery, grief and loss, identity issues, phase of life problems, and substance abuse. Special areas of interest for me include addiction(s) and co-occurring disorders for which I have received additional education and training.

As your therapist, I will listen to you and not judge you. During our sessions, you will be expected to talk about the primary concerns and issues in your life. You may choose to talk about more serious things some of the time and you can talk about less serious things at other times, depending on your mood and level of comfort. Therapy sessions are usually 45-50 minutes long with the exception of the first visit which is 90 minutes. Some clients request longer sessions which can be arranged as needed. Weekly sessions are typical at the beginning of the therapeutic process. Some people who are in crisis or extreme distress need more than one session per week, at least until the crisis passes. Clients that have recently completed treatment or been hospitalized may need to be seen multiple times per week as he or she transitions back into everyday life.

During the time between sessions it is beneficial to think about and process what was discussed. At times, you may be asked to take certain actions outside of the therapy sessions (in school it was called homework), such as reading a relevant book, keeping records or simply paying attention to yourself. For therapy to “work,” you must be an active participant, both in and outside of the therapy sessions. I like to think of your time in the office as a “springboard” for your week to “dive in the pool”, considering and practicing the things we discuss in the session.

The first visit generally includes a thorough biopsychosocial assessment and evaluation (to determine the level of care needed and therapeutic “fit”) and orientation to my practice. During this visit, I will explain the therapy process and expectations, review policies and answer any questions you might have to help you feel comfortable. If time permits, we will begin discussing your treatment goals during this visit.

That is totally okay. We can work together to identify your goals as you start therapy. Your therapeutic goals will be the “roadmap” that gives us a direction as you work on your process. It may take several sessions before a treatment direction is clarified. During the course of therapy your goals may change. However, establishing a direction for therapy will help you get the most out of the experience.

The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Often it is helpful just to know that someone is listening with compassion and empathy. Having a safe, non-judgmental place to process and get “reality checks” can prove helpful. Therapy can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. Many people find therapy to be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, and the hassles of daily life.

In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and a psychotherapist. Information is not disclosed without written permission. However, there are number of exceptions to this rule. Exceptions include:

Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse. The therapist is required by law to report to the appropriate authorities immediately.

If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person/s. The therapist must notify the police and inform the intended victim.

If a client intends to harm himself or herself. The therapist will make every effort to enlist their cooperation in insuring their safety. If they do not cooperate further measure may be taken without their permission to ensure their safety.

My office is located in West Plano. I also serve many of the surrounding cities such as Allen, Carrollton, Frisco, McKinney, Richardson, and Dallas. We are conveniently located near the George Bush Turnpike and the Dallas North Tollway.