I have been a Licensed Professional Counselor since 1990 with clients in the state of Texas. I have worked with clients experiencing a broad range of issues and concerns including trauma, PTDS, depression, anxiety, anger, relationship issues, parenting skills, self-care, and many other psychological issues. There are 2 essential things to be mindful of when engaging in therapy. First, all negative behavior is the result of unhealed wounds we carry around with us, knowingly or unknowingly, from the past. Second, all anger issues serve to cover deep levels of pain or hurt, and that is because anger is not a primary emotion. Anger is a secondary emotion provoked by hurtful feelings. I have helped many individuals who have experienced trauma (physical, mental, emotional and sexual) during childhood and adulthood. Using informed trauma therapy, clients learn to embrace the wound created by their trauma without having to relive any traumatic events. Steps to the healing process include: (1) examining the negative effects of trauma currently in one’s life, (2) processing the impact that trauma has had on one’s growth and development, (3) overcoming anxious thoughts and feelings of “not being enough,” (4) accepting the “radical acceptance” of oneself and embracing the path to total healing, (5) developing effective coping strategies including learning to self-soothe, regulate emotions, establish healthy self-esteem, and develop skills to communicate and manage conflict effectively. My counseling style is best described as compassionate, accepting, fair, direct, straightforward, solutions-oriented, and motivated to help clients achieve their therapeutic goals. I see my role as the individual entrusted to help my clients face their fears and embrace radical acceptance of Self. My clients are ideally positioned to develop effective coping skills and facilitate the changes they want in their lives. Every session is about moving clients toward the goals they have established for their counseling experience. It can be frightening to take the first steps to engage with a therapist you have never met. It may be helpful to understand that I am experienced and well versed in the process of healing and facilitating change. Again, it’s important to remember that all negative thoughts and unhealthy behaviors are likely the result of a wound from the past that has not healed. I will listen to your thoughts and feelings, clarify issues associated with those thoughts and feelings, and guide you through the process for healing your wounds and facilitating change. My goal is to help you and guide you. You and I will work as a team and be in partnership regarding the direction of your counseling as well as specific goals for treatment. I look forward to working with you! Please take the first step toward the process of healing and change! We can do this together!