About Therapy

What is therapy, and how does it work?

Therapy is a conversation between you and a licensed professional who is trained to help you work through difficult thoughts, feelings, and situations. Over time, you'll build a better understanding of yourself and develop practical ways to handle what life throws at you.

How do I know if I need therapy?

If something in your life feels stuck, overwhelming, or harder than it should be, therapy can help. You don't need to be in crisis to benefit from talking to someone. A lot of people start therapy simply because they want to feel better than they do right now.

What is the difference between a therapist, psychologist, and psychiatrist?

A therapist (like an LMFT, LPC, or LCSW) provides talk therapy and is trained to help you work through emotional and relational challenges. A psychologist holds a doctoral degree and may also provide testing and assessments. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can prescribe medication. These professionals often work together as part of a person's overall care.

What is the difference between an LMFT, LPC, and LCSW?

All three are licensed therapists who provide talk therapy. An LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist) is specifically trained in relationships and family systems. An LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) focuses broadly on individual mental health. An LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) brings a social work background with clinical training. Each can treat individuals, couples, and families.

Will my therapist tell me what to do?

No. A good therapist won't give you a list of instructions. Instead, they'll help you get clear on what you want, understand what's getting in the way, and figure out your next steps on your own terms. You're the expert on your own life.

About Our Practice

What does a first session look like?

Your first session is mostly about getting to know each other. Your therapist will ask about what brought you in, a bit about your background, and what you're hoping to get out of therapy. There's no pressure to share more than you're comfortable with. Think of it as a conversation, not an exam.

How long are sessions?

Sessions are typically 60 minutes. This gives you enough time to dig into what matters without feeling rushed, and leaves a few minutes at the end to wrap up and plan next steps.

How often will I need to come?

Most clients start with weekly sessions. Meeting consistently helps build momentum and keeps things moving forward. As you progress, you and your therapist may decide to meet less often.

How long does therapy typically take?

It depends on what you're working on and what your goals are. Some people feel significant relief in a few months, while others choose to continue longer. There's no set timeline, and you're never locked in.

What therapeutic approaches do you use?

We use evidence-based modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and adapt our approach based on what each client needs. If something isn't working, we adjust. The goal is always what shows real improvement for you.

Do you offer sessions in Spanish?

Yes. Perla is fluent in Spanish and can conduct sessions in either English or Spanish, whichever you're more comfortable with.

Do you prescribe medication?

No. We are licensed therapists, not physicians, so we do not prescribe medication. If medication might be helpful for you, we can coordinate with your doctor or help connect you with a prescriber.

Getting Started

How do I schedule an appointment?

You can request an appointment directly through our website or send us a secure message through our contact page. We'll get back to you personally to set things up.

What is the No Surprises Act / Good Faith Estimate?

The No Surprises Act is a federal law that gives you the right to know the expected cost of your care before you start. We provide a Good Faith Estimate so there are no surprise bills. You can learn more on our Privacy & Notices page.

Is what I share confidential?

Yes. What you share in therapy is protected by law. We follow HIPAA guidelines and take your privacy seriously. There are a few rare legal exceptions (such as imminent danger to yourself or others), which your therapist will explain during your first session.

What is your cancellation policy?

We ask for 24 hours notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. This helps us keep appointment times available for everyone. Your therapist will go over the full policy with you when you begin.

Telehealth

How does telehealth work?

Telehealth sessions happen over secure video, so you can meet with your therapist from wherever you are in Texas. You'll receive a private link before your session, and you just click to join at your appointment time.

Is telehealth as effective as in-person therapy?

Research consistently shows that telehealth therapy is just as effective as in-person sessions for most concerns. Many clients actually prefer it because it fits more easily into their schedule and removes the commute.

What do I need for a telehealth session?

You need a device with a camera and microphone (phone, tablet, or computer), a stable internet connection, and a private space where you can talk openly without being overheard.

Can I do telehealth from anywhere in Texas?

Yes. As long as you are physically located in Texas at the time of your session, we can see you via telehealth. This is especially convenient for military families who may move between duty stations within the state.

For Military Families

Do you understand military culture?

Yes. Strength Within Counseling was founded by an Army veteran, so we understand the unique pressures of military life firsthand. You won't have to spend time explaining the basics of PCS moves, deployments, or chain-of-command stress.

Will therapy affect my security clearance?

Generally, no. Seeking help for mental health is not a disqualifier for security clearances. The Department of Defense has made it clear that getting therapy is a sign of strength, not a red flag. In most cases, you are not required to report routine counseling.

Can my spouse attend sessions with me?

Absolutely. We offer couples and family therapy, and your spouse is welcome to join sessions. Whether you want to work on your relationship together or just want their support in a session, we can make that happen.