I believe in taking an approach toward the whole person. Understanding the individual and catering a care plan best suited to their goals and values.

I am Dr. Cynthia Agbayani, a licensed professional counselor, and Air Force veteran. My doctoral studies focus was attachment and trauma. I have 25-plus years of experience working with at-risk youth, families, couples, and individuals covering various issues. I specialize in attachment, trauma, anxiety, and family issues. I work with people who range in age from toddler to old age in varying settings, such as home-based, outpatient, residential, and telehealth. I employ an eclectic approach based on my client’s needs using many different modalities. I am trained in several evidence-based practices to treat anxiety, depression, trauma, and suicide prevention. I believe in doing whatever it takes to help my clients move toward mental health and wellness. Even though my specialty is in at-risk youth and families, I enjoy working with all client populations. My experience includes combat veterans, LGBTQ clients, couples, adoptees and their families, foster care children, and youth, clients in transition (life stage, separationdivorcemarriage, career changes, etc.), clients with substance abuse issues, and clients in spiritual crises. I employ a nurturing, positive stance using active listening. I believe I am an agent of change and seek to bring my excitement and enthusiasm to the fore to encourage clients to take those difficult steps toward change. I enter the therapeutic alliance with openness, clarity, and serenity no matter the issue at hand. I was drawn to professional counseling after talking with a professional mentor who was supporting youth with substance use issues. I had already retired from the Air Force and wanted to find a way to work with troubled youth in our community. After several years of providing supportive counseling, I sought my master's degree and then went on to pursue a doctoral degree and licensing. I also completed a Master's Certificate in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Successful care starts with a thorough intake, addressing immediate concerns (i.e., suicidality), goal setting, and establishing a therapeutic alliance. I encourage clients to set goals that promote self-understanding and encourage risk-taking--the active steps necessary for healthy change. Clients see progress through meeting objectives that lead to the completion of their goals. Our first session is designed to help clients become comfortable while providing historical information that aids in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment goals. We work on establishing a strong therapeutic alliance by getting to know a little bit about one another.

I specialize in helping clients navigate anxiety, depression, PTSD, adjustment disorders, substance use, domestic violence, trauma, psychosis, and marital or family challenges. My approach blends existential therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused techniques, and resiliency-based strategies to empower you to find meaning and build resilience. I’m inclusive, faith-friendly, and committed to creating a safe, supportive space where your unique experiences are honored. With experience in diverse settings—including inpatient, outpatient, community clinics, and the VA—I tailor therapy to your needs in a safe teleheath space to suit you’re hectic lifestyle. Whether you’re facing life transitions, relationship struggles, or deeper emotional wounds, I’m here to partner with you on your journey toward healing and growth. Let’s work together to discover your strengths and create lasting change. I offer free 15 minute phone consultations so call today and let’s talk.

Feeling overwhelmed or stuck? I’m here to help you navigate life’s challenges with warmth and understanding. As a therapist, I create a safe space where you can explore your emotions and discover practical solutions. My approach blends empathy with actionable strategies, tailored to your unique needs. Together, we’ll work at your pace, uncovering strengths and fostering resilience through secure online sessions.

Specialize in assisting individuals in developing coping mechanisms, delving into past traumas to alleviate their impact on the present, and fostering mindfulness techniques to alleviate anxiety. By collaboratively exploring these areas, my aim is to empower clients to navigate life's challenges with resilience and clarity. I believe in creating a supportive and nonjudgmental space where clients feel safe to explore their experiences and emotions. Drawing from evidence-based approaches and tailored interventions, I work alongside individuals to identify their strengths and cultivate personalized strategies for growth. My therapeutic approach is characterized by empathy, compassion, and a genuine commitment to facilitating positive change. Together, we embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing, allowing clients to cultivate a deeper understanding of themselves and their potential. If you are seeking to build resilience, overcome past traumas, and cultivate greater mindfulness in your life, I'm here to support you every step of the way. Let's work together to unlock your inner strength and enhance your well-being.

Is your worry wearing you out? Do you live in fear of your next wave of panic? Anxiety issues rob you of peace, self-esteem, and joy. The good news is, you CAN learn to control your reaction to your fears! Anxiety is one of the most successfully treated conditions. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, more than 90% of people with an anxiety disorder will make a good recovery if given appropriate treatment. I use a combination of relaxation and body awareness training and cognitive-behavioral interventions when teaching people to get their anxious reactions under control. In addition to helping people calm their anxiety, I also use the same processes, combined with one-on-one attention and empathy to help people lift their depression, heal emotional pain, and improve their relationships. I believe everyone has the inner wisdom and potential to learn what they need to learn, change what they want to change, and live the life of peace, joy, and happiness that they envision. Give me a call and let's get started.

Artist & Architect of Human Flourishing. Couples & Individual Counseling. Book a free 20-minute Fit Call. Let's locate what's missing for you and plan your next direction. https:calendly.comheathercarlilelpc Designing Intimacy Starter: $680 for four sessions! (Save $100 expires in 6 weeks.). My couples course: "Designing Intimacy: A Blueprint for Last sting Connection." You can text, call, email, leave me a comment or a question. My website and You Tube channel provide lots of answers. I'm always happy to respond and, remember, I offer a free call when you put yourself on my calendar. I'm here to help when you can't figure it out. I blend mentoring, teaching, and depth psychology. I draw from personality (Enneagram Types), neuroscience, and practical life design for growth. Sessions are compassionate and strategic—for self-understanding, communication, and purposeful change. I help your resilience, confidence, the capacity to create relationships and a life that truly flourishes. You don’t have to navigate change or uncertainty alone. Whether you’re seeking clarity, stronger relationships, or a renewed sense of purpose, we can work together to create real, lasting change. If you’re ready to find clarity in meaning or to take the next step toward the life you envision, I’m here to understand, to offer information, and to support you.

I believe that choosing the right therapist is the most important first step in the healing process. I make it a point to connect to my clients so that they are able to feel as comfortable as possible in a therapeutic setting. Therapy can often times be an uncomfortable process and I believe that it is very important for the client and the therapist to feel like they can talk about anything. I will be open and honest with you about myself and I feel comfortable sharing information that may help you. My clients often tell me that they feel they can tell me anything early on. They find me to be warm, inviting, friendly, and caring. My main philosophy is to allow for a safe environment in order to collaborate together to work through problems and challenges that you are facing. I provide a nonjudgmental atmosphere and avoid the awkward silences that some therapists employee. This will be a collaboration, many times a brainstorming session, and a way to find direction in your life with my assistance. I hope that you will reach out and take the next step in order to feel better about whatever challenges have brought you here today.

Dawn Nelson treats clients with the utmost respect and appropriate confidentiality; she is caring and non-judgmental as she recognizes that talking about problems can be difficult for clients. She is an experienced clinician who works with topics such as anxiety, anger, depression, grief, child abuse, sexual trauma, and crisis management. Ms. Nelson helped cancer patients and their families cope with the emotional effects of serious illness while at The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. In addition, she worked extensively with abuse victims as a clinician at Masters & Johnson's Sexual Trauma Treatment Center in New Orleans. Other concerns addressed include marital and parent-child relationships, and alternative lifestyles. Dawn has an additional Specialization in Children and Families to focus on academic, behavioral and social issues, as well as helping in court-ordered cases. Dawn is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, a U.S. Department of Transportation Substance Abuse Professional, a Certified Anger Resolution Therapist, and a Professional Mediator. She earned her Master of Science in Social Work and Bachelor of Art in Psychology and English degrees from the University of Texas at Austin. She is a State of Texas Board Approved Social Work Supervisor and faculty at Texas A&M University-Commerce. She is a member of the Academy of Certified Social Workers and the National Association of Social Workers.

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 mental health care to assist you in achieving these goals. : The purpose of 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. 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.

Your life doesn't have to be filled with fighting and rehashing the same old arguments with your partner or family member. Change begins when you decide the same old way doesn't work for you anymore...when you make that decision I can help you make the changes necessary to make it a reality!

Are you tired of just surviving? Are you ready to THRIVE? Major changes, death, relationship issues, dissatisfaction in career, self-esteem issues, past trauma, and normal life events can leave many of us feeling Depressed, Anxious, Angry, Empty, or even like we have lost our Identity- our sense of who we want to be. My goal is for you to feel comfortable in an environment where we will discuss your feelings, thoughts, and concerns. I tailor the process to fit your individual needs as we work together to develop healthy coping skills and a plan of action to accomplish your goals for happiness, balance, and satisfaction in your life and relationships. I provide individual counseling for adults and adolescents, couples/marriage counseling, family therapy, sex therapy, and career counseling/coaching. I would be honored to work with you to achieve your goals for satisfaction and well-being! Call today and start THRIVING!