Our McKinney Therapists
Heidi Johanson
MS, LPC Supervisor, Co-Owner/Executive Director
I am a licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor in the state of Texas. I have a Masters Degree in Counseling from Southern Methodist University. I have experience in treating trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, Bi-polar disorder, addiction, life adjustment issues, personality disorders, gender/identity, family and relationship issues. Throughout my career I’ve had the opportunity to treat a diversified clientele that has shaped my ability to be understanding and accepting. I believe the therapeutic relationship is the most valuable aspect of the counseling experience.
I am a trained specialist in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Immediate Stabilization Procedure (ISP) Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), and Emotional Transformation Therapy (ETT), which are highly effective in healing PTSD, trauma, and other related disorders/issues. I also use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to help shape negative behaviors resulting from addictions, anxiety, self esteem issues, and more. Additionally, I am trained in Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) to help assist and guide those before, during, and after crisis situations.
I am a goal oriented therapist that works in coordination with each client tailoring their counseling experience to address current issues. Through the use of CBT, DBT, ART, ETT, and other various therapeutic interventions we can accomplish wellness in everyday life.
Laurie Todd
MS, LPC Supervisor, Co-Owner/Executive Director
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor in the state of Texas. I graduated with a Masters of Science in Counseling from Southern Methodist University. Throughout my career I have had experience in working with clients who have depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, dissociative identity disorder, schizoaffective disorder, gender/identity struggles, life adjustment stressors, grief, phobias, and PTSD/trauma. I am trained to treat clients with trauma, PTSD, and other disorders through Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Immediate Stabilization Procedure (ISP), Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), and Emotional Transformation Therapy (ETT). These therapeutic approaches are proven to be highly effective in achieving a successful recovery. Additionally, I am trained in Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) to help assist and guide those before, during, and after crisis situations.
During my counseling career, I have had the opportunity to work with a variety of clients while using compassion and empathy to provide them with the highest level of care. I feel each client deserves to be accepted and understood to allow them to be successful in their counseling experience. My therapeutic relationships with my clients revolve around trust and compassion, and are taken into high consideration to help clients heal.
As a goal oriented counselor, I work with each client to ensure the therapeutic process meets their individual needs. Through the use of CBT, DBT, ART, ETT, and other therapeutic techniques, I can assist clients in addressing any issues that disrupt daily life.
Lindsay Hinojosa
MA, LPC Supervisor, Clinical Director
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor in the state of Texas. I obtained my Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from The University of Houston – Clear Lake, and my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Texas A&M University. Whoop!!!
My specialties include treating adults struggling with anxiety disorders such as Complex-PTSD & trauma, OCD, Social Anxiety, Panic Disorder, and Phobias. Additionally, I have experience treating addiction, ADHD, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, low self-esteem, and sleep issues such as insomnia. I have a passion for providing treatment to other helpers, such as first responders, veterans, social workers, counselors, nurses, doctors, teachers, and those who endlessly serve our communities.
I believe that having a strong therapeutic relationship is essential to the counseling process, and I utilize a variety of treatment modalities to assist my clients in their journey toward healing. I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Interpersonal & Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT) to help those struggling with mood disorders. I also utilize Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP), Systematic Desensitization (SD), Prolonged Exposure (PE), and the Immediate Stabilization Procedure (ISP) for those who are recovering from trauma and intense anxiety. Through my experiences as a counselor working in a non-profit program, community clinic, the prison system, and group practices, it is an honor and joy to help you on the path to feeling whole again.
Tania Kader
MS, LPC
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas, and I obtained my Masters of Science in Counseling from Southern Methodist University. I have experience working with children, teens, and adults on a variety of struggles such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, gender/identity, autism, parenting/family issues, as well as OCD and bipolar disorder.
I primarily operate from a person-centered perspective and utilize various modalities to best fit a client’s individual needs, such as CBT, ERP, and interpersonal psychotherapy. I also utilize the evidence-based powers of play when working with children, often ages 3-12 years old, to help them to process difficult emotions in a healing and supportive environment.
My approach is rooted in empathy, understanding, and evidence-based practices. I believe in creating a safe and nurturing environment where clients feel empowered to explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Through personalized treatment plans, I work collaboratively with clients and their families to enhance overall quality of life.
Blake Thomas
MA, LPC Associate Supervised by Laurie Todd, LPC Supervisor
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in the state of Texas under the supervision of Laurie Todd, MS, LPC Supervisor. I graduated with a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Amberton University. I strive to create a safe, caring, and compassionate therapeutic environment where clients are able to explore life issues and conflicts. I desire to help teens, adults, and couples work through and find freedom from issues that they have been dealing with for days, decades, or anywhere in between.
I have had the pleasure of working with clients from numerous backgrounds and cultures to help them reach their goals. I am passionate about helping people who have difficulty with anxiety, depression, addictions, anger management, trauma, grief, family and relationship problems, life transitions, and spiritual issues. Additionally, I enjoy working with parents of neurodivergent children, and can provide Christian counseling upon request.
I use various therapeutic interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Existentialism, Client-Centered Therapy, and Mindfulness with my clients. Additionally, I am trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), which is highly effective in treating trauma and PTSD. I am passionate about building a strong relationship with my clients, as the relationship between the therapist and client is key to effective counseling. My hope is to understand each client’s unique values and experiences that shape who they are, enabling the client to make better choices for their future and to live a more fulfilled and meaningful life. No matter what the client is going through, there is hope, and we will work together to find solutions.
Catherine Bolotte
MEd, LPC Associate Supervised by Heidi Johanson, LPC Supervisor
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in the state of Texas supervised by Heidi Johanson LPC Supervisor. I have a Masters in Counseling Education from the University of New Orleans. In my counseling experience, I have had the opportunity to work with adolescents and adults struggling with complex trauma and PTSD, domestic violence, bipolar disorder, ADHD, depression, and anxiety. I am also passionate about working with individuals struggling with gender and sexual identity, and strive to provide a safe and empathetic environment for each client. I believe that a strong therapeutic relationship is fundamental to the healing process and seek to help my clients build a fulfilling life for themselves. I primarily operate from a person-centered perspective and also utilize a variety of modalities to best fit each client’s needs, such as DBT, psychodynamic therapy, and attachment theory. I am trained in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD, phobias, and severe anxiety, as well as Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) which is highly effective in treating trauma and PTSD. As humans, we not only want to feel understood, but we want to understand ourselves and why we do what we do. This awareness can lead us closer to positive shifts and healing. I am here to offer a safe, non-judgmental environment for you to figure out what is working, what is not, and how to move forward.
Patricia Segovia
MS, LPC Associate, NCC, Supervised by Laurie Todd, LPC Supervisor
As a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate under the supervision of Laurie Todd, LPC Supervisor, in the state of Texas, I bring a blend of personal and professional experiences to my counseling practice. I obtained my Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Texas A&M University-Commerce and my Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Texas at Austin. Before becoming a counselor, I served in a career in education for over 15 years, working with students in grades Pre-K through 12th grade. This experience provided me with over a decade of experience in teaching and building rapport with adolescents from various backgrounds and different educational needs, and set up a solid foundation in connecting with others as a therapist.
My experience in counseling includes working with individuals addressing a wide range of issues such as depression, anxiety, autism, ADHD, OCD, phobias, adjusting to life changes, career counseling, PTSD/trauma, and grief. I bring a diverse therapeutic approach to my practice, grounded in a person-centered perspective that integrates various evidence-based practices I am trained or informed in to meet your needs. These include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT). I am also trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), a highly effective method for treating PTSD and trauma. I am also fluent in both English and Spanish.
As a lifelong learner, I am committed to continuously improving my skills and staying up to date with the latest developments in counseling. This commitment, along with my dedication to client collaboration and safety, aims to provide you with the most effective and evidence-based therapeutic approaches in a space safe for you to be your authentic self. The therapeutic journey is a collaborative one, and I will steadfastly work with you to understand your unique needs and goals. I embrace the diversity of our characteristics and experiences and am dedicated to empathically collaborating with you on your journey toward growth and healing.
Grace Bennett
MS, LPC Associate, Supervised by Laurie Todd, LPC Supervisor
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in the state of Texas, supervised by Laurie Todd, LPC-S. I obtained a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Texas A&M University Commerce. With my experience working in community mental health, I have gained vast knowledge to help children, adolescents, young adults, and families who have faced crisis and major life stressors. I also have experience in treating depression, anxiety, the negative impact of substance abuse on a family unit, PTSD, parent-child conflict, and coping with divorce.
My therapeutic framework is grounded in CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy). Both modalities are effective interventions that can be used with a wide variety of mental health issues and related symptoms. I am also trained in ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention), which is highly effective in treating OCD and phobias.
You can expect unconditional acceptance and support to foster the growth and healing you need from counseling. I strive to provide an empathetic environment where you can be heard and understood, and together we will work collaboratively toward your goals.
Ryan Ross
MS, LPC Associate Supervised by Heidi Johanson, LPC Supervisor
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in the state of Texas supervised by Heidi Johanson LPC Supervisor with a Masters Degree in Counseling from University of North Texas at Dallas. I have experience in treating trauma, depression, anxiety, life adjustment issues, PTSD, gender/identity, and domestic abuse issues. Our bodies and minds can go through intense distress affecting us in complicated ways and we have the ability to grow or change in spite of our experiences. Life can be challenging and so can therapy, especially when you are rediscovering yourself but it can be worth it with a compassionate and encouraging setting to support you. The therapeutic relationship is the most important part of the counseling process. I appreciate learning about your background, culture, story, and meeting clients where they’re at to best serve the counseling experience. My primary modalities include CBT, DBT, existentialism, and psychodynamic therapy. I am trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), which is highly effective in treating PTSD and trauma, as well as Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD, phobias, and severe anxiety. Let’s help you move forward!
Jessica Suchanek
MS, LPC Associate, Supervised by Laurie Todd, LPC Supervisor
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in the state of Texas under the supervision of Laurie Todd, MS, LPC-S. I graduated from the University of North Texas with a Masters degree in Counseling. I have experience in treating anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, identity development, life adjustment issues, self-esteem, and providing clients with effective coping skills. I place a high emphasis on establishing trust in the therapeutic relationship and taking the time to truly understand a person’s life story.
I work collaboratively with the client to create goals for counseling that can be addressed throughout the therapy process. I use a variety of modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and expressive arts to help in re-establishing balance and wellness in one’s life. Additionally, I am trained in Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP), which is highly effective for treating OCD and other anxiety disorders.
I believe that each person has the innate ability to grow and heal, and my goal as a counselor is to create a safe environment where each person can engage in this work.
Taylor Buckner
MS, LPC Associate Supervised by Heidi Johanson, LPC Supervisor
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate supervised by Heidi Johanson, LPC Supervisor. I am passionate about working with adults who are seeking help for trauma, grief, depression, anxiety, LGBTQIA affirming care, mood disorders, and trauma informed parenting. I also work with veterans who are struggling to transition back to civilian life. I served in the U.S. Navy as a Hospital Corpsman and trained as a behavioral health technician which was an invaluable experience that solidified my journey to working in mental health. I enjoy fostering a healing environment for my clients and watching them grow into finding self-discovery.
I have worked at a variety of mental health settings which have helped me utilize an eclectic approach to treating clients. While I primarily use a person-centered approach, I am comfortable using different modalities such as DBT, CBT, and Motivational Interviewing! I am also trained in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) which is highly effective in treating a variety of conditions, such as anxiety, phobias, and OCD, as well as Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) to effectively treat trauma and PTSD. I am also passionate about parent training and helping families improve functionality.
I hope to foster an environment that allows each client to feel safe being their authentic self. I enjoy empowering clients to find inner peace and solutions to their current struggles.
Remmy Williams
MA, LPC Associate Supervised by Heidi Johanson, LPC Supervisor
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in the state of Texas under the supervision of Heidi Johanson, LPC Supervisor. I obtained my Masters in Professional Counseling from Dallas Baptist University. I am a trauma-informed therapist who works with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, family of origin issues, life transitions, and relationship issues. I am also passionate about working with adults who are survivors of childhood trauma and narcissistic abuse from partners or caregivers. Additionally, I enjoy helping couples who struggle with emotional and sexual intimacy. As a therapist, I collaborate with you on goals for treatment and give you autonomy in your healing process. I believe the therapeutic relationship provides healing for attachment wounds and other various forms of trauma. I seek to help my clients engage in self-discovery, rewrite their internal script, and embrace healing holistically.
I am a trauma-informed therapist and primarily operate from a person-centered approach, but utilize a variety of therapy modalities to best fit individual needs. I am trained in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), which is highly effective in treating a variety of conditions, such as anxiety, phobias, and OCD, as well as Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) to effectively treat trauma and PTSD. I can also integrate faith and psychology for clients who request Christian counseling. I believe in tailoring therapy to the individual and will use different techniques and skills based on the client’s presenting issues.
Rylee Hallum
MS, LPC Associate, Supervised by Heidi Johanson, LPC Supervisor
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in the state of Texas under the supervision of Heidi Johanson, MS, LPC Supervisor. I graduated with my MS in Counseling from Abilene Christian University. I am passionate about creating a safe space for healing and growth, and believe that every person deserves the opportunity to feel seen and heard. I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults from a wide range of socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds.
I have experience in treating depression, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, phobias, life adjustment stressors, and trauma. I utilize a variety of evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP), and Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) to meet the individual needs of each client. Additionally, I am trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) and the Immediate Stabilization Procedure (ISP), which are highly effective in treating PTSD, trauma, and other related disorders/issues.
I feel that having a strong therapeutic relationship is an important aspect of the counseling process and I am dedicated to walking alongside you with empathy and compassion. We will collaboratively establish goals and navigate through your unique issues and trials. I look forward to meeting you!
Marisa Thompson
MS, LPC Associate, NCC Supervised by Laurie Todd, LPC Supervisor
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in the state of Texas under the supervision of Laurie Todd, MS, LPC Supervisor. I graduated with my MS in Counseling Psychology from Oklahoma State University. I have a passion for walking alongside clients in their journey towards healing and fulfillment. I believe everyone is an expert in their own story and deserves to have the space where they can be themselves and be heard in their experiences.
I have developed a deep understanding of the challenges that individuals face when dealing with a variety of issues such as anxiety, depression, life transitions, self-esteem, relationship issues, and trauma. I have honed my skills in several evidence-based counseling techniques, which include Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Relational-Cultural Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and Motivational Interviewing. Additionally, I am trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) and the Immediate Stabilization Procedure (ISP), which are highly effective in treating PTSD, trauma, and other related disorders/issues. I utilize these therapies to provide effective and personalized interventions that meet the unique needs of each client.
As a counselor, my goal is to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals who are struggling with emotional, behavioral, and/or mental health concerns. I strive to create a safe and supportive space where clients can explore their concerns, develop coping skills, and work towards positive change. I believe that everyone has the potential to grow and thrive, and I am committed to supporting my clients in their journey toward wellness and fulfillment.
Alexandra Gartley
MS, LPC
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas. I earned my Masters of Science in Counseling from Southern Methodist University, where I focused on play therapy, adolescent therapy, and family play therapy. I completed my internship at a local non-profit working with children and adolescents who have experienced a wide array of trauma, including physical and sexual abuse. While at my internship, I worked with children, adolescents, families, and groups, with a wide range of concerns, such as anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, life adjustments, and mood related issues.
I utilize the evidence-based powers of play when working with children, often ages 3-12 years old. I use play therapy to help children to process difficult emotions in a healing and supportive environment. In play therapy sessions, I meet the child where they are at, using developmentally appropriate language, to help them express their feelings and concerns to promote healing. I am also trained to treat clients with trauma, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and other negative life experiences through Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Both are evidence-based practices designed to resolve unprocessed traumatic memories stored in the brain.
I specialize treatment to accommodate each client’s individual needs. I believe the therapeutic relationship is highly important in the healing process and I want every client to feel safe and understood.
Alysse Shropshire
MS, LPC
During my education, I completed an internship at Promise House, Inc. providing therapy to children and adolescents in CPS care. Post education, I gained experience in treating clients of all ages with anxiety, depression, substance use and addiction issues, self-harm and suicidal ideation, low self-esteem, life adjustments/daily stressors, grief, and trauma. I also have experience working with parents of teenagers with dual diagnosis substance use and mental health issues.
I am trained in using Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) to treat clients with trauma, PTSD, and other negative life experiences. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) to help children and adults challenge negative thoughts and beliefs that can affect depression, anxiety, and other stressors impacting mental health. I am also trained in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) which is highly effective in treating OCD, phobias, and severe anxiety.
As a person-centered therapist, I aim to provide clients with genuine empathy and understanding to guide clients through therapy to accomplish treatment goals and find wellness.
Lindsey Smith
MS, LPC Supervisor
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor in the state of Texas, and I received my Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from UT Southwestern, graduating in 2016. I have experience assisting individuals and families suffering from a variety of mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, PTSD, Bi-polar disorder, addictions, life adjustment issues, personality disorders, and various family issues.
I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), which is highly effective in healing PTSD, trauma and other related disorders/issues. I am also trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to help shape negative behaviors resulting from trauma, addictions, anxiety, self esteem issues, and more.
I am dedicated to empowering my client’s and providing support as they explore their potential for personal growth. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help client’s recognize how their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors are all connected. I also recognize that every client has different needs and am able to provide an integrative approach.
Jessica Utley
MS, LPC, LCDC-I
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor Intern in the state of Texas. I obtained my Masters of Science in Family Studies from Texas Woman’s University, in addition to a Masters of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. I am passionate about helping those who have experienced trauma, and have found joy in working with the unique niche of first responders. When you have suffered trauma and it seems like no one understands, I can guide you in learning how to cope and assist with regaining control of your life.
My goal is to help you to produce lasting change. This is accomplished through offering compassion, understanding, and guidance to individuals who find themselves struggling. I look for patterns to assist individuals to grow in self-awareness, creating a healthier outlook. I am trained in several different modalities such as EMDR, ART, CBT, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Strengths Based Therapy, and Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) that help clients process trauma and learn new coping skills. I am passionate about helping you produce a lasting transformation.
Each individual’s journey is different, but impactful and significant. It is my belief that as counselors, we guide individuals to the healthy change they want for themselves. My desire is to offer you hope, provide insight, and walk with you on your journey to find answers and live a fulfilling life.
Kira
Kira is a Siberian Husky and retired therapy dog! Kira provided Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) for four years by offering gentle hugs and helping clients manage overwhelming emotions in their sessions. Although she is retired, she still comes to the office almost daily just to get free pets. She loves fishing, swimming, and boating on the lake, and will gift you with endless black and white hairs to take home on your clothes! Through physical touch and just her simple presence in therapy, Kira can offer additional comfort and support when processing through difficult topics and emotions.
Daisy
Daisy is an Airedoodle (Airedale Terrier/Poodle mix), and she is a registered service dog. She is available to help clients relax and reduce stress and anxiety during sessions. Daisy is hypoallergenic and doesn’t shed! She has never met a stranger, and she loves getting pets and attention from everyone she meets. When not in therapy sessions, she loves to chase tennis balls, go for car rides and walks, and play with the tiny humans that live in her home. She is ready to be present in therapy sessions to sit on the couch and cuddle next to clients, to sit on the floor and get pets, or to simply lay on the floor and brighten client’s days.