APPROVED CLINICAL SUPERVISOR

R. Keith Franklin, PhD, LPC-S, LCDC, CEAP, Owner and Founder

Dr. Franklin hails from Louisiana and was raised in a Military Family. He transitioned to the great city of San Antonio, Texas; whereby, he received his Master’s Degree from University of Texas at San Antonio in Educational Psychology (Counseling) and Doctoral degree (PhD) from St. Mary’s University. He has been a licensed psychotherapist since 2001. He holds a variety of professional certifications and licensures: Licensed Professional Counselor – Supervisor, Approved Clinical Supervisor, Nationally Certified Counselor, Nationally Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Certified Case Manager, Nationally Certified Psychiatric Technician, Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor, and Certified Employee Assistance Professional. He has had a variety of experiences with families, couples, and individual work.  His professional experiences include working with employee assistance programs, inpatient mental health, a university counseling, intensive outpatient programming, and with Military and Government.   His specialties include clinical supervision, mood disorders, depression/anxiety, phase of life issues, couples therapy, and GLBT issues. His philosophy on counseling psychotherapy is to provide an environment in which individuals feel empowered to change the quality of their lives, improve communication strategies, & create healthy relationships and wellness. He identifies his role as a therapist who assists his clients feeling heard, respected, and validated and, in turn, offering supportive, constructive feedback to help clients gain greater insight and understanding. He does not claim to be a quick “fix,” but he can be a facilitator for change if desired. A counselor serves as the catalyst for goal setting, decision-making, and problem resolution, and he feels that is his calling.  Dr. Franklin’s primary role is providing clinical supervision to Licensed Professional Counselor Associates and Master’s Student Counselors.

Currently NOT taking on NEW cases due to client capacity.  See LPC Associates or Qualified Mental Health Provider for additional providers.

LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR ASSOCIATES

“Affordable and Low Cost Private Pay Options Available — Inquire by calling our offices today”

Licensed Professional Counselor Associates (LPC Associate) are those individuals who have graduated from a GRADUATE level program of education, successfully passed their licensing board exams, and are now being supervised for 3,000 clinical hours similar to a medical residency.  These individuals are NOT students, but post-graduate professionals attempting to attain a full level of professional licensure.

Amanda Sheehan-Crisp, M.S., LPC Associate

 

As part of a military family, I was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. I graduated from the University of North Texas with a degree in Psychology in 2008. After which, I worked for many years with survivors of sexual assault and as a caseworker for abused, neglected, and exploited older adults and persons with disabilities. My career has led me to understand a greater need for mental health services for individuals and families.  I have my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University and now on my way to becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor.
I view counseling as a journey, similar to a road trip with a beginning, middle, and end. Both the client and the counselor play an equal role in obtaining a successful outcome. The destination is the client meeting their goal; the aspiration of the counselor is facilitating the journey. I value a person-centered approach, allowing the individual to take control of their itinerary. I will provide counseling services for individuals, couples, families, adolescents, and children.

 

 

Supervised by:  Robert K Franklin, PhD, LPC-S

 

Yvronda Thompson, MS, LPC Associate

 

Non-judgmental and caring is the approach I take when life circumstances can be difficult and painful. A person may feel all alone in their struggles. Having a supportive listener during tough times can pave the way for lifelong changes. It does not matter what life challenges are thrown your way, we can work together to create a life that is meaningful and satisfying.
I believe we all have the potential to conquer our challenges and pave a new way of healthy functioning. I operate from the model of Cognitive behavioral, person-centered, and solution focused. There is no one size fits all approach as everyone is unique and utilizing an eclectic approach can assist with relieving symptoms that are difficult to manage.

 

The goal is to empower you to cope with difficult challenges, take control of anxious thoughts, learn to manage stress and establish healthy relationships. I bring with me 10 years of mental health experience. I work with individuals, family, couples, LGBTQ + and teens. Helping individuals manage anxiety and depression is my speciality.

 

Supervised by:  Robert K Franklin, PhD, LPC-S, ACS

LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELORS

Maribel Arias, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor

My passion is to help people during the various stages, circumstances, and situations that people face throughout life and on a daily basis. My goal is to help create a safe and peaceful environment for my client to better understand them on an individual basis. I will strive to help my client find their unique qualities and purpose in life. My approach is a blend of Existential and Rogerian Theory in order to help my clients achieve their potential in life. By using an Existential approach, my client will strive to discover their meaning and purpose in life.

The benefit of a Rogerian approach is that it allows for the client to be fully involved with his or her own treatment since the focus will be on the client on an individual basis. I have experience in various issues and specialize in depression, abuse, grief, and self-esteem.

Psychology Today Link

 

Each Licensed Counselor is an Independent Practitioner and do not represent Counseling Connections of San Antonio.

Shawna Corley, PhD, LPC, LCDC, CCTP

I graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 2014 with a Master’s of Arts degree in Community Counseling and most recently with my Doctorate in Counseling in 2019. My Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology was achieved at the University of the Incarnate Word in 2011.

I love working with kids and am skilled to handle the hard issues of sexual assault and abuse involving children.  In working with children I also work with the family unit. My work with children includes working with sibling/parent conflict, relationships, trauma, abuse, sexual identity, eating disorders, and grief. I am also available to perform Child Custody Evaluations and Adoptions Studies though the Bear County DRO.

Furthermore I enjoy working with adults presenting with a variety of presenting concerns.  I specialize in trauma, but also assist with depression, relationship conflicts, anxiety, sexual identity, grief, and family conflict.

I use an eclectic approach in my work with clients.  I also bring with me the opportunity to use animal assisted therapy in session with my therapy dog, Rylie.  I feel it is a great honor to work with the clients that I see as you are allowing me to be a part of your journey.  I look forward to meeting you and starting your journey to healing.  

Psychology Today Link

Each Licensed Counselor is an Independent Practitioner and do not represent Counseling Connections of San Antonio.

Currently taking on LIMITED NEW cases due to client capacity.  See LPC Associates for additional providers.

DianaGarcia2

Diana Garcia, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor

In 2008 Diana received a Master’s in Community Counseling from The University of Texas At San Antonio. Her experience has included a two year internship working with bereaved children and families, conducting groups in a partial hospitalization program, seeing clients in a hospital outpatient setting, and working with individuals and couples in private practice. As a Licensed Professional Counselor she works with a diverse group of clients that include people suffering from Schizophrenia, Major Depression, Bipolar Disorder, and relationship difficulties .As a native of South Texas she is very aware of peculiar experiences that this region can afford and the value of an approach that takes into consideration those multicultural components. Diana incorporates several theoretical approaches to the complex issues that clients present. She approaches each client as an individual and tailors her effort to the clients’ unique set of circumstances. She works with individual adults, couples, and adolescents.

Each Licensed Counselor is an Independent Practitioner and do not represent Counseling Connections of San Antonio

Jennifer Harkins, LPC, LCDC
Licensed Professional Counselor

After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin in 1998, I began working with children and families at a local nonprofit organization focused on providing support and guidance through mentoring. My early career in social service work led me to focus on what can be most transformative and healing: understanding and accepting self. I received my master’s degree in counseling and became licensed as a Professional Counselor. I continued social service work as a counselor with Family Violence Prevention Services, Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas and The Center for Health Care Services. I now have a general practice that is shaped by my experiences and work with trauma. I appreciate working with a wide range of issues including but not limited to grief, depression, anxiety, relationship problems, childhood abuse, work/school challenges, life adjustments and addiction. As there are many unhealthy and compromising behaviors resulting from traumatic and stressful issues, I became licensed as a Chemical Dependency Counselor as well.

Psychology Today Profile Link

Note:  Mrs. Harkins can be contacted directly at 210-379-5364.  For more information about my experience and practice, please visit jenniferharkinscounselor.com.

Each Licensed Counselor is an Independent Practitioner and do not represent Counseling Connections of San Antonio

Maggie Hlavinka, MS, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor

I graduated from the University of Texas in 2004 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology.  In 2007 I received a Master of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology from Argosy University in the San Francisco Bay Area.  After graduate school I returned to my hometown of San Antonio to complete my internship and study Marriage and Family Therapy at St. Mary’s University.  I am now a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) for the state of Texas as well as a certified hypnotherapist. I have experience in helping individuals overcome anxiety, depression, trauma, bereavement, adjustment issues, LGBTQ issues, and relational difficulties, as well as a variety of other obstacles. I work with adults of all ages, as well as willing adolescents (ages 12 and up), through a variety of clinical approaches; I use hypnotherapy to help people quit smoking, eliminate unwanted behaviors, improve sleep and relaxation, and release negative emotions; and I facilitate counseling for couples. pre-marital counseling for couples.

Psychology Today Link

Each Licensed Counselor is an Independent Practitioner and do not represent Counseling Connections of San Antonio.

Alexander F Montero, MA, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor

Alexander is a Licensed Professional Counselor who is fluent in Spanish and is passionate about helping others gain an understanding on how to improve life. He developed a desire for wanting to help others after taking a high school psychology course. This passion led him to attend Texas A&M University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Sociology in 2016. Hoping to one day provide services to others, Alexander finished his education by moving to San Antonio, Texas where he completed his Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling at St. Mary’s University in 2018. His training included the Family Service Association and the Family Violence Prevention Center where he gained tremendous experience with adults, children, families, LGBT individuals, youth on probation, domestic violence, depression, anger, and anxiety. While his primary interest surrounds adolescents, he is more  than capable and willing to work with a wide range of individuals and topics.

Using his theoretical approach, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Alexander assists clients by re-framing negative thoughts and constructing an understanding of the relationship between their views, emotions, and behaviors. The human experience is an overwhelming process for anyone to go through especially alone, which is why Alex’s main goal is to create a safe place people can feel heard, accepted, respected, valued, and supported. Feel free to contact him directly if you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment [email protected] or at the office asking specifically for me 210-446-8255.

Psychology Today Profile Link

 

Each Licensed Counselor is an Independent Practitioner and do not represent Counseling Connections of San Antonio.

Beth Owens

Beth Owens, LPC, Doctoral Candidate
Licensed Professional Counselor

I graduated from Trinity University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Women’s studies.  I also studied Music Therapy for a year at Texas Women’s University.  I obtained my Master’s in Community Counseling from University of Texas at San Antonio, and I have been accepted as a doctoral student at St. Mary’s in Counseling Education and Supervision.  My approach to therapy is primarily client-centered, where I actively listen with unconditional positive regard, and help clients to become their authentic, genuine selves. I treat all types of clients, and have experience working with couples, Gifted and Talented individuals, people struggling with anxiety and depression, and those making lifestyle changes to lose weight or accommodate bariatric surgery, such as gastric bypass.  I am sex positive, and work with LBGTQ people, as well as those with alternative lifestyles.  I am very open-minded.  I grew up in San Antonio, and live here with my husband and two cats.  Certified Hypnotherapist.

Psychology Today Link

Note:  Mrs. Owens can be contacted directly at 210-871-1572.

Each Licensed Counselor is an Independent Practitioner and do not represent Counseling Connections of San Antonio

Jillian Thomas, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor

I was born and raised in San Antonio Texas where I received my master’s Degree in Counseling from Wayland Baptist University in 2011. I have deep family values and found my passion for helping people through my faith. These values had led me to the counseling profession. I  provide services to individuals, families, children and couples. I also have experience and currently offer faith-based counseling services to those who may be seeking incorporation of the Christian perspective.

Psychology Today Link

Note:  Ms. Thomas can be contacted directly at 210-871-1582.

Each Licensed Counselor is an Independent Practitioner and do not represent Counseling Connections of San Antonio

Qualified Mental Health Professionals

Masters level counselor interns are those individuals who have completed core educational and training.  They are at the end of the masters graduate training in Clinical Mental Health and are ascertaining the chance to put into practice their clinical skills.  There is a no cost Intake Interview option to allow you an experience to determine if you would like to move forward or not.  Each  Masters level counselor intern  is supervised by Dr. Franklin and feedback is regularly encouraged for counselor growth and client growth.   Masters level counselor interns  are the most eager to help and will work hard for you.  You can trust that Dr. Franklin will be available to consult with his 20+ years of clinical experience guiding each counselor along the way.

Ms. Alexis Alfaro, MS. Student Counselor Intern

Well hello, I am Alexis Alfaro.  I am originally from California, but have spent the majority of my life living in West Texas. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a focus in Child & Family Services from Abilene Christian University in 2021. I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at The University of Texas at San Antonio. I am very passionate about serving communities that are underrepresented or have limited access to mental health resources. My personal experiences have shaped me to become highly compassionate, attentive, and open-minded. In my personal and professional life, I consider myself to be a social justice advocate. With this, I am dedicated to working with the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities.

I believe that the counseling process is incredibly rewarding and has the potential to create new meaning to one’s life. It is my personal belief that counseling first starts with creating a relationship with clients that consists of trust, empathy, authenticity. From there, my approach is person-centered, with aspects of acceptance and commitment therapy intertwined. I acknowledge that each person has completely different thoughts and feelings towards their experiences, so I make an active effort to tailor the process to meet each individual’s specific needs. I look forward to having the privilege to work with you.

 
Supervised by:  Robert K Franklin, PhD, LPC-S, ACS