About Teresa
I get it! On the outside, maybe you seem fine. You’re balancing everything life throws at you...but there are times when you’re overwhelmed. You feel like whatever you do, it doesn’t seem to be “enough.” Everyone around you seems to be happier, more put together, and you can't figure out why. You spend so much effort pushing feelings away, that you’re not enjoying life. It doesn't have to be this way. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, trauma, stressful relationships, parenting, depression, or grief, there's a path towards joy and calm!
Asking for help can be scary, but don’t worry! I’ve got you! I want to work with you to let go of the dark cloud that hangs over you so you can enjoy life again (or maybe for the first time). I use evidence-based therapies and tailor your treatment to you. I specialize in counseling for teens, young adults, women, first responders, and veterans, and can provide Christian counseling, but treat people from all backgrounds.
My clients tell me that they've never felts so safe and cared for than in our therapy sessions. You don't have to feel alone in this any more. I offer a FREE 15 minute consultation for you to get to know me and to make sure you feel comfortable.
I received my Masters of Science in Social Work from the University of Texas and trained at the Veteran's Health Administration in the PTSD Clinic. I also provided school-based mental health to high school students, worked in a group practice treating individuals and couples, and have led grief groups and camps. I'm an active volunteer for justice and to make the world a safer, kinder place for everyone.
Office Location
Costs and Insurance
$130 per session
Sliding Scale
Out of Pocket
Cigna
UnitedHealthcare (UHC / UBH)
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I feel like I was made to be a therapist! I love working with people who are struggling and helping them find joy again. I'm so excited to watch my clients grow and heal, and we often celebrate each success together with laughter and tears (and I may cry right along with you).
People think that being a counselor is hard, but at the end of my day, I feel energized! I look forward to meeting with each and every client each session.
Why is trauma processing important?
People who have experienced trauma often don't realize how extensive the effects can be. Many people I work with often don't even identify traumatic events from their past as traumas. They come to therapy wanting to deal with anxiety or depression, but after a few sessions, we discover how deeply an event hurt them.
Trauma affects your body by creating wiring in your brain to keep you from getting hurt, but it can get over-active, like an over-protective best friend! When you get triggered, even by something that seems unrelated, your body kick starts a survival program that releases stress hormones into your body so you can fight for your life or run away. This would be helpful if you were getting ready to fight a bear, but is not so helpful when you need to manage day to day tasks.
Trauma processing can help your body to stop reacting to everyday triggers and to find healing from pain. People ask, how will they know they are done. My answer is, when your body and mind feel like the event is just a memory without feeling the intensity as if the event is still happening in the present. Through careful, specific trauma therapy, you can finally release your painful past and move forward into a healthy life.
What should people thinking about working with you, know about you?
I'm a very warm, friendly person. I'm a natural listener and try to have sessions that feel life-giving for my clients. We may laugh together, we may cry together, but you will absolutely feel heard and valued. I'm also very real. Sometimes my dog will bark, so I have no problem when your littles or pets pop onto the screen.
I have a big heart. I've volunteered with justice-involved youth, mentored young adults, and been active in my community. I always say that I've counseled everyone from pastor's wives to formerly incarcerated addicts, and I find the beauty of humanity in each and every person. I offer a safe place that is judgment free so you can feel free to be yourself.
I'm also a wife and mom of teens. I watch Marvel movies and Star Wars, play Call of Duty with my son, and visit farmer's markets with my daughter.
What is your experience with clients with spiritual or religious issues?
I have worked in both secular and faith-based counseling settings, and in all of them, spiritual beliefs are seen as a vital part of any person. Issues of spirituality can include the meaning of life, the meaning of death, finding purpose, finding connection to community, and issues of morality.
When working through spiritual or religious issues, you need the freedom to say what's really on your heart in order to clearly work through it.
Many houses of worship seem to discourage speaking up about doubt (or sin--pornography addiction, alcohol, sex, and more), but the only way to really work through doubt or sin is to bring it into the light.
I'm married to an ordained minister and have led small groups and women's ministry in the past. I welcome people exploring concerns from any faith, but have the most experience with Christianity. I look forward to working with you to help you determine your own beliefs and to help you navigate through any struggle you're having.
What's your experience with AEDP?
AEDP has been a fantastic tool to help clients understand the healthy role emotions can play in their life and wellbeing. I've helped many clients who struggle with feeling numb or disconnected from emotions or, on the opposite end, struggle with endless anxiety, perfectionism, and feelings of overwhelm.
With AEDP, I explain the wonderful role emotions can play, and together walk you through safely feeling your emotions so you finally understand what your body is telling you to do!
I've seen people who have been going to talk therapy for YEARS without making much progress begin to show growth within a few months with AEDP and a warm, caring approach.
I would love to share more with you about how this can be life-changing for you, too!
Interested in talking?
(512) 843-1819Office Location
Costs and Insurance
$130 per session
Sliding Scale
Out of Pocket
Cigna
UnitedHealthcare (UHC / UBH)
Specialties
ADHD
Anxiety
Career Counseling
Depression
Approaches
AEDP
Christian Counseling
Coaching
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Processing (CPT)