About Me
As a native Houstonian with strong familial ties to the community, I decided very early on in my pursuit of higher education that I would help people in my hometown. My experience includes teaching and working with children diagnosed with various neurodevelopmental disorders. I have also worked as a behavior therapist with children diagnosed with conduct disorders and other behavioral issues, especially those on the autism spectrum.
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The clinical training I received included Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Non-Directive Play Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, and Filial Therapy, which aims to both empower parents and improve the relationship between parent and child. I use these therapies, as well as directive techniques and interventions, to produce opportunities for processing, learning, and coping. I seek to create the ideal conditions for children to process their emotions and communicate their needs. I believe that unconditional positive regard and a compassionate, therapeutic, environment support the mental and emotional well-being, critical to the developing mind.
I found that an emphasis on the importance of the client/therapist relationship facilitates a client’s ability to replace self-blame and shame with newfound insight, curiosity, self-compassion, and genuine healing. I empower clients to make intelligent choices about their lives and treatment by creating a safe space for them to learn new habits of observation and self-discovery. I achieve this by employing modalities which involve integrating the latest neuroscience research and newer body-centered interventions. Further, through attachment therapy I work with clients to look both at childhood injuries and at lifelong adaptations to them.
I have a humanistic, integrative, client focused, approach to therapy, and enjoy working with adults, children, and adolescents.
Language
English & Spanish
Education
Undergraduate:
University of Houston
Degree: Psychology and English
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Masters Degree:
University of Saint Thomas​
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
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Training
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Small Steps Nurturing Center​
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Southwest Key Program
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EMDR Therapy
Professional Experience
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Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse (AVDA)
Trauma counseling for adults & children impacted by abuse​
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The Houston Area Women's Center
Crisis counseling to domestic & sexual abuse survivors ​
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The Arbor School​
Lead teacher developing applied behavioral therapies
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The Shape of Behavior