About Lorena
Why I do this…
As a product of the inner city, I’m extremely passionate about cultivating the kind of healing that can affect the livelihoods of children in inner cities. While I don’t work directly with children anymore, I believe the work I do with adults creates a ripple effect in making the world a better place. A place where the cycle of hurt people hurting other people is broken. A place where mental illness is managed and not just tolerated. A place where repeated cycles of trauma are not perpetuated. I do this for them and your own inner child.
But how can I help YOU?
I tailor the treatment for each of my clients depending on their needs and stated goals.
For the gifted individual, I’ve done my research about working with people with our kinds of brains. We had some resources when we were in schools, but after high school we lose access to the most necessary ones. Much of the work around counseling gifted individuals says that you need a counselor with the same kind of brain, I may be the fit you’ve been looking for!
For the individual trying to manage a diagnosis and/or navigate a world after trauma, I have based all of my outside training on your circumstance. I also have my own survivor story from which I am able to recognize your resilience, capacity for healing, and humanity. Don’t worry, I’m not here to tell you all about my story of healing, I’m here for yours!
I’m comfortable with it ALL.
If you think we might be a good fit to work together, bring it ALL!
I am an anti-racist who can hold space for everyone on their journey toward racial reconciliation toward self and the world around you.
I am sex-positive and believe that everyone has the right to sexual expression that is authentic, safe, and consensual for all involved. This includes the sexually active, abstinent, and those healing from sexual trauma.
I am a Christian who is not uncomfortable with your spiritual journey. Bring your religious trauma, spiritual exploration, and/or disdain for it all. The space we create together will bring this piece of you in as much as you’d like–or not.
I’m a little rachet–your past doesn’t bother me. Even if you’ve been afraid to share the real you with others, I’d be honored to hold a safe space with you to share, process, and embrace as much as you’d like.
I’ve done other things, too!
While I’m currently devoted to counseling and teaching, I haven’t always been in the field of mental health. I am able to relate to clients in other professional ways that allow for greater understanding of their career struggles and goals. I got the opportunity to be a full-time road warrior, traveling every week as a software consultant in the auto industry. I’ve also dabbled in D&I and communications/PR. We can talk all about your work environment and layoffs without you needing to take the time to catch me up on how the private sector operates.
Okay, now the things the counseling nerds are looking for…
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (Lic 76955) in the state of Texas.
Psychology Lecturer at Texas State University.
May 2016 – M.Ed. University of Texas at Austin, Educational Psychology – Counselor Education
Somatic Experiencing – Advanced Year
Somatic Experiencing Teaching Assistant – Beginning Year
MAPS – MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy Training – Parts A, B
Other training events are attended on a regular basis to enhance and sharpen my clinical skills. The above trainings only reflect ongoing certification programs.
Clinical Experience: Military Family Support, Elementary and High Schools, Community College and University, Health and Human Services Dept, Local Mental Health Authority, Psychiatric Hospital.