Hello! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based in Texas. I received my Master's degree in Texas A&M International University and I have been practicing for 5 years. I seek to empower my clients by helping them realize the great resources they already have access to within themselves. I serve individuals that have been struggling with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and any other difficulties that are not allowing them to enjoy life. I seek to assist clients to have a better understanding on their thoughts, feelings, needs and values in order to understand what the next steps will be and what tools with be better suited for them.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In out first session together, we will start by knowing each other and answer any questions you my have. I know coming to counseling can be scary some time and we do not know what to expect, I want to make sure we create a safe space where I can start learning your life story and how I can help you during this process of therapy. Learning about your life story can help me understand the challenges you have been experiencing and we will create a plan on how to face them.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I have been described as reliable, empathetic, and intuitive. Former clients have mentioned they feel welcomed and easily connected with me including feeling heard, and not judged. It is really important for me that you feel safe and comfortable during the sessions, also give you a space were you can open up and be yourself and feel heard. It is one of my goals to empower people to believe on themselves and be able to recognize they are capable of confront their biggest challenges. Call me for a free consultation, I look forward working with you and be part of your journey.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
My clients are wanting to have a change on their life, but they do not know where to begin and not yet have tools to complete their goals. I have noticed they often feel stuck not knowing what the next step is or how they can feel better with themselves. They can feel anxious about how to improve their life. Some clients have been feeling depressed after experiencing hard situations and forget the value they have on themselves and the fact they are more than what happened to them.
About Paola Velazquez
Identifies as
Specializes in
Serves ages
Licensed in
Accepts
Address
402 Hillside Road, Laredo, TX 78041, Suite 2Appointments
Virtual & in-personMy treatment methods
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT therapy) is a type of mindful psychotherapy that helps you stay focused on the present moment and accept thoughts and feelings without judgment. It aims to help you move forward through difficult emotions. Clients learn to stop avoiding, denying, and struggling with their inner emotions and, instead, accept that these deeper feelings are appropriate responses to certain situations that should not prevent them from moving forward in their lives. With this understanding, clients begin to accept their hardships and commit to making necessary changes in their behavior, regardless of what is going on in their lives and how they feel about it.
Cognitive Processing (CPT)
I have been certified as a CPT Provider. This therapeutic approach helps patients learn how to challenge and modify unhelpful beliefs related to the trauma. In so doing, the patient creates a new understanding and conceptualization of the traumatic event so that it reduces its ongoing negative effects on current life.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
When using this therapy method, the therapist's role is to provide a space conducive to uncensored self-exploration. As the client explores their feelings, they will gain a clearer perception of themselves, leading to psychological growth. The therapist attempts to increase the client's self-understanding by reflecting and carefully clarifying questions.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavior Therapy helps people identify their distressing thoughts and evaluate how realistic the thoughts are. Then they learn to change their distorted thinking. When they think more realistically, they feel better. The emphasis is also consistently on solving problems and initiating behavioral changes.
Motivational Interviewing
Motivational interviewing is a counselling method that involves enhancing a patient's motivation to change by means of four guiding principles, represented by the acronym RULE: Resist the righting reflex; Understand the patient's own motivations; Listen with empathy; and Empower the patient.