My Frisco Counselor v2
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Below each counselor is a link, "1st Appointment Options For.." Click on that link and follow the instructions.
How To Pick A Counselor
If you've never had to find a counselor before you're probably wondering, "what am I looking for?" Well, it's a lot like looking for a new best friend. It's a mix of facts and feelings. How long a counselor has been practicing, which people groups (populations) they specialize in, and what treatments (modalities) they utilize when working with clients are all important points to determine. For some, where a counselor went to school is important.
Then there's the emotional aspect of counselor selection. That's where the counselors', "story" comes in. Why do they do what they do? What drives them? Does their personal background ring familiar to you and your story? Do they sound like someone that can relate to your story and better help you? Then, what about their picture? Do they, "look" like someone you could open up to? Do you get an instant feeling that says, "I like that person!", or, "That person looks trustworthy to me"?
It's important that you feel comfortable when selecting a counselor, so much so that, although we truly believe that we have someone for you, we also believe that you should check out several other counseling practice websites first. Make sure that you find the best fit for your situation.
Ready? Your simple-to-follow checklist is right over there. ---->
My New Counselor Checklist
[ ] Go ahead and check out a couple of other counseling practices' websites, first. We'll be right here when you get back.
[ ] Review each counselors', "Career Facts" by clicking on the Career Facts link below their picture.
[ ] Then, click on each of their pictures below to read their stories.
[ ] Narrow the field to 1 or 2 counselors based on which one resonates with you the most.
[ ] If you're ready to take the next step, it's time to schedule that first appointment. Scroll to the bottom and pick one of 2 scheduling options and follow the directions.
We look forward to meeting you!
Our Counseling Staff
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Kathleen Mills, LPC S, CEAPMy Story- Kathleen Mills, LPC S, CEAP
Career Facts
Wisdom. Listen. Pictures.
My story? Well, let’s see…I was born and raised in Michigan but got to Texas as quickly as I could. I have a degree in performance flute and was a band-leader at Lake Highlands High for 10 years, working with some of the brightest minds in the music space, before deciding to go back to school and become a counselor. Been married to the same guy forever, we have two grown sons, and here I am. To get to the point I believe I’ve hit just about every pot-hole there is along the way and I’m still rolling.
I love music. I love God. I love America. I love my family, and I love what I do.
What Is Wisdom?
A friend of mine once asked me what makes a good counselor and I replied, “Wisdom. A good counselor is one that knows how to listen”.
“So, listening is wisdom?”, he asked. I thought about that and said, “No, wisdom is the self-aware application of godly principles coupled with our own experiences, for the benefit of ourselves and others.”
“Where does it come from?”, he asked. “Wisdom comes from experience, and experience comes from living”, I said. “And since life comes from God, wisdom emanates from Him as well.”
What Is A Good Listener?
“And the listening?” he inquired. “Listening is the natural posture we assume after we realize that we don’t know all the answers!”, I told him. He began to smile.
“So, what makes a good listener, then?” to which I replied, “Wisdom! Wisdom enables a person to know when to listen, when to speak, and when just a smile is appropriate.”
We’re all given adequate wisdom by our Creator to keep us alive and answer most of the deep questions we have about ourselves and the world around us. Despite that, sometimes things can get a bit overwhelming, can’t they? What we need then is someone who can listen, and with the wisdom that only comes with, “been there, done that”, help us put the pieces together and make sense of what’s before us.
What Do I Need?
The irony of it all is that you already have all the pieces, you may just need an experienced listener to help you put them all together and admire the picture! I’ve been told many times, by reliable sources, that I’m a good listener. And, I like good pictures. I’d be delighted to help you with yours. Schedule some time with me and I’ll look forward to meeting you.
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Stacy Ramsey, M.A., LPC, EAS-CMy Story-Stacy Ramsey, M.A., LPC, EAS-C
Transition. Growth. Purpose.
Transitions are the bridges that link us to the next chapter in our lives. They are the pathways that link us together. Life’s full of them; they look like our first day at school, our first encounter with a bully, that first kiss, and that last goodbye after our high school graduation. Some appear when we try to unload old baggage. They come in all sizes and degrees of difficulty, and they span the entire gamut of emotion.
Lately I’ve had a chance to reflect on my own life and I’ve realized that my story is full of transitions, some wonderfully welcomed and some that brought me to my knees. From each transition, I learned a little something about myself that has made handling the next crossing just a little bit easier, and explained a few things I never understood before. I think most of the time we fail to realize that while change can be a little scary, or painful, or both, it’s normal. In fact, it’s the only thing that fosters growth.
“Life is, at it’s very simplest, a never-ending series of transitions,
each having its own magical effect on the sum
of all transitions we have yet to experience!”
–Stacy
For me, my favorite aspect of my own transitions is a gifted ability (that we all have) to simply reflect upon the outcomes; to think about the godly nature of those that helped me along the way and how fortunate I’ve been; to reflect upon the lessons I’ve learned about myself, about those around me, and how I might return the favor to those I have yet to meet. It really gives me a sense that anything is possible for me and that, not only can I do it, but why not me?!
It wasn’t always a natural thing for me to do, in fact I’m still learning. I thought change meant I’d done something wrong or I wasn’t good enough. I had to realize first that change is normal, it transitions us to the next chapter in our lives and only then is meaningful introspection possible; only then will you be a purposeful blessing to others.
Are you experiencing a transition in your life right now? Need a little help? You’re not alone. Most of us need a little guidance when traversing our bridges. My name is Stacy Ramsey. Come on, I’ll walk with you. Give me a call.
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Laurence Saputra, LPC, EAS-CMy Story-Laurence Saputra, LPC, EAS-C
Understand. Accept. Mentor.
Life is a puzzle and some of us just need a little help putting it all together. The good news is that you already possess everything you need to assemble yours, I’m here to help guide you past the pieces that are giving you a little trouble.
My name is Laurence Saputra and while I work with people of all ages I specialize in helping teens and young adults that have experienced a less than optimal upbringing. Like I did.
Sometimes that can make “putting it all together”, or “launching yourself out of the nest”, more than a little difficult, and it leaves you feeling lost, confused, mixed up. Don’t worry, you’re not crazy, and you’re definitely not the only one.
The funny thing about those teens and young adults is they grow up to be Gen-X'ers, Gen-Y's, Millennials, Boomers and beyond, and I work with them all. In fact, I am one of the, "maligned Millenials", and so I look forward to working with anyone who has experienced a rocky start, regardless of their generational moniker.
See, our parents loom very large in our lives and the truth is, they don’t know everything. We aren’t born with a set of custom instructions to tell them how best to handle each individual child. But I’ll tell you what….most do the very best they can. (Raising kids is almost as tough as being a kid, so let's cut the folks some slack!)
Here’s your hope…if they recognize that they are not able to provide what it is that you need, and they’re looking for assistance, for you, then you are not alone, and you are one lucky son or daughter!
Maybe you’re out of the house already and found us yourself? Or left the nest long ago and just need to clear your head about some things, that’s great. All you need is the desire to get your head on straight and get your life on the path you have chosen. Good for you.
Let me be a friend that helps you figure those things out.
What I’ll Bring To The Table
My role has (3) simple guidelines:
1. To understand your experience and validate it.
2. To be non-judgmental of any aspect of your life and be accepting of you.
3. To speak your language, and help you make sense of it all.I find if I honor those guidelines then we can quickly make progress towards assembling your plan. Then, taking steps towards getting the pieces to fall into place for you is right around the corner.
Come On, Give It A Try
There’s no shame in seeing a counselor. Think of it as visiting a friend. I’ve had my own personal mentor for over 8 years now and I spend time with him often, not only when I have a question or problem, but when things are going well, too. Those are the times I seem to learn the most, when my head is clear.
Chances are good that one of your parents asked you to read this and consider giving us a visit. Or, you're a more established adult and took matters into your own hands and found us. Well, I’ve been down my own version of that dark, lonely, and confusing road that you’re on. I can’t walk it for you, in fact, I won’t! But I can surely help you learn to navigate your path, and put all those puzzle pieces together. Scroll down just a bit and set an appointment with me. Then show up! It’s that easy.
–Laurence
“Showing up is 80% of life.” -Woody Allen
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Colleen Callister, MA, LPCMy Story-Colleen Callister, MA, LPC
Faith. Forgive. Freedom.
I’ve learned two big lessons in life that have helped me re-chart my course: the past does not have to dictate your future, and the path you dreamed of taking may not be the one God allows you to take. It took me a long time to come to that understanding, and in-between the colon and that last period there were a lot of tears shed working it all out.
Everyone has something, or someone, in their past that keeps them up at night. I spent a long time running from my past, and maybe you have, too. I want you to know that no matter how inescapable or crushing it may feel at times, you don’t have to be trapped in that prison forever.
“Never be a prisoner of your past.
It was just a lesson, not a life sentence.”Your Considered Path To Happiness
We all have dreams, and because few of us plan properly to achieve them, we end up going someplace, but not toward achieving our dreams. I believe our Creator knows what He wants for each of us, and I believe He knows what choices we’ll make and where we’ll end up. I also believe He gives us options to pick from that will eventually lead us where He desires for us to be. Isn’t it a sad note that we typically choose the long and deeply painful route to get there?
I have concluded that quite often there are lessons we must learn in order to be properly groomed for the ultimate task He has for each of us. I could tell you all about my plans as a young woman, and the lengthy detours I’ve taken to get to this point in my life, but suffice it to say I didn’t plan as well as I might have to achieve my dreams, and I allowed myself to be a captive of my past.
Many of the goals I set for myself I’ve not yet realized, and I may not ever. However, I have achieved many others, and I look forward to taking hold of what God places before me. Whatever it is I’m sure it will exceed my own expectations. I have achieved a certain peace in life. I’m a self-confessed work in progress, as we all are. It has had such a liberating effect on me and I want to share that with you.
Here’s what I would like for you . . .
I want you to know that you need not stay shackled in a prison of fear, depression, anxiety, anger, resentment, or unforgiveness. You can take any negative in life and create a transition point from it. You can build resilience, overcome barriers, and make different choices, transforming your life into what you want it to be. You can be free to be yourself.
I can help you take steps and move forward on your journey now. You need not waste years of your life trying to figure it out on your own. I’d be happy to come with you on your journey and help you as you become . . . well, call me, Colleen Callister, and let’s figure that out together!
"I hope you live a life you are proud of.
If you are not, I hope you find the strength to start all over again."
--F. Scott Fitzgerald
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Katie Joray LPC InternMy Story-Katie Joray LPC Intern
Listen. Words. Power.
“We hugged that last turn, just like a car would do it, and sped towards the final gate. With a flourish of her red mane I gave her the lead, let her hear my voice and we easily cleared the last thing standing between us and the championship.”
My Car Guy
When we were both much younger, my big brother, Stanley, and I took horse-back riding lessons for a time. I loved everything about it and learning to ride with him was one of the best times of my life. Then, I lost Stanley, twice. The first time was to the allure of, “gasoline and girls”. Stanley was a, “car guy”, at heart, but he always made sure he supported my interest in riding. He even helped me chart my competition courses. He viewed everything in car terms so that’s how he would draw it up and explain it to me; “just like a car would do it”. That’s how my painted pony, “Cutie”, and I won the day.
Stanley was 18 when he died in a car crash not too long afterwards, and I was devastated. That began a long period of grief in a year that would see two more deaths visited upon me and my family. My parents were going through their own rough patch and, saddled with their own feelings of loss for my brother, I felt guilty about talking to them about anything. My teenage friends didn’t have the experience to help so I bottled all that grief and set it on a shelf in the stables where I felt safe.
Dealing With Grief
Leaning on my competitive nature, I immersed myself in winning more competitions with my stable-counselor and equestrian confidant, Cutie. We won many events but things didn’t heal. That’s how I learned there is no sense of accomplishment that will make grief go away.
Two years on, in my sophomore year at TCU, my half-brother died. My room-mate did her best to listen but had no words. My friends were not without sympathy but they had their own issues to deal with and classes to pass. I felt alone in a big room full of people.
So, when my uncle and yet another close family friend died, it was just too much. Funerals were becoming our family reunions and that bottle I had been storing my grief in just couldn’t contain it all. I knew I needed help so I sought it at the campus clinic and I am so glad that I did.
Framing The Chapter
I’m not the only one to have ever had a loved one die unexpectedly, but maybe my story sounds a little like yours? Overwhelmed with grief? Maybe some guilt? There’s no magic pill, magic phrase, or secret technique to make grief go away. It will not go away. But the good news is that words have power and will manifest themselves in ways that frame your grief, allowing you to live with it for what it really is; a sad chapter in your life.
Grief has its own texture, its own color, smell, and even its own sound. You can’t escape it, and you can’t put it in a jar on a shelf and ignore it. You must hug the curve, “just like a car would do it”, accelerate right on through and clear the hurdle. You can do it and I’ll show you how, just like Stanley showed me.
Words have power and I’m confident we can help each other. I might even show you a picture of Cutie!
Katie keeps office hours in our Frisco location on Mondays only. To schedule a time with her please contact the office directly at 972-234-6634 x2 and leave an appt request voice-mail message. We will call you back within an hour or two and get you taken care of.
Self-Pay Option $70/hr