Ages served: 2+ Specialty: foster/adoption, trauma, grief/loss, anger, anxiety, depression, clinical supervision   Hi, I’m Roxanne Deams, LPC-S, founder of Serene Counseling and Wellness. For the last 12 years, I have been working with children, adults, and families to help them acquire skills and knowledge needed for them to gain and maintain mental, emotional and physical balance. I have dedicated myself to the nurturing and healing of people as they work to learn better ways of processing emotions, improving communication, working through trauma, and moving towards self-healing and awareness. Over the years, I have increased my ability to serve those with varying needs through continued education. I am specially trained in Anger Resolution, Trauma Focused – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Unified Protocol of Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders. More recently, I decided to expand my love of yoga and became a certified 500Hr Yoga Instructor with additional education in yoga to help manage trauma response, anxiety, depression, stress and mindfulness. My overall approach blends an understanding of the connection between psychological and physical issues. In therapy, I place emphasis on the ways in which our thoughts impact our emotions, which impact our physical response. I utilize a trauma informed approach combining evidence-based interventions to address behaviors, anxiety, depression, grief, and other life changing occurrences. I strive to provide the best therapeutic approaches and techniques to aid in recovering and healing to achieve overall wellness and create peace within. Seeking therapy can be a difficult decision and you are making it. Being here now is a big step in the process of healing. Together we will work to create a safe space for you and/or your loved ones to create support and establish skills needed to bring stability and balance back into your life. Feel free to contact me with any questions.

Ages served: 2+ Specialty: Trauma, Life Transitions, LGBTQIA, Pernital/Prenatal/Post-Partum, Parenting, Foster Care Hello! I am Ali Vasquez, a dedicated trauma informed Licensed Professional Counselor. I have a special interest in supporting individuals as they explore their history and patterns that influence their lives as they work to gain healing from their trauma. My compassionate and client-centered approach fosters a safe space for healing, helping clients navigate their emotions and foster growth and peace. With a holistic approach that integrates mindfulness, cognitive behavioral techniques, and strength-based practices. I work to empower you to reclaim your narrative and cultivate healing. I aim to be a trusted ally on the journey towards mental wellness and creating a brighter future for yourself and future generations. As a native Texan, I was born and raised in the Houston area where I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Houston Clear Lake with aspirations of pursuing a career in helping others. While working full-time in education, I completed a graduate degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lamar University and have since honed my skills in trauma-informed care. I understand the profound impact of inherited trauma on individuals and familial dynamics, guiding clients in breaking cycles and fostering resilience. Through this journey I have been provided with invaluable experiences with individuals and families and learned that the right person can make an impact on an individual’s life.

Ages served: 5+ Specialty: trauma, women's issues, life transitions, play therapy, foster care, supervision   My name is Stacy M Baynham, LCSW-S. I have been licensed as a Clinical Social Worker in the state of Texas since 2013. I am also a Board approved LCSW Supervision, and available for consultation or supervision. My specialties include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Play Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), as well as trauma informed modalities including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). As a therapist, I am compassionate, understanding and motivating. I enjoy working with adults, children and families to help manage life's changes. Let's face it, who has not encountered issues at some point in life? We will work together and find the most fitting solutions for you. Are you ready to start the journey toward a life of emotional well-being?

Ages served: 3+ Specialty: anxiety, depression, life transitions/adjustments, women’s issues, family/relationships, trauma, conflict resolution, and helping leaders and those who serve others Hello! My name is Minniel Douglas, and I am a LPC-Associate under the supervision of Roxanne Deams, LPC-S. I truly enjoy helping others to arrive at their place of wellness emotionally, cognitively, and physically. My approach to therapy is one that involves a mix of cognitive-behavioral therapy and person-centered therapy mixed with mindfulness-based and gestalt interventions. When working with children, I also use play therapy techniques as a means to help my young clients in their therapy journey. My goal is to support clients as they go through different mental health concerns, life transitions, and relationship transitions/issues. I have worked in the mental/behavioral health field for over a decade in one capacity or another. My experience has been working with children, adolescents, adults, and couples. My experience has taken place in both the out-patient and in-patient settings. I have learned to truly support my clients where they are and help them to become restored and renewed, becoming more of their true authentic selves. It would be my honor and pleasure to work with you or/and your child/adolescent. Have a wonderful day, and I look forward to meeting you.

Ages served: 2+ Specialty: anxiety, depression, trauma, transitions and adjustments, parenting, foster care, adoption, and communication Hello! My name is Sommer Adebayo, and I am working under the supervision of Roxanne Deams, LPC-S. I have a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a concentration in Marriage and Family therapy. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as an intern at Serene Counseling and Wellness as I work towards becoming a licensed therapist. My passion is to support individuals, families, and couples in navigating life's challenges. I approach therapy from a systemic perspective that involves person-centered, strengths-based, and solution-focused methods to promote healing, resilience, and growth. I believe each client is unique and has the power to find the best solutions for themselves. I strive to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel encouraged to share their experiences with me. With every season of life comes change, growth, and development. I look forward to walking alongside you in your current season of self-discovery and self-acceptance.

Ages served: 12+ Specialty: couples, families, depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, suicidality, behavior challenges, chronic pain, substance abuse Counseling can be a scary process, especially if you’re a male or identify as a member of a minority community. However, within counseling, you can experience the feeling of being accepted as your authentic self and experience what it is like to be seen and heard as a person rather than a stigma or label. This is a foundational step in the healing process and has served as the basis of my counseling approach. As soon as you step into the office, you will be welcomed and reassured that you are enough and your story matters. I will provide an open and understanding space for you to express your concerns and I will collaborate with you on a game plan to start working towards achieving goals. I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor – Associate under the supervision of Roxanne Deams, LPC-S. I have worked within the mental health industry for nearly 5 years. Throughout this time, I have had the privilege of working with adolescents, adults, couples, and families. The idea of men seeking mental health assistance still carries a lot of stigma, unfortunately, but as a Black male counselor I work to ensure you feel supported, understood, and accepted each time you step into the office. Each person is unique, but there are universal truths we all struggle with and that understanding is part of the basis of my Existential Counseling framework that I implement with techniques derived from Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) My goal as a therapist is to help you get a better understanding of your presenting concerns, develop a way to confront these concerns, and leave feeling empowered to not only address the original issues but have a gameplan to apply to new problems life throws your way.

Ages served: 2+ Specialty: Anxiety, Depression, Women's issues, Life Transitions, School Challenges, College and Career Howdy! I obtained my bachelor’s in Communication and Psychology from Texas A&M University and my master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from University of Houston Victoria. Upon seeing the prevalent mental health needs in my community, I became passionate about advocating, educating and assisting others in their own mental health journey. I am excited that you are taking this next step in working towards wellness and investing in yourself! My counseling approach is rooted in empathy, respect, and a belief that every individual possesses the strength and potential to work through life’s challenges. I strive to create a safe and non-judgmental space where clients can openly express their thoughts and process their feelings. I tailor my counseling techniques to meet each client's needs by drawing from various therapeutic modalities, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, person-centered therapy, and mindfulness-based approaches. I have experience in providing counseling for adults, adolescents, and children in issues of: anger management, career development, relationship issues, self- esteem, depression, and grief. My role is not to tell you what to do, but instead to guide and support you in your journey of self-discovery. Together, we will work collaboratively to set achievable goals, explore personal realizations and develop skills that empower you to overcome obstacles and get you to where you want to be! I am currently under the supervision of Roxanne Deams, LPC-S.

Ages served: 5+ Specialty: anxiety, depression, life changes Hello! My name is Joelle Ortega, and I am a Master’s student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Our Lady of the Lake University. I am working under the supervision of Roxanne Deams, LPC-S. I completed my undergraduate studies in December 2020 at the University of Houston-Downtown with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. I have an interest in applying cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based approaches while working with children, adolescents, and women to help them improve their overall well-being and develop healthy coping skills. I believe that we continuously evolve throughout life, and the right support is paramount. I enjoy providing a safe and non-judgmental space while supporting individuals as they face life's many complex challenges. My goal is to make a difference in clients’ lives by helping them build self-esteem, self-worth, and self-confidence. I look forward to navigating the counseling journey and experiencing growth with you!

Ages served: 10+ Specialty: behaviors, trauma, life changes, anger management, grief/loss, anxiety, depression, college Salutations! My name is Trina Le. I recently completed my master’s degree in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at the University of Houston. I am an LPC-Associated under the supervision of Mrs. Roxanne Deams, LPC-S. I am excited to transfer what I have learned into working with children, teenagers, and adults! I hope to be present with you through your journey of self-discovery! I have a passion for working with students and helping young adults find their academic and career interests. I believe in the importance of finding a profession that best aligns with your interests so that you may be more satisfied with being there long-term. It is better to be content for the long run than be temporarily satisfied. I understand that it can be a difficult transitional process, but you are not alone! Whatever your experiences, they are completely valid, and I want to be here to help you feel confident with whatever decisions you make going forward! ​As an aspiring author and an active reader, I have been continuously intrigued by the potential stories hidden within the pages of books. Applying that to counseling, I believe that every person has a story to share and that they are the main character in their own unique journeys! As with novels, I cannot wait to hear how the story goes and to work collaboratively to help you be the best you possible and to strive for that happy ending! I hope to see and speak with you soon!

Specialty: anxiety, depression, LGBTQIA+, trauma, life transitions and adjustments Hello! My name is Layne Dennis, and I am a graduate student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at the University of Houston-Clear Lake. I am working under the supervision of Roxanne Deams, LPC-S. My passion is being able to be a part of the healing process for others as they navigate through any challenges that may come up in their day-to-day lives. My therapy approach prioritizes the individuality, comfort, and appreciation of the client within the session, as well as them being the expert in the room in terms of their experiences and feelings. I utilize a blend of person-centered, postmodern, and cognitive-behavioral techniques, adjusting accordingly to best suit the client’s needs. My goal is to hold a collaborative space where clients feel safe, empowered, and seen, regardless of their identities. I believe it is an integral part of the therapeutic process to not only understand how a client’s world looks for them, but to also focus on the aspect of working together to see what would be most beneficial for their situation. I also understand that growth does not look the same for every client, and commit to being there every step of the way to help turn goals into realities. It would be my honor to work alongside you on your journey of getting to where you want to be. I look forward to meeting with you!

Ages served: 2+ Specialty: family conflict, anxiety, depression, trauma, transitions and adjustments Let’s be real, sometimes “life be lifing” and it’s a struggle to navigate. Did you know that you don’t have to figure it all out at once? What if I told you that those bumps in the road along your journey can be smoothed over? That anxiety or depression that has been slowly creeping in along the way can be tamed. Are you the strong friend, or sibling? While you are holding space for everyone else, do YOU have a soft place to land and sort through the past and present of your story? If not, I got you & I’m here to help! My name is Caitlin Banks, and I am a Marriage & Family Therapy Intern under the supervision of Nkem Chinwah, LMFT-S. I am passionate about working with BIPOC children, adolescents, and couples & families in need of a non-judgmental space to hold the hardest parts of their stories. I collaborate with my clients to hold a trauma-informed space for healing and liberation in the context of interpersonal and familial relationships through self-compassion, boundaries work, and self-differentiation. I support those challenged by anxiety, depression, issues related to racial stress, and family of origin trauma. My therapy approach is like GPS. I don't determine where you go, but I can support you in finding the best way to get there.

Ages: 10+ Specialty: anxiety, depression, grief, life transitions, conflict resolution, generational trauma Hi! I am Merino Sabu and I am currently pursuing my Master's in Counseling at University of Houston-Victoria. I am gaining valuable hands-on experience under the supervision of Roxanne Deams, LPC-S. Coming from a South Asian background - Indian to be specific - I understand the complexities of generational trauma and its impact on individuals and families. I resonate with the feeling of being judged for who you are, the lack of a safe space, and having to wear a mask of being strong and having your act together. My journey in counseling is driven by a passion to create a safe and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences without fear of stigma. I believe in the power of empathy and active listening as foundational to building therapeutic relationships that empower clients to discover their own strengths and resilience. Through a person-centered approach, I am dedicated to fostering healing and growth that is rooted in empathy and cultural sensitivity. I hope that I can offer the much needed support as you embark on this tumultuous journey called life.

Ages served: 13+ Specialty: Women’s issues, PostPartum, Relationship dynamics, Life transitions, anxiety, and depression Hello! My name is Madison Stanton, and I am a Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduate student at Houston Christian University. In pursuit of my degree and clinical certifications, I am working under the supervision of Roxanne Deams, LPC-S. My passion lies in helping people navigate the challenges they face in a supportive, non-judgmental, healing environment. I draw from therapeutic approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy, but I believe in curating the counseling experience for each individual. I am dedicated to working with you to overcome any obstacles you may face in your daily life and help you achieve your desired outcome.

Ages served: 5+ Specialty: foster care, adoption, family conflict, anxiety, depression, anger Hello! My name is Kendria Blackshear, and I am honored to be pursuing an internship in counseling as I work toward completing my graduate studies. I call Houston, Texas, home, where I also have the privilege of being a mother to two wonderful children who continually inspire and motivate me. Currently, I am in my final year of graduate school at Texas Southern University, where I also completed my undergraduate degree in sociology over 10 years ago. My passion for human behavior and helping others has driven me to this path, and I am excited to apply my learning in real-world counseling settings. From an early age, I was captivated by the complexities of human experiences and relationships. This curiosity has evolved into a deep commitment to the counseling profession. I consider myself to be empathetic, compassionate, and an attentive listener—traits I believe are fundamental for building trust and fostering healing in a therapeutic setting. Whether working in individual therapy or group sessions, I am dedicated to offering clients a safe space where they can explore their feelings and work through their challenges. Throughout my career journey, I have gained diverse experience in social work roles across organizations such as Child Protective Services (CPS), The Aid Foundation, The Harris Center, and the Houston Health Department. These experiences have broadened my perspective on social issues and mental health, and deepened my understanding of the obstacles people face in various aspects of life. In my current internship, I am especially passionate about supporting clients dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, and self-esteem issues. I aspire to help individuals process difficult experiences, empowering them to overcome emotional challenges and rebuild their lives with a sense of hope and purpose. As I continue to grow in my professional journey, I am committed to developing my skills as a counselor and making a lasting, positive impact on the lives of the individuals I work with. I believe that counseling is more than just a career for me—it is my true calling, and I am eager to contribute to the well-being of others through this meaningful work. Thank you for taking the time to learn a little more about me, and I look forward to the opportunities ahead as I continue on this path.

Ages served: 5+ Specialty: neurodiversity, anxiety, depression, life transitions, family conflict Hello, my name is Alexa! I’m a counseling intern at the University of Houston Clear Lake, currently under the supervision of Roxanne Deems, LPC-S. My goal is to create a supportive, non-judgmental space where you can feel comfortable exploring your emotions and experiences. I use a person-centered approach to therapy, emphasizing empathy and understanding, and I am especially passionate about working with neurodivergent individuals. In addition to my work in counseling, I love reading, which helps me stay connected to new ideas and perspectives. I look forward to working with you and supporting you on your personal journey.