The Counseling4Life Team

We are committed to supporting, providing therapy, and serving our clients with expertise, empathy, and in such an excellent way that our clients want to return to Counseling4Life over their journey of life.


Use these shortcuts to view therapists who specialize in these therapy types.

INDIVIDUAL

CHILD & TEEN

RELATIONSHIP

TRAUMA & LOSS

FAITH-BASED

GROUPS

 

Use these shortcuts to view therapists at your preferred location.

SAN ANTONIO

SPRING BRANCH/BULVERDE

VICTORIA

TELEHEALTH/VIRTUAL

San Antonio

  • Justine Casarez, LPC Associate

    Supervised by Megan Patrick, LPC#19056

    Justine holds a Master’s degree in Counseling and Development from Lamar University. With a diverse skill set and a passion for helping others, Justine specializes in providing support to individuals across the lifespan, from children to adolescents, and adults.

    With expertise in various therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), play therapy, and sand tray techniques, Justine tailors her approach to suit the unique needs of each client to explore their story and express themselves.

    Justine’s compassionate demeanor and empathetic nature foster a strong therapeutic alliance, empowering clients to embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth.

  • Carla Tovar, Ph.D., LPC -- Se Habla Espanol

    Carla was born and raised in Lima, Peru. She obtained a master’s degree and doctorate from St. Mary’s University

    Carla works with children, adolescents, adults, couples, groups, and families. She sees individuals experiencing bipolar, anxiety, depression, behavioral and relational issues, schizophrenia, substance use, attention-deficit/hyperactivity, suicidal ideation, self-harming thoughts, trauma, autism spectrum, grief and loss.

    Carla believes that counseling is an ongoing process in which therapists offer a safe space for their clients in order to help them develop more self-awareness and to help them make healthier decisions and changes in their lives.

  • Ashley Lyssy, LCSW

    Ashley graduated from Texas State University with a Bachelors in Family and Child Development degree and a Masters in Social Work degree.

    Ashley is passionate about empowering others to achieve their personal goals. She has clinical experience with individual adults, geriatrics, families as well as couples.

    Ashley’s background includes inpatient psychiatry, helping unique individuals achieve and maintain stabilization. Experience with individuals with substance use, anxiety, depression, psychosocial stressors, neurocognitive disorders, caregiver support and life transitions.

  • Jada Savas, LPC Associate

    Supervised by Megan Patrick #19056

    Jada Savas received her master’s degree in Counseling Psychology at Angelo State University.

    Jada works with children, adolescents, young adults & older adults. She has experience working with (but not limited to) individuals suffering from anxiety, depression, life transitions, grief & loss, stress, and relationship/family issues.

    Jada is passionate in providing a safe and trusting environment for clients, as well as providing them with warmth, empathy, and unconditional positive regard throughout their journey in therapy.

  • Drea Luster, LPC

    Drea received her master’s degree in clinical mental health from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Additionally, she is EMDR trained.

    Drea works primarily with adults experiencing trauma, grief, depression, anxiety, domestic/intimate partner violence, life changes, relationship issues, religious abuse, work-related stressors, and prenatal/postpartum issues. Drea also specializes in faith-based counseling.

  • Vanessa Hoover, LPC Associate

    Supervised by Michelle Mullin, LPC # 68914

    Vanessa was raised south of San Antonio in Natalia, Texas.  Vanessa received her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from TAMUSA in May of 2022. 

    Vanessa has experience working with school age children, adolescents, and adults.  She has experience working with domestic violence issues, and educating on the cycle of control and violence. 

    Vanessa has also worked with those living with trauma, anxiety, depression, suicidality, anger, grief/loss and substance use. Vanessa believes that seeking help is the first step in the healing process. 

  • Genevieve Compean, LPC

    Genevieve was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. Genevieve earned her Master of Arts degree in Therapy and Guidance from Texas A&M University-San Antonio in 2014.

    Genevieve has practiced therapy in several settings since her internship began in 2017. Her background includes helping adolescents (ages 14-18) learn how to process and cope with various types of trauma such as family separation, abuse, and anxiety. In addition, she has gained therapy experience working with adults and couples who are affected by work-related stress, financial stress, relationship stress, anxiety, grief, and depression.

  • Ashley Villarreal, LPC

    Ashley received her Master’s degree in Community Counseling at the University of Texas at San Antonio.

    Ashley works with children, adolescents, and adults as they work through issues of anxiety, depression, life transitions and adjustments, family issues, grief, relationship issues and women’s issues.

    She also specializes in helping both new and seasoned parents navigate parenthood and all that comes with it, as she found herself that there is not enough support available for new parents.

    Ashley believes in the power of therapy and encourages clients and parents to be patient with the process.

  • Natalie Weisz, Graduate Student

    Supervised by Megan Patrick, LPC#19056

    Natalie has a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from Texas A&M University, and began her graduate studies at Divine Mercy University, where she is currently a student in the Master of Science in Counseling program. While at Divine Mercy, Natalie has participated in an immersive trauma experience, become certified in EMDR, and worked with groups and individuals.

    Natalie is interested in working with a variety of populations. She believes that each person is unique and that healing is a collaborative process between the client and therapist. Considering the client from a holistic lens, Natalie aims to help the client flourish and achieve wellness in all facets of life.

  • Michele Flores, Graduate Student

    Supervised by Megan Patrick, LPC#19056

    Michele holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis from Capella University. Currently, Michele is a graduate student, pursuing a degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at the same institution.

    Michele's therapeutic approach is relationship-focused and places a strong emphasis on effective communication, acceptance, and inclusivity. Drawing from a variety of therapeutic modalities, including narrative therapy, emotionally focused therapy, and solution-focused techniques, to support their clients in achieving their goals and improving their overall well-being.

  • Stacy Lanier, Graduate Student

    Supervised by Megan Patrick, LPC#19056

    Stacy was born in Austin, TX, and raised in Kentucky. She is a first-generation college graduate who finished a Bachelor of Health Science at Columbus State University in Columbus, Georgia.

    She is working on completing her master's in marriage and family therapy at Capella University, graduating in September of 2024. Stacy is interested in emotionally focused therapy, attachment-based theories, and narrative therapy styles.

    Stacy has a passion for working with military professionals and their families.

  • Sydney Chamness, LPC

    Sydney was born in Colorado, but has lived in Texas the majority of her life. She received her master’s in therapy at The University of Texas at San Antonio in December of 2013. She has experience helping children, adolescents, and adults as they work through issues of anxiety, depression, life transitions, low self-esteem, grief, trauma, self-harm, suicidal ideation, and sexual, physical, and emotional abuse. Sydney provides play therapy services for children and adolescents, as well as support for their parents. Sydney also specializes in faith-based counseling.

    She strives to provide a comfortable, safe, and judgement-free zone.

  • Ana Maldonado, LPC- Associate

    Supervised by Michelle Mullin, LPC # 68914

    Ana Maldonado is a proud Guatemalan and first-generation American who settled in San Antonio in early childhood. Ana received her master’s degree in counseling from Divine Mercy University in August 2022.

    Ana maintains a holistic approach to healing and is equipped to work with multiple facets of trauma, including grief and loss, sexual trauma, and EMDR.

    She believes we are wired for love, belonging, and connection. Ana believes counseling can offer a space for those challenges to be explored, met with compassion, and resolved.

  • Jordan McGarrity, LPC Associate

    Supervised by Megan Patrick, LPC#19056

    Jordan McGarrity was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. She has a background in working with college students in mentorship and accompaniment capacities, which led her to pursue a path in mental health. She ireceived master’s degree in counseling at Divine Mercy University.

    Jordan is a current LPC Associate gaining experience in working with a variety of populations. Alongside her school work, Jordan has received additional education to prepare her to work with various types of trauma using EMDR, including sexual trauma, domestic abuse, and compassion fatigue. 

  • Robin Pritz, LPC

    Robin became a Licensed Professional Therapist in Texas in 2004. In 2006, she moved to her home state of Kansas, then returned to Texas in August 2019.

    Robin works with adults struggling with anxiety, depression, substance abuse, trauma, couple and family issues. She has helped others cope with disabilities and severe and persistent mental health diagnoses.

    Robin meets her clients on their journey with hope, a warm smile, and friendly words of encouragement; no matter how challenging their journey may be, or how "stuck" they feel, I am here to help you see there is hope and someone who cares.

  • Heather Pullen, LCSW

    Heather Pullen is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She has been an educator and later worked in child welfare for Child Protective Services. It was there that Heather gained her love for Social Work. She earned her Masters degree in Social Work from UTSA in 2013.

    Heather works with clients who are processing a wide variety of different issues, including anxiety, depression, relationship issues, emotional/physical abuse, behavior issues, grief and loss, and trauma.

  • Anessa Vargas, LPC

    Anessa was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. Anessa received her master’s degree in clinical and mental health therapy from The University of Texas at San Antonio in 2015.

    Anessa works with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families.  She also has experience working with individuals living with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, emotional/physical abuse, behavior issues, grief and loss, and trauma. Anessa is EMDR trained.

Spring Branch/Bulverde

  • Juliann Heye, Graduate Student

    Supervised by Megan Patrick, LPC#19056

    Juliann has a Bachelor's degree in Sociology with a minor in Psychology from McMurry University. After working in the banking industry for 12 years she decided to pursue her passion of helping people. She is a master's student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Malone University graduating in December 2024.

    Juliann wants to help others along their journey to navigate their challenges and achieve personal growth. She believes every individual is unique and in working collaboratively with her clients to help them achieve their goals. She aims to provide a judgement-free, safe and comfortable space for her clients.

  • Robyn Harrington LMSW

    Supervised by Melanie Little, LCSW # 66579

    Robyn received her Master’s in Social Work from UTSA. Robyn is currently an LMSW and is a LCSW Associate.

    Robyn uses a holistic and integrative approach that is client centered, integrating mindfulness, CBT , narrative, Gestalt, and somatic therapy modalities.

    Robyn believes spiritually can bring a sense of peace, and can be as important as other aspects of treatment and will discuss spirituality as much, or as little, as you want. If you have had a negative or harmful experience with religion, purity culture, or high control groups, Robyn is certified in Religious Trauma Studies, and really wants to hear about your beliefs and cultural experiences.

    Robyn also has experience and training working with children, the senior populations, and couples working on communication and intimacy issues.

    Robyn has evening and Saturday availability.

  • Melanie Little, LCSW-S, LCDC

    Melanie holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from Liberty University and a master’s degree in social work from Our Lady of the Lake University.

    Melanie specializes in addiction and trauma therapy and has worked with adults, young adults, and families. Melanie is EMDR certified, trained in Brainspotting, and has studied complex trauma and structural dissociation. Her therapy approaches also include cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy.

  • Lauren Esquivel, LMFT

    Lauren received her master’s degree in marriage and family therapy from Abilene Christian University.

    Lauren works with children, adolescents, individual adults, couples, and families as they work through issues of anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, ADHD, behavioral challenges, and enhancing parental skills. She is also a faith-based therapist.

    Lauren has weekday evening availability.

  • Robin Pritz, LPC

    Robin became a Licensed Professional Therapist in Texas in 2004. In 2006, she moved to her home state of Kansas, then returned to Texas in August 2019.

    Robin works with adults struggling with anxiety, depression, substance abuse, trauma, couple and family issues. She has helped others cope with disabilities and severe and persistent mental health diagnoses.

    Robin meets her clients on their journey with hope, a warm smile, and friendly words of encouragement; no matter how challenging their journey may be, or how "stuck" they feel, I am here to help you see there is hope and someone who cares.

Victoria

  • Anna Mendez, Graduate Student

    Anna received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice from University of Houston - Victoria. She is currently working on her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at UHV.

    Anna is interested in working with a variety of populations. Cognitive behavioral therapy is part of her goal to help provide coping skills to clients who are going through difficult situations.

    Anna sees clients on Saturdays for $40-$50 a session.

  • Marisa Gonzales, LPC, Registered Play Therapist

    Marisa received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Houston-Victoria. She began working as a forensic interviewer as part of a multidisciplinary team in the fight against child abuse at the children’s advocacy center (CAC) in her hometown of Victoria, TX. After relocating and working for over seven years in the Travis County CAC, she decided to return to Victoria and the University of Houston-Victoria to pursue her master’s degree in Counseling Psychology.

    Marisa is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has experience helping children, adolescents, parents, and adults as they work through issues of abuse, anxiety, depression, family problems/separation, grief, life transitions, low self-esteem, trauma, and suicidal ideations.

  • Kolbe Huffman, LPC- Associate

    Kolbe received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 2019. She continued her education at Pepperdine University where she obtained her master’s degree in psychology in 2022.

    Kolbe has recently decided to continue gaining knowledge and experience in order to pursue licensing for therapy in Texas and is attending Texas A&M-Kingsville. She is gaining experience by providing psychotherapy to children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families both in-person and through telehealth settings. She will be working with individuals looking for healing from a variety of experiences such as (but not limited to): depression, anxiety, stress, relationship issues, abuse, grief and loss, and behavioral issues.

  • Shannon Zorn, LMFT Registered Play Therapist

    Originally from Florida, Shannon spent her childhood in New Orleans. In 2010, she moved to San Antonio, Texas to pursue her career as a therapist.

    Shannon received her master’s in marriage & family therapy with a concentration in play therapy from St. Mary’s University in 2012 and is completing her doctorate in marriage and family therapy. She is bilingual in English and Spanish and has a wealth of experience working with children and parents as a Registered Play Therapist. Her other areas of expertise and specialty are Twogether in Texas premarital counseling, Gottman Method-focused couples/marriage therapy, family therapy, issues of domestic violence, and using play (child-centered and sand tray) in therapy for ages 2-12.

  • Carlaina Sutton - Counseling4Life - Victoria, TX

    Carlaina Sutton, Graduate Student

    Carlaina Sutton was born and raised in Yoakum, TX. Her family moved to Victoria, TX in 1992 and they have been here ever since. Carlaina received her Bachelor of Science degree from The University of Houston-Victoria in 2007 with a major in Biology and a minor in Psychology. She Is currently working on her Master of Science degree in Marriage and Family Therapy online through Capella University. Her anticipated graduation date is March of 2024.

    As a graduate student, Carlaina is interested in working with children, adolescents, couples and families, and individuals one-on-one. Carlaina’s goal is to help her clients manage and find balance through healthy coping mechanisms when they are dealing with anxiety disorders, behavioral disorders, depression and stress, couple and marital issues, family issues, substance abuse and use, and trauma (grief and loss, domestic and emotional abuse, and sexual trauma).

TeleHealth/Virtual

  • Michelle Farrey, LPC & LMFT

    Michelle received her Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas. She is passionate about couples, family, and marriage therapy. Michelle has a particular heart and experience for military families. She has experience working with adults with behavior issues, anxiety, depression, sexual identity, grief, and trauma.

    Michelle has gained knowledge working with active duty military experiencing combat trauma, non-combat trauma, and military sexual trauma.

  • Stephanie Dziuk, LPC

    Stephanie graduated with her Master from The University of Texas at San Antonio in 2011. Prior to starting work in the therapy field, Stephanie worked in preschools for over seven years.

    As a therapist, Stephanie has experience working with young children, adolescents, and adult populations, including those experiencing anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, grief, Bipolar Disorders, Mood Disorders, and Psychotic Disorders such as schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. 

  • Michelle Mullin, LPC-S/LCDC

    Michelle has worked with individuals experiencing a variety of life struggles and mental health challenges such as domestic violence, grief and loss, addiction, depression, anxiety, and relationship issues. She also has experience working with couples struggling with communication difficulties, infidelity, and emotional distance. Michelle is certified in EMDR Therapy to promote healing and help clients build lives full of authenticity, purpose, and meaning.

    Michelle holds a master’s in counseling, and she is both a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor.