Becky Pawley Downey is a dedicated Licensed Professional Counselor who embodies the spirit of peace. She believes that peace in our hearts, minds, souls, and relationships is something everyone seeks. At Advocate Christian Counseling, her primary commitment is to guide clients toward achieving a profound sense of inner tranquility. Whether individuals are navigating a difficult crisis or seeking to dismantle barriers preventing them from living life to its fullest, Becky serves as a supportive advocate, championing lives that are abundant, rewarding, and fruitful. Specializing in diverse therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), psychodynamic approaches, and family therapy, she works diligently with individuals, couples, and families to uncover God's path towards freedom, wholeness, and joy. Clients can anticipate compassion, respect, and actionable insights throughout their journeys, along with empowering strategies for positive change and healing through reliance on God's presence and guidance.

Angela Pena, a licensed professional counselor with a PhD, NCC, and LPC-S, passionately believes in the transformative power of counseling to unlock an individual's ultimate potential. She employs a humanistic approach to therapy, guiding clients in the integration of mind and body to achieve a sense of wholeness. Angela skillfully incorporates modalities such as play therapy, expressive arts, and sand tray therapy, all while recognizing that the strength of the therapeutic relationship is essential for client success. Her priority is to foster a safe and supportive environment that enables clients to explore their past and present issues. With extensive experience working with children, adolescents, adults, families, and couples, Angela specializes in supporting victims of trauma, domestic violence, abuse, and human trafficking.

Rachel Pendergraft is a compassionate and skilled marriage and family therapist with a deep understanding of the complexities of human relationships. She recognizes that relationships can be challenging, especially when faced with life’s pressures, such as parenting young children, communication conflicts, addiction, and other stressors. Rachel believes that everyone is shaped by their unique experiences—drawing from their families of origin, current families, and diverse social and cultural contexts. Her practice is grounded in the belief that at our core, we all seek connection and understanding. Rachel emphasizes the importance of nurturing the social, emotional, spiritual, and physical aspects of our humanity, weaving these elements into the therapeutic process. Specializing in adult individuals and couples therapy, Rachel has completed extensive training in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT), including an externship and year-long core skills training, alongside participating as a helper in numerous EFT training sessions. Currently working towards her EFT Certification, Rachel aims to use her extensive experience to connect with clients navigating their chaos, inspiring growth, fostering hope, and ensuring everyone feels understood. She views it as a sacred privilege to walk alongside individuals and couples on their journey of growth and transformation.

Karla Pineda, a Licensed Professional Counselor, understands the overwhelming struggle that many face while navigating life with OCD and anxiety disorders. She recognizes the experience of being trapped in a mind that constantly races, overwhelmed by 'what if' scenarios that seem impossible to escape. Through her empathetic approach, Karla addresses the relentless racing thoughts that can leave individuals feeling paralyzed by fear and distress, resulting in a day-to-day battle that saps both mental and physical strength. Many find themselves living in a continuous state of anxiety, leading to isolation where plans are canceled, work suffers, and avoidance of places that trigger panic attacks becomes the norm. This lonely path can hinder relationships and rob individuals of joy in activities they once cherished. Karla’s practice is firmly rooted in evidence-based techniques, particularly in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), aimed at helping clients break free from the cycles of rumination, compulsions, and avoidance. With her guidance, individuals can work towards reclaiming a fulfilling life, pursuing passions with confidence, and finding a sense of grounding in their everyday experiences.

Debra Pruitt, a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 25 years of experience in Frisco, takes a client-centered approach to therapy, addressing the issues that cause distress in her clients’ lives. She emphasizes the development and enhancement of quality of life by exploring the influence of family origin and addressing self-defeating behaviors that can hinder the process of change. Clients are encouraged to delve into their thought distortions and work towards correcting them, fostering improvements in their quality of life. Debra specializes in mood disorders, including depression and anxiety, and promotes a collaborative approach by encouraging teamwork with primary care doctors, ob/gyns, or psychiatrists to facilitate rapid symptom relief. In her practice, she focuses not only on cognitive changes that support lasting, positive transformation but also offers the innovative modality of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy in Celina, Texas. This unique therapy involves horses and combines the efforts of a mental health professional, an equine specialist, and the client to create an experiential and dynamic learning environment. Equine therapy is particularly effective in treating PTSD, depression, anxiety, ADD/ADHD, and substance abuse, benefiting individuals from all walks of life.

Gina Carter is a dedicated Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who specializes in providing relief to adults grappling with loss, trauma, mood disorders, and relationship difficulties. With over 20 years of experience, she is passionate about helping individuals and couples unravel the chaos in their lives and develop personalized strategies that foster resilience. Gina is a certified trauma-informed EMDR therapist, adept at utilizing evidence-based treatments to address trauma as it arises, while also focusing on grief and bereavement support. From working with multi-cultural populations to those facing serious illnesses, she brings an empathetic approach to therapy, skillfully guiding clients through their emotional challenges towards a future filled with renewed hope and confidence. Gina's therapeutic modalities include Family/Marital therapy, Emotionally Focused therapy, Gestalt therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), as well as Interpersonal and Relational therapy, tailoring her methods to meet the unique needs of each client.

Matthew Biermacher is a Licensed Professional Counselor who emphasizes the importance of cultivating a trusting relationship with his clients. He is dedicated to helping individuals understand the origins and nature of their issues, specifically in areas such as Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Men's Issues, and Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). Matthew believes that by identifying specific problem factors, everyone has the capacity to make meaningful changes leading to their desired solutions. With a commitment to empowering his clients, he encourages them to make choices that foster their happiness, enabling them to live the life they truly want instead of enduring a life that feels unfulfilling. As a compassionate guide and catalyst for change, Matthew is ready to help clients embark on their transformative journey.

Cognitive Revival, a Licensed Professional Counselor (MA, LPC-S), believes in the transformative power of change, encapsulated in the words of H. Cloud: 'We change our behavior when the pain of staying the same becomes greater than the pain of changing.' With a focus on trauma, complex PTSD, dual diagnoses, and anxiety disorders, Cognitive works with adolescents, adults, and couples, helping them navigate a wide range of challenges including self-harm, self-esteem, identity struggles, and cultural issues. Recognizing that change can be difficult yet necessary, she offers an integrative approach that includes EMDR and mindfulness-based techniques. Her uniquely rich background and diverse education provide clients with tailored perspectives and solutions. Cognitive thrives with self-motivated clients who are prepared to engage in the therapeutic process. She also offers diagnostic evaluations, and her flexibility with insurance panels and sliding scale fees ensures accessibility for her clients. Through her compassionate and culturally sensitive practice, Cognitive Revival is dedicated to guiding individuals and couples on their journey toward positive and lasting change.

Summer Rose, PsyD, is a compassionate psychologist dedicated to supporting clients through their unique challenges. With extensive expertise in areas such as depression, anxiety, trauma, parenting issues, and behavioral disorders, her eclectic approach is tailored to each individual's needs. Summer's skills in psychological assessment are prominent, as she conducts evaluations for ADHD, learning differences, and behavior disorders regularly. As a prominent speaker in the DFW metroplex and an expert panelist on NPR, she brings a wealth of knowledge and a client-centered focus to her practice. With over a decade of experience working with diverse children and families in various roles, including as a CPS case worker, therapist, assessor, and group leader, she is well-equipped to foster healing and growth. Currently serving as the Assessment Coordinator and Licensed Psychologist at Momentous Institute in Dallas, Summer Rose prioritizes her clients' voices and experiences, ensuring their needs are at the forefront of her practice.

Mahnaz Sadre, a dedicated Marriage and Family Therapist with a PhD and credentials as LMFT and LPC-S, understands the profound impact that relationships can have on both healing and hurt. She provides a confidential, honest, empathetic, and warm environment aimed at facilitating the healing of past or present wounds. In a perpetually changing world, she empowers her clients to cope with transitions and find stability in their lives. Mahnaz emphasizes the importance of collaboration, effective communication, and conflict resolution in all relationships. Her clients develop the essential skills needed to express their needs and desires clearly with their spouses, children, and co-workers. Each individual, couple, or family brings forth unique challenges, and Mahnaz employs a tailored approach utilizing a range of therapeutic modalities such as Mindfulness-Based Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and EMDR. Her extensive experience allows her to serve clients aged 12 to 70, empowering them to navigate complexities associated with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and personal growth. Drawing on both her education and diverse life experiences, Mahnaz is committed to assisting individuals and families in enhancing their communication and interactions. Her national and international engagements with fellow mental health professionals further enable her to provide effective care. Mahnaz's mission is to help her clients achieve their maximum potential, both personally and professionally.

Ana Sanches, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, specializes in supporting adults and elders facing challenges such as depression, anxiety, and relationship issues. She understands the struggle of feeling overwhelmed by life's demands, where moments of irritability and sadness often emerge. In her practice, Ana creates a safe and nurturing space for individuals to explore their emotions and regain control over their lives. Utilizing a variety of therapeutic approaches including Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Experiential Therapy, and the Gottman Method, she empowers her clients to navigate their unique experiences with empathy and insight. Her person-centered approach ensures that each individual feels heard and valued, allowing for effective coping strategies to emerge. Ana is dedicated to helping her clients improve their relationship with themselves and others, acknowledging the courage it takes to seek help. For those hesitant or uncertain about starting their counseling journey, Ana is here to offer guidance and support, making the path toward healing a collaborative experience.

Lydia Shen is a compassionate and dedicated Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master's degree in Counseling. She has extensive experience working with teens, adults, and elders, providing a safe and nurturing space for healing. Lydia specializes in addressing trauma and PTSD, anxiety, and relationship issues through a variety of therapeutic approaches, including Compassion Focused, Emotionally Focused, and the Gottman Method. Her culturally sensitive and integrative methods ensure that each individual or family receives personalized care tailored to their unique needs. Lydia's commitment to fostering strong connections and understanding has helped countless individuals navigate their challenges and cultivate lasting change in their lives.

In moments when individuals may feel overwhelmed, Aliya Sheriff, a dedicated and compassionate psychologist, recognizes the challenges faced in navigating life's complexities. Many might feel stuck despite their best efforts to overcome various difficulties, unaware of how stress can impact their relationships, work life, finances, and overall well-being. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Sheriff is committed to creating a safe and empathetic space where individuals and families can explore emotional and psychological challenges. Specializing in historical and complex trauma, grief, and medical trauma experienced by families and their loved ones, she utilizes a variety of therapeutic approaches, including Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Trauma-Focused Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Dr. Sheriff believes in tailoring therapy to each client's unique needs and values, ensuring that her approach is client-centered, collaborative, and culturally sensitive. Through a strong sense of mutual trust, she aims to empower clients to strengthen their internal resources and derive meaning from their experiences, fostering hope for a meaningful life.