Attachment-based Therapists in Dallas, TX

Our ability to grow and develop is almost limitless. While we may not easily recognize it, we all have strengths and abilities to aid in meeting our goals. Through helping uncover those strengths and abilities, while providing in depth psychoeducation in attachment theory, mind/body and nervous system function, and regulation techniques, I assist people in navigating challenges such as complex trauma, ADHD, anxiety, depression, self-harm, chronic stress, behavioral problems, relationship challenges, and life transitions.

Welcome. I’m glad you are here. As a psychologist, I believe that suffering is a difficult but extremely normal part of the human experience. It may sound cliché, but it is often during these challenging times that we experience the most growth as individuals and within our relationships. Instead of avoiding difficult emotions, I will encourage you to be curious and nonjudgmental about your inner experiences during therapy. Gaining a better understanding of your emotions and needs will allow you to create meaningful change in your life. During this work together, you can count on me to be supportive, present, and flexible.

I help people who have experienced trauma or distressing life events, rewrite old stories that are no longer serving them. Art is a dynamic and tangible tool that allows for self-expression, freedom to make mistakes, and acts as an extension of the self. I use the process of art with clients and a mind-body connection to cultivate positive change and growth. The therapy room and artwork can act as a container to hold space for fear, hopes, and desires. With this newfound awareness and openness, clients begin to shift their narrative to a story of resiliency, self-compassion, and confidence to be the best version of themselves.

Is it hard to understand what is holding you back? Maybe you struggle to truly love yourself. As we move forward in life, traumas from the past or challenges of the present can prevent you from realizing your true and happiest self. It can negatively affect your parenting, the way you interact with others, how you feel about yourself or your ability to move forward in life. You have everything you need to overcome or learn to cope in an effective way that allows you to be the best you as a young adult, parent, partner, friend or family member. You might just need some support and skills to help navigate that process.

"It is in relationship that we are broken and in relationship that we are healed." -HarvilIe Hendrix. I work with survivors of complex trauma and trauma-related disorders and strive to meet clients where they are with compassion and authenticity. I believe in the importance of addressing both the cognitive and emotional aspects of the self as well as the influences of trauma and stress on the body. I specialize in collaborating with those seeking relief from family of origin issues, past abuse, relationship difficulty, depression, and experiences of low self-worth.

At any stage of development, we are bound to encounter obstacles to our ability to thrive. I help clients to become proactive agents in their own process. I have worked extensively with clients across all ages to reduce symptoms, promote growth, and instill lasting change. I support children, teens, adults, and families in healing from anxiety, trauma, grief, and depression. I have a speciality in working with LGBTQIA+ individuals, especially GNC and transgender folks. I am licensed to treat people in about 25 states. This means if you relocate for college or other life circumstances, you can maintain continuity of treatment.

My goals are to support clients in the challenges that they face and help them set attainable goals. I have worked in the mental health field for 12 years in a different number of roles. My specialty is working with individuals with dual-diagnosis, traumatic experience, and adoption. I have experience working with diverse populations from different cultural backgrounds and beliefs systems.

You are your own expert and I’m here to guide you. My clients know they can say hard things to me, and I will not turn away. I want you to feel freedom, gain awareness, and find meaning during our time together. As your counselor, I am always in your corner. My clients have learned new ways to cope with, process, and overcome a multitude of issues. I am affirming of poly and alternative lifestyle, LGBTQIA allied, and treat religious trauma especially Christian and LDS. I have significant experience with treating anxiety, women’s issues, veterans, and couples.

Both children and adults have the ability to learn, grow and heal. It's my honor to hear your story through verbal communication, art or play therapy. My goal is to come along side of you and/or your child to facilitate the healing process through creative methods.

Being a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas for many years, I have enjoyed a type of therapy that allows an individual to find freedom through acceptance of their issues rather than running from the reality of their existence. As we come to understand our past and how it has shaped us, we can then begin the practice of choosing differently for ourselves in the present and for our future. This search is a sacred process where therapist and client join together, rather than a therapy done 'to' you as a client. I would like to join in that process with you!

My clients would describe me as competent, easy to talk to and compassionate. I am passionate about creating an environment where you can feel safe and heard. Carl Rogers once said, “We think we listen, but very rarely do we listen with real understanding, true empathy. Yet listening, of this very special kind, is one of the most potent forces for change that I know.” I believe that therapeutic work is most helpful when you can sense that you are working with a therapist who genuinely cares and will listen. From that foundation, there will also be space for you to reflect and receive insight that will aid in meeting your goals.

My purpose is to guide and facilitate my clients in discovering the goodness and tenderness that we all possess inside ourselves. I work from a mindfulness-based practice of "being with what is," while teaching clients how to utilize their body as an ally in their healing journey. I provide counseling for individuals, couples, teens and families. In person or via Skype or phone.

At Kairos Counseling & Family Therapy, we are dedicated to healing the scars that trauma inscribes on hearts, in minds, through behaviors. We understand the fragility of the heart, the dark and winding paths that are possible for the mind to follow, and the effects which play out in the body. Moments that are beyond our comprehension, beyond our control, that play out in a narrative that is not of our choosing.

Dr. Sarita Patel utilizes a variety of treatment modalities to help meet her clients’ needs, including individual, couple, family, and group therapy for older adolescents and adults. Her areas of clinical interests include anxiety, depression, trauma, caregiver burnout, diversity issues, interpersonal conflicts, mood disorders, and life transitions. She is passionate about helping individuals from all backgrounds who want to improve their mental and emotional well-being.

Life can be challenging as we experience various trials and difficulties. Change is possible and relationships can be improved and restored. I believe healing is a process where a safe space, empathy, and insight can provide the opportunity to better know and understand ourselves. This is what I want to provide to you. I consider it a privilege to walk with you on your journey in becoming more of the person you hope to become.

If you're dealing with relationship problems or betrayal, sex and love addictions, I can help. I have experience helping people learn to manage addictive behaviors, rebuild trust and intimacy, and learn how to reconnect. I understand the toll betrayal trauma, intimacy disorders and the pain of past abuse can take on your life and relationships. I also understand how intimidating it can be to reach out to a therapist for help. Contact me and we'll discover a life of healthy recovery, connection, fulfillment and trust.

Does life feel a bit lonely and frustrating? Do you feel stuck and not quite sure how to move forward? Do you feel like life has more to offer but you just can’t get your hands on what’s best for you? I know the feeling…the feeling of being lonely, rejected, afraid, hurt, and confused. All of this just makes life feel so difficult.

The path of progress comes from collaboration in an atmosphere of cooperation, education, and insight. Whether our stress is around our internal needs, people close to us, or with the state of the world, the counseling relationship is about accessing and utilizing your innate ability to learn and grow from where you are into the better life you seek. Covid-19 has disrupted nearly all our connections with friends, family, work, and community. This has brought out the unfulfilled need for connection in relationships already stressful, and has inspired people to find creative ways of strengthening connection.

Are you feeling lost, stuck, maybe unsure of next steps in life? Are you in a relationship that feels overwhelming and stressful but not sure why? I am passionate about empowering you to be your own agent of change. From my innate interest in the human condition and respect for your unique story, I derive a empathic, client-centered and solution-focused therapeutic approach. Let's collaborate to identify and draw upon your strengths to achieve a sense of balance, fulfillment and purpose. I value the opportunity to work with client of various ages to navigate life and cultivate appropriate shifts to improve well-being.