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.
