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Therapists answer…

Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?

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Ana Alicia Potthast

DSW, LCSW, LCDC
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I became a therapist quite by accident; I honestly thought I would focus on child welfare for many years and felt passionate about it. However, after a few years of working with children, I decided to broaden my scope and work with adults. I worked with a county agency that provided services to adults, and I was hooked. I moved to the medical field for a change in pace and continued to work with people who were experiencing mental health and substance use issues. I realized that it was so prevalent. I also realized that I wanted to work alongside people to assist them in their mental healthcare. So I decided to become a therapist, and the rest is history!
Hi there! My name is Dr. Ana Alicia Potthast, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor with extensive experience and training in behavioral health, diagnostics, addiction, co-occurring disorders, depression, anxiety, personality disorders, trauma, domestic violence, sexual abuse and assault, maternity and fertility issues, grief and loss, hoarding, family dynamics and conflict, marital issues, sexual orientation and gender identification and expression, adjustment issues, stages in life, and many other situations that bring a client to seek counseling. I provide a collaborative and open approach therapeutic style, without any judgment to each client's unique situation. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Psychodynamic Therapy. I have a passion for assisting client's to reach their full potential and treatment goals. I obtained an Associate of Applied Science in American Sign Language from San Antonio College in San Antonio, TX, and then graduated with a Bachelor and Master of Social Work from Texas State University in San Marcos, TX, before obtaining a Doctor of Social Work from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, California. I am an affirming ally for LGBTQIA clients, and this is a Safe Space. I am presently on the Board of Directors for Fiesta Youth, a member of PFLAG San Antonio, a Federal Club member for the Human Rights Campaign, and a former Steering Committee member for the Human Rights Campaign San Antonio. I was the first recipient of the Pride Center San Antonio Community Circle Award for my volunteer work in the community. Additionally, I work in the medical field, and I have extensive court room testimony experience regarding recommendations for contested custody situations and child welfare situations. I also have a passion for working along-side clients who are living with addiction, and the trauma and hardships they experience as they navigate towards a life of sobriety. I am a wife and mother, and I enjoy hobbies of going to concerts, volunteer work, geocaching, American Sign Language, watching documentaries, dancing, and spending time with family, friends, and my many pets.
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Ashley Starwood

Clinical Psychotherapist & CEO
Online & In-Person
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I became a therapist because I know what it feels like to need help and not have someone there who genuinely understands your struggle. I want to be the beacon of light for those who want someone who truly understands what they are going through, and provide culturally- competent advice.
“Self-discovery is a journey that many people find themselves struggling to understand. There is a complexity to human relationships that can further complicate this journey. I want to help you find the love and the light within your relationships and self in order to help you create and mold a better YOU.” Ashley earned an undergraduate degree from Northern Illinois University and an MSW from Aurora University. She is well versed in trauma and crisis therapy, and is committed to helping clients become the best version of themselves. In addition to her clinical experience, Ashley has training in happiness coaching, hypnotherapy, crisis prevention, and is a certified yoga teacher. She is also a published author and uses her book, “Writing with Love: A Guided Journal for Couples,” to help clients strengthen their relationships. In therapy, Ashley creates a warm and supportive environment and incorporates extensive therapeutic training and mindfulness into treatment plans. Her goal is to provide clients with the tools they need to move forward and grow.
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Lily Lu

LMFT
Online & In-Person
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I love being with people and understanding their dreams and concerns. As a therapist, I have more skills and tools to help people achieve their dreams and manage their concerns. To see my clients getting well and feeling better is very rewarding for me.
Being an avid advocate for behavioral health, I love teaming up with teens, adults, couples, parents and families to improve their overall mental wellness. I specialize in anxiety, ADHD, addictions, depression, OCD, and trauma. I also help couples and families with communication issues and parenting. When you come to see me, we will work together to find a therapeutic approach that suits you and is tailored to your needs. Being client-centered and strengths-oriented, I use different treatment styles - Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Gottman and Emotionally Focused Couples - to help you meet your goals. Prior to counseling, I was in high tech marketing and worked for Fortune 100 companies as well as innovative start-ups in the Silicon Valley. This unique experience gives me insight into some of the issues that many of my clients have due to a high tech environment. As a firm believer in community support, I spoke at libraries and community events to raise awareness of the importance of behavioral health. To address more specific concerns, I volunteered as an editor for the Los Gatos Community Against Substance Abuse and a Meetup organizer to enhance couples' relationships. I also manage clinical consultations among fellow therapists to foster collegial development and growth. My credentials include:​ *Certification and training in ADHD, Anxiety, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Unipolar & Bipolar Depression & OCD using CBT, DBT, and ERP *Training in EMDR *Externship in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy *Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy *Internship in Internet & Sex Addictions
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Maxim Arbuzov

LICSW
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I became a psychotherapist because I am passionate about destigmatizing men's mental health and empowering men to embrace emotional well-being. I am motivated by seeing my clients grow, build resilience, and thrive in their lives, and I strive to make a positive impact in every session.
I’m Maxim Arbuzov, a psychotherapist specializing in men's mental health and relationships. I also focus on problematic sexual behaviors related to porn use and sexual compulsions. I understand the unique challenges that men face, and I’m dedicated to providing a safe and non-judgmental space for my clients to explore their emotions and improve their overall well-being. Using evidence-based therapeutic techniques, I work collaboratively with clients to address a range of issues, including anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship difficulties. I believe that establishing a trusting therapeutic alliance is crucial for gaining insight into thought patterns, emotions, and behaviors, which can lead to positive and lasting change. My approach is tailored to meet each client's specific needs. I combine empathy, active listening, and practical strategies to help men navigate their mental health journeys. Through a holistic perspective, I guide clients in developing effective coping mechanisms, enhancing communication skills, and fostering healthy relationships. My warm and supportive demeanor creates a nurturing environment where clients feel comfortable exploring their inner selves and achieving personal growth. I’m passionate about destigmatizing men’s mental health, and I’m committed to empowering my clients to embrace emotional well-being, build resilience, and lead fulfilling lives. Through my expertise and dedication, I strive to make a profound impact on the lives of men seeking support, helping them overcome obstacles and thrive in all aspects of their lives. All sessions are virtual and utilize the SimplePractice Telehealth App. My current availability is weekdays and evenings.
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Alecia DeAngelis

PMHNP-BC
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I transitioned from ICU nursing to mental health because I wanted to make a deeper impact on patients' lives. Seeing the positive changes in my patients' mental health and overall well-being motivates me to continue. I am passionate about helping people navigate their mental health challenges and find lasting solutions that improve their quality of life.
Hello, I’m Alecia DeAngelis, a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) based in California. I have a deep passion for mental health care and believe in compassionate, patient-centered service. I completed my Master’s Degree in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing as well as hold a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing. With years of experience as an ICU nurse, I transitioned to mental health to make a difference in my patients' lives. My key areas of expertise include medication management, individual therapy, and crisis intervention. Specializing in the treatment of anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and psychotic disorders, I am dedicated to providing tailored and effective mental health care. I am also committed to patient education and cultural competence, ensuring every patient receives the best personalized care. I am fully licensed and certified, including PMHNP, DEA, and ANCC Board Certification. When I’m not at work, I enjoy staying active with various professional affiliations, including APNA and ANA. I look forward to partnering with you on your journey to better mental health and well-being.