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Therapists answer…

How do you work with clients with trauma and PTSD?

Doreen GendreauD

Doreen Gendreau

EdD, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC
Online Therapy
I am Dr. Doreen A. Gendreau, a compassionate and dedicated healthcare professional with over 27 years of experience in medical and psychiatric nursing. As a Board-Certified, full-scope Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I specialize in treating adults with various mental health conditions, including trauma and addiction, anxiety, bipolar disorder, OCD, depression, grief and loss, and spiritual crises. I take a Salutogenic, Christian-informed approach to treatment, focusing on what promotes well-being. By combining traditional and complementary therapies, I strive to provide comprehensive care tailored to your unique needs. Through my private practice, Souls True Healing, I offer personalized services such as psychotherapy and medication management. My priority is your satisfaction and helping you achieve your goals to improve your quality of life, all within a supportive and empathetic environment. TREATMENT PHILOSOPHY: My treatment philosophy centers on a Christian Informed, holistic, Salutogenic, approach to Treatment. I believe in treating the whole person —mind, body, spirit & Soul/ I foster deep healing. Every patient is unique, & we create a treatment plan using complementary & Traditional Modalities, psychotherapy, to support their individual needs. I prioritize open communication and empathy, creating a sacred space where patients are respected and heard. Together, we establish clear, attainable goals, based on improving their symptoms, not treating their diagnosis, that will move them forward on their healing journey. I specialize in Trauma, PTSD addiction, and all mental health disorders, providing care that enhances their quality of life and promotes enduring wellness.
Corrina Espinosa Herrera, MS., LPC-SC

Corrina Espinosa Herrera, MS., LPC-S

Psychotherapist
Online & In-Person
I received my Masters degree in Counseling Psychology with a specialty in Marriage and Family Therapy from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Texas in 2009. After graduation, I started my mental health career in a private practice that assisted clients who were coping with chronic pain and worker’s compensation cases. I facilitated group and individual sessions to prepare them for medical procedures to help with their injury and/or pain. I was part of a multidisciplinary treatment team that consisted of medical providers and physical therapist. During my LPC-Internship, I worked with a non-profit agency that assisted under insured or un-insured women with a Cancer diagnosis. The women I supported were currently undergoing Cancer treatment or were in various stages of remission. I was truly blessed to have worked with such amazingly strong women who taught me so much about understanding what is most precious in life. Issues discussed were dealing around their current treatment and at times, helping their families understand the process of treatment decisions and end of life issues. I then started to work with the Local Mental Health Authority for Bexar County. I started my journey with this agency in the Crisis Transitional Unit for adult services. My experience with adults suffering from severe mental health issues such as Schizophrenia, Major Depressive Disorder and Bipolar Disorder, just to name a few of the diagnosis worked with. As the Licensed Mental Health Professional on unit, I was able to help manage crisis and assist consumers in transitioning into a healthier mental health lifestyle. This was important working the homeless and un-insured population of Bexar County. Then I moved to the Children’s Division, within the same agency, as the Clinical Administrator over the Children’s Crisis Unit and Children’s Mobile Outreach Team. In this position, I supervised and worked side by side with a crisis response team that completed crisis assessments for children and adolescents who are experiencing a mental health crisis. Family education on mental health and crisis treatment planning was part of the services provided. I am a Certified Youth Mental Health First Aid Trainer and a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor. I enjoy training on topics such as Crisis Intervention, Self-Harm and Suicide Prevention, Stress/Anger Management just to name a few topics I have trained at Parent Academies with local Charter Schools and school districts in San Antonio. I enjoy training parents and educators to identify and manage students who need to be seen and heard. In my practice I use person-centered, solution-focused brief (SFBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to assist with the development of new coping skills for anger management, depression, anxiety, relationships issues and everyday stress. I also have experience working with suicidal ideation, crisis intervention and stabilization. I also use an eclectic mix of therapeutic modalities, which can include the use of spirituality, to fit each person’s needs. I believe in a holistic approach to therapy. It should not be a “one size fits all” mindset. I’m reliable, honest and dedicated to the growth of mental health awareness and strength of my clients.
James ValinotiJ

James Valinoti

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online Therapy
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental health Nurse Practitioner. I treat clients across the lifespan and a sub-specialization in child and adolescents and addiction medicine. I make the experience a positive, supportive, and at times fun one. I am very clinical but I remove the "clinical feeling" from the experience. I am very client-focused and develop unique treatment plans that actually help them achieve their goals. I treat numerous areas of psychiatry including, ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar, PTSD and Trauma, Family/Couples therapy, sleep and appetite, Schizophrenia, OCD, ODD, personality, and eating disorders and addiction. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and supportive therapy. I learn about each individual client and learn my client's "story" so as to understand where they have been, where they are, and where they need/want to go. I also get to the "why" for each client, which is oftentimes the most important question. I utilize humor and my clients engage particularly well. My clients often say I should do standup psychiatry. My clients oftentimes ask me how I know them so well. I am famous for actively listening. My clients feel they receive my clinical expertise without feeling the clinical aspects of what one may expect in psychiatry. I am highly supportive and provide relevant health education. I utilize a team-based approach. I don't speak at my clients I speak with them. Anxiety in anticipation of the "first meeting" will be replaced by feeling more relaxed, comfortable, in a better mood, and more confident after the meeting than prior to it. They can also expect that their needs will be addressed and feel they have been "heard" by me. I am different than most in this regard as I treat my patients as I would a family member, and they can definitely feel it.
Valbona AvdijaV

Valbona Avdija

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online Therapy
As a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with dual certifications in Psychiatric Mental Health and Family Practice, I provide compassionate, holistic care for both mental and physical well-being. With over 15 years of experience, I offer a supportive, nonjudgmental space for you to share your story. Whether you’re facing stress, anxiety, or depression, I’m here to guide you toward a healthier, balanced life. Let’s work together toward the life you deserve. Each person’s journey is unique, and I believe care should be tailored to you. As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner, I take a holistic approach, recognizing the vital link between mental and physical health. Together, we’ll navigate challenges and celebrate progress on your wellness journey. I’m committed to open communication and support, ensuring you feel heard and valued as we work toward your goals for a healthier, balanced life. In our initial session, you’ll have the opportunity to share your story and what you hope to gain from our work together. After our initial visit, we’ll collaborate to develop a tailored treatment plan, and in subsequent sessions, we’ll work together to implement it, supporting you every step of the way. I strive to provide a warm, open environment where you feel secure as we explore your needs. *Treatment philosophy My treatment philosophy centers on the belief that every individual deserves compassionate and personalized care. I am committed to fostering a supportive and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel safe to explore their mental and physical health concerns. By focusing on holistic wellness, I aim to empower clients to achieve balance and resilience in their lives. I believe in the power of collaboration and open communication, ensuring that clients are active participants in their care journey.
Gerald RichardsonG

Gerald Richardson

Psychiatrist
Online Therapy
Stuck in a cycle of stress, anxiety, or frustration? Struggling to stay focused, find balance, or manage emotions? If you’re ready to take back control of your mental health, understand what’s really going on, and start feeling like yourself again — I will help. With my training as Chief Resident at the University of Florida and a Master’s of Education from Harvard, I combine evidence-based care with a focus on patient education, equipping you to make informed decisions about your mental health. I offer both medication management and psychotherapy, and I treat depression, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, trauma, and much more. I understand that each mental health condition is as unique as the individual, and treating it effectively requires a personalized approach. I also know life can be busy, so I offer flexible appointment hours, including evenings and weekends. Most patients are seen within 2 weeks. Taking the first step can feel difficult, but I’m here to provide support in a compassionate, judgment-free space. *Treatment philosophy My treatment philosophy centers around compassion, collaboration, and patient empowerment. I believe every individual deserves personalized care tailored to their unique journey. At Psynoptic, I focus on creating a welcoming environment where patients feel heard and respected. I emphasize open communication to educate patients about their treatment options, ensuring they are an active part of their recovery. With expertise in forensic psychiatry, trauma, and substance use disorders, I employ evidence-based practices to achieve the best outcomes. My commitment is to advocate for my patients' needs and rights, ensuring they have access to the care necessary for a fulfilling life. Together, we will navigate healing and growth. *Practice description At Psynoptic, we are dedicated to providing compassionate psychiatric care tailored to your needs. Led by Dr. Gerald D. Richardson III, an experienced psychiatrist, we specialize in treating conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance use. With extensive training at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Dr. Richardson brings over 2,500 hours of hands-on experience. He has a patient-centered approach, focusing on education and empowerment to help you make informed decisions about your mental health. Available for consultations, we accept various insurance plans and offer self-pay options. Your mental well-being is our priority!