Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Cedar Hill, TX covered by Aetna

Hello & Welcome to Bella Vida Counseling!

Confidential counseling for:

• Teens & College-age adults

• Adults

• ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Autism, Relationships

• Parenting & Caregiver Burnout

• 20 years experience in schools

• Helping you find the tools, clarity & confidence to create your beautiful life!

I specialize in helping clients navigate through crisis, trauma, grief, mental disorders, ADHD, Autism, anxiety, depression, family conflict, parenting, stress, relationships, self esteem issues, chronic illness and caregiver burnout. Clients appreciate having a mental health professional who can empathize with their experiences.

I have 20 years experience, person centered, trauma informed approach. EMDR Certified for trauma. Certified in CBT, MET, and COPSD. Masters Addiction Counselor. Combine Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and EMDR for holistic approach to trauma and negative core beliefs. Experienced PTSD therapist, including military.

I have two graduate degrees in the field (Behavioral Medicine/Health Psychology and Professional Counseling) and am a licensed behavioral health clinician in both Texas & California. My experience includes working with individuals and groups with a wide range of mental health, substance use, and basic counseling issues. I believe we all need help at points of our life and, if we are willing to ask for it, the support and guidance can be invaluable.

Do you find yourself comparing your life to others and wondering why things don’t seem to fall into place for you? Do you struggle with anxiety, or feeling like you’re not good enough, important enough, or that you exist mainly to take care of everyone else?

If you’ve spent years feeling overlooked, misunderstood, excluded, or expected to simply “pull yourself up by your bootstraps,” therapy can offer a safe space to slow down and explore what you’ve been carrying.

Perhaps you were overlooked or hurt in childhood, bullied or excluded as a teenager, or felt like you never quite fit in. Over time, you may have learned to wear a mask so well that, as an adult, it can be difficult to even identify what feels wrong inside.

I can help you acknowledge that pain, find your voice, and develop greater self-compassion. Together, we can explore the experiences that shaped you, recognize your strengths, and build resilience as you move toward a more empowered way of being.

I work with adolescents, young adults, parents, and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, self-doubt, life transitions, and the lasting impact of difficult experiences.

I have specialized training in experiential therapies, including expressive arts and Sandtray, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and insight-oriented talk therapy. I create individualized treatment plans based on your needs, goals, and concerns.

You don’t have to keep wearing the mask or carry everything alone. Therapy can be a place to feel seen, understood, and supported as you reconnect with yourself and move forward.

As someone in recovery myself, I understand how heavy addiction can feel. Sometimes we just need someone to sit in the pit with us while we gather the strength to climb out. What keeps me going are the goals that I set after I got out of my own pit. I built a life I love. When I'm not in my office, I'm probably out collecting comic book memorabilia, working on a project on my house, teaching my dogs about the importance of boundaries, or watching Jurassic Park. What keeps you going?

Every person will encounter difficult obstacles in life, but your past or current struggles do not have to define your future. I have devoted my life to empowering people experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, post-traumatic stress, ADHD, and other issues, helping them find long-term solutions. I provide therapy in a non-judgmental, supportive space with the goal that you will recognize your value and capacity for wholeness regardless of what holds you back today.

I believe that healing is not a one size fits all process. Every person arrives with a unique story, a distinct set of strengths, and their own way of making meaning in the world. I honor that individuality as I provide a therapeutic space where clients feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow at a pace that feels authentic to them. I believe in helping people and not fixing them because people aren't broken.

Hi! I'm Amy. From my background in early childhood education, to my master's in counseling from the University of North Texas, from an internship with an addiction-focused residential site to EMDR training to clinical leadership in a partial hospitalization program, I use my wide breadth of experience to inform my practice.

I believe that healing happens when people feel truly seen, heard, and accepted. As a fun-loving person who is still a child at heart, I strive to create a welcoming, authentic, and nonjudgmental space where clients of all ages can feel comfortable being themselves. My goal is to meet you where you are, honor your unique experiences, and walk alongside you as you navigate life’s challenges.

I specialize in working with children, adolescents, and adults who are experiencing the effects of trauma, anxiety, and other challenges that impact daily functioning, relationships, and overall well-being. I am also passionate about providing affirming and supportive care to members of the LGBTQIA+ community, ensuring that every client feels respected, valued, and empowered throughout the therapeutic process. Additionally, I am proficient in American Sign Language (ASL) and am committed to fostering accessible and inclusive care for members of the Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities.

My approach combines compassion with evidence-based practices. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), trauma-focused counseling, and the SYMBIS Premarital Assessment. Whether you are seeking support for personal growth, healing from past experiences, strengthening relationships, or managing life's stressors, I am committed to helping you build resilience, discover your strengths, and create meaningful change.

I believe that every person deserves a space where they can feel safe, understood, and empowered to grow. My hope is to help you build on your strengths, overcome obstacles, and move toward a life that feels more connected, balanced, and fulfilling.