I have been a therapist since 2014 when I graduated with my masters degree in social work from North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC. After graduating with my bachelors in social work in 2012 and working for a year at a homeless shelter, I knew there was more that I wanted to be doing, which led me back to school to continue my education. I finished all of my clinical hours for licensure in April of 2018, which is when I became an LCSW. I have worked at three different outpatient mental health centers during my time of practice, all which served different ages, diagnoses, and stages of life. The majority of my experience comes in working with individuals learning to cope with anxiety, stress, depression, addictions, trauma, abuse, parenting issues, life transitions, relational issues and grief and loss. I may be the “therapist,” but no one knows you like you do, and that is why I make it a priority to make sure we use my expertise, as well as yours to make sure we get you where you want to be! I traditionally come from a strengths based background/approach for this reason. I have taken certified courses in Trauma Focused CBT, and in treating Anxiety. I can’t promise I won’t respectfully try to challenge you throughout this process, but you have the power to choose what feels right for you. I understand that this is a difficult spot to be in, and that the thought of needing “therapy” can sometimes seem unnecessary, but I really hope that you can look at this like a partnership where I can provide you with certain tools that will help you on your journey. There is no such thing as a stupid question, a ridiculous thought, or a reason to be embarrassed. Everyone handles stress and life transitions differently, and if it weren’t for that we wouldn’t have the uniqueness that helps us all accelerate at different things. I am honored to get to hear your story, and to be your sounding board at this time of transition.

My name is Sylvia Akingbade, and I am a licensed professional counselor in Texas. I have been in the mental health field for over 7 years. I have worked with children, adults, and those that are elderly or disabled. Over the years, as I sat with these individuals each day, I realized that we all need someone to process situations as we all experience life. I have come to accept that this is my purpose in life. I feel as long as we have that one person we can connect with, there is hope that we can overcome obstacles. My approach combines cognitive behavior therapy and person-centered therapy. With cognitive behavior therapy, the process involves a collaboration between the client and the therapist. I use this method because it allows us to work together towards your goals. With person-centered therapy, it will enable the client to set the tone for the session so that you can get the best out of our sessions. During all our sessions, I want you to know that this is a place where you can feel safe and free to speak as you wish. I believe in empowering each person to get and keep control over their lives. I want you to know that you are in charge of the therapy session, and I am just here to guide you. I feel like if we focus on you as a person, we will find out the problem. It takes a lot of courage to open this door, so I encourage you to be honest and continue walking through this door to get what you came here to learn. I look forward to connecting with you!

I was born in Dallas and I have lived in several urban cities including: New Orleans, LA; Washington, D.C.; Jersey City, NJ; and New York City. I received my Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Howard University. I am particularly sensitive to the challenges of children and adults with mental health and challenges, including domestic/family violence and child abuse. I have over 15-years experience as a therapist. Contemplating counseling for the first time can be a scary decision. Many people have no idea what to expect. The counseling process requires developing a trustworthy relationship between the therapist and the client; and it is the therapist’s responsibility to develop and cultivate that relationship. As a therapist, it is my responsibility to unconditionally accept you as you are, which includes not being judgmental. Thus, creating a safe and nurturing counseling relationship. As human beings, our experiences are unique to us. We experience and view the world from our lens, which impacts how we perceive ourselves and others. Unfortunately, because we are all unique, people around us also develop perceptions about us which may not be an accurate representation of who we are or our true intentions. Sometimes, our perceptions lead to miscommunication and misconceptions; thereby impacting our ability to connect and develop healthy relationships. Typically, perceptions are based on our experiences and our experiences are not always favorable or pleasant. Occasionally, our experiences are traumatic and abusive. For some, trauma and abuse occur so regularly that it becomes the norm and ultimately impacts social, interpersonal, and intimate relationships. Counseling is the process of becoming awakened to our true selves to better understand how our personal experiences influence who we are. Our personal experiences are impacted by our family of origin, racial and cultural/ethnic group, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, etc. Because many aspects of one’s life may be explored, including childhood experiences, the process of counseling may feel uncomfortable and intrusive, at times. However, it is important to trust the process and know that every counseling session will not feel good. There are times that as a client, you may feel sad or hurt and become tearful; you may be excited and feel happy; you may be confused and feel hopeless. However, know that in the end, if you trust the process, you will hopefully learn something new about yourself that you never considered. Thus, leading to fulfillment in your life in areas including your relationships and family dynamics that ultimately, enhance your self-worth.

Hello! My name is Karen Ward. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas with over 14 years of experience working as a counselor and a hypnotherapist. I have worked with individuals, couples, and families with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, past hurts, and OCD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. In addition, I have much life experience that gives me compassion and a deeper understanding of what it may be like standing in your shoes. Congratulations on taking this first step in improving your life. Many people believe that seeking help from a therapist is a sign of weakness. But the contrary is true. It is a sign of great strength and wisdom. I will be glad to discuss this further with you if you would like. I strongly believe you should feel comfortable with the therapist you choose, and hopeful about the therapy. When you feel this way, therapy is more likely to be extremely helpful to you. I like to think of my role as a passenger on your boat of life, helping you navigate through the rapids or the storms of your life. I will not steer your boat for you or tell you how to drive it. But I will teach you better skills and help you let go of your past failures or anchors that are weighing you down so that when the next rapids or storm hits, you are better prepared to navigate through the troubled waters to calmer seas. My theoretical approach is based on the family system. Each of us has a family. This could be the family that raised us (parents, grandparents, foster parents, adopted parents, aunts and uncles, or other friends or extended family) or it could be people we respect and give us assistance and guidance when needed most. Any or all these people have contributed to our experiences, good or bad in life, and how we react to people or situations today. It is these family memories and experiences along with your personality and temperament that have brought you to the place you are in life today. The most central ideas in my work are: 1. People are unique and deserve to be treated equally and with respect. 2. Families and society tend to judge people's worth and force them into conformity which may lead to anxiety, loss of self-esteem, depression, anger, rebellion, and other dysfunctional behaviors and psychological disorders. 3. Every person needs their own space and a purpose in life to have a sense of worth, hope, acceptance, empowerment, and the ability to make good choices and be responsible. 4. Therapy can help people change in a positive way so that they can live to their full potential. 5. Parents do the best they know how, and often repeat the dysfunctional patterns of their families. 6. Change can be difficult and may create stress in the family system and in the client. This can lead to the client reverting to the familiar way of coping with the stress and the stopping of all progress. 7. As the client's self-worth and outlook on life improves, change will occur and is permanent. The goals of my treatment are tailored to the individual's uniqueness, willingness to change, and their personal issues. My hope is that everyone will discover their full potential and develop the healthy coping skills necessary to function in their family system and in society. I look forward to helping you find peace and happiness in your life.

I am a licensed therapist in Texas with over 5 years of experience working as a therapist and psychoeducational addiction therapist . I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD, and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, solution focused and rational-emotive therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

I am a licensed clinical social worker in Dallas Fort-Worth area with over 18 years of experience working with people experiencing anxiety, codependency, attachment issues, depression, grief/loss, family issues and addiction, terminal and/or complex illnesses as well as marriage/family issues. Within the therapeutic relationship, we will work to develop goals to support your individual needs and move towards change. I incorporate a strengths-based counseling approach and cognitive-behavioral tools to identify and support individuals in working through complex issues. I am passionate about helping individuals move forward in life when they feel "stuck." I recognize the strength it takes to move towards a more balanced and fulfilling life. My job is to support you on your journey of faith, hope and healing and I look forward to engaging with you in the future!

Whether you are new to therapy or returning, we all encounter speed bumps in life when we may find a need for support to work through and resolve past or current issues. For over 20 years I have worked with adults in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. I will encourage you to share your strengths and barriers to develop a deeper understanding of yourself. This may involve cognitive processing to help uncover contributing factors to anxiety, depression, mood dysregulation, unsatisfying relationships, unmet goals and communication breakdowns. I incorporate appropriate skills and ways to help you to recognize and respond to your feelings.

I am licensed in Texas with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

I am licensed in Texas with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, depression & personality disorders. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

I am licensed in Texas with years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

I am licensed in Texas with over 16 years of professional counseling experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Hello and welcome! My name is Sylvia Luna and I am honored that you are considering my services. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor (LPC-S) and a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) with three decades of dedicated experience within the mental health, substance abuse, and faith based communities. My experience is diverse, encompassing work with various populations in different professional settings, including the criminal justice system, Texas Department of Family Protective Services, in-patient and out-patient substance abuse treatment settings, Intimate Partner Violence, homelessness, and congregants of faith-based communities. Over the past 30 years, I have had the privilege of helping individuals, couples, and families navigate their mental health challenges and overcome substance abuse issues to achieve mental health wellness. Over the course of my career, I have provided supportive counseling, and worked as a clinical therapist spending 10 years focused on substance abuse and four years addressing mental health issues and other related issues. My goal is to foster a genuine therapeutic relationship with you and be transparent and direct with you. As your therapist, I am not perfect nor pretend to have all the answers, but am committed to challenge you to become the best version of yourself and be by your side when things get uncomfortable and challenging. My extensive background enables me to provide a comprehensive and empathetic approach to counseling. I aim to support you on your journey through life’s challenges, whether you are dealing with stress, low self-esteem, trauma, addictions, relationship problems, and issues related to Christian faith. My therapy approach and style are designed as a collaborative and experiential process, utilizing an eclectic therapy approach grounded in a humanistic and existential perspective. I incorporate a variety of therapeutic techniques, ensuring that the strategies I use are specifically tailored to meet your unique goals and needs. A priority is to meet you where you are, providing you support and guidance in a safe, nonjudgmental space to help achieve your goals and improve your quality of life. My goal is to assist you in learning and practicing effective strategies to increase your insight while discovering your authentic self, develop relational connections, and finding your purpose. My therapy style uses Eclectic (Integrative) Therapy with a Humanistic-Existential Therapy lens that also draws influence from Gestalt, Client Centered Therapy, Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT), and Christian Counseling. Taking the first step towards therapy can be challenging, but it’s a crucial one for improving your wellbeing. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to work with you and provide support during this journey. Let’s begin this process together to help you achieve your goals and enhance your quality of life. Just so you know, I am fluent in both English and Spanish, which allows me to assist you effectively in either language.