Hi there, I'm Parag. You were not put here on this earth to suffer. You deserve to live your life with happiness and peace of mind. Mental illness and addiction can rob anyone of these precious gifts. When you turn to family and friends for support, often they don't know what to say or how to help. You can end up feeling very alone in the world. No one wants to develop mental illness or addictions. You didn't do anything wrong. Feeling emotionally numb, mentally overwhelmed, or having thoughts like "I just don't want to be on this earth anymore" are not things that people willingly choose for themselves. They are illnesses. We often get sick through no fault of our own. Just like some people get diabetes or heart disease, some people get mental illness. Working over five years in an inpatient psychiatric hospital, I have helped patients overcome symptoms of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, phobias, relationship problems, and self-esteem issues. My approach is to get to know you as a person and work on addressing what is really going on with your mind and your life right now. I know getting therapy can be scary, but I will do everything I can to help you feel heard, understood, and genuinely cared for. Give yourself a chance to have peace of mind again.

Hello, my name is Celina Piernik. I offer in-person or virtual therapy sessions, allowing you to connect from the comfort of your own space. With a background as both an educator and counselor, I’ve always been dedicated to supporting others. My work is shaped by personal and professional life experiences, and I understand that we all need support at different points in our journey. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and a Mindfulness-Based Approach to help females navigating anxiety, depression, grief, self-confidence, trauma, and women’s issues.

Hi! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, Supervisor (LPC-S) based in Texas. I received my Master of Counseling degree from Dallas Baptist University, and I have been practicing now for 18 years. My passion is in working with women struggling with relationships and balancing family. I also specialize in working with families that have a child with a diagnosis of Autism and adults with Autism.

Life can be overwhelming, especially when you’re carrying the weight of past trauma or trying to navigate intense emotions. If you’re feeling stuck, disconnected, or unsure of where to turn, I’m here to meet you exactly where you are. I work with individuals who want to process their experiences, heal from their past, and move forward with a sense of peace and empowerment. Together, we’ll create a space where your story can unfold, free of judgment or pressure.

I am licensed in Texas with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience working with military families and children going through reintegration processes, understanding new family dynamics, and how to support one another. I have experience working with children and youth who are facing social, academic, and identity concerns. I have experience working with foster and adopted youth who are working through traumatic experiences and are trying to navigate a new normal. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, parenting issues, & motivation, self-esteem, and confidence.

My name is Shawna, and I’ve lived in Texas my whole life. I’ve been practicing as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) since July 2020, following over three years as an LPC Intern. I’m also a Licensed Social Worker in Texas, with nearly five years of experience working in nursing homes before beginning my master’s program in counseling. Over the past several years, I’ve worked in community mental health and have served students in special education since November 2020. I also provided teletherapy to teens and adults through BetterHelp for over a year. I believe that clients are the experts of their own lives, but that we all need guidance at times to overcome challenges and discover new ways to grow. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where clients can build insight, resilience, and self-compassion through the therapeutic process.

Hello! My name is Kelsie. I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based out of Texas. I received my Undergraduate Degree in Psychology in 2015 and received my Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology in 2017. I've been working in the mental health field for 7 years and have been providing counseling for 4 years. I help my client's with everyday stress, anxiety, depression, career/school burn out, life changes/transitions, etc.

I hold a Master’s degree in Counseling and have been a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas since 2018, providing mental health and behavioral counseling services. My work is grounded in the belief that every individual has a unique life story, and our present experiences are often shaped by what we've encountered in the past. I also believe that our thoughts and behaviors influence how we engage in relationships and perceive the world around us. I approach therapy with a deep respect for each person's cultural background and life experiences, maintaining a strong commitment to multicultural awareness and sensitivity. My therapeutic style is integrative and client-centered—I believe that you are the expert on your life. Together, we’ll explore patterns of behavior and uncover the core beliefs that may be contributing to current challenges. My role is to support and guide you with empathy and encouragement, helping to build self-awareness and make sense of past experiences. Mental health is a journey. Feeling lost now doesn’t define your future. It takes courage and strength to pursue a more meaningful and fulfilling life. If you’re ready to take that step, I’m here to walk alongside you—offering support, encouragement, and empowerment every step of the way.

The value of serving others has been evident throughout my life. Having many years of work experience, including the armed forces, has helped me become a more flexible and well-rounded individual. My experience is across a variety of behavioral health settings including various levels of education, structured outpatient and inpatient psychiatric facilities, outreach and community mental health, managed care, and private practice promoting alternative therapies such as Emotional Support Animals as an accommodation and Hopscotch Play. As a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), additional credentials are Certified Anger Resolution Therapist (CART) and Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional (CIMHP).

Hello! My name is Krystal, and I’m a licensed professional counselor (LPC). I wanted to share a bit about myself and how I approach the work to help you decide if we might be a good fit. Who I Work Best With: ● Young Adults ● Adults ● Women What I Work With: ● Self Esteem ● Relationship Issues ● Issues ● Anger Management ● Anxiety ● Coping Skills ● Depression ● Family Conflict ● Grief ● Life Transitions ● Peer Relationships ● Stress ● Women's Issues ● Christian/faith based counseling My Background As someone who personally embraces a journey of mental and emotional health, I am thrilled that you, too, value your own. Welcome to your greater! When asked why I have chosen this field, I always respond with, “It chose me”. I was chosen to enter my own healing process and then pursue higher education at Sam Houston State University to professionally qualify my purpose. I obtained my Bachelor's of Science (2005) and Master’s (2009) degrees both from the illustrious college. Since that time I have developed my skill set by working with individuals, couples, and families in a variety of settings that include outpatient psychiatric programs/hospitals, Department of Family and Protective Services, and array of private practices.

Hello! I'm glad you're here. I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based in Texas with over 10 years of clinical experience. I have a wide range of experience working with adolescents, adults, and geriatric populations. I specialize in helping women struggling with self-esteem, life transitions, family and marital stress, and navigating relationships with others and yourself. I help you identify stagnant points in your life, and get to the root of them, so you can begin showing up and living a more authentic and fulfilled life.

I have acquired over 10 years of experience working in the field of mental health. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues & self-esteem issues. It is a joy to see sustainable progress clients make with taking charge of their lives. My therapy style is compassionate and nonjudgmental. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and refrain from stigmatizing labels.

Hello! I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor practicing in Texas and Louisiana. I earned my Master’s degree in General Counseling & Guidance from Louisiana Tech University. My interest in mental health began in high school when I took a psychology course, and it grew as I worked at a mental health agency, where I realized my passion for helping people navigate life’s challenges. I work with adults on a variety of concerns, including anxiety, anger management, family challenges, ADD/ADHD, ODD, career guidance, and academic difficulties. I provide a compassionate, nonjudgmental, and safe space where you can openly share your experiences and work toward meaningful goals. Together, we’ll explore strategies to manage symptoms, improve relationships, and enhance overall well-being.

I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Case Manager with over 10 years of experience in helping others shift their circumstances from being "stuck" to progression and functionality. I enjoy helping clients determine the limitations of where they are and how it keeps them from getting to where they want to be. Together, I enjoy meeting clients where they are and collaboratively allowing you to guide the process of your personal growth.

I am a licensed professional counselor living in the great state of Texas. I daily engage in reading, exercise, and quality time with my husband and children. I enjoy hearing the life stories of others, and addressing the wounds and toxic thinking that keep us bound in unhealthy choices and behaviors. I want to help you become a lifelong overcomer!

Welcome, Tiffany here! I appreciate you considering therapy and visiting my page. I understand life can get heavy, but you don't have to do it alone. I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor and I've been practicing since 2018. I'm also a certified rehabilitation counselor and I serve those in transition of careers and educational goals. I primarily serve ages 12 into adulthood. I tailor my approach to all ages and provide support based on their needs. I take a holistic approach with the hopes of connecting you with your goals, learning to break patterns and habits that no longer serve you, and to increase your daily feelings of happiness.

Hi! I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based in Texas. I received my Masters from Midwestern State University in Texas and have been practicing for 10 years. I help adults struggling with feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress, and with navigating life transitions and changes, all with the goal of helping them to become the best versions of themselves. I strive to create a safe and welcoming environment that allows clients to explore obstacles with concerns related to anxiety, depression, stress, and/or self-care.

My name is Nguyen Bui, but you can call me Johnnie. I am a dedicated therapist with three years of experience working with adults and teens facing grief, anxiety, and trauma. My goal is to provide a supportive and compassionate space where clients can heal, grow, and become the best version of themselves. Through evidence-based approaches, I help clients build resilience, develop healthy coping strategies, and move forward with confidence.

I help marginalized individuals break free from the effects of childhood trauma and chronic anxiety. If you’ve tried talk therapy and still feel stuck, you’re not alone. Many of my clients struggle with anxiety, unresolved trauma, and relationship challenges that continue to show up in their daily lives. Using Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), I help clients reprocess how their brain responds to past negative experiences, so they can experience real, lasting relief without having to relive every detail. With a background in education and experience working with mothers and Veterans, I understand the unique stressors that come with caregiving, service, and high-responsibility roles. You don’t have to keep managing this on your own. Healing is possible—and you are worthy of it!

I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor serving Texas and Florida. I am deeply committed to facilitating transformative journeys for individuals seeking to transition from a state of emotional or psychological distress to one characterized by resilience and empowerment. By fostering a collaborative and supportive therapeutic environment, I strive to empower my clients to overcome challenges, break free from limitations, and embrace the opportunity to live boldly and authentically.

Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Texas. I have been practicing for 10 years. I help clients struggling with anxiety, depression, work stress, family issues, grief, and life transitions. I strive to create an environment of genuine acceptance that promotes a sense of safety and encouragement for personal growth. I believe that we all possess strength within us to conquer every challenge we face with the right support.

I am committed to supporting you throughout your healing journey by providing a safe place that is non-judgmental, encouraging, and supportive as you navigate through the difficult moments of your life. Striving to help you gain insight about the problems hindering you from living your best life possible, address unhelpful beliefs, thoughts, and patterns of behavior, and implement new ways of coping through life’s issues. With compassion and understanding, we collaborate to determine the most effective approach to treatment. If you're feeling sad or depressed, more irritable or angry with those around you, have difficulty bonding with your baby, anxious or panicky, problems sleeping, having upsetting thoughts that you can’t get out of your mind? There is no reason to continue to suffer alone or in silence. We can help walk beside you towards your healing journey.

I offer multiple modalities grounded in Christian therapy. The Christian-based approach uses the Bible as the authoritative and infallible Word of God to man. As such, it may be understood as the "how to" manual for the human mind. I have been a dedicated and compassionate advocate for clients with moderate to advanced therapy needs for several years and try to approach each client with compassion and respect. Throughout the years I have gained useful experience working with a wide range of population, while developing a speciality area in the treatment of women’s issues and challenges. We will work together to build a treatment plan that encourages your success.

Hi, I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based in Texas. I received my Master's from Lamar University in Beaumont Texas. I have been practicing for less than 5 years. I am a practical, and down-to-earth individual. As a clinician, I help families, young adults, couples, and individuals by providing a safe and non-judgmental space for them to explore their thoughts and feelings. My approach to therapy is compassionate and client-centered, focusing on their unique needs and goals.

Hello and Welcome to My Virtual Home! I'm glad you could make it. I know making the decision to ask for help is not always an easy one. I'm excited about the possibility of us working together. A little about me, I make every effort to live my very best life. In the process I have made some mistakes. I think that makes me great at what I do because I am non judgmental and accepting of others. I am mindful that recovery is possible for us all no matter what. I have over 20 years of experience as a clinician. I am versed in a variety of interventions, including DBT, EMDR, CRM, hypnotherapy and acudetox. I look forward to sharing this journey with you.

Hello, I'm Mario, and I'm here to help you navigate the challenges you're facing, whether it's anxiety, grief, depression, or any other mental health concern. I believe that everyone has the strength within them to overcome their struggles, and my role is to support you in discovering and harnessing that strength. As Lao Tzu wisely said, “He who conquers others is strong; he who conquers himself is mighty!” This philosophy is at the heart of my counseling approach.

Hi there, I'm Lakesha I’m a Licensed Clinical Therapist and been practicing for 11 years. I provide both short- and long-term therapy. I have worked with all ages and would love to help you meet your goals. I specialize in multiple areas such as managing anxiety, depression, work/life balance, bullying, body dysmorphia/body image issues, personality disorders, parenting issues, stress management, relationship difficulties, woman issues, adjustments to life situations, grief and loss, and anger management.

Hi, I’m Adriana, a licensed therapist passionate about creating a safe, supportive space where clients feel seen, heard, and understood. I work with individuals navigating stress, anxiety, life transitions, and relationship challenges, with a strong focus on trauma-informed care. My approach is collaborative and strengths-based, helping clients build insight, develop coping tools, and create meaningful change at their own pace. I believe therapy should feel supportive, practical, and empowering—and I’m honored to walk alongside clients as they work toward greater balance and well-being.

I am a licensed professional counselor. I have been practicing for 10 years. I am dedicated to helping individuals overcome challenges related to addiction, anxiety, and depression. With a compassionate and client-centered approach, I work alongside my clients to explore the underlying causes of their struggles, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and build lasting resilience. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where healing and person

Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in Florida, Oregon, Kansas (LSCSW), New Hampshire, and Texas. I received my Master's degree from Louisiana State University and have been practicing for 9 years. I help adults find ways to heal from their trauma, help them become more self-aware, and to stop negative thinking, so they can become the best versions of themselves. I help adults ages 18+ struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, schizophrenia, relationship issues, suicidal ideations, self-harm, grief/loss, life transitions, and anger management. I utilize a variety of treatment modalities such as CBT, CPT, DBT, ACT, Interpersonal, Narrative, Supportive, Compassionate, Grief, and various others depending on your needs. I help clients stay in the present moment (utilizing other techniques) as this can be very difficult to do in our busy lives today. I became a social worker because I want to help people feel better about themselves and their lives. I no longer wanted to be "just an employee" and work for a large organization. I wanted to use my strengths and abilities to help others because it would be challenging and rewarding. Therapy is a form of "self-care", and we will work together as a team to address your specific challenges, goals, and needs. I am dedicated, passionate, and caring. I also conduct emotional support animal evaluations in Florida, Texas, New Hampshire, Kansas, and Oregon. If you would like more information about me or getting an emotional support animal evaluation completed, please visit my website at instillinghopepsychotherapy.com.

Hi, I'm Rob. Are you looking for an experienced compassionate therapist who will help you identify and overcome mental and emotional blocks to your potential? I've worked with hundreds of clients over the past 30 years on a similar journey. My years of experience have helped me refine my approach to guiding clients through the blocks and unhealthy patterns that can keep them feeling stuck. It's my goal to help you get to the heart of what keeps you from healing, growing, and/or feeling more fulfilled.

Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Texas. I earned a BSW from TCU and an MSW from UT Austin - a proud Horned Frog and Longhorn! I live west of Fort Worth with my family and our four dogs. Working in schools, hospitals, in-home, with nonprofits, and in tele-health settings gives me a wide range of experiences and perspectives to draw from when providing services. My focus is offering behavioral health services to individuals who are seeking help with a variety concerns. I look forward to the opportunity to provide support and guidance as you move along your healing path.

Hey there! Do you find yourself feeling anxious, sad, frustrated, or having trouble coping with life transitions? That’s where I come in! I'm a LCSW based in Dallas, Texas. I earned my Master of Social Work from Our Lady of the Lake University and a Bachelor of Science from the University of North Texas. During the day I work in hospice care and when I’m not working I enjoy advocating for my fellow zebras, knitting, reading, and volunteering at UNT.

My name is Aleida, welcome to my profile. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes a lot of courage. I want to be the first to commend you for taking this step as I know it is not an easy one. I look forward to getting to know you and forming a strong therapeutic alliance. I am a Bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker Supervisor (State of TX). I am also a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor-Intern, and a Certified Anger Resolution Therapist. I have 11 years of professional experience in mental health, and 20 years overall in medical and mental health case management, training, and education. I have ample experience in helping clients with depression, stress, anxiety, grief, self-esteem issues, addictions, trauma, abuse, and anger management among many other mental health issues and disorders. I am very empathetic and my top priority is to create an open and safe environment where my clients can share thoughts and feelings without fear of judgement. I consider myself to be very approachable and easy to talk to, and in my professional interaction display cultural awareness, competence and humility with each and every one of my clients. I recognize and acknowledge my clients as unique individuals, with diverse backgrounds, who may not share commonalities with me. I am always open to learn about my clients background, and by no means will appear to be the expert in their life experience. I want to have my clients feel welcomed and supported through their diverse life stressors. I do not take a cookie-cutter approach to therapy, but instead, focus on my client as an individual, and tailor a therapeutic intervention that will best help my client in feeling supported and heard, while working on achieving their therapeutic goals.

Sometimes we encounter challenging life obstacles and can find ourselves feeling distressed, isolated, or stuck in unhealthy patterns. When these difficulties arise, we may bravely reach out for support and guidance from a counselor. I consider it a privilege to partner with my clients as they deepen self-awareness, achieve new insight, and work toward building the life they desire for themselves. I believe therapy should be about you and what's most important to you. I form a therapeutic alliance with my clients in which we work together on the issues that matter most to them.

As a bilingual clinical therapist, I support clients in reducing the long-term effects of complex trauma through the use of evidence-based therapeutic approaches tailored to their unique needs. I collaborate with individuals to strengthen resilience, enhance emotional regulation, and foster meaningful, lasting healing. My approach emphasizes creating a safe, compassionate, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel genuinely heard, understood, valued, and consistently supported throughout their therapeutic journey.

👋 Hi there. I have been working with women in recovery from alcohol for the last 26 years. It is my passion to see people learn to love themselves through self discovery. I would love the opportunity and privilege to walk by your side as you walk toward goals of self discovery and healing. I assist with discovery of self empowerment and help people to overcome anxiety and panic disorder. offering tools on how to live your best life now.

Hi there! I'm a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) who has been in practice for over 20 years. I help adults manage the struggles of life- stress, relationships, caregiving, life changes, chronic health issues, trauma, anxiety, depression, etc. Therapy is not a one size fits all kind of thing so I can utilize several different types of treatment modalities to help you reach your goals.

Hello! I am a Latina Bilingual Mental health therapist who is committed to helping you overcome overthinking, anxiety, and depression. I will do my best to meet you wherever you may be in the process of healing and create a space where you can process and create new ways of living that work best for you. By providing a safe, judgement-free space I will empower you to build upon your skills, helping you understand how your past impacts your daily living. If you find that you are ready to embark on this journey of healing, please contact me and I'd be honored to support you every step of the way.

Greetings Beloved Clients! I am Pam C. Lyons, a Certified Professional Coach and Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor for 15 years, and 20 plus years of life experience. I understand what it means to reinvent and rebuild my life several times as a Hurricane Katrina Survivor and as a businesswoman. My practice serves as a safe place to the Texas community and a beacon of light. The slogan “Reinvent the World” was inspired by all the shared traumatic experiences going on in the world due to Covid 19, increase in mental and physical health problems, racism, toxic politics, lack of safety for our children, poverty, economic challenges, women not receiving equal pay, women rights being infringed upon, and survivors of natural disasters. We need a space to express our traumatic experiences safely, to be listened to and understood with empathy and compassion, and to receive coping tools to become the best version of ourselves so we can create a better world for our future generations.

Greetings! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Texas. I have been practicing for over 10 years. I offer services for adolescents, adults, and seniors. I am passionate about helping others on their journey of personal growth and healing. My mission is to provide clients with a compassionate and warm atmosphere that allows them to feel heard and supported as they discover their inner harmony.

I'm affirming of all religions, races, ethnicities, cultures, and worldviews. I enjoy working with relationship issues (romantic, family, coworker, friendships), domestic violence, social anxiety, agoraphobia, depression, generalized anxiety, neurodivergence, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, sexual abuse, academic stress, trauma, bipolar disorder, hoarding, personality disorders, and work stress. I have a casual, no-pressure approach. Whenever I have questions, I won't push a person for answers if they don't feel ready to talk about a topic.

Growing up in a military community as a student-athlete and bartender, I learned quickly that my passion and love for people would take the lead in picking a career. While receiving my master's degree at the University of Southern California, I concentrated on family and couple dynamics with a focus on military culture. Since becoming licensed in Texas, I have worked in the acute hospital setting with individuals in crisis processing trauma and working through the stages of grief. I specialize in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), solution-focused therapy, and task-oriented therapy. I look forward to working with individuals and couples in all different stages of life to help them process, heal, and move forward with proper coping skills to be as successful as possible.

Through my journey in the field of counseling, I've come to understand that, no matter what you're carrying when you step into counseling, there's always one steadfast thing you can hold onto: hope. My passion lies in standing with those who are hurting, mending, and who may feel a bit broken, and helping them discover meaning and hope within the unique tapestry of their circumstances.

I believe that it should not be hard to live a better life, because people can change and there is hope. I, Daniell' Chisley, offer therapy services for adults and juveniles (13-17). We can come up with solutions together. I offer integrated treatment styles that are safe, inclusive, and tailored to you, so that you can feel heard and get the help that you need. Helping you to heal is my goal. I will guide you to acceptance, understanding, and developing results.

I have a PhD in Psychology and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who is licensed in the states of Texas and North Carolina. I have vast amount of experience in addressing Anxiety, PTSD and Depression. I have experience in addressing life experiences, anger management, and marital conflict. My military experience has allowed me to have various approaches to addressing client's needs.

So, what brings you to therapy? My name is Aquarius and I am a Christian woman, mother of 5 and grandmother of 6. I have overcome so much in my life, and I would love to help you see that you can do the same. I am a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist who uses an ecclectic approach to help you acquire the control over your thoughts, emotions, behaviors, mental health symptoms, and life issues that plague you. I am a Licensed Professional Therapist who does telehealth therapy for Texas and Florida.

Hello. I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor with 25+ years of experience across a wide range of clientele and environments. My Masters degree was earned at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. As a counselor I will be your biggest cheerleader while at the same time sharing honest observations how patterns in your life influence you in both positive and negative ways.

Hello there! I am a bilingual licensed professional counselor in Texas with over 12 years experience. I've worked with a variety of clients such as children, teens, college students, and adults. I like to focus on identifying your strengths and helping you to maximize them to overcome your obstacles. I'm here to help you sort through the things that are difficult right now, and offer you a safe place to be open and honest without fear of judgment.

https://www.adaptlabtherapy.com/ Hi, I’m Abel. I know firsthand how ADHD can shape your life — not just in focus and productivity, but in emotions, confidence, and relationships. I was diagnosed in my 30s, and it helped me make sense of years of struggles with organization, responsibilities, and executive functioning. But what surprised me most was how profoundly ADHD impacts relationships, especially marriage. That’s why I believe therapy for ADHD has to go beyond productivity — it has to address how ADHD affects the people you love most. As a husband of 13 years, a father, and a family man, I understand the quiet pressures many men carry. I also know how relationships require vulnerability, balance, and teamwork. My wife and I work hard at our own marriage, especially in navigating ADHD together. That lived experience shapes the way I support couples and men in therapy: with honesty, compassion, and strategies that work in the real world. I’ve also wrestled with body image and self-worth challenges after years of being overweight. Through hard work, I reached a healthy weight and learned firsthand how self-care directly strengthens self-worth. This experience fuels my commitment to helping clients build healthier, more grounded relationships with themselves.