Meet The Team
Who Are We?
Underwood Counseling & Consultation, PLLC was established in 2014 in McKinney, Texas, by Lucy F. Underwood PhD LPC-S who saw her community was lacking in providers who were effectively trained in trauma recovery therapy and in working with complex mental health issues.
After spending over 20 years as an administrator, program director, and staff therapist in public and private psychiatric hospitals, public community mental health centers, and residential substance abuse programs, Dr. Underwood transitioned to private practice bringing innovative and empirically supported trauma therapy to clients who previously only had options of traditional talk therapy and/or medication management.
Trained in 2012, she was among the first five clinicians in Collin and Grayson Counties in Texas, to offer Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR). In 2019, Dr. Underwood, again brought innovative trauma treatment to clients by adding Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) to her repertoire of therapeutic approaches. Private practice has allowed for the provision of empirically supported mental health treatment without the limitations of corporate parameters and insurance directed care. The most enjoyable aspects of working in private practice have been the opportunities to see individuals achieve recovery, experience emotional healing, and develop confidence to pursue their personal goals.
Today, Dr. Underwood has a team of 12 therapists who provide in-office and telehealth counseling to clients across the states of Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Kansas, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Georgia. She is committed to teaching therapists who desire to deepen their skill set as well as newly licensed therapists to meet the needs of individuals with complex mental health symptoms. While she continues to provide therapy to clients, Dr. Underwood also provides consultation to and collaboration with other organizations to create trauma recovery programs for first responders and veterans.
What Makes Us Different?
Underwood Counseling & Consultation, PLLC stands out as one of the premier practices in Collin County, Texas, and across Dallas-Fort Worth. Our team goes beyond just talk therapy. They bring over 50 years of collective experience to the group practice.
The Underwood Counseling & Consultation, PLLC team recognizes the need for integrated and collaborative care with other providers. Many general medical conditions can manifest as mental health symptoms.
Our team conducts a comprehensive biopsychosocial intake with all new clients and periodically revisits this information to determine what factors might underly mental health symptoms.
It is very common for our clinicians to collaborate with general medical providers, cardiologists, oncologists, psychiatrists, nutritionists, speech/language pathologists, occupational therapists, and other specialty services to ensure comprehensive care for our clients.
Underwood Counseling & Consultation, PLLC services the entire family. We have a team of therapists who specialize in therapy with individuals, families, and couples while utilizing EMDR, Accelerated Resolution Therapy, Congnitive Behavior Therapy, Family Systems, Skill Based Therapies, Animal Assisted Therapy just to name a few.
On the rare occasion that we encounter a client mental health need that we cannot treat, it is our promise that we will provide specific referrals to the client and with client permission provide coordination of care with the new provider.
Clients have reported finding therapeutic success with the Underwood Counseling & Consultation, PLLC team through the experience of safety and acceptance, acquisition of new skills, challenges to their thoughts and behaviors, accountability, and unconditional positive regard.
Dr. Lucy Underwood
PhD, LPC-S, NCC, ACS, BC-TMH
Owner, CEO
In 1993, Dr. Lucy Underwood completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Auburn University followed by completion of a Master’s of Science in Counseling and Human Development at Troy University-Montgomery in 1996. In 2006, she graduated with a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Memphis. During the doctoral program Dr. Underwood completed an American Psychological Association (APA) approved pre-doctoral residency in Psychology at Mississippi State Hospital (MSH).
Following residency at MSH, she returned to employment in 2005, at East Mississippi State Hospital (EMSH) in Meridian, MS, as the Director of Psychology for the R. P. White Nursing Facility, a 240-bed long-term nursing home facility.
Additional clinical experience has included serving as the Director of Alternative Services for Parkwood Behavioral Health in Mississippi, where Dr. Underwood oversaw the delivery of services in a partial hospitalization program (PHP) for dual diagnosis; a chemical dependency intensive outpatient program (IOP); a school-based therapy program for at-risk youth; and a geriatric unit located within a medical-surgical hospital. In 2010, she relocated to McKinney, Texas, to join an addiction management company with both residential and outpatient treatment programs. Dr. Underwood has been in private practice since 2014.
Dr. Lucy Underwood’s experiences have ranged from clinical and program administration to individual/group/family therapy to psychological testing. Diagnoses that she has treated include sports performance (professional and amateur), chronic mental health issues (e.g., Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Eating Disorders, etc.), medical-psychiatric issues (e.g., Huntington’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, Alzheimer’s Disease, etc.), chemical dependency, chronic health issues (e.g., cancer, brain injury, infertility, etc.) and developmental disorders.
Dr. Underwood has also had extensive experience in treating childhood and family disorders and working in outpatient mental health programs. Integrated into all of her clinical experiences has been a large element of formal teaching and training of nurses, social workers, CNA’s, etc. in behavior management, psychological issues of various populations, and conflict resolution/management.
One of the most exciting developments in the treatment of mental health is the use of Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) and Eye Move Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). In addition to being a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor in Texas and Colorado, Dr. Underwood also holds credentials as a Certified EMDR Therapist and EMDR Consultant-In-Training; and is Master Certified in Advanced & Enhanced Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). Dr. Underwood is an authorized provider of ART SAF-T. She is a National Certified Counselor (NCC); an Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS); and a Board Certified-Telemental Health Therapist (BC-TMH). Dr. Underwood enjoys providing clinical supervision to students and those LPC therapists who are completing their hours for licensure. She is a member of the Colorado Counseling Association, Texas Counseling Association, Dallas Psychological Association, EMDRIA, ART-International, the Association for Applied Sports Psychology, and the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.
Dr. Underwood’s conceptualization of issues is based in Systems Theory, which suggests our cognitions and behaviors are largely influenced by the various layers of our environment in which a client was reared. It does not discount genetic issues. Her treatment application is grounded in Cognitive Behavior Therapy or what we commonly refer to as “talk therapy”. Dr. Underwood frequently incorporates the use of EMDR and ART in conjunction with traditional talk therapy. With that said, she believes it important to figure out what works best for the client. At times, Dr. Underwood utilizes other treatment modalities including experiential therapies such as Equine Assisted Psychotherapy.
Originally from Alabama, Dr. Underwood moved to Texas in 2010. In her spare time she enjoys flower and vegetable gardening, cooking, exercise, photography, and traveling to attend Auburn University football games and Dave Matthews Band concerts. Dr. Underwood has been collecting recipes from family in hopes of someday writing her own cookbook. She enjoys music, her kitty (Piper), three Basset Hounds (River, Lily, and Ruby), as well as her friends’ dogs and horses. Dr. Underwood is active in First United Methodist Church of McKinney, the American Cancer Society, the Pi Beta Phi Alumnae Association, and has served in local community programs such as the advisory committee for the Women’s Alliance of McKinney, a division of the McKinney Chamber of Commerce.
Nathaniel W. Briggs
MA LPC
Nathaniel Briggs (also known as Nathan) has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. He is credentialed as a Licensed Professional Counselor by the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council.
Nathaniel offers individual and family counseling to adolescents, adults, and seniors experiencing anxiety; depression; PTSD due to sexual, physical, and emotional abuse; grief; maladaptive coping; family discord; and emotional distress due to cooccurring medical conditions. He also offers pre-marital, marital, and couples counseling. Nathaniel has extensive experience in counseling with couples and families who have a history of relationship trauma, including infidelity. He has a special interest in providing therapeutic support to ministry and clergy professionals; lay leaders; youth leaders; ministry support staff; and family members of those in ministry.
Nathaniel grew up in DFW. He lived in East Texas for the past 14 years. In his spare time, Nathaniel enjoys exploring theology from around the world. Additionally, he can frequently be found leveling up in MMO gaming; leaving his opponents rekt; or crushing it with his favorite board games. However, nothing compares to Nathaniel’s love of spending time with his family comprised of his wife, Jesselyn, and two young daughters.
Stefanie Rivera
MA LPC
Stefanie Rivera graduated from The University of Colorado in Denver with a Master of Arts in Counseling and a concentration in Couples and Family Therapy. She is credentialed as a Licensed Professional Counselor by the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council.
Stefanie earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Kansas. During her undergraduate studies, she assisted with research on the effects of social media on intimate relationships and volunteered for the National Suicide Prevention Hotline.
While living in Colorado, Stefanie worked with young adults in recovery from addiction and their families. Most recently, she provided group, individual, and family therapy for individuals recovering from substance abuse and trauma. Stefanie works with couple and family issues, substance use, trauma, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
Stefanie grew up in the Dallas area and has been interested in psychology and counseling since the 5th grade. She has also lived in Kansas and Colorado. In her free time, Stefanie enjoys doting on her nephews, playing with her French bulldog, trying new cuisine with her husband, and listening to true crime podcasts.
Ashley (Wilson) Boatman
LCSW BC-TMH
Ashley (Wilson) Boatman earned her Bachelor of Science in Experimental Psychology from the Honors College at the University of South Carolina and went on to earn her Master of Social Work from University of Texas at Arlington. She is licensed in Texas and Arkansas as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).
Ashley has extensive experience treating substance abuse, depression, anxiety, and trauma. She is trained in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Seeking Safety, which is a curriculum-based approach to treatment of co-occurring substance use and PTSD. Ashley is trained as an Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) trauma specialist. Her therapeutic approach is integrative and is tailored to each client’s individual needs, often built on CBT, mindfulness, and existential therapeutic approaches; and always uses a strengths-based approach, focusing on the positive qualities that a client has available to him or her.
Ashley provides therapy to adolescents, adults, and seniors. She has special interests in working with adolescents who have difficulty regulating emotions; individuals who are expecting and/or are new parents; individuals who have experienced grief and loss; and individuals who have experienced trauma.
In her free time, Ashley can be found painting, playing with her kitties, and enjoying her time as a parent.
Dr. Susana Méndez
OMD MBA L.Ac. CAS ABMPP LCDC
Born, raised and partially educated in Argentina, Dr. Susana Mendez arrived to the USA in 1985, after completing her M.D. residence and fellowship in Psychiatry. Her first training was in Surgery where she worked in the OR alongside her father, Dr. Jose Maria Mendez, who was also a well know surgeon and hypnotherapist in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Leaving a country in political trouble and all her family behind, Dr. Mendez settled in NYC by mid-1985, and began working as a therapist. She went to NYU, Parsons School and took several classes at The Ackerman Institute for the Family.
Dr. Mendez received consultation and supervision with Dr. Leonel Urcuyo a certified Psychoanalyst for the American Institute for Psychoanalysis for the Karen Horney Psychoanalytic Institute and Center in New York City. There she became familiar with the work of Dr. Michael Smith from the South Bronx, where he was using Auricular Acupuncture for the treatment of opioids addiction.
Dr. Mendez held positions in NYC, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania at treatment centers for dual disorders such as Charter Hospital, The Harbor, and The Steps, as staff therapist, Clinical Director, and Director of Admissions. In 1992, she moved to Texas to work in the field of hypertension research at Trinity Hospital in Carrollton (known today as Baylor, Scott, & White Hospital), but her passion was dual disorders. Shortly thereafter, Dr. Mendez returned to the field to provide direct care to individuals and families in the criminal justice system. In 1993, she met and began collaborating with The Honorable Francis and The Honorable John Creuzot, who currently serves as the Dallas County District Attorney, in the Treatment Alternatives to Incarceration Program (TAIP).
Dr. Mendez was and is still an advocate for the Dallas Initiative for Diversion and Expedited Rehabilitation and Treatment (DIVERT Court). It offers substance-abuse treatment in lieu of long sentences and has helped to bring approximately a 68% reduction in recidivism. She has been helping thousands of patients start a new life, understanding the Divert Court program by implementing SMART Recovery, CBT, and Family Systems therapy.
In 2003, Dr. Mendez became a trainer for the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) where she held the position of Training Chair on the Board of National Acupuncture Detoxification Association until 2006. During that tenure she presented on the importance of Auricular Acupuncture in the Treatment of Dual Disorders at Yale University and in Toronto, Ontario Canada at the First International Conference on Integrative, Complementary and Alternative Medicine (ICAM) and Mental Health.
Since Dr. Mendez became established in Texas, she has held positions similar to those in the northeast working for nonprofit organizations. She became an Assistant Professor at UTSWMS Department of Psychiatry working on research and participating in the Texas NODE of NIDA.
Dr. Mendez completed a Master’s in Oriental Medicine in 2005, and Doctor of Oriental Medicine (OMD) in 2012. Subsequently, she was invited to present at Ardeche- Columbier Le Jeune, Lyon France with Drs. Raphel Nogiere, Daniel Assis, and Pierre Marini Jochen Rosentock among others. Dr. Mendez completed Post Doctorate Training in Neurology and Psychiatry in 2011, from the University Miguel de Cervantes-Barcelona SPAIN; followed by a MBA in 2015, from the University of Salamanca-Spain.
Dr. Mendez is a bilingual professional with 35 years of experience in clinical, research and mental health administration with an extensive, highly skilled background in the field of dual disorders (Addictions and Psychiatry); mental illness and co-occurring medical issues; and family systems. The clinical settings where she has worked include residential, hospital and outpatient care. Dr. Mendez has served as upper management (VP of Clinical Services; Clinical Director; Assistant Executive Director; Senior Treatment Consultant at an international hospital in Barcelona and Madrid, Spain; in Buenos Aires, Argentina; in Montevideo, Uruguay; Ciudad Juarez [Juarez City] and Tijuana, Mexico; Valparaiso, Chile; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Lima and Chiclayo, Peru; Bodrum, Turkey; and Lyon, France) providing supervision and guidance in the implementation of evidence based treatments and creating effective treatment outcomes.
As executive, Dr. Mendez was responsible for the development of annual program goals and objectives for managing facilities and operating within the budget set by the Board of Directors. Additionally, she was responsible for the oversight of policies and procedures and the adherence to state regulations and Joint Commission Standards. Dr. Mendez translates data into national and international presentations (symposia and congress by participating as lecturer at global events). She is a very skilled professional with high standards of care for clients (adolescent, adults and geriatrics). Dr. Mendez is passionate about caring for adolescents, adults, and geriatrics. She has a special interest in Forensic Psychiatry; and is currently writing a book that focuses on family dynamics of the dual disordered patient.
Dr. Mendez utilizes Western and Eastern therapeutic modalities of care including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT); Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART); Chromotherapy; Motivational Interviewing; Dialectical Behavior Therapy; body, ear and scalp Acupuncture; as well as Herbology. She has become nationally and internationally recognized after many presentations held in USA and Europe. Dr. Mendez frequently travels to Europe to teach.
In her spare time, Dr. Mendez enjoys returning to Buenos Aires, Argentina where family and close friends still reside, and to her land in San Martin de los Andes Patagonia to relax. She presently lives in the Texas countryside, enjoys horseback riding; her Morky named Chanel; and her Mountain Great Pyrenees named Dolce.
Renee Segler-Dather
MS LPC LCDC
Renee Segler earned her Bachelor of Science, Cum Laude, in Psychology from the University of Dallas in 2010, and went on to complete her Master of Science, Cum Laude, in Counseling at Southern Methodist University (SMU) in 2013. She is licensed as a Licensed Professional Counselor by the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council. Renee is also a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor.
Renee has been trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Family Systems Therapy, and EMDR. She has spent her career working with couples, children, adolescents, and adults struggling with suicidal ideation and family suicide; anxiety; ADHD; substance use/abuse; PTSD; physical, emotional, sexual, and spiritual abuse; mood disorders; DID; family system conflict; LGBTQ+ concerns; career transitions; college preparation; grief and loss; and the psychological consequences of medical issues (e.g., cancer, dementia, other terminal illness) or medical procedures (e.g., chronic pain, painful surgical procedures, failed anesthesia during surgery, etc.).
Renee has spent much of her career working in outpatient and residential treatment programs, such as Resource Center, which serves the LGBTQ+ community, and Journey of Hope in Plano. Additionally, she has facilitated support and therapy groups for teen girls to promote empowerment. Renee utilized a strengths based approach to therapy and focuses on the positive qualities of the individual to help them heal. She has a passion for helping children and families who have experienced loss.
In addition to being an experienced mental health therapist, Renee is an accomplished artist, who enjoys getting lost in her creative side through painting. She loves to travel; spend time with her family and friends; and snuggle with her cat, Mrs. Riley.
Jennice Harrison
PhD LMFT
Jennice Harrison, PhD LMFT is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). She received her Ph.D. from Northcentral University in Marriage and
Family Therapy and a master’s degree from Mercer School of Medicine in Family Therapy. Dr. Harrison has completed extensive research in teletherapy and has used this platform since January 2020. She is licensed in the state of Georgia.
Dr. Harrison has been independently licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist since 2003, providing individual, couples, and family therapy. Her training and background have afforded Dr. Harrison the opportunity to work with clients on a variety of issues and circumstances. Trained in Systemic Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Trauma Focused Cognitive Therapy (TF-CBT), and Gottman’s Couple’s Communication techniques Dr. Harrison provides clients with skills and knowledge that will allow clients to formulate a personalized treatment plan specific to their needs.
Dr. Harrison grew up in a military family, which allowed her to live across the country and learn about various cultures and communities. She is an enormous fan of Auburn University athletics (WAR EAGLE!), and her loyalty to Auburn is equal to that of practice owner, Dr. Lucy Underwood. She has many hobbies includes crafting, golfing, biking, live theatre, and travel.
Dr. Harrison would love the opportunity to assist you on your journey to emotional wellness and trauma recovery!
W. Neil Underwood
Executive Coaching & Practice Management Consulting
Executive coaching and practice management consulting for behavioral health business and individuals are provided by Neil Underwood, who has over 20 years experience working with Fortune 500 companies. Neil spent 14 years with Nucor Steel. Nucor Steel is one of the most cited companies among business colleges (e.g., Harvard, etc.) for successful implementation of an executive development program and consistently profitable manufacturing facilities.
During Neil’s employment with Nucor, he was responsible for employee performance and development; served as Hot Mill management; and named the departmental point person for OSHA VPP.
Neil has extensive training with the Franklin Covey Leadership Program and received executive coaching from David Hanson, PhD in Seattle, WA. Neil is highly experienced in training and development of Lean/Six Sigma within organizations.
Neil is a native of Texas and was reared in Daingerfield, Texas. He attended Northeast Texas Community College while working with Lone Star Steel. Upon completion of NTCC, Neil transferred to Baylor University in 1992, and graduated from Baylor University in 1998. After making the decision to forego admission to UTSW and Baylor medical schools, Neil pursued a career in which he could assist individuals in reaching their career potentials through training, education, and mentorship.
Executive coaching, leadership development, and performance improvement are appropriate for individuals at any level of employment who seek to excel within the behavioral healthcare field. Individual coaching and group training are provided by Neil Underwood. If you desire to learn how to advance in your career, increase revenue, and put more profit in your pocket, please contact Neil Underwood.
Celia Pirouznia
MS LPC
Celia Pirouznia is a Licensed Professional Counselor with experience in psychiatric hospitals, residential treatment facilities, and outpatient programs. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at the University of North Texas and completed her Master of Science in Counseling and Development from Texas Woman’s University. Celia works with adolescents and adults.
She helps her clients navigate through anxiety, depression, addictions, trauma, relationship issues, family systems, and the management of stress. Celia’s style of counseling involves helping others achieve their goals by becoming their most authentic selves and feel empowered to create change in their lives. She aspires to make the stigma surrounding mental health a thing of the past.
Celia’s treatment is informed by Cognitive Behavior Therapy, EMDR, Family Systems, and Motivational Interviewing. She specializes in the treatment of such issues as PTSD, trauma, generalized anxiety, depression, substance and process addictions, family dysfunction, and stress.
Born and raised in the DFW metroplex, some of Celia’s other passions include writing, reading, cooking, watching movies, spending time with loved ones, and adventuring outdoors.
Zach Small
MS LPC-A
Under the Supervision of Lucy Underwood, PhD LPC-S NCC
A native Texan, Zach is a 1999, graduate of Plano Senior High School. He received his Bachelor of Psychology and Sociology from Southern Methodist University (SMU) in 2004. Zach is a graduate from The University of North Texas with a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
Zach has extensive training working with Veterans and first responders. He offers individual, family, and couples counseling. Zach specializes in Post-Traumatic Stress, adverse experiences, depression, and anxiety. He is trained in Adlerian theory as well as Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) and Cognitive Processing Therapy. Zach also utilizes Narrative Exposure Therapy and Dreamwork in counseling with clients.
Zach is a husband and father of two. He is a lifelong athlete and sports fan. In his spare time, Zach is an avid outdoorsman, enjoying fly fishing, hunting, and camping.
Jennifer Cuyle
MA LPC
Jennifer Cuyle has over 10 years of experience providing individual and family therapy with adolescents, adults, and special populations such as Veterans and first responders. She specializes in working with substance addiction disorders, process disorders, eating disorders, sexual addiction, personality disorders, trauma, depression, anxiety, and family system dysfunction. Jennifer is passionate about working with clients who have experienced trauma and exploring how our past can often lead us to feel stuck in our present.
Jennifer completed her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from St. Bonaventure University in New York. She graduated with a Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling from Dallas Baptist University in Texas. Jennifer is credentialed as a Licensed Professional Counselor by the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council.
Jennifer is skilled in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which helps individuals change their own thinking, and manage challenging emotions. She utilizes Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), an evidence-based intervention which is shown to increase awareness of thoughts, urges and feelings, increase one’s ability to cope with intense emotions, and decrease impulsivity.
Jennifer enters every counseling relationship with a person-centered and integrative approach, drawing from a variety of counseling techniques and theories as appropriate for the unique circumstances of the client or family. She believes in focusing more on the role of the client, rather than the therapist in the healing process. Jennifer believes that each person experiences the world differently and knows their experience best. She views her role as a guide and as a companion to help clients through the healing process.
Jennifer is a mother of two young boys and loves spending all her time with her husband and family. She enjoys traveling, especially their yearly family trips to Disney. The arts and music play a significant role in Jennifer’s life, and she will frequently bring the expressive arts into her therapy sessions.
Crystal Trevino
MA LPC
Crystal Trevino is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the State of Texas. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science from Saint Edward’s University and a master’s degree in Counseling from Dallas Theological Seminary.
Crystal adapts her therapeutic approach to the unique needs of the individual client. She specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and The Enneagram Personality Assessment. She is trained as trauma therapist in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). These are effective tools in assisting individuals with examining their own beliefs and values. For example, if someone values family but they are neglecting their family in any way, they will experience a great deal of anxiety because their behaviors are not in line with their values. When one’s values and behaviors are congruent, a great deal of joy and peace will inevitably follow. Crystal’s goal as a therapist is to help individuals, families, and couples identify the discrepancies between their values and behaviors and create congruency, which will allow them to experience a greater amount of joy and peace.
Crystal works with pre-adolescents, adolescents, adults, families, and couples with mental health and substance abuse issues. She has extensive experience providing individual and group therapy in partial hospitalization programs focused on mental health issues. Crystal has several special interest areas. She enjoys working with adolescents and parents; particularly in working with the mother-daughter dyad to strengthen the bond by facilitating healthy problem-solving skills and effective communication.
Crystal works with adolescent athletes; as well as collegiate, semi-pro, and professional athletes. As a former collegiate soccer player, she has an unique understanding of the mental health pressures associated with performing at an elite level while managing the day to day personal, social, academic, and familial expectations. There is an intense amount of pressure athletes feel which causes a great deal of anxiety and an inability to enjoy something that once brought them great joy. In sports, Crystal believes anxiety stems from a fear of failure or not measuring up to the expectations of others. She desires to walk alongside athletes and provide them with helpful tools to manage these fears, starting with examining their own core values.
Crystal also has a strength in working with couples using Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). She believes the strength of family begins with the couple. She enjoys helping couples to explore their individual values and beliefs to develop congruency and alignment. Stability as a couple promotes stability as a family.
Crystal’s hobbies include singing, writing, attempting to cook, working out, shopping with her daughter, and watching movies and sports with her family. She has loved to sing since she was little. Crystal was able to try out for The Voice recently, which she described as an awesome experience. Who knows, maybe she will try out again next season! Crystal also loves writing and listening to music because it makes her feel calm and relaxed. She is always looking for fun ways to stay active, whether it’s a fun outdoor activity with the kids or something like goat yoga. Her children teach her daily about patience and grace. According to Crystal, “It’s amazing how much we can learn from our children. I feel so blessed to have a front row seat in their lives.”
Crystal believes anything worth having requires work. We are all on a unique journey and each day is an opportunity for growth. To grow, we must be willing to immerse ourselves in the process of change. This process never seems easy, but it is always worth it.
“It would be my honor and privilege to walk alongside you on your journey!”
Andrea Gonzalez
MA LMFT
Andrea Gonzalez, MA LMFT graduated from Texas A&M University in College Station with a Bachelor in Sociology and a minor in Psychology. She attended graduate school at National University in San Diego, California, where she earned a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the States of California and Texas.
Andrea was born and raised in Dallas, Texas, and moved to southern California in 2009, after earning her bachelor’s degree at Texas A&M. Following her undergraduate studies, she worked as a case supervisor at a private Applied Behavioral Analysis center that treated children and adolescents with Autism and other developmental disorders. Andrea then attended National University for her graduate degree, where she graduated with honors in the spring of 2012.
Andrea’s highest priority as a therapist is fostering a genuine therapeutic relationship with her clients. She works from a Client Centered approach, where she focuses on developing rapport with her clients and creating a safe, nurturing therapeutic environment. Andrea utilizes a variety of modalities when working with her clients, including Motivational Interviewing, Trauma Informed Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy. She is experienced in working with adults, adolescents, and children in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Andrea spent several years working for dual diagnosis treatment centers throughout southern Orange County, California. She was the lead therapist at a 5-bed detox facility for 2 years, where she became well-versed in applying Motivational Interviewing and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy techniques with clients in crisis. Another career highlight was Andrea’s time spent working as a part of a multidisciplinary clinical team while providing therapy to youth in hospital and school settings.
Andrea’s favorite time of the year is college football season; she is a proud A&M Aggie! In her spare time, she loves to scrapbook, write, spend time with her friends and family, and go to barre classes. She and her husband welcomed their baby boy in July of 2022. They are enjoying getting to know their ‘little dude,’ and look forward to introducing their son to their love of travel and good food.