Whitney Granado, LPC

**Currently Not Accepting New Clients**

My counseling approach centers on my unwavering, optimistic faith that you have the potential for an authentic and happy life. I believe all people have the capacity for positive growth and this faith and belief will be present throughout our work. In session, I will give you a safe space, stay present with you, be curious about all that makes you unique, and remain flexible to your needs in the moment. We will use present moment experiences to increase your awareness while incorporating mindfulness, experiential, and somatic exercises.

The underpinning of my approach is an understanding that the human struggle to grow is often connected to an avoidance of the self and experiences. We use avoidance to protect ourselves from the pain of emotional wounds, loss, trauma, fear, or disappointment but it often keeps us from the very thing that could create the change we desire. I believe that you made these avoidant adaptations for a reason, but that they may no longer be serving you and your desire for an authentic life. My aim is to incorporate the strength of the mind/body connection to bring these painful or avoidant patterns to light. We will use this connection to help you restore your natural zest for life, heal painful experiences,  and to create more fulfilling interactions with yourself, others, and your environment. I will partner with you in noticing areas of avoidance, whether in body, mind, or spirit, and help you tap into your natural wisdom to find new direction. The more contact we have with all parts of our authentic self, the more we are able to make healthy changes, promote healing, and find true wholeness.

I am a deeply spiritual being. In my work I use my spiritual connection to value your uniqueness, see the goodness in others, and extend grace. I will approach you with respect and openness on your personal spiritual beliefs. I am willing to explore this realm with you, at your comfort level, on the path of achieving wholeness and peace. I aim to provide therapy that attends to your body, mind, and spirit. I invite you to join me on a journey to reclaim a sense of wholeness, to become who you truly are, and to live out your truth authentically.

More About Whitney

I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Science in Professional Counseling from Texas A&M University—Corpus Christi. During this education I  completed internships at two different sites. At the Cenikor Foundation I gained experience helping individuals heal from addiction, co-occurring mental health diagnoses, and trauma; I had the opportunity to learn in both individual and group counseling settings. I also completed an internship at Texas A&M University’s Antonio E. Garcia Arts and Education Center, where I worked with children, adults, and families experiencing a wide range of challenges such as depression, anxiety, trauma, family conflict, grief, life transitions, and stress. Before receiving my Master’s degree I worked for an agency serving at-risk children and their families, where I provided Solution Focused Brief Therapy and collaborated with the school system to help children stay in school and succeed in their courses. I have also worked as both a Case Manager and a Rehabilitation Specialist for community mental health service agencies in Corpus Christi and Austin; I provided clinical counseling services for homeless individuals and people suffering from serious mental illness.

I value all life deeply and this includes animals! Before working in the mental health field I was an adoption shelter coordinator. I managed a website to promote adoptions, supervised employees and general operations of the shelter, and administered medications and vaccines. I find the presence, innocence, and serenity of animals and beloved pets to be very peaceful. As humans we have numerous events and stresses that distract us from utilizing our internal knowledge of regulating and healing ourselves; I think we can learn a lot from animals, such as how to follow our instincts, live in the moment, and practice unconditional love.

I have found joy in observing and connecting with people from all walks of life since I was a child. I have always been fascinated with the complexities of human personalities and enjoyed opportunities to be helpful. I also genuinely enjoy reflecting on possibilities of positive change/creative approaches for individuals, and can be very encouraging in the process. I believe that effective therapy involves considering and attending to all aspects of an individual: mind, body, and spirit. I myself have experienced a wide range of struggles, and I believe that anybody can benefit from counseling; there can be great healing in supportive, intentional relationships. I enjoy helping others find missing links and insights into their lives; this growth in awareness can make all the difference in creating a deep sense of wholeness and forming meaningful, fulfilling connections. My faith and spiritual connection keeps me loving people; it fuels my desire to inspire, encourage, and support others. I truly believe this to be my life purpose. Life and purpose are such wonderful gifts!