Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Therapists in Howard County, TX
Welcome!
I’m so glad you’ve made the decision to prioritize yourself and take steps toward positive change. Sharing your personal stories, inner thoughts, and choices can feel daunting, but it’s also a courageous first step toward growth. Whether you’re new to therapy or have previous experience, remember — you are the expert in your own life.
I’m here to offer a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental space where you can explore your struggles, build self-awareness, and work toward finding a healthy balance in your life.
Welcome!
I’m so glad you’ve made the decision to prioritize yourself and take steps toward positive change. Sharing your personal stories, inner thoughts, and choices can feel daunting, but it’s also a courageous first step toward growth. Whether you’re new to therapy or have previous experience, remember — you are the expert in your own life.
I’m here to offer a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental space where you can explore your struggles, build self-awareness, and work toward finding a healthy balance in your life.
DBT-Informed Therapy focuses on building skills for managing intense emotions, improving communication, and reducing reactive behaviors.
If you're feeling emotionally exhausted, disconnected, or stuck in unhealthy patterns, you don't have to keep carrying the weight alone. Trauma, relationship struggles, and emotional wounds can leave you feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or disconnected from yourself and others. Many of the women and couples I work with struggle with the effects of betrayal, emotional abuse, chronic conflict, people-pleasing, or past experiences that continue to impact their present lives. I provide a safe, supportive space where you can heal, gain insight, strengthen relationships, and can rediscover your confidence, voice, and your self-worth.
DBT-Informed Therapy focuses on building skills for managing intense emotions, improving communication, and reducing reactive behaviors.
If you're feeling emotionally exhausted, disconnected, or stuck in unhealthy patterns, you don't have to keep carrying the weight alone. Trauma, relationship struggles, and emotional wounds can leave you feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or disconnected from yourself and others. Many of the women and couples I work with struggle with the effects of betrayal, emotional abuse, chronic conflict, people-pleasing, or past experiences that continue to impact their present lives. I provide a safe, supportive space where you can heal, gain insight, strengthen relationships, and can rediscover your confidence, voice, and your self-worth.
I will use various forms of treatments tailored for the client: it could be Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma Therapy or Exposure Therapy, etc.
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, (1943), "The Theory of Human Motivation", reads: if a person’s basic needs (food, shelter, physical/mental safety) and social needs (love, belonging, self-worth, sense of purpose) are not fulfilled, that person will experience frustration and will “pivot” on a level of need that appears easiest to satisfy. Which level of need are you "stuck" on? Are you bound by anxious, fearful and mind-binding thoughts? Freedom is a goal that can be attained.
I will use various forms of treatments tailored for the client: it could be Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma Therapy or Exposure Therapy, etc.
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, (1943), "The Theory of Human Motivation", reads: if a person’s basic needs (food, shelter, physical/mental safety) and social needs (love, belonging, self-worth, sense of purpose) are not fulfilled, that person will experience frustration and will “pivot” on a level of need that appears easiest to satisfy. Which level of need are you "stuck" on? Are you bound by anxious, fearful and mind-binding thoughts? Freedom is a goal that can be attained.
I am trained in DBT and use this approach when suitable, with other methods based on client needs.
You might be feeling...
Overwhelmed, anxious, or exhausted.
Stuck in patterns you can’t seem to change.
Disconnected from yourself, your relationships, or your purpose.
Like you’re “functioning,” but not really living.
You're ready for a change, and...
You don’t need a one-size-fits-all approach.
You need therapy that fits you.
My clients include Individuals, couples, professionals, students, parents, and others who at least 14-years-old and are seeking change.
I am trained in DBT and use this approach when suitable, with other methods based on client needs.
You might be feeling...
Overwhelmed, anxious, or exhausted.
Stuck in patterns you can’t seem to change.
Disconnected from yourself, your relationships, or your purpose.
Like you’re “functioning,” but not really living.
You're ready for a change, and...
You don’t need a one-size-fits-all approach.
You need therapy that fits you.
My clients include Individuals, couples, professionals, students, parents, and others who at least 14-years-old and are seeking change.
Online Therapists
I'm versed in a variety of intervention, including DBT, CBT, CPT and EMDR, and make sure each plan is individualized.
My focus has been on helping people cope with trauma, physical, sexual or emotional. I use a trauma-focused approach, as well as solution-focused, existential therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. I pride myself on having a warm disposition and making sure clients feel heard. I work together with my clients to achieve their therapeutic goals. No goal is too big or small. Each client is an individual, and treatment is tailored to that person. Counseling can be a scary thing to dive in to, but with me, you will find a compassionate, supportive and safe environment to begin the important work of improving your quality of life.
I'm versed in a variety of intervention, including DBT, CBT, CPT and EMDR, and make sure each plan is individualized.
My focus has been on helping people cope with trauma, physical, sexual or emotional. I use a trauma-focused approach, as well as solution-focused, existential therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. I pride myself on having a warm disposition and making sure clients feel heard. I work together with my clients to achieve their therapeutic goals. No goal is too big or small. Each client is an individual, and treatment is tailored to that person. Counseling can be a scary thing to dive in to, but with me, you will find a compassionate, supportive and safe environment to begin the important work of improving your quality of life.
It's 11pm and you're right next to the person you love, feeling completely alone. Your relationship isn't falling apart — it just needs someone who gets how you're each wired differently. Whether you're Autistic, ADHD, AuDHD, or the neurotypical partner trying to understand the person you're with — I help couples and individuals figure out how to actually reach each other.
It's 11pm and you're right next to the person you love, feeling completely alone. Your relationship isn't falling apart — it just needs someone who gets how you're each wired differently. Whether you're Autistic, ADHD, AuDHD, or the neurotypical partner trying to understand the person you're with — I help couples and individuals figure out how to actually reach each other.
My approach integrates evidence-based methods like CBT and DBT with trauma-informed care and mindfulness practices.
Life is not about weathering the storm, it's about learning to dance in the rain. With 9 years of experience working with individuals, couples, and families, I've developed expertise in trauma-informed care, anxiety and depression management, and addiction recovery. I bring a unique perspective through my combined mental health and chemical dependency credentials. I believe every person has a unique story and deserves an individualized approach to care. We'll work as partners in your therapeutic journey, with open communication and mutual respect guiding our work together.
My approach integrates evidence-based methods like CBT and DBT with trauma-informed care and mindfulness practices.
Life is not about weathering the storm, it's about learning to dance in the rain. With 9 years of experience working with individuals, couples, and families, I've developed expertise in trauma-informed care, anxiety and depression management, and addiction recovery. I bring a unique perspective through my combined mental health and chemical dependency credentials. I believe every person has a unique story and deserves an individualized approach to care. We'll work as partners in your therapeutic journey, with open communication and mutual respect guiding our work together.
Accepting NEW Clients! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified EMDR Therapist, and a Sex Offender Treatment Provider. IMy background includes working with individuals that need help with trauma, relationship issues, anxiety, sexual issues, and depression. My primary approach to treatment is integrating Person-Centered Therapy, EMDR therapy for trauma specific treatment, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Schema Therapy. I also integrate other modalities to fit the client's needs and treatment goals. I am committed to helping people learn how to overcome their problems and live their healthiest lives.
Accepting NEW Clients! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified EMDR Therapist, and a Sex Offender Treatment Provider. IMy background includes working with individuals that need help with trauma, relationship issues, anxiety, sexual issues, and depression. My primary approach to treatment is integrating Person-Centered Therapy, EMDR therapy for trauma specific treatment, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Schema Therapy. I also integrate other modalities to fit the client's needs and treatment goals. I am committed to helping people learn how to overcome their problems and live their healthiest lives.
Have you ever felt exhausted by life, carrying that soul-deep tiredness where nothing you do feels like enough? Drowning in shame and guilt that is too painful to voice? I see you, and your story matters here! I understand how overwhelming it can feel when everything seems connected to that pain. Together, we'll gently explore how past experiences shape present struggles and help you rediscover the light within you. Whether it’s healing from past wounds, navigating the complexities of motherhood and pregnancy, or restoring peace with your relationship with food and body, you deserve compassionate healing that honors your story.
Have you ever felt exhausted by life, carrying that soul-deep tiredness where nothing you do feels like enough? Drowning in shame and guilt that is too painful to voice? I see you, and your story matters here! I understand how overwhelming it can feel when everything seems connected to that pain. Together, we'll gently explore how past experiences shape present struggles and help you rediscover the light within you. Whether it’s healing from past wounds, navigating the complexities of motherhood and pregnancy, or restoring peace with your relationship with food and body, you deserve compassionate healing that honors your story.
On the surface, your life may look normal while you are battling addiction, struggling with sexual concerns, and feeling stuck in relationship issues. You crave connection yet find emotions slippery, sometimes turning to substances to cope, and talking about sex brings shame or silence. Therapy can help you rebuild trust, safety, and healthier ways of relating. I work with the lasting effects of addiction, sexual difficulties, and partner conflict so past patterns stop steering daily life. Together we will explore triggers, develop safer coping strategies, and practice clearer communication to reclaim closeness and balance.
On the surface, your life may look normal while you are battling addiction, struggling with sexual concerns, and feeling stuck in relationship issues. You crave connection yet find emotions slippery, sometimes turning to substances to cope, and talking about sex brings shame or silence. Therapy can help you rebuild trust, safety, and healthier ways of relating. I work with the lasting effects of addiction, sexual difficulties, and partner conflict so past patterns stop steering daily life. Together we will explore triggers, develop safer coping strategies, and practice clearer communication to reclaim closeness and balance.
Relationships shape so much of our well-being, and many people come to therapy longing for a deeper connection with themselves, their partners, their families, or the world around them, but aren’t sure where to start. My role is to walk alongside you with compassion, curiosity, and non-judgment, helping you make sense of what you’re carrying and move toward a more grounded, authentic version of yourself. I work with individuals, couples, teens, and families navigating anxiety, OCD, depression, trauma, life transitions, relationship challenges, identity concerns, and feeling “stuck.”
Relationships shape so much of our well-being, and many people come to therapy longing for a deeper connection with themselves, their partners, their families, or the world around them, but aren’t sure where to start. My role is to walk alongside you with compassion, curiosity, and non-judgment, helping you make sense of what you’re carrying and move toward a more grounded, authentic version of yourself. I work with individuals, couples, teens, and families navigating anxiety, OCD, depression, trauma, life transitions, relationship challenges, identity concerns, and feeling “stuck.”
If you are struggling with life stressors and need someone to listen and guide you, I am here to help you. You are not alone and there is hope!
If you are struggling with life stressors and need someone to listen and guide you, I am here to help you. You are not alone and there is hope!
You're a woman who holds everything together on the outside, but inside, you're exhausted, overwhelmed, and wondering when it gets easier. Maybe you're pregnant or newly postpartum and feeling nothing like yourself. Maybe you're in the middle of a major life change, and anxiety is running the show. You want to feel grounded again. You want to understand yourself, heal from what's hurt you, and show up fully for your relationships, your family, and yourself. You deserve a space where you don't have to perform.
You're a woman who holds everything together on the outside, but inside, you're exhausted, overwhelmed, and wondering when it gets easier. Maybe you're pregnant or newly postpartum and feeling nothing like yourself. Maybe you're in the middle of a major life change, and anxiety is running the show. You want to feel grounded again. You want to understand yourself, heal from what's hurt you, and show up fully for your relationships, your family, and yourself. You deserve a space where you don't have to perform.
I use a blend of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing and Solution-Focused approaches, tailoring each session to what my clients need most in the moment.
I’m a licensed clinical mental health counselor who believes therapy should feel safe, honest, and genuinely supportive—not clinical, stiff, or judgmental. I work with clients who feel overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, or stuck carrying things they’ve had to manage on their own for a long time. Many of the people I work with have experienced anxiety, trauma, complicated family dynamics, relationship stress, or long-standing patterns rooted in earlier life experiences.
I use a blend of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing and Solution-Focused approaches, tailoring each session to what my clients need most in the moment.
I’m a licensed clinical mental health counselor who believes therapy should feel safe, honest, and genuinely supportive—not clinical, stiff, or judgmental. I work with clients who feel overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, or stuck carrying things they’ve had to manage on their own for a long time. Many of the people I work with have experienced anxiety, trauma, complicated family dynamics, relationship stress, or long-standing patterns rooted in earlier life experiences.
Therapy is about change. Many clients come because they are ready to explore how to make necessary or desired changes in their lives. Others reach out because they are experiencing change and need help navigating it. Ideally, clients come to the process open to seeing, thinking and doing things differently. People come to therapy usually because they have done everything they know how to do and they need a different perspective. Anxiety and depression are the most common issues that plague most clients, but everyone has unique ways that they handle their situation, their emotions and their relationships.
Therapy is about change. Many clients come because they are ready to explore how to make necessary or desired changes in their lives. Others reach out because they are experiencing change and need help navigating it. Ideally, clients come to the process open to seeing, thinking and doing things differently. People come to therapy usually because they have done everything they know how to do and they need a different perspective. Anxiety and depression are the most common issues that plague most clients, but everyone has unique ways that they handle their situation, their emotions and their relationships.
Hi! I’m Sommer. I'm a licensed professional counselor who specializes in working with adults struggling with OCD, anxiety, depression, phobias, and more. I offer a nonjudgmental perspective and allow you to take the time to assess your well-being. I attempt to help you implement gradual change as opposed to trying to change everything at once. You can expect a warm and empathetic approach that allows you to share at your own pace. I am passionate about this work because I believe everyone deserves the chance to build the life they desire.
Hi! I’m Sommer. I'm a licensed professional counselor who specializes in working with adults struggling with OCD, anxiety, depression, phobias, and more. I offer a nonjudgmental perspective and allow you to take the time to assess your well-being. I attempt to help you implement gradual change as opposed to trying to change everything at once. You can expect a warm and empathetic approach that allows you to share at your own pace. I am passionate about this work because I believe everyone deserves the chance to build the life they desire.
Najuka Smith LPC -Taking Charge Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Lubbock, TX 79423
Have you had a Narcissist in your life? Maybe still do? Are you struggling with anger, confusion, isolation, fear, shame, guilt, anxiety, depression, and stress? What if it was possible to defeat it? To conquer it? Are you ready to take back control of your life? Here at Taking Charge Counseling PLLC you will learn skills and techniques to love yourself again, thinking differently about your life, forgive yourself for the past, and begin to see a future of opportunity and self-worth.
Have you had a Narcissist in your life? Maybe still do? Are you struggling with anger, confusion, isolation, fear, shame, guilt, anxiety, depression, and stress? What if it was possible to defeat it? To conquer it? Are you ready to take back control of your life? Here at Taking Charge Counseling PLLC you will learn skills and techniques to love yourself again, thinking differently about your life, forgive yourself for the past, and begin to see a future of opportunity and self-worth.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy ( DBT) and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
My name is Marilee Melendez and I have been practicing for almost 4 years. I received my bachelor's in Psychology from Texas Tech University and my master's in Counseling from the University of Texas Permian Basin. As a first-generation Mexican-American, I deeply connect with how our cultural backgrounds affect our lives. I provide therapy in both Spanish and English. I have experience with trauma, immigration documentation, LGBTQ+, couples, children, adolescents, and adults.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy ( DBT) and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
My name is Marilee Melendez and I have been practicing for almost 4 years. I received my bachelor's in Psychology from Texas Tech University and my master's in Counseling from the University of Texas Permian Basin. As a first-generation Mexican-American, I deeply connect with how our cultural backgrounds affect our lives. I provide therapy in both Spanish and English. I have experience with trauma, immigration documentation, LGBTQ+, couples, children, adolescents, and adults.
The tools primarily utilized throughout are rooted in CBT and DBT.
A new perspective to old problems can make a huge difference and I love being able to help someone approach a problem in a new way. Adept at treating depression, anxiety, trauma, sport's performance and relationship issues, I can assist you in reaching your goals. I work well with young adults and adults striving to better themselves and are ready to see change in their lives.
The tools primarily utilized throughout are rooted in CBT and DBT.
A new perspective to old problems can make a huge difference and I love being able to help someone approach a problem in a new way. Adept at treating depression, anxiety, trauma, sport's performance and relationship issues, I can assist you in reaching your goals. I work well with young adults and adults striving to better themselves and are ready to see change in their lives.
Have you been feeling like you don’t recognize yourself? Feeling detached from life and your values? Are you experiencing intense emotions or shifts in your mood? Or feel that your relationship with your body and food has not been good? Have you found yourself wondering if any of these experiences can change and that you can begin to feel better? Then therapy might be the right place.
Have you been feeling like you don’t recognize yourself? Feeling detached from life and your values? Are you experiencing intense emotions or shifts in your mood? Or feel that your relationship with your body and food has not been good? Have you found yourself wondering if any of these experiences can change and that you can begin to feel better? Then therapy might be the right place.
See more therapy options for Howard County
Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Therapists
Who is DBT for?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is designed for people who experience extreme emotional suffering because they lack the skills of emotion regulation and distress tolerance. The basic affliction can underlie a wide range of conditions, from borderline and other personality disorders to PTSD and treatment-resistant anxiety and depression. The therapy is helpful to those whose emotional reactivity is so intense it is disruptive to everyday functioning and leads to frequent crises.
Why do people need DBT?
The ability to regulate emotions is a core psychological skill that enables people to function in life and pay attention to the world outside themselves; it is consistently associated with well-being. DBT is designed to help people learn how to manage and regulate their emotions. Originally developed to treat people with borderline personality disorder whose extreme emotional suffering led to self-harming behavior and suicide attempts, the therapy is now applied to other conditions involving emotion dysregulation, particularly when other treatments have failed.
What happens in DBT?
Individuals meet weekly with their therapist to discuss their experiences relating to moods, behavior, and skills. Using checklists they maintain, they review emotional experiences and positive practices they engage in. The diaries help individuals discern what led up to a specific problem encountered, this is followed by discussion of the consequences of their actions. In addition, individuals may meet in class-like small groups to learn skills such as mindfulness, emotion regulation and distress tolerance.
How long does DBT last?
Because it is intended to establish long-lasting behavioral change among those with persistent problems, DBT is designed to last six months to a year. DBT includes both weekly sessions of individual therapy and weekly skills-training sessions conducted in small groups. Studies of DBT have documented improvement within a year of treatment, particularly in controlling self-harmful behavior; nevertheless, individuals may require therapy for several years.