Trauma | Anxiety | Depression | Relationship Issues | Teens | Identity Concerns | Parenting

Hi, I’m JoAngela. I work with adults and teens who are feeling overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, stuck in painful patterns, or struggling to navigate the weight of anxiety/depression, trauma,relationships, and life transitions.

Many of the people I work with are used to holding everything together on the outside while internally feeling anxious, disconnected, burnt out, or unsure of themselves. Therapy can be a space to slow down and better understand yourself. Together, we can process difficult experiences, and help you start healing in a way that feels safe and sustainable.

I believe the relationship between therapist and client matters deeply. My goal is to create a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you feel genuinely heard and accepted. No matter your story, I believe you deserve the opportunity to heal, grow, and thrive.

Areas I Commonly Help With

-Anxiety and chronic stress
-Depression
-Trauma and complex trauma
-Relationship challenges
-Low self-esteem
-Emotional overwhelm and burnout
-Life transitions
-Identity and cultural concerns
-Parenting stress and caregiver fatigue
-Dual Diagnosis: substance use and mental health issues

I also have extensive experience supporting survivors of domestic violence and childhood trauma, including emotional, physical, and sexual abuse.

In addition, I have worked with foster and adoptive families, transracial adoption experiences, caregivers, and trans youth navigating challenges unique to their experiences.

Together, we may work toward goals such as:

-Feeling less overwhelmed by anxiety and stress
-Building healthier boundaries and relationships
-Processing painful experiences and reducing the impact of trauma
-Improving self-esteem and developing greater self-compassion
-Feeling more grounded, confident, and emotionally connected in daily life

My Approach

My approach is client-centered, strengths-based, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive. I believe in meeting each person where they are while helping them build insight, resilience, self-compassion, and healthier ways of coping and relating.

Depending on your needs, I may incorporate cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness and self-compassion practices, attachment-based work, solution-focused strategies, and Trust Based Relational Interventions (TBRI).

Overall my work honors the way culture, identity, and trauma shape our stories. I welcome individuals from diverse cultural, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

I view therapy as a collaborative process and work to create a space where clients feel safe enough to be authentic, explore difficult emotions, and move toward meaningful change.

My Background

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and earned my Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2012. I have 15 years of experience working with clients in therapeutic settings.

I hold additional certifications in Trust Based Relational Intervention (TBRI), Healing Centered Engagement (HCE), and Trauma Conscious Yoga Method (TCYM).

Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, watching movies, and exploring culture through food. I value meaningful connection, curiosity, and good conversation.