Hi, I’m Avery!
Supervised by Grace Iacuone, LPC-S, RPT-S
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor- Associate. I attended University of Texas at Austin (Hook’em!) for my undergraduate degree in Human Relations with a minor in Educational Psychology. Here I studied the ins and outs of human relationships, communication, and behavior. I originally was set to be a pre-med student on my way to work in pediatric oncology as my passion has always been to make a difference in others’ lives. It was in my first semester of my freshman year that I realized I was meant to shift gears and help others through the work of therapy rather than western medicine. From this, I continued my education at Sam Houston State University, securing my Masters of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
I found my love for therapy after being a client myself. It always fascinated me the ways in which a therapeutic relationship and specific interventions can truly transform someone’s life. My goal in working with anyone is to have them end therapy feeling seen, more empowered, better functioning, and overall happier. Being able to facilitate the therapeutic process in which changed my life, is one of the greatest joys, passions, and purpose of my life.
I have worked in residential and partial hospitalization treatment settings for patients of all ages who have severe OCD, anxiety disorders, and eating disorders. In addition, I have provided direct counseling services to a wide array of ages to those who have experienced extensive trauma within a domestic violence and sexual assault agency. Through this work, I was able to create a safe space of healing, creative exploration, emotional expression, and acceptance. We also heavily focused on mindset and behavioral changes for individuals intensely struggling. To accomplish this, I employed the modalities of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. What this means is that we focus on the entanglement between our thoughts, behaviors, and emotions as well as how to live accepting uncertainty, struggles, and discomfort. These modalities also strive for a life in line with the client’s values using therapeutic tools to get us there. We discover and process who we are, why we are, and how to be who we want to be developing meaningful insight along the way.
Being able to not only connect easily with children but appreciate their innate “magic” are qualities that my life experience has granted me with. In play therapy with me, children get the opportunity to feel seen, heard, and accepted. Through play, my child clients are given the opportunity to explore and regulate their emotions, stimulate creative discovery, and redirect inappropriate behavior. One of the biggest benefits of this therapy is that clients are able to play out life experiences in a safe environment which allows them to better understand and cope. In tween and teen therapy, play will be more directive in which they learn to cope with anger, process trauma, learn social skills, embody mindfulness skills, and more.
If you have any questions regarding myself or counseling services at BPC, please feel free to schedule a free 20 minutes phone consultation with our client relations specialist. I greatly look forward to the possibility of working with you and/or your child!