Therapy Session in Texas

Hello! My name is Christi Ford, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate supervised by Dwayne Frei, LPC-S. ​ As a counselor, my goal is to assist young people facing the challenges of growing up and moving successfully into adulthood. I have nearly 2 decades of experience working with children and adolescents as a public school teacher, and I completed my counseling internships in an intermediate school, helping students with both mental health and academic challenges. My specific training and experience include specialization in ADHD, PTSD and trauma, and anxiety and depression. ​ I approach counseling from a place of empathy, compassion, and respect. Sessions are a safe place for clients to explore their thoughts, feelings, and personal beliefs as they grow into individuals with confidence in their unique identity and abilities. Through the use of humor, genuine communication, and proven therapeutic approaches, clients will learn skills and strategies to tackle difficult situations, heal trauma, and better understand themselves.

I have come to counseling on a different path than some; I had already completed a successful career and was looking for something different. I completed graduate school in Texas and have since become licensed in both Texas and Colorado. The majority of my work is in general counseling and I also work with couples and families. I have worked for University of Texas schools as well as for the University of Alabama. My most recent work with children and families was as a Military and Family Life counselor while embedded in an Elementary School in Abilene, Tx.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 8 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, and families through life’s emotional and behavioral challenges. I am passionate about creating a safe, supportive, and engaging environment where children feel heard, understood, and empowered to grow. I work with children experiencing anxiety, depression, emotional regulation difficulties, behavioral concerns, school-related stress, self-esteem challenges, and adjustment issues. Using evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), play-based interventions, and strengths-focused techniques, I tailor treatment to meet each child’s unique needs and developmental level. I believe therapy works best when children feel comfortable expressing themselves and caregivers feel supported throughout the process. I collaborate closely with families to help build healthy coping skills, improve communication, strengthen emotional resilience, and support positive growth both at home and in school. My goal is to help children develop confidence, emotional awareness, and practical tools they can carry with them long after therapy ends.

I am a therapist who got my start in a Marriage and family counseling practice after graduating with a MABC from Dallas Theological Seminary. I have had extensive experience working within the criminal justice system, women coming out of the sex industry and severe mental health issues including personality disorders, major depression, bipolar I & II, dissociation and severe trauma. I have trained local police departments in mental health orientations and critical incident trainings. I am also a certified resiliency trainer through the FBINAA. I enjoy utilizing psychodynamic and family of origin techniques as well as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing and person-centered therapy when I work with families and children. I enjoy serving persons from different cultures. I consider my counseling of you an honor and a privilege and it is my heartfelt desire that you feel better after our session than you do before you see me. My objective is to "reveal the root, and expose the lies" especially behind those issues that trouble teens. I look forward to working with you on your journey to health and wholeness.