Hello, Rene Guillen here! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Texas and also a retired Texas School Counselor. I help adults of all ages work through anxiety, depression, trauma, or other mental health challenges with work, home, or life issues. I help couples work through family & marriage relationship struggles using evidence-based treatments. I particularly enjoy planning treatments using art therapy when needed or preferred. I've been married for 30 years, was an elite marathon runner, and I am passionate about helping clients improve their mental health, build meaningful relationships, and live joyful lives. Taking the first step toward improving your mental health is a significant achievement, and I'm here to support you on this journey!
In our first session, or initial assessment we will briefly connect while talking about the goals you have and how you would want to benefit from the therapy. You will then begin discussing what's going on while I listen attentively without judgment and encourage problem solving. We will then explore the situation or condition to find out root causes of the deeper presenting problem, feeling, or behavior. In this initial assessment or problem definition session, the client and I will fine-tune goals and objectives to determine the tailored treatment plan for the follow-up sessions consisting of educating, or assisting you in developing healthier coping skills to work through the difficulties.
Having worked with many clients for 10 years, I have used extensive strategies and viewpoints for helping clients identify root cause(s) of their obstacle(s) and create customized treatment plans that will lead to measurable improvements.
I love working with pre-teens up to adults of any age. My clients benefit learning emotional intelligence and are empowered with mindsets needed to navigate the complexities of life. Overwhelmed by current situations and/or past traumas patients with the counselor's assistance develop healthier coping skills.
I have used Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for over 10 years helping patients improve their mental health and relationships by becoming aware of their thoughts, moods, feelings, and behaviors. I then assist patients learning how to apply skills to identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors, resulting in reduced anxiety, depression, and improved relationships.
In addition to university clinical training, I counseled many couples at San Juan's Catholic Charities of The Rio Grande Valley during my Practicum II Course where I integrated faith-based counseling with those who requested this approach. Clients and couples found hope and comfort from distress, depression, anxiety, and broken relationships, using faith-based Counseling in finding solutions to marriage conflicts or crisis.
I have used Family Therapy in helping families and in marital conflicts change toxic communication styles and patterns and helping them replace them with more functional ways.