Counselor Biographies Cedar Park

Insurances Accepted:  BCBS, Humana, Multiplan/PHCS, Sendero, Tricare, United Health Care (Optum/Optum EAP, UMR, Oscar, Allsavers)

Accepting New Clients: YES-HAS AVAILABILTY EVENINGS AND WEEKEND. 

Making a decision to begin counseling can bring hope and relief, and also be scary or intimidating. Sheryl’s desire is to create a safe and comfortable refuge where clients can explore and express feelings, identify solutions, and grow in their ability to develop healthy, supportive relationships. Helping individuals, couples, and children cope with challenges in their lives and not only recover but become stronger and more resilient is Sheryl’s priority as a therapist, using evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. Supporting people who want to reduce or eliminate habits that are no longer beneficial for them, such as smoking or substance use, is an area in which Sheryl takes a non-judgmental and positive approach. Sheryl is also experienced in the treatment of trauma for both children and adults, and as a musician and artist, she understands the value of creative, non-verbal methods for healing and integrating experiences based on the most current understanding of brain processes and functioning. Incorporating an individual’s spiritual or religious orientation into therapy can be a vital part of the healing process, so Sheryl will work from a faith-based approach when clients desire.

Sheryl received her B.A. in Psychology from UCLA, and her MA in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. She has previously provided community- and school-based treatment for children and families, and worked in a non-profit agency with adults experiencing a wide variety of circumstances and needs. She was licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in California in 2005 and in Texas in 2006. Throughout her time as a therapist, she has considered it the utmost privilege to be part of the journey of her clients, and to offer her expertise and guidance as they grow and thrive.

Amanda Durst, MA, LPC

Insurances Accepted:  Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Beacon, United Health Care (optum, UMR, Oscar, Allsavers)/United Health Care EAP), Humana, Multiplan/PHCS, Sendero, Tricare

Accepting New Clients: YES-DOES NOT SEE INDIVIDUAL MALES OR TEEN BOYS

Amanda has a heart for working with children, adolescents, families and individual adult women. She knows that relationship is key to the therapeutic process, and works to choose therapeutic tactics to best suit each individual, for each session. What one individual finds beneficial another may not, so customization is key.

She loves working with children and feels that family involvement is necessary to a child’s success in therapy. Small children learn and express themselves best through play and so she integrates play therapy techniques into each session.

Having gone through years of infertility treatments herself Amanda has an understanding of the unique physical and mental challenges that accompany this path of creating or adding to a family. Six years outside of her own journey she now finds it to be a privilege to walk with other women and couples down this path, with understanding, compassion and knowledge of current treatments.

Amanda obtained her B.A. with dual majors in Religion and Museum Studies from Baylor University and her M.A. in Counseling from Dallas Baptist University. She received her license as a counselor in the state of Texas in 2010. She is a certified Attachment Based Intervention Specialist- Level I, and Trauma Focus Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT) Provider. She continues to complete continuing education requirements annually with a current interest in neurobiology.

Amanda has previously worked in domestic violence shelters, child residential treatment facilities, and private practice before joining Gibson Counseling. Her therapeutic interests include infertility and adoption assessment and counseling, domestic violence, attachment assessment and counseling, biblical counseling, child trauma, and teen issues.

Sally Guerra, RN, LPC, LCDC

Insurances Accepted: Aetna, Beacon Options, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Humana, Multiplan/PHCS, Sendero, Tricare,  United Health Care (Optum/Optum EAP, UMR, Oscar, Allsavers)

Accepting New Clients: YES

Sally Guerra has 40 years of experience in the field of mental health and wellness. She is a certified Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Bachelor Social Worker, Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).

In her vast and varied career Sally has gained a tremendous amount of experience. She feels she is effective in counseling people from many different demographics and thoroughly enjoys working with children, adolescents, adults and couples, as well.

Sally was a Captain in the United States Army Nurse Corp. She has worked in various private clinics and facilities over the course of her career, including owning and operating her own successful private practice for 16 years and as a psychiatric nurse for the Veterans Administration. Sally has devoted her entire career to the health and well being of others.

It is Sally’s utmost professional desire to assist people in the process of change from troublesome behaviors or traits and to help redirect the course of their lives. She excitedly believes change is always possible for all her clients, and is truly devoted to helping every client to walk down that path to a more fulfilling and peaceful life.

Andrew Lipinski, LPC

Insurances Accepted: Aetna, Beacon Options, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Humana, Multiplan/PHCS, Sendero, Tricare, United Health Care(Optum/Optum EAP, UMR, Oscar, Allsavers)

Accepting New Clients: NO

Building a trusting relationship and creating a safe, nonjudgmental environment is central to Andy’s approach to therapy. He understands the importance of accepting his clients as they are and supporting them in the pursuit of their goals. He helps clients develop the tools they need to make desired changes, utilizing solution-focused, relational, and person-centered counseling approaches.

He has extensive experience working with a broad range of mental health, personal concerns, and life challenges. He appreciates and enjoys collaborating with diverse populations including children, adults, couples, and families. In addition, he feels strongly about supporting Veterans, Active Duty and their families.

Andy earned his Master’s degree in Professional Counseling from Texas State University – San Marcos in 2001.