Freedom Restoration Counseling |
About Ahna
Frequently Asked Questions
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to introduce myself to you.
What is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist?
- A Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist is someone who is trained to diagnose and treat behavioral health issues in the context of relationships. In other words, our “stuff” not only affects ourselves, but those around us. I help people figure out their own “stuff” so they can make their relationships better.
How long have you been licensed and what qualifications do you have?
- I first received my license in the state of California in 2003, following both under-graduate and graduate programs in Counseling Psychology. To obtain that license, I not only had to graduate from accredited programs, I also had to intern for 3,000+ hours in clinical settings and pass two exams. I have been licensed in Texas since 2011.
Where did you gain your clinical experience?
- I gained my clinical experience in group homes, foster care, non-public (alternative) and public schools, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, and private practice settings.
What is your theoretical orientation?
- That’s a little tricky to answer because if you talk to any clinician, I think they will (honestly) say that they are eclectic: use whatever works! The correct answer would be to say that I take a Cognitive-Behavioral, client-centered approach because it makes sense to me. A + B= C. If what you are doing isn’t working for you, change the perspective and change the behavior. I am very honest and directive and try to be practical. It doesn’t do either of us any good for me to throw a lot of what I like to call “psycho-babble” at my clients and frequently say, “And how do you feel about that?” If you knew, you wouldn’t be here, right? I like to help people figure what they need to do to change and become successful in their lives.
In what areas do you specialize?
- Because of my unique experiences, I have been exposed to working with a lot of trauma, from abuse and domestic violence to adjustments to life changes such as marital issues and adoption. Issues I like to work with are:
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o Depression
o Divorce Recovery o Domestic Violence o Foster Care o Migraine Treament (IEMDR) o PTSD o Stress |
Do you specialize in any treatments?
- After I moved to San Antonio and began working more consistently with the military and adults with abuse issues, it became very clear to me that my simple Cognitive-Behavioral approach was not enough to help with trauma. I began to pursue training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and am excited to see the results from this therapy. Even more exciting to me was watching how it can abort a migraine (IEMDR)!
Do you take insurance?
- Yes. I am on five panels: Blue Cross Blue Shield, Military One Source, Beacon Health Options (Corporate and EAP), Tricare and CCN (Veterans Community Care Network). I also take private-pay clients. Please call your benefits administrator for more information, since all plans are different. If you need help, let me know.
What age-groups do you work with?
- Although my internship with mostly working with kids, I have narrowed my age-groups to:
o Adolescents (12 or older)
o Couples o Families |
o Adults (through age 60)
o Military |
If you don’t fit into any of those age groups, but would still like to work with me, please give me a call. I do sometimes make exceptions or may be able to refer you to someone else.
Do you pray with your clients?
- Yes. My personal background is Biblically-oriented and if someone wants me to pray with them, I will do so.
Tell me about you!
- I have been married since 2005 and my husband and I have two kids. Our family moved from Southern California to Texas in 2012 so that my husband could become a history teacher. I am originally from Maui. Prior to our move, I was a stay-at-home mom for 5 years, so going to back to work was an adjustment! During our free-time, our family enjoys hiking, camping, gardening, the Red Sox and traveling to see family. My husband would tell you that I am forever buried in a book or singing at church, playing the piano or cooking or baking.
I look forward to talking to you and seeing if we can partner together.
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