DBT and Mindfulness Counseling

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

DBT’s goals are to help people learn how to live in the present moment in order to regulate emotions, develop healthy ways to cope with stress, and improve their relationships with others. DBT incorporates distress tolerance through learning distraction techniques and self soothing. It improves relationships by teaching assertiveness in a positive and healthy relationship. Mindfulness is also important part of DBT therapy.

WHAT IS MINDFULNESS?

Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present. At first, this concept seems straightforward and simple, however often we let our thoughts become preoccupied with the past or the future and those preoccupations can lead to anxiety. Mindfulness centers around the idea that we need to learn to fully experience our present actions, thoughts, and emotions free of self-judgement and on purpose. Through meditation and other training, we master the ability to live in the moment.

HISTORY OF MINDFULNESS

The practice of mindfulness dates back centuries as it was originally conceived and integrated in the Buddhist practice of meditation. The late 1970s introduction of mindfulness into United States for clinical use is credited to Jon Kabat-Zinn, a professor at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. Since then mindfulness has become widely studied, grown to be a popular practice among counselors, and has been established as a highly effective therapeutic practice.

MINDFULNESS SESSIONS

Mindfulness can be practiced by any person at any moment. Through meditation and practice, an individual will cultivate the ability to be present. This can come in the form of guided meditation with a counselor or at home practice. A few of the ways that mindfulness can be practiced are:

  • Seated Meditation
  • Walking Meditation
  • Standing Meditation
  • Moving Meditation
  • Breathing Exercises
  • Yoga or Sports

BENEFITS OF MINDFULNESS

Because of the growing interest in mindfulness as a therapeutic practice, many studies have been done to prove its efficacy. A recent Harvard study observed that mindfulness meditation leads the brain’s hippocampus to create new grey matter – which is important for memory, the ability to learn, and processing emotions.

Mindfulness is a proven coping technique and can play a large role in improving an individual’s quality of life. While some of us are hardwired to avoid emotions and negativity, mindfulness teaches us how to fully experience and be aware of our self in a non-judgemental way.

POSSIBLE DRAWBACKS OF MINDFULNESS

Mindfulness is a journey and it is not a problem solving technique. Like with any difficult technique, it takes hard work, practice, and personal effort. In some cases, it can increase frustration if an individual is not able to let go of their self-judgement. The key to mindfulness is to understand that even the best meditators spent many years cultivating the ability to be present and that no one can be perfect 100% of the time.

MINDFULNESS COUNSELORS AT GIBSON COUNSELING

Michelle Sumners, LCSW, LCDC

Michelle Sumners, LCSW, LCDC

Michelle's Patient Portal / New Client RegistrationRead more about Michelle

Location: Counseling in Round Rock and virtual counseling for Texas residents

Insurances Accepted: Aetna (No EAP), Cigna/Evernorth (NO CIGNA EAP), Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Health Care (UMR, Oscar, Optum, Allsavers),  Sendero, Multiplan, Moda, Magellan, Scott and White, Triwest, Humana (No Medicare), Partners Direct, PHCS, Self pay $150 . We DO NOT accept Medicare or Medicaid.

Accepting New Clients: YES  Individuals only at this time

(no couples or kids)

Hours subject to availability: Monday through Friday 10am to 7 pm, Saturday 10am to 2pm in person or virtual Round Rock

Expertise: Adults and couples

Susan Valley, LCSW

Susan Valley, LCSW

Susan's Patient Portal / New Client Registration Read more about Susan

Location: Counseling in Cedar Park and Video counseling for residents in Texas

Insurances Accepted:    Aetna (No EAP), Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna /Evernorth (No EAP), Humana, Partners Direct, Sendero, Scott and White, Magellan, Moda, United Health Care (UMR, Oscar, Optum, Allsavers), Self pay $150. We DO NOT accept Medicare or Medicaid.

Accepting New Clients:  No

Hours subject to availability:   Monday: 2-7 pm Virtual only;   Tuesday and Wednesday In person or Virtual in Cedar Park 1pm to 6pm 

(Video and in person)

Expertise:  Adults, Couples and Teens (13 yrs and up)

Mary Ellen Martin, LMFT

Mary Ellen Martin, LMFT

MaryEllen's Patient Portal / New Client Registration Read more about MaryEllen

Location: Counseling in Round Rock and virtual counseling for Texas residents

Insurances Accepted:  Aetna (No EAP), Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna/Evernorth (No EAP), Humana, Partners Direct, Sendero, Scott and White, Triwest, United Health Care (UMR, Optum, Oscar, Allsavers), Moda, Magellan, Multiplan/PHCS, Self pay $150. We DO NOT accept Medicare or Medicaid.

Accepting New Clients:   YES  -  Individuals & Couples     (No kids at this Time )

Hours subject to availability: Monday through Thursday 10am to 630pm in person or virtual Round Rock

Expertise:

Sheryl Stiffler, LMFT

Sheryl Stiffler, LMFT

Sheryl's Patient Portal / New Client RegistrationRead more about Sheryl

Location:  Video counseling for residents in Texas

Insurances Accepted:  Aetna (NO AETNA EAP), BCBS, Humana, Moda, Magellan, Multiplan/PHCS, Sendero, Scott and White, United Health Care (UMR, Oscar, Optum, Allsavers), Partners Direct, Triwest-VA, Self pay $150 . We DO NOT accept Medicare or Medicaid.

Accepting New Clients:  YES     (Video only)​  Evening appointments available

Expertise: Kids (6 yr and up), Adults and Couples

Rhonda Mack, LPC

Rhonda Mack, LPC

Rhonda's Patient Portal / New Client RegistrationRead more about Rhonda

Location: Counseling in Cedar Park and Video counseling for residents in Texas

Insurances Accepted:    Moda, Blue Cross Blue Shield,  United Health Care (UMR, Oscar, Optum, Allsavers), Humana, Cigna/Evernorth (no EAP), Aetna (no EAP), Partners Direct, Magellan, Multiplan/PHCS, Sendero, Scott and White, Triwest-VA, Self pay $150. We DO NOT accept Medicare or Medicaid.

Accepting New Clients:  Yes - Adults, Couples and kids ages 12 and up

Hours subject to availability:  Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 10am to 6pm in person or virtual at Cedar Park, Monday 2pm to 7pm virtual only, every other Saturday 10am-1pm virtual only

Expertise:  Adults, Couples and kids ages 12 and up

Paulina Pina, LPC

Paulina Pina, LPC

Paulina's Patient Portal / New Client Registration Read more about Paulina

Location: Counseling in Round Rock and virtual counseling for Texas residents

Insurances Accepted: Aetna (No EAP),  Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna/Evernorth (No EAP), Humana, Magellan, Moda, Multiplan/PHCS, Sendero,  Scott and White, Partners Direct,  United Health Care (UMR, Optum, Oscar, Allsavers), Triwest-VA, Self pay $150. We DO NOT accept Medicare or Medicaid.

Accepting New Clients:  No

Hours subject to availability: Monday through Thursday 10am to 4:30pm in person or virtual Round Rock

Paulina speaks both English and Spanish. Paulina habla español.

Expertise:Kids (8 yrs and older), Adults and Couples

Ana "Rebeca" Ramirez, LPC

Ana "Rebeca" Ramirez, LPC

Rebeca's Patient Portal / New Client Registration Read more about Rebeca

Location: Counseling in Cedar Park and Video counseling for residents in Texas

Insurances Accepted:  Aetna (No EAP), Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna/Evernorth (No EAP), Partners Direct, Scott and White, United Health Care (UMR, Oscar, Optum, Allsavers), Multiplan/PHCS, Humana, Magellan, Moda, Sendero, Triwest, Self pay $150. We DO NOT accept Medicare or Medicaid.

Accepting New Clients:  No  (kids must be seen in person, no virtual for kids)

Hours subject to availability: Tuesday and Thursday 9am to 5pm, Monday and Friday 9am to 12pm in person or virtual cedar park

Rebeca speaks both English and Spanish. Rebeca habla español.

Expertise:

Adults and Children 7 and up

Sally Guerra, LPC

Sally Guerra, LPC

Sally's Patient Portal / New Client Registration Read more about Sally

Location: Video counseling for residents in Texas

Insurances Accepted:  Aetna (No EAP),  Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna/Evernorth (No EAP), Humana, Multiplan/PHCS, Sendero, Scott and White, Tricare, Partners Direct, United Health Care (UMR, Oscar, Optum, Allsavers), Moda, Magellan, Triwest-VA, Self Pay $150. We DO NOT accept Medicare or Medicaid.

Evaluations Offered: ADD, ADHD, Mood Disorders, Anger Issues and PTSD

Accepting clients:    YES    Video only  (Children age 12 and up)

Hours subject to availability: Wednesday 8am to 12, Thursday and Friday 8am to 5pm telehealth only

Expertise: Kids (12yr and up), Adults and Couples

Sasha Sharp, LPC

Sasha Sharp, LPC

Sasha's Patient Portal / New Client Registration Read more about Sasha

Location: Counseling in Cedar Park and Video counseling for residents in Texas

Insurances Accepted:   Aetna (No EAP), Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna/Evernorth (No EAP), Humana, Partners Direct, Sendero, Scott and White, United Health Care (UMR, Oscar, Optum, Allsavers), Moda, Multiplan/PHCS, Magellan, Triwest, Self pay $150. We DO NOT accept Medicare or Medicaid.

Accepting New Clients:   NO

Hours subject to availability: Tuesday through Thursday 9am to 6pm in person or virtual Cedar Park, Monday and Fridays 8am to 5pm telehealth only

Expertise: Adults and Children 7 and up

 

Hours
Mon By Appointment
Tue By Appointment
Wed By Appointment
Thu By Appointment
Fri By Appointment
Sat By Appointment
Sun Closed
Gibson Counseling Cedar Park on Facebook Gibson Counseling Cedar Park on Pinterest Gibson Counseling Cedar Park on Google Gibson Counseling Cedar Park on Yelp

2201 Double Creek Drive, Unit 1003, Round Rock, TX 78664
(512) 633-7839
921 West New Hope Drive, Suite 201, Cedar Park, TX 78613
(512) 633-7839