Teams

I view every client as a special individual who also circulates in a variety of relationships in their lives. Relationships are at the core of who we are as human beings and each relationship helps define us as unique human beings. The people we surround ourselves with (whether voluntarily or as causes of an environment) as well as the circumstances that make up our past, present, and future are vital factors that make the person we are today. I believe therapy is a place where we get to understand parts of ourselves that we might acknowledge in life but may not take the time to fully understand and integrate that awareness. Relationships can be difficult to navigate; but with genuine curiosity and thoughtfully facilitated conversations, they can be thoroughly enjoyed in a healthy and meaningful way.

I strive to help clients figure out who they are individually, while also discovering who they are in the relationships they value, in a warm and culturally sensitive place. I value collaboration and an open-mindedness to grow into the best person one can be as individuals and as couple(s). Therapy and the act of sharing one’s personal life can be very intimidating; however, I would like to honor that courage and help clients build a stronger relationship with themselves, others, as well as their mental and emotional well-being. My approach to therapy is systemic and Adlerian-based, which means that I see most of life’s problems as conclusions and convictions we make about ourselves, of others, and the world we live in. I believe these conflictions may originate from our familial structure, the role(s) we play in the family system, and how we function as family members as well as individuals in society. By viewing our current thoughts, feelings, and behaviors from the lens of our familial relations, I believe building up your strengths and encouraging a sense of mastery in self-significance and belongingness adds to the tools you can use to cultivate meaning and context to your life.

I am currently a graduate student at Southern Methodist University here in Dallas, Texas. I am hoping to achieve my Master’s in Counseling/Family and Marriage Therapy. I attended the University of Texas at Arlington and obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with an Emphasis Minor in Neuroscience. I hope to work with clients from multicultural communities, help bi-cultural individuals navigate their lives in healthy ways, and hope to get certified in AASECT (American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists) and guide individuals and couples to a sex-positive lifestyle.

Request Appointment

I view every client as a unique and valuable individual to our world. Specializing in depression, anxiety, mood disorders, and couples counseling, I strive to be a guiding light on each client’s path to healing and growth. I dedicate time to curate each session to an individual’s/couple’s own needs and strengths. Upon meeting with clients, my priority is building a strong rapport to create meaningful connections and significant conversations. It is an important part of my own journey to continue to grow as a therapist along with my clients.

My journey into the field of mental health began with a deep desire to understand the complexities of the human mind and different emotions we experience daily. Depression, anxiety, and mood disorders are challenges that many of us face at some point in our lives. I am dedicated to providing you with a safe and supportive space as we explore your thoughts, feelings, and concerns without judgment. Through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I empower my clients to identify and challenge negative thought patterns, leading to positive changes in behavior and emotional well-being.

For couples seeking to strengthen their emotional bonds and rekindle their connections, I offer Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). I believe in the power of emotional awareness and its importance in our everyday connections. Working towards forming deeper understanding of each partner’s needs and desires, leading to a fulfilling relationship. My approach to counseling is deeply rooted in empathy and respect for each individual’s unique experiences and strengths. I believe that you are the expert of your own life, and together, we can explore and discover the best strategies to overcome the obstacles that may stand in your way.

Maria Aurora Rodriguez is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (#91537) in Texas, supervised by Jennifer Yarbrough (#81509). Aurora graduated with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas. Maria Aurora previously received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Our Lady of the Lake University. Aurora works with a variety of presenting issues including depression, anxiety, life transitions, stress, and relationship problems. Being bilingual, Maria Aurora works with clients in both English and Spanish.

“Don’t ever discount the wonder of your tears. They can be healing waters and a stream of joy.  Sometimes they are the best words that the heart can speak.”  – William Paul Young

My goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment for you.  My role in therapy is to be with you, to share in your experience and to help you achieve your own resolution and  inner peace. Our relationship is built on trust, compassion and understanding all of which are the foundation in developing a successful treatment outcome.  

I utilize a collaborative approach to therapy with the emphasis in having my clients develop and implement a solution.  I also incorporate evidence based practices to initiate growth and healing including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. 

I specialize in Women’s issues, Depressive and Anxiety Disorders and trauma.  I have experience working with PTSD, loss and grief, eating disorders, self-esteem issues, substance abuse, family conflict and codependency. 

Noelle is a dual licensed clinician as a licensed professional counselor in both the states of Florida(#10802) and Texas (#72283).  She received her Bachelors of Science Degree in Psychology form the University of Central Florida and her Masters of Science Degree from Florida Atlantic University in Mental Health Counseling.  Noelle has over 17 years of experience working in the mental health field. In the past she has worked as a primary mental health therapist at a substance abuse treatment center and has worked as a clinical supervisor for a women’s extended care program in South Florida. Noelle has also been trained in EMDR to treat symptoms associated with PTSD, phobias, loss and grief. 

It is always a privilege and an honor to witness authentic and lasting change in my client’s lives. My priority as a therapist is to create a warm, non-judgemental, and safe environment for clients to process their emotions, relationships and experiences. You’ve made it here, which means you have already taken action for change.

As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate, I’ve been trained to walk alongside couples and individuals through the most difficult seasons of life. I use evidence-based practices such as Emotionally Focused Therapy and The Gottman Method to help partners uncover underlying emotions and communicate more effectively for connection, compassion, and caring. Research shows that EFT typically helps 70-75% of couples move from distress to recovery, and over 90% of couples report significant improvement. I am passionate about working with couples and assisting with identifying the deeper roots of their struggles, so that each partner can get what they need and the couple can rebuild from the ground up.

Maria is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate (#204415) in Texas supervised by Elise Thompson (#200800) and Jennifer Kendall (#203322). Maria graduated from the University of North Texas with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and earned her Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Texas Woman’s University. Maria is a trained Save Your Marriage Before It Starts (SYMBIS) Facilitator and has completed the Level 1 Gottman Training as well as an EFT Externship. Some of her specialties include working with individuals, couples, premarital counseling, life transitions, depression, anxiety, among others. Maria is bilingual, speaking English and Spanish fluently.

I know how hard it can be to desperately want to change your life but be unsure what direction to take. I think we all have a longing to grow and connect. I am a down-to-earth person who thinks that humor, compassion, and connection are some of our most precious gifts. I use a person-centered approach to counseling where I focus on first getting to know you, your struggles, unique perspective and individual strengths. I then use my expertise as a counselor to help you harness those strengths and increase your personal power to reach your goals and have the types of relationships you want. Oftentimes we become mired in the constraints that society (and ourselves) places on us; Forgetting that we are capable of turning thought into reality! With our powers combined, we will be unstoppable!

I have worked with children, individuals (5-90+), families, and groups from all walks of life in different settings (private practice, residential, outpatient, and school) across the United States. I have a wide arrange of experience with various mental health issues including (but not limited to) trauma, family issues, parenting, mood disorders, issues related to aging, sexual behavior problems in adolescents, relationship issues. I also have knowledge of evidence-based techniques through my training in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Family Centered Treatment, Nurturing Parenting Philosophy, and Accelerated Resolution Therapy. I have a personal and professional background working with military families as well. I am an Army wife of 15 years. I began my career working with military families at Fort Carson Army Community Services. (Go Army!)

Dr. Kubiak is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (#88584), supervised by April Givens, LPC-S (#69005), who began in the mental health field when she graduated with her M.A. in Community Mental Health Counseling from the University of Colorado in 2011. Previously, she obtained a B.S. in Psychology from Texas A&M University in 2006. After completing her dissertation on Historical Trauma and Resilience in the African American Community, she received her Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from Adams State University. She teaches master’s level counseling courses as an adjunct for her university. She is a certified Level 2 clinican in Gottman Method Couples Therapy, one of the most widely used and empirically validated treatment methods for couples. Through her clinical work, she strives to increase awareness around mental health to help people across the U.S. lead happier, healthier lives; and to educate the next generation of culturally aware, competent and compassionate counselors.

Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly. – Chuang Tzu

Going to therapy is an act of self-care and self-love; a courageous gift we can offer ourselves. Whether you’re experiencing a crisis or looking for that something more, I can help you bridge the gap between where you are today and where you wish to be in your life.

I thrive on cultivating relationships and having deep, meaningful conversations that make a difference for others. I am a stand for people having it all and living a life they love. I believe in our capacity for change should we be willing to embrace the struggle, confront our pasts, heal our wounds, and come to face our truest selves. Only from a place of self-acceptance and love can we truly create the lives we imagine.

I believe that we are all on a lifelong journey of becoming perfectly imperfect, that anything is possible that we are willing to work towards, and that we are all capable of choosing, re-choosing, and creating our preferred futures.

Humanistically-existentially-person-centered trained, I hold a positive view of the human being; one in which he is the expert and change-agent of his life, the focus is forward-focused and together we co-create his reality, bridging the gap between where he is and where he or she wishes to be, integrating more directive approaches as needed to bring about deep, meaningful, and lasting positive change.

I am grateful to be engaging in this delicate and important work of supporting others in their lives; of cultivating meaningful relationships, holding safe space, and helping individuals, couples, and families thrive. You can have the life you imagine, and I am pleased and honored to walk beside you as you journey there. Thank you for trusting me.

Dr. Birk is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in Texas (#88706) under the supervision of Mary Mayorga, PhD, LPC-S (#18031). She graduated from Saybrook University with a PhD in Psychology, Amberton University with a Master’s in Professional Counseling, and Michigan State University with a Master’s in Human Resources. Dr. Birk has Gottmain Level 1 training and is Prepare/Enrich certified, which is the most widely validated and utilized premarital counseling curriculae in use today. She is also a PCI Certified Parent Coach® with a former private practice in Dallas where she supported families dealing with divorce, fertility issues, learning differences and other parenting challenges, as well as led parent-education seminars and women’s empowerment groups. A former Pastoral Care Director for a local non-profit, Dr. Birk has also worked with grief, loss and end-of-life issues. Dr. Birk is also fluent in Hebrew and is happy to offer therapeutic services in Hebrew.