Clinical Director/Psychotherapist

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My Origins:

I found my passion in helping others when I learned the hard truth and struggles about my grandmother. Before I was born, my grandmother struggled with depression and attempted to take her life twice. Had she completed either time, I would have missed out on knowing one of the most amazing women in my life. She was so incredibly strong and did for others every chance she got. It blew my mind to be told what had gone on inside this unbelievable driving force in my life. I decided then I needed to help those who have lost hope find it again.

I obtained a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice along with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from Texas A&M- Commerce. I have 10 years of experience treating eating disorders, substance use disorders, personality disorders, self harm, suicidal ideations and general mood disorders with all populations.

Psychotherapist

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My Origins:

I started college with the intention of majoring in nursing, but once I took my first psychology class, I knew I had to switch! Since then I have graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Science in Counseling from Texas A&M University-Commerce.  

Psychotherapist

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My Origins:

My path into counseling has been shaped by both professional training and lived experience. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Brandman University while attending classes on Naval Air Station Lemoore, where I also worked in financial aid supporting military-affiliated students. I later earned my Master’s degree in Counseling from West Texas A&M University.

I spent approximately a decade as a military spouse, including active duty, reserve service, and military contracting phases, with frequent deployments and extended time apart. This chapter of my life included navigating the realities of long-term separation, reintegration, and ultimately divorce.

These experiences provided firsthand insight into the complexities of military life, including relationship strain, transitions, and the emotional impact of repeated deployments.

Professionally, I have experience working in community mental health as a substance use counselor, including supporting individuals involved in drug court, probation, and CPS-related cases. This work has strengthened my ability to balance accountability with compassion while helping clients navigate complex systems and expectations.

These combined experiences have given me a meaningful understanding of how life stress, systemic pressures, and personal challenges intersect.

Supervisor: Brunna Merrill LPC-S

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My Origins:

Before becoming a therapist, I spent years working in fast-paced, people-centered environments—experiences that shaped my approachable, adaptable, and down-to-earth style. Those experiences taught me that life is rarely neat or linear, and that people often carry far more than what others can see on the surface. They also helped me understand the importance of having a space where you don't need to have everything figured out before asking for support.

I earned my Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University and currently practice as an LPC-Associate under supervision in Texas. At my core, I am fascinated by people—their stories, emotional worlds, relationships, thought processes, and the ways they make sense of themselves and the world around them. My natural curiosity, empathy, and ability to notice patterns help clients gain insight, connect the dots in their experiences, and better understand themselves with clarity and self-compassion.

Supervisor: Kelly Doss, LPC-S, CEDS-C

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My Origins:

From a young age, I knew I was meant to be in a helping profession. I’m originally from Niceville, Florida, but growing up in a military family meant frequent moves, which allowed me to meet people from all walks of life and experience a variety of cultures. Through this exposure, I noticed a universal truth—mental health challenges exist everywhere, and the need for compassionate, accessible support is present in every corner of the world. 

This realization guided me to pursue a career in mental health. I earned my bachelor's degree in Psychology from Auburn University, with minors in Counseling and Italian Studies, and I am currently continuing my journey by pursuing a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through Auburn as well. My path has been shaped by a strong desire to understand people deeply and help them navigate the challenges that may be holding them back. 

Supervisor: Frances “Fran” DeArman, MS, LPC, C-PD

Student Intern

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My Origins:

I have always been a collector of stories—those passed down through family, captured in art, or lived quietly between cultures. As the child of refugees, born and raised in Oslo, Norway, I learned early what it meant to feel “out of place” in many spaces at once. Those experiences shaped my deep curiosity about people, identity, and meaning, and planted the seed for my desire to walk alongside others as they navigate life’s complexities.

I began my professional journey as a social worker in Norway and later found myself building a new life in Houston, Texas. As I continued my education in the United States, I pursued a second bachelor’s degree in psychology and am now in my final year of a master’s program in clinical mental health counseling.

Supervisor: Frances “Fran” DeArman, MS, LPC, C-PD

Student Intern

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My Origins:

I earned my Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree from The University of Texas at Dallas and am currently a Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduate student completing my clinical internship. I am passionate about supporting individuals as they navigate through life’s challenges and work toward greater self understanding and emotional well being.

Growing up in a multicultural household shaped my perspective and deepened my appreciation for the many experiences and identities people bring into the counseling space. I speak and understand Farsi/Dari and English fluently, and I value working with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and life experiences.

My goal is to create a supportive and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel comfortable exploring their thoughts, emotions, and personal growth journey.

Supervisor: Frances “Fran” DeArman, MS, LPC, C-PD

Student Intern

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My Origins:

For as long as I can remember, I have been passionate about helping others. Throughout my life, I have been drawn to roles that involve supporting, encouraging, and walking alongside people as they navigate challenges and discover their strengths.

My professional journey began in education, where I currently work as a special education teacher. Working closely with students and their families has given me a deep appreciation for the resilience people demonstrate in the face of adversity. It has also reinforced my belief that every individual deserves to feel understood, valued, and supported. Through these experiences, I discovered a growing desire to help others not only academically, but emotionally and personally as well, which ultimately led me to pursue counseling.

I earned my Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Baylor University and am currently completing my Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Lamar University. Throughout my training, I have developed a strong appreciation for the healing that can occur when individuals are provided a safe and supportive space to share their experiences and explore meaningful change.

I am particularly interested in working with adolescents and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem concerns, perfectionism, and life transitions. I also have a special interest in supporting individuals struggling with eating disorders and body image concerns.

Supervisor: Frances “Fran” DeArman, MS, LPC, C-PD‍ ‍

Student Intern

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My Origins:

I am an advocate, educator, and aspiring counselor and my first career was doing diversity, equity, and inclusion-related work in higher education for the last 15 years. Originally from Ohio, I received my B.A. in Sociology from Ohio University and my M.A. in Higher Education Administration from the University of Akron. I moved to Denton to open the University of North Texas Pride Alliance, where I served as director for 10 years. Working with queer and trans students, I was drawn to providing emotional support and space to sort through trauma, and wanted to seek formal training as a counselor. Building trust with clients and holding space for them while they journey through challenging parts of life is work I feel honored to be able to do.

I am now in the final chapter of my graduate school journey to obtain a Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of North Texas.

Areas of Focus:

While I have not officially landed on a specialty, my areas of experience and passion include working with queer and trans communities, people of the global majority (communities of color), survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, neurodivergent people, and people with disabilities. Additional areas of focus include anxiety, depression, perfectionism, trauma, identity exploration and development, and learning to build confidence and boundaries.

That being said, I am excited to work with any and all adult and adolescent clients seeking counseling at Renna!

Therapeutic Approach:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is my guiding theory, which explores the relationship between our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, in order to understand how we deal with challenges and explore how to develop new ways of coping. I intentionally incorporate mindfulness and somatics, as well as values from Systems and Relational Cultural Therapies into my conception of holistic wellness. I believe that a person’s mental wellness is inextricably linked to their physical bodies, identities, environment, relationships, and ancestral histories and strive to create a safe space in which a client can bring as much of themselves and their world into the room as possible.

Personal Note:

I navigate the world as a white, queer, trans, neurodivergent, and disabled person. When I’m not in the counseling room, I enjoy volunteering and am a proud founding and executive board member of PRIDENTON, a non-profit that provides advocacy, events, and ways to connect with the queer and trans community in Denton. I love playing Stardew Valley, watching documentaries and reality shows, and spending time with my partner and six pets (three dogs,three cats). I’m also usually planning a trip to my favorite place, Ocean Isle Beach, NC, with my family and chosen family.