I am a Texas State Board approved Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor in the state of Texas and have been providing counseling services since 1994 and providing LPC Associate supervision since 2004. For over 30 years I have been involved in community mental health, most recently as the Clincal Manager of a large metropolitan outpatient clinic in Dallas that serves the severe and persistently mentally ill adult and children with severe emotional disturbances.

Experience

I received my undergraduate degree from the University of Houston. I received my Master of Science degree in Counseling from Texas A&M University. I completed my internship at Group Circle Counseling in Dallas, Texas, under the supervision of Dr. Juanita Kirby, from 1992 thru 1994, where I later continued on as a contract therapist, eventually developing a private practice. Additionally, I have worked in community mental health providing counseling services to adults, and as Director of a child and adolescent community behavioral health clinic which included youth-at-risk engaged with the Juvenile Probation Department of Dallas, Texas. I have supervised the clinical managers of four adult outpatient clinics providing services to adults with severe and persistent mental illness and children with severe emotional disturbances, as well as managing an after-hours crisis clinic operation. I also have supervised Certified Peer Counselors and assisted with mental health related Information Technology needs for Metrocare Services.

LPC Supervision

I obtained my LPC Supervisor status approval in 2004 and have supervised many LPC Associates thru completion of their required hours. This has become a great passion for me. I have many times had the distinct pleasure of employing Master's level students, becoming their LPC Associate supervisor, and eventually their LPC colleague.

Counseling

In my private practice and community counseling settings, my clients have varied; individuals, couples, groups, and families. I have provided positive outcome therapy to clients presenting with substance abuse, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, adjustment disorders, interpersonal difficulties, parenting problems, sexual abuse, "coming out", grief, and HIV/AIDS. I embarked upon community mental health services with Dallas Metrocare in 1998. I conducted intake assessments, developed diagnoses, treatment planning, provided case mangement, psychosocial rehabilitation and counseling services to severe and persistently mentally ill clients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression, with co-occurring diagnoses of personality disorders, anxiety disorders, adjustment disorders, and substance use diagnoses. Throughout, I enjoy person-centered, cognitive-behavioral, and gestalt therapeutic approaches.