Hello
I am licensed in Texas with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients cope with addictions, trauma and abuse, depressions & anger management. I also have experience working with those with criminal justice involvement. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in healing and overcoming life’s challenges. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
About Me
I have worked in a mix of settings conducting a range of services including individual therapy, case management and criminal mitigation. I started my career with the Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD {The local mental health authority in Harris County} completing diagnostic interviews. From here, I went to the Harris County Sheriff's Office and worked as a mental health liaison to help coordinate client's care between the jail, state hospitals, outpatient care, and the courts. I also hold a license to practice private investigations in the State of Texas.
Skills:
-
Liaison with multiagency | multidisciplinary staff (interagency departments, state hospital staff, county civil and criminal court, county sheriff’s office, medical providers, state regulatory staff)
-
Develop & present group training
-
Mental health diagnostic assessments
-
Crisis management
-
Case management
-
Individual therapy
-
Monthly submissions for financial analytic information
-
Intern supervision (not license related)
-
Forensic setting; including work with competency process and NGRI Process (Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity)
-
Served as a subject matter expert (substance use disorders and related conditions, compliance, pharmacy, internal audit processes, & industry regulatory updates)
-
Represented a MCO (Medicaid Care Organization) information at TX HHSC Home and Community Based Services – Adult Mental Health Annual Best Practices conference
-
Assisted with regulatory write-in responses and data reports
-
Program development & management
Theoretical Background:
My primary theoretical approach is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, more commonly known as CBT.
Other types of therapy I practice
Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
Compassion Focused
Eclectic
Experiential Therapy
Ketamine-Assisted
Mindfulness-Based (MBCT)
Motivational Interviewing
Music Therapy
Narrative
Person-Centered
Positive Psychology
Strength-Based
Trauma Focused
May 2007
Master's of Arts, Clinical Psychology
University of Houston - Clear Lake
December 2004
Bachelor's of Science
Sam Houston State University
'Practicum'/internship:
Fort Bend County Juvenile Detention Center; I conducted clinical assessments & interviews, along with individual, family, and group sessions for teens who were incarcerated or on probation.
Graduated Cum Laude with Highest Honors
Thesis: "Religion, Moral Disengagement, and Punitive Attitudes"
Main area of focus/ Major: Psychology
Minor: Criminal Justice
Research:
Spring 2005 –
Research Assistant
Forensic Psychological Services Center at the University of Houston Participated in the “Jury Project”;
Gerald Harris, Ph.D.
Fall 2003 –
Research Assistant
Moral Disengagement, Attributional Style, and Death Penalty Support;
Scott Vollum, M.A.; Jackie Buffington-Vollum, M.A.
Fall 2002-
Research Assistant
Diagnosing Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder;
Jerry Bruce, Ph.D.; Marsha Harmon, Ph.D.
Education
About Me - Personally
I am the mother of 2 beautiful and vivacious daughters, have been married to my husband for 21 years, and have 2 fur babies; a Great Dane and a Cane Corso. I love to read and listen to audiobooks, suspense and mysteries being my favorite genres. As well, I have a love for space and earth sciences, and most types of music. I often incorporate music into my therapy sessions, so feel free to tell me about music that moves you.