My guiding theory and thought process is best summarized in this quote by Alfred Adler:
My hope as founder of Therapy Helps is 'to guide people in their search for meaning'. I love working with teenagers and young adults. I love the challenges, energy and promise of a better tomorrow that comes with serving this population. There is a beauty in helping people find meaning at the age where it can help shape the future of the whole community.
I graduated with Masters in Counseling from Sothern Methodist University in 2012 with courses in crisis intervention and chemical dependency. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Texas and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP). I am also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT).
I have extensive experience working in the field of trauma and addiction. The bulk of my experience was learning how trauma can impact a person at different stages of life. I have counseled torture survivors, victims of sexual abuse and domestic abuse, victims struggling with dissociation due to compound trauma, adolescents struggling with trauma of bullying and the trauma caused though social media. I worked with families struggling with addiction and saw how trauma is linked with addiction on so many different levels. I have counseled adolescents and adults in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
I have worked in the Trauma Department at Timberlawn Mental Health Hospital under the Collin Ross Institute. I have also worked with The Victim Intervention program at Parkland Hospital. Most Recently I was working as a resident counselor for pregnant women and women with children (PPWC) struggling with addiction at Nexus Recovery Center.
I am a member of Texas Counseling Association and the International Association of Trauma Professionals.
I grew up in a society struggling to accept the reality of mental health problems and hesitant to reach out for help. Through my personal struggles I gained the ability to challenge thoughts and feelings and the capacity to maintain calm in the face of a storm. I saw many faces of addiction, people struggling with anxiety and depression, children struggling in schools due to lack of resources and understanding or parental discord. I kept asking myself, how can I help? This led me to pursue a career in counseling.
I came to Dallas, Texas in 2009 and got married to my wonderful husband. I am the mother of two very energetic boys and a very calm and patient cat. In my free time I like to read books and play word games. I like to listen to Pop music, R&B and Soft Rock. I love to cook and consider myself an amateur gardener.
Favorite book: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho and Harry Potter series by J.K Rowling
Favorite song: Faith by George Michael
Favorite movies: Ever After, Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jainge (DDLJ)