Welcome to LaMastra Counseling!

Welcome to my practice. I am licensed by the State of Texas as a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master's degree in Counseling. I have extensive experience working with individuals (children, adolescents, and adults), couples, families, and groups. I am a member of the American Counseling Association (ACA), the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC). Additionally I provide consulting services to various organizations and ministries, and do adjunct teaching at a local college.

I am trained in a variety of approaches to therapy and employ a variety of techniques to assist you in clarifying your goals for change and taking steps in the desired direction. My overall goal in therapy is to assist you in being as healthy as possible physically, mentally, emotionally, relationally, and spiritually. I believe all people are created with a need for purpose and meaning, a need for significant connection with others, and a capacity for growth. Thus I am committed to providing quality psychological care to assist you in achieving these goals.

The purpose of psychological treatment may include relieving distress; decreasing symptoms of a mental or emotional disorder; improving one's mood, self-esteem, or overall well-being; working through trauma or loss; working to improve significant relationships; or learning better coping skills for life's challenges. As such, psychotherapy is not an exact science and it is not like a visit to a medical doctor, but rather requires your active participation in identifying problems and goals, and working to make changes. In order for therapy to be most successful, I will at times ask you to take specific steps to work on the issues we discuss, both during our sessions and in the time in between our appointments. I will work to create a safe setting in which you feel respected and accepted in order for you to openly discuss issues which may be at times personal and uncomfortable. I will be sensitive to the pacing and timing of these discussions to maximize a therapeutic result.

Sessions are usually 45-50 minutes, on a weekly basis. You can always schedule more time if we/you feel it is needed. Less frequent sessions will be scheduled as improvements occur, goals are met, and we near the end of treatment. Feel free to express your preferences for scheduling of sessions, as your needs will likely change over the course of therapy. Psychotherapy can have benefits and risks. Therapy often leads to better relationships, solutions to specific problems, and significant reduction in feelings of distress. I cannot guarantee your specific results. Progress depends on many factors including motivation, effort, and how well we work as a team. Additionally, therapy at times involves unpleasant feelings and addressing issues that initially may be difficult, even painful. The changes you make may impact your relationships, your functioning on the job or at home, or your understanding of yourself. Some of these changes may be temporarily distressing. Whenever possible, we will anticipate these risks and discuss them throughout the course of therapy. Together we will work to achieve the best possible results for you.

The most important thing I would like to stress is that I am passionate about what I do. I am here to help you have the kind of life you deserve. Changes can be difficult and sometimes we aren't sure if we are capable of making the changes that we need to. Please be assured that I am here to walk along this journey with you and to give you hope and encouragement when you have none of your own. I will cry and laugh with you, and even confront you when it is needed. My ultimate goal for you is hope, healing, and health that will lead to better relationships and a more fulfilled life.