Caroline Gonzales, MS, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Director
Caroline is only seeing those who wish to pursue EMDR therapy and has extremely limited slots.
I am an EMDR certified Licensed Professional Counselor. I am also a military veteran with an MS in Psychology, an MS in Educational Leadership and currently a doctoral student studying PTSD and Dissociation. I worked as a teacher and behavior specialist for the past 16 years and before that, I was a law enforcement officer for 5 years. My approach is to collaboratively explore your thoughts, beliefs and life experiences to help you gain self-knowledge and empower you to live a more satisfying life. If you are in the midst of a life struggle, our work together will inspire you to cope with difficulties at work or at home in a productive way.
I primarily specialize in the use of EMDR techniques in order to help my clients resolve the root of their trauma. In addition to EMDR, I use hypnotherapy, sand tray therapy, therapeutic art, and cognitive behavior techniques in order to help teens and adults who are facing stress, anxiety, depression, workplace issues and family and interpersonal relationship conflicts to improve their overall quality of life and well-being. I am also an EMDRIA approved EMDR Consultant and I specialize in consulting on PTSD-D.
Associations
- EMDRIA Member
- American Board of Sexology Certification
- American Academy of Medical Hypnoanalysts Member
- American Psychological Association Member
- Psi Chi National Honor Society of Psychology Member
- International Association of Trauma Professionals
- Sexual Health Alliance Member
- American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors and Therapists Member
Jacqueline Soto
Office Administrator
Cindy Warden, MSW, LCSW, LCDC
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC). I was a stay-at-home mom while my children were growing up and my husband served and then retired from the Air Force. As life transitioned, I went back to school to meet the requirements to work in the Chemical Dependency field. During that process, I discovered a passion to work with marginalized people (including most people struggling with substance abuse issues, women, and BIPOC clients) and decided to go back to school to earn a master’s degree in order to better serve differing populations. I obtained a Master of Social Work degree from UTSA.
What this means is that I chose a path of education that would not only provide me the tools I need to assist others but that would challenge my own perceptions and beliefs of the world around me. I believe people are complex and layered beings and within every one of us there is an inordinate amount of strength and wisdom. My job is to provide a safe place for people to examine their thoughts and beliefs and identify the events and actions that brought you in to see me. Together, harnessing your own strength and knowledge, we can design a strategy to bring about a peaceful and meaningful life.
I utilize Narrative Therapy to examine and refine the stories we tell about ourselves and others, Motivational Interviewing (MI) to identify and challenge our behaviors that don’t always line up with our beliefs and value systems and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) as a tool for managing anxiety as well as for developing acceptance.
Terri Lewis, MA, LPC Associate
Under the Supervision of Dr. Bianca Goodrum, LPC-S
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate
My belief in the value of helping others and being in the service of others is rooted in my upbringing. Helping, nurturing, and teaching others respect for oneself helps to promote common good, well-being and health in every community. Being an effective counselor takes more than professional education. It requires the ability to be able to interact with others and have a desire to be empathetic to others’ circumstances. Possessing this desire is key to being a person that can relate to others and effectively assist them in their time of need.
I use Person Centered therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, grief therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and EMDR therapy to help explore and navigate alternative and constructive solutions to life’s ups and down. Life is full of grey areas and when interacting with people one must be aware that what is good for one person may not work for another person. Counselors must meet the person they are helping without judgment, and by being an active listener and critical thinker. I will help meet the person where they are, as this is important, as we assist them through their journey of becoming a better version of themselves.
Valerie Montgomery, MSW, LCSW-Intern
Licensed Clinical Social Worker Intern
Under the Supervision of Jonette Coquat, PhD, LCSW-S
Picture and Bio coming soon
Claudia Pozas, MA, LPC Associate
Under the Supervision of Dr. Lorraine Dinkle, LPC-S
Picture and Bio coming soon
Vanessa Romero, MSW, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Picture and Bio coming soon
Jennifer Powell, MA, LPC Associate
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate
Under the Supervision of Jennifer Yarbrough, MA, LPC-S
Hi! As a LPC Associate, I will work with you to help identify your desires and empower you to make positive changes in your life. I understand that making the decision to seek counseling can be difficult, so I will use an approach that is compassionate, direct, and non-judgmental to help create an environment where you feel supported in your counseling journey.
I began my journey working in the mental health field in 2008, where I discovered my passion is helping individuals rebuild their lives and reestablish relationships. I continued my calling by pursuing my education. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Texas A&M University- San Antonio and recently with a Master of Art in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from St. Mary’s University. To further my experience, I spent time working with children, adolescents, and adults in different capacities to learn how people interact, change, and grow.
My current interests are helping adolescents and young adults develop healthy coping skills to overcome anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, relationship struggles, family changes, self-harm, and suicidal ideations. I use Narrative therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), components of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), therapeutic art, and currently training in EMDR.
Wendy Legler, MA, LPC Associate
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate
Under the Supervision of Sarah Almendariz Rivera, LPC-S
Hello!
I’m a Peruvian American living in San Antonio since 2021. I’m also a veteran’s spouse who served next to my husband for sixteen years in the Army. My first language is Spanish, second is German and third is English. I have earned my Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at St. Mary’s University.
My work as a counselor has included working with grief, anxiety, and depression at the Children’s Bereavement Center. I was trained and used Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) for the treatment of Trauma with military population at Laurel Ridge Treatment Center. I use a Cognitive Behavioral therapy (CBT) primarily paired with Mindfulness training to help clients to change maladaptive behaviors.
I’m also trained in Narrative therapy and expressive Arts techniques paired with psychotherapy with clients who love to use imagination and creativity for self-healing. I have an extended understanding of the Latinx and military cultures.
My approach to counseling is to meet the client at mid-point to work towards a common goal. I offer various tools to fit with each client’s unique experiences and issues. I look forward to working with you.
Xochitl Rae Kladis, MA, LPC, LCDC-I
Licensed Professional Counselor
Licensed Chemical & Dependency Counselor-Intern
Professional School Counselor
Xochtil is not accepting clients at this time.
I am a bilingual (English/Spanish) counselor with over ten years of experience. I hold a Master of Arts in School Counseling from Texas A&M International University. I have been a licensed therapist/counselor in the mental health field for over 12 years in educational and clinical settings. I work with diverse individuals, couples, families, and groups and offer virtual services. I am committed to providing a safe, supportive environment for all clients in my care using a person-centered approach. I have special training and an interest in working with trauma by providing EMDR therapy as a helping aid.
I currently work with students and families for a school district as a Licensed Professional Counselor in Laredo, Texas. I have experience working with a range of populations in a variety of settings. I have worked with complex trauma, grief, co-occurring Substance Use Disorder, ADHD, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
Outside of work, I love trying out new restaurants with my girls and my husband, attending large family get-togethers, restoring my imagination through play with my special needs daughter, and exercising when I find the time! My future goal is to travel internationally at least once a year.
Vanessa Romero, MSW, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Picture and Bio coming soon
C. Chase, MA, LPC Associate
Under the Supervision of Jennifer Yarbrough, MA, LPC-S
Picture and Bio coming soon
Raquel Hazelrigg, MA, LPC Associate
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate
Under the Supervision of Jennifer Yarbrough, MA, LPC-S
I have earned my Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Palo Alto University. My program is accredited with CACREP (Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs), which upholds strong educational and professional standards. I receive weekly group supervision through my program, as well as weekly individual supervision from Jennifer Yarbrough, MA, LPC-S.
My work as a counseling intern has included working with anxiety, depression, trauma, and grief. While most of my clients are teenagers, I also enjoy working with adults. So far, I have received trainings in Sand Tray Therapy, grief counseling, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). ACT is an approach that focuses on living congruently with our core values in order to create a rich, full, and meaningful life.
I view counseling as a collaborative effort. I will sit with you, listen to you, and walk alongside you as you work to become the sort of person you want to be. You are the expert of your experiences – I am here to provide insight and support you in your journey.
Raquel runs the educational groups, but is not accepting new counseling clients at this time.
Clinical Supervisors
Jennifer Yarbrough, MA, LPC-S
Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor
Jennifer Yarbrough is not accepting clients at this time.
Hello! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S) in the states of Texas and Mississippi. I have over 10 years of experience working in the mental health field and in the process of obtaining my doctorate degree at St. Mary’s University. I have worked in a variety of settings including college counseling offices, mental health hospitals, schools and mental health clinics. I have experience working with a broad range of populations and experience working with individuals that deal with anxiety, depression, addiction and trauma as well as couples. I enjoy working with people from all different walks of life. I love the behavioral health approaches of CBT and DBT. I am also trained in EMDR.
I believe it is important to be open minded and non-judgmental. It is important to meet clients where they are at. I believe counseling is a collaborative relationship. I am not an expert, but you are the expert on your life and I am here to assist you on this journey. I believe we grow through the challenges we face in life and there is always a lesson to be learned at the end of the journey. Mental health matters just as much as physical health. I look forward to working with you.
Lauren Evenski, MSW, LCSW, LCDC
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Licensed Chemical & Dependency Counselor
Lauren is not accepting new clients at this time.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor. I earned my Bachelor of Arts in History from Texas A&M University (Whoop!) and my Master of Social Work from the University of Texas at San Antonio. I have served the San Antonio community over the last seven-plus years in several capacities, including at local non-profit agencies, in a psychiatric hospital setting, at the local mental health authority, and in private practice.
I specialize primarily in couples counseling, healing from trauma, attachment and inner child work, and substance use disorders. My modalities include EMDR, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, attachment theory, and components of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). I pride myself in being genuine, culturally-responsive, and an ally of the LGBTQIA+ community.
I believe that you are the strength of the therapeutic relationship, and my goal in therapy is to listen, empower, and accompany you on your journey of self-discovery, healing, and achievement of the goals that you have in mind for us.
Graduate Level Interns
LaJewel Witherspoon, Graduate Level Intern
Under the Supervision of Jennifer Yarbrough, MA, LPC-S
LaJewel is currently not accepting clients at this time.
I am a graduate student at Southern New Hampshire University pursuing a Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. My program is CACREP (Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs) accredited, which means the content and quality of the program has been evaluated and meets educational and professional standards for the counseling profession.
During my schooling I studied and employed integrated counseling interventions, including Cognitive Behavioral and Person-Centered Therapies as part of my counseling approach to encourage growth and healing. My areas of interest include LGBT, grief, spirituality, self-esteem, trauma, anxiety, depression, and families of children with chronic illness. I believe everyone should have a safe and healing place to work through life’s difficulties. I want to help clients get what they need in a warm and supportive environment.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, trying new coffee shops, taking care of plants, and gardening.
Angela Messerlie, BS, MSW Graduate Student
Under the Supervision of Lauren Evenski, MSW, LCSW
Picture and Bio coming soon
Personal Life Coaches
Coach Ben Gonzales, BA
Executive Coach
Coach Program Facilitator
Coach Ben Gonzales is a public relations director with over 34 years of experience in journalism, public relations, marketing and event planning. Retired from the military, he also holds a bachelor’s degree in management. He taught journalism at the highest level for new military public relations specialists, and was a sports coach for several years. He offers coaching in public speaking, interviewing skills, social skills, developing leadership skills, relationships, social media and e-mail etiquette. Coach Gonzales also mentored area disadvantaged youth for several years on leadership and developing into a successful young person. He is passionate about helping adolescents, teens and young people grow into responsible and respectable members of the community. He offers one-on-one coaching as well as group coaching to assist clients in setting goals, decision-making, and developing into better individuals. His approach is to actively listen to clients and collaboratively develop processes to improve the lives of clients.
