White Dog Counseling
Online Therapy.
Your Place.
Your Time.
Your Choice.
Supposedly, there is a Native American story that goes something like this:
An old grandfather tells his grandson that inside each of us, there is a black dog and a white dog doing battle.
The black dog possesses qualities typically understood as negative, including envy, greed, sorrow, anger, resentment, and arrogance.
The white dog possesses qualities understood as positive, including love, joy, kindness, empathy, compassion, humility, and peace.
The grandson asks, “Which dog will win the fight?”
And the elder responds, “Whichever one we feed the most”.
Which Dog Are You Feeding?
Today's life is hectic and fraught with conflict. We often find ourselves caught up in struggling to simply get through the day. We try to meet everyone's needs, climb the ladder to success in our career, be the best parent on the block, the ideal partner and to appear as successful as our neighbor. We become resentful, envious, arrogant, judgemental. We become unbalanced and out of harmony with ourselves and nature. We don't understand why we feel so unhappy. We "feed our black dog" and he responds by growing stronger.
You don't have to let him win. I can help you find your way to a more positive and peaceful life. Together we will explore the issues you are facing and develop a more harmonious approach to your life. All from the comfort of the location of your choosing.
About me
Each of us walks our own path, climbs our own mountain and swims our own river. Although these challenges may at times seem insurmountable, they are always easier when shared. If you are ready to move forward through your challenges I am here to encourage and support you. I am a non-traditional, kink aware and body modification friendly psychotherapist who welcomes adult clients 21 years and older who want a therapist who is willing to work with them on their self-identified issues as opposed to their appearance or lifestyles. I am open and comfortable working with individuals who subscribe to alternative lifestyles and views, as well as spiritual beliefs.
With more than 20 years’ experience working with a variety of clients dealing with a variety of issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship issues, stage of life issues, substance abuse recovery, caregiver support both for caregivers of elderly and/or mentally ill family members. I have provided group and individual counseling to adults in all stages of life, street-dependent youth, "at-risk" families, and individuals of all ages battling addiction. I have taught harm reduction methods, provided HIV education, oral HIV testing and have multiple years’ experience in supportive counseling, case management, community linkage, homelessness mitigation as well as providing resources and referrals.
I don't toss around labels or believe in spreading bullshit. I'll call you on your stuff or be your biggest fan depending on which you need. I've walked through fire, gotten burned, but still survived. I can help you do the same. All you have to do is ask.
I provide counseling to individuals located in Texas or Virginia
SPECIALTIES
Stress, anxiety
Addictions
Depression
General life adjustment issues
EDUCATION and CERTIFICATIONS
Masters of Science in Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin
Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Texas and Virginia
TSBSWE approved Clinical Supervisor
NADA trained Acu-detox Specialist
Texas Department of State Health Services Certified PCPE (patient counseling, partner elicitation)
Reiki Master Level III
EXPERTISE:
Client-centered Psychotherapy
Motivational Interviewing/Counseling
Crisis Intervention
Harm Reduction
Brief Intervention
Solution Focused Therapy
The Gorski-Cenaps Relapse Prevention model
Cognitive Behavioral Models
Criminal Justice Intervention and Deferment
Housing First Housing Model
Seeking Safety Interventions for PTSD and Substance Abuse
LICENSING
Texas LCSW #29702
Virginia LCSW #0904007236
Individual Therapy
How Does It Work?
Individual therapy offers you and your therapist the chance to spend time one-on-one talking through and exploring your areas of concern. Our video sessions will be conducted from the privacy and convenience of your own home. This will be an uninterrupted time of your choosing dedicated to just you in which you will have the freedom to explore your concerns without leaving the comfort of your own space.
Initially, we will begin by talking about what brought you to therapy and what outcome you are hoping will be accomplished during our time together. Exploring your concerns in session from a place of honesty and vulnerability will allow you to begin to unpack the issues that brought you to therapy. By bringing these issues out into the light, you will be able to allow healing to occur as well as identify areas of possible change.
Therapy isn't meant to be comfortable. Opening up your innermost thoughts and feelings with a stranger can cause you to feel defenseless and vulnerable. This can be an unnerving process, however, these feelings are completely natural. Over time as we build a relationship and gain trust in each other, your sense of discomfort will diminish and you will begin to see progress in making the healthy changes which initially brought you here. Throughout the whole process, I will be with you to provide guidance and direction in a safe and secure environment.
Initial Assessment - $175.00
Each 1-hour session thereafter - $130.00
Income-based sliding scale fees available through Open Path Collective
*Note: Although your appointment is booked as an hour, actual face to face time is based on the
traditional 45-minute therapeutic "hour" .
