Counselors - Michele Cortez, MA, LPC

Welcome. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and I earned my Master’s Degree in Counseling from the University of Texas at San Antonio. My primary professional interests are working in the areas of anxiety, self-esteem, life transitions, relationship conflict, parenting challenges, childhood abuse and women’s issues.  I have ten years of experience in psychotherapy with adolescents, individuals, couples, families and groups.  I have worked in a community agency, private practice, and school settings. I truly enjoy partnering with clients to increase self-awareness, identify and release restrictive patterns, foster empowerment, and encourage positive change.

I believe that change is possible for anyone, and it begins with a safe and accepting environment to explore the barriers to an individual’s desired quality of life. My approach to therapy is warm, direct, non-threatening and empowering, with a focus on working with the client to identify the patterns and obstacles that prevent the client from reaching his or her goals. Confusion, frustration, anxiety and anger may be the result of hidden influences that are hampering the client from being where he or she really wants to be. Many situations can be improved through increasing personal insight and awareness. Using Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, and techniques from other therapeutic approaches; my job is to help the client identify real options for his or her unique situation based on established therapeutic goals.