Optum Therapists in San Antonio, TX

Hello, I am Rachel Saenz, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). I enjoy working with all ages including children, adolescents, and adults. I help individuals with their mental health by supporting them through their journey for a variety of presenting issues. These can include grief and loss, anxiety, depression, trauma, and phase of life issues. My goal is to help individuals accomplish their mental health goals and improve their overall wellbeing.

I see people who have been unable to live their potential because they continue to carry the pain of their past and/or live in unhealthy relationships. If that sounds like you I can help you process your trauma, get healthy and rewrite your future to more fully live your potential. Therapy with me is based on building a strong relationship where I support you through change with compassion, tough feedback, science and some humor (we ALL need that in life). I see working adults (i.e. PhDs, managers, working parents, etc). I incorporate spirituality principles when it fits with my client's cultural viewpoint.

Most of us, at one time or another, experience personal problems. Sometimes they affect one's overall performance, sometimes they don't. I am available for those times when situations in life cause personal problems and you need help to get you through them. You don't have to do it alone. I strive to provide a comfortable and trusting environment where you can relax and feel safe. I aim to make therapy a place where you like to go. I know that we are all very unique. I approach each client in a way that is specific to their needs. I am also accepting licensed interns needing supervision.

I like to provided a relaxed atmosphere where we can explore your life story, find your strengths, direction and start helping you to heal. I have had the opportunity to work with people of all ages from older adults to teens and children as small as 3 years old with variety of experiences from life changes, anxiety/ depression, families, behavior issues, lgbtq issues, careers, biploar, schizoaffective, psychosis and more.

I've worked in the mental health field for over 23 years, serving in both the military and civilian settings. I specialize in treating unresolved trauma issues, as well as depression, stress and anxiety. Traumatic issues include childhood abuse (physical, sexual, emotional abuse and neglect), sexual assault (including military), crime/theft, car accidents, grief/loss, combat, first responders/medical professionals, veterans (including moral injury) and poor leadership. My experience has taught me that most of the time depression and anxiety are unresolved emotional wounds that haven't been fully addressed.

I have experience working with adolescent and adult clients with a wide range of diagnoses/disorders: Bipolar, Generalized Anxiety, Major Depressive D/O, Obsessive Compulsive, Borderline personality D/O and PTSD (combat and non-combat). I offer trauma-informed care and have grief/loss counseling experience. Additionally, my preferred therapies include Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Person-Centered and Solution-Focused therapies. If you are struggling with depression, anxiety, have experienced trauma or are struggling with low self-esteem, I am here to assist you in learning skills and processing with you as you move toward healing.

Living is an art and you are the outcome. You owe it to yourself to live your best life. Do you feel like you want to get in touch with your expanded self, and all possibilities of life? Are you ready to change your habitual patterns, relationships, and set new goals? Relational issues will improve as you Increase your awareness of the cause of communication struggles and you will be able to love without petty squabbles. Reconnect and become the person you were meant to be.

Can you imagine a life where you feel empowered to make positive changes and use your strengths to gain a sense of fulfillment? Asking for help takes courage and is the first step on your journey to healing. Together we can work through barriers that keep you feeling lost, stuck, or disconnected.

Are you feeling overwhelmed or heavy hearted due to the loss of a loved one? Are you dealing with heartache, despair, and frustration due to marital conflict and misunderstanding? Do you need help in dealing with relational matters? I'd like to help you if you are. I am more than willing to help lighten your emotional load, and offer help for today and hope for tomorrow. There is hope! I look forward to hearing from you.

In my practice I see clients of all ages, for therapy and testing/evaluations. I specialize in depression, anxiety, trauma, substance abuse/dependence, behavior disorders and family systems issues. Most of my clients present with a combination of symptoms. I tailor treatment to the specific needs of the client and use research proven techniques to meet the needs of the individual, or family, in a collaborative setting. I teach healthy coping skills to address a wide range of symptoms.

I believe in the power of therapy to help people escape the grip of the trauma: I work with survivors of childhood sexual abuse, domestic violence, abusive relationships, rape and sexual violence, terrorism, and political violence. I understand that making a commitment to yourself through psychological therapy is a significant and important step for many people.

We are not your average counseling practice. At Counseling4Life we understand our clients' need to find quality care at an affordable price. Our therapists are dedicated to assisting individuals, families, children, and teens in overcoming life's challenges and struggles, rebuilding and strengthening relationships, and experiencing deeper satisfaction in one's life. We meet our clients in a safe and encouraging therapy atmosphere that promotes laughter and healing for all!

Dr. Sharp conducts comprehensive psychological evaluations for all ages. Evaluation services include testing for learning disorders, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), developmental evaluations, other psychological & cognitive (IQ) concerns; diagnostic clarification, adoption cases, foster care services, & more. We also offer psychological testing for independent educational evaluations (IEE), 2e, law enforcement, TPAPN, & related assessments. We assess for school readiness & entrance examinations. We offer CANS assessments. We work closely with families & the community to provide quality care & services to our clients.

Life can be challenging. I can help you with those challenges. I can guide you to work out past experiences or current situations to make your life more manageable and rewarding.

I am passionate about personal growth and development, the pursuit of peace (mental, emotional, spiritual and relational), and how to best respect ourselves and others. I am privileged to participate in therapeutic relationships in the hope of improving quality of life, understanding, and our ability to love others and ourselves more fully. Having come from a military family, treating active duty and their families clinically has become an experience I greatly value. I have also been fortunate to work with those struggling through marital conflict, unhealthy work and home environments as well as a variety of clinical disorders.

The connection between client and therapist is the main factor necessary for successful therapeutic change. I will help you clarify essential goals, that once achieved will lead to you firing me. By being "client-centered", our sessions will be led by you and I will walk with you during your journey, adding evidence-based information, posing insight-oriented questions and helping present relative information in a novel context (due to my being unbiased). "Firing" your therapist means you feel confident to utilize new skills to better manage life:)