I hold a PhD from the University of Texas, an MA from Dallas Baptist University, an MA from Catholic Theological Union, and a BS from the University of Texas. With 24 years in the field, I have experience working with diverse populations struggling with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, substance abuse, dual-diagnoses, anger, intimate partner violence, personality disorders, sexual offenses, etc., utilizing DBT, CBT, Solutions-Focused Therapy. I also have experience teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in the areas of clinical psychology, counseling, sociology, and public health. I have served on 50 thesis and dissertation committees, with topics ranging from PTSD among war veterans to children in the foster care system, both as a chair and a research methodologist. I have conducted groups with diverse populations on issues ranging from depression among the elderly to juvenile sex offenders. For community activities, I offer workshops on various subjects such as parent-child relationships, effects of drug/alcohol abuse, family systems, and dual-diagnoses. I am on the editorial boards of the Journal of Emotional Abuse and the Qualitative Report; I also serve as an editorial reviewer for Journal of Asian Psychology, Violence Against Women, and the Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma. I love most about being a mental health clinician is that I get to witness the transformations that clients go through and become the best versions of who they can be. My belief is that people will thrive (not just survive) when given the right conditions/tools, coupled with radical self-acceptance, which aligns with Thrivelab's mission of helping good people thrive. I would like Thrivelab's patients to know that I am very holistic, integrative in my approaches when it comes to helping them thrive in their lives, focusing on mind, body, and spirit. Away from work, I like to play all kinds of sports, be with nature, hike, read, engage in self-care activities such as meditation, mindfulness practices. My favorite quote: "Be the one who nurtures and builds. Be the one who has an understanding and a forgiving heart, one who looks for the best in people. Leave people better than you found them." (Marvin J. Ashton)