About

Hello!

My name is Hannah Padilla below are my qualifications, my experience, and some important information on the nature of counseling if you choose to work with me.

Qualifications: I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I completed my education at Texas A&M International University gaining my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and then I went on to complete my Master of Forensic Psychology at University of Houston. I am trained in several therapy modalities, such as, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and other therapy modalities.

Experience: I have over four years of experience treating adolescent and adult clients with a wide range of psychological issues, emotional regulation issues, life management issues, distress tolerance and interpersonal skills. I usually go for person-centered therapies, but I am flexible. Due to my experiences in trauma treatment and my various trainings, I believe I can aid those who have been through a traumatic experience in gaining mastery over their trauma and learn skills so their trauma no longer impairs their daily living. I also have experience helping individuals manage anxiety, self-esteem, grief, PTSD, depression, and relationship issues. I have focused most of my experience on treating individuals who have experienced trauma. I have worked with individuals who have experienced sexual abuse, physical abuse, domestic violence, and neglect. I have also treated individuals who have not experienced trauma but have struggles with self-esteem, anger management, relationship issues, family issues, boundary setting, depression, and anxiety. I mainly use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on this platform but will utilize a variety of modalities to ensure that the needs of the client are being met.

Nature of Counseling: My approach is warm and welcoming. I firmly believe in treating people with kindness and respect. I do like to challenge my client to motivate them to achieve the change they want to see in their lives. I provide the support needed to share, become aware of and address life challenges in a way that will aid clients in achieving their therapeutic goals. My theory of counseling is a cognitive behavioral approach which is based on the premise that people are born with distinctive personalities and different ways of perceiving and relating to those around us. There can be impactful life experiences and traumas that can trigger unrealistic or automatic thoughts which can lead to negatively influencing moods and behaviors. I have seen personal growth take place when you have the tools and the time to identify unhelpful and self-critical belief systems, confront and challenge negative thoughts, and learn to instill positive core beliefs instead. The ability to grow and change can be difficult, but I have seen with a little help people have the ability to achieve the changes they want to seem within themselves and in their lives. In the safety of our sessions, we will form a working alliance to provide you with the tools and the opportunity to addresses and work on the changes you want to make and see in yourself and in your life. My approach is based on respect, empathy, positive regard, and commitment to your personal goals and growth. We will work together to establish your goals in the beginning of therapy that will set a sort of map of things I will help you work on so you can achieve those goals.