Therapists for college students near Rice University
Howdy! My name is A.B. and I’m a queer, nonbinary therapist born and raised right here in Texas. Don’t let the folksy exterior fool you: growing up in a small town taught me to treat strangers like family, to uplift and respect the folks around me, and, as my granddad always said, “If you can help ’em, then help ’em.” I’ve brought those values into my therapy work and left the bigotry and systemic oppression behind like the hogwash it is. I practice from a place of cultural humility, guided by the stories, strengths, and values my clients bring to the table. You’re the expert on your life, I’m just here to walk alongside you, bringing the tools I’ve got in my toolbelt to help you navigate whatever’s weighing you down. There’s nothing too big we can’t face together, and I trust that with you in the lead, we can work toward the outcomes you’re hoping for in therapy. I specialize in supporting clients through trauma, grief, mood disorders, LGBTQ+ issues, neurodivergence, identity exploration, crisis recovery, and relationship challenges. I also love working with children and their families around emotional regulation, school and family stress, and communication. I’ve got a soft spot for neurodivergent kids (and adults!) and bring a lot of energy and creativity into that work. In session, I pull from a variety of therapeutic approaches, including CBT, DBT, ACT, solution-focused, narrative, and collaborative therapies, plus a lot more. So don’t be surprised if I throw in a little art-making, somatic work, or IFS (parts work) now and then. I’m committed to being a lifelong learner, and if something isn’t clicking, I’ll work with you to find what does. I earned my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Sam Houston State University in 2023, and before that, I got my B.A. in Theatre Education. So I’m definitely open to getting creative in sessions, though just plain talkin’ is great, too. Outside of therapy, I love baking, storytelling in all its forms (theatre, concerts, poetry slams, and tabletop RPGs), and learning about folks whose lives are different from mine. I also enjoy spending time with my partner and our beloved pets Pip, Charlie, and Winston. If you think I might be the right counselor for you, I’d be honored to meet you. Feel free to email me at ab@vadacounseling.com or schedule a free consultation online.
I am a queer trans non-binary therapist and expressive arts therapist. My focus is providing individual therapy for LGBTQIA+ adults, women, and non-monogamous and polyamorous people. I specialize in working with trans and non-binary folks and people navigating relationships, building confidence, or wanting to engage the arts as part of therapy. I strive to create an environment where you can be yourself, feel comfortable exploring your experience and taking risks, and take steps towards what’s important to you. I am social justice oriented, neurodiversity-affirming, and work from a trauma-informed perspective. I am able to see clients in both Washington and Texas, and practice under the supervision of Candice Holloway, LPC-S and Breona Mendoza, LMHC. As expressive arts therapist, I often bring play and creative expression into therapy. This could include anything from creating a D&D character who represents part of your experience, to making a music playlist, to integrating visual art, movement, music, writing, or role-playing into our work. As a therapist, I am warm, engaged, and curious. You deserve a therapist that gets you – it’s important to me to take time to get to know you. I cheer you on and see myself as a facilitator and collaborator as you work towards your goals. As a human, I love camping, attending queer and sex-positive events, finding dogs, and trying new gluten free recipes.