Hi there, I am looking forward to meeting you! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, supervised by Shawna Munson, MA, LPC-S, LMFT-S. In counseling, my outlook and goals are that I hope to be able to help bring families together and provide services to children or teenagers struggling with everyday adversities. We can do this by building better relationships and making sure no one feels forgotten and remembering that help is always there and available for anyone and everyone who is ready. This can be done through providing services that will involve encouraging sessions to help develop, maintain, and repair those relationships while also growing individuality to help you on your path in this life.

Areas of Interest:

Group Counseling

Individual Sessions

Family Bond Repairing

Overcoming Strife by Building Confidence

Finding yourself while growing closer to your significant other and/or within your family

Anxiety, Depression, & Grief

Experience:

5+ years of experience working as a caregiver for families where I worked directly with children with special needs and adults in tough medical situations.

4+ years of experience working within a Home Health Agency as a supervisor in which I encountered many social and economic problems that me, my clients, and my aides would tackle together to overcome the issues and work together as a team in the end.

Education:

M.Ed. Counseling and Development with Lamar University (2023)

B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice (2016) from East Texas Baptist University

Hi there, I am looking forward to meeting you! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, ... Read More

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate supervised by Shawna Munson, MA, LPC-S, LMFT-S. I am a lifelong learner who is passionate about mental health wellness. I believe that intrinsically all people are good and have within them the tools needed to grow and elevate themselves.

​ I am interested in working with individuals, couples, families, the military, children, trauma, anxiety, and depression. I believe in utilizing various theories to achieve mental wellness. These approaches include Person-Centered, Solution Focused, and Humanistic.

​ I have spent over 25 years serving as an Army Officer. This opportunity has conditioned me to be resilient and provided me with experience operating in high-stress environments. I bring with me multicultural awareness experience and a wealth of knowledge working with individuals to navigate and overcome tough challenges.

​ My philosophy is that you are the captain of your ship. Therefore, you set the course and direction you seek. My favorite quote is by Nelson Mandela, “it always seems impossible until done.”

My professional organizations include the American Counseling Association, the Texas Counseling Association, The Association of Child and Adolescent Counseling, and the American Mental Health Counselors Association.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate supervised by Shawna Munson, MA, LPC-S, LMFT-S. ... Read More

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My passion lies in helping individuals learn how to become their best version of themselves. With a background in music education, I have worked for the past 11 years identifying mentors for children in public elementary schools. In working with children and other mentoring program directors, I have started to understand how important our family systems are to our development. I will work together with clients, exploring their family system, targeting problem areas, and supporting them on their journey to a better self.

Areas of Interest:

Individuals/Couples/Families

Children

Trauma

Anxiety

Depression

ADHD

Clinical Experience:

Kid’s Hope USA Program Director

Education:

M.A. Clinical Mental Health Counseling (2022)

B.M.E., Music Education K-12

Professional Organizations:

American Counseling Association

Texas Counseling Association

My passion lies in helping individuals learn how to become their best version of themselves. With... Read More

Welcome, my name is Dr. Lewis Harris and I have over 25 years of experience as a therapist. I am currently licensed in the State of Texas as a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate with supervision being provided by Shawna Munson, M.A. LPC-S, LMFT-S.

I received my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social and Behavioral Science from East-West University in Chicago, my Masters’ Degree in Community Counseling is from Governors State University in Matteson, IL and I received my doctorial degree in Counseling Psychology from Argosy University, where I focused on the relationship between trauma and attachment styles. I am an Army veteran and ordained minister.

Although I have been trained and use an integrative/eclectic approach, my belief is that therapy is a journey. As a therapist I believe my job is to engage on the journey with you and assist you in uncovering, discovering and becoming your ultimate self. I have worked with client across the entire spectrum of mental health. Having previously been a client of therapy, I believe I have a unique perspective on the therapeutic process.

My spare time is spent working with others, studying, traveling, working with my church and volunteering with the Red Cross. Although I am horrible at it, I love playing golf. Being that I am a Yankee (I’m from Chicago) transplanted in Texas I am still learning and loving Texas. I look forward to and would consider it an honor and privilege to accompany you on your therapeutic journey.​

Welcome, my name is Dr. Lewis Harris and I have over 25 years of experience as a therapist. I am... Read More

Hello! Glad you’re here! I am a counseling student intern at Walden University, under the supervision of Shawna Munson, MA, LPC-S, LMFT-S. I have spent my entire adulthood advocating for and supporting child victims and caregivers in Polk County. Inspired by the many children who chose bravery in the face of adversity, I want to help the families in our community through their healing journey. With a deep commitment to healing and resilience, I am looking forward to working with children and adults from all walks of life dealing with trauma, loss, and crisis. I am eager to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings and committed to fostering change through empathetic and evidence-based interventions.

I enjoy the simple pleasures of life. I find joy in play, time outdoors, conversation, music, food, and learning. I actively practice self-care and work hard to balance all that feeds my soul. I am interested in incorporating my personal experience as I develop skills in cognitive-behavioral therapy, play therapy, and nature-based interventions. I hope to compassionately apply life knowledge to therapy while creating a nurturing environment for healing and growth to positively impact our community.

Hello! Glad you’re here! I am a counseling student intern at Walden University, under the supervi... Read More

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Hello, my name is Rusti Garcia. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate under the supervision of Shawna Munson, M.A., LPC-S, LMFT-S.

​​ Prior to seeking a career in the Mental Health field, I worked as a Bereavement Coordinator for a hospice company. This experience opened my eyes to the need for mental health professionals and my heart to care for people’s mental health. While working there, I followed this passion, went back to school, and obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from Walden University in 2021. I continued at Walden University to complete my Master’s in Mental Health Counseling in May 2023.

​ I am passionate about working with people diagnosed with mental illnesses and disorders, people experiencing grief, suffering from addiction or a substance use disorder, and challenging life events. I believe the best therapeutic results come from a genuine client-therapist working relationship based on empathy and transparency in a non-judgmental, safe environment. My philosophy is that you know you best; my job is to walk beside you on your journey to self-development, healing, and growth.

​​ In my spare time, I enjoy being with my family, gardening, and volunteering at House of Mary. I look forward to celebrating your personal victories with you.

​

“We cannot teach people anything; we can only help them discover it within themselves.” -Galileo Galilei

Hello, my name is Rusti Garcia. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate under the superv... Read More

Hi! My name is Mariana Adame and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas. I graduated from Sam Houston State University with a bachelors degree in Psychology and continued training at Texas State University where I earned a masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Connecting with individuals throughout very tender and fragile parts of their lives has been an incredible privilege that I do not take for granted.

Therapy with my clients focuses on exploring factors, that may have contributed to our current issues, such as emotional hardships and trauma, change or transitions, not having a space to talk about feelings, family of origin issues, or childhood hardships. However, therapy does not always focus on “the bad”. There are also many strengths, values, and beliefs within my clients that are important to highlight and use throughout the therapy journey.

During sessions, my goal is that my clients have a corrective emotional experience by discussing whatever has occurred in their life, that got us to where they are today. My ultimate hope is that my clients leave session knowing that we can discuss hard topics, that we can practice vulnerability with ourselves and others, and know that someone is on their side, cheering them on, unconditionally.

The primary populations I work with are teens and adults surrounding issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma/PTSD, stress, and grief and loss. Other work has included volunteering with UT and Harvard where I oversaw the successful treatment of OCD via the LEAP Lab/FIRST Child Study and volunteering in a grief and loss children’s camp via Hope Hospice in New Braunfels, Texas.

Hi! My name is Mariana Adame and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas. I graduated fr... Read More

Welcome, I am Dr. Brad and I am excited to meet you. It took a lot of strength to admit you, your relationship, or your child need help.

​ I am a licensed professional counselor in the State of Texas. I earned my doctorate in Counseling Psychology in 2011 from Argosy University and master’s degree in Counseling in 2007 from Sam Houston State University. I have been a therapist for various agencies and in my own practice since 2007.

I have extensive education, training, and experience in providing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). For children 10 and under, I utilize Play Therapy with CBT principles. For children over 10, teenagers, and adults I utilize not just CBT & ACT techniques but also a Client-Centered approach. This allows a nonjudgmental and accepting approach, meeting you where you’re at.

Welcome, I am Dr. Brad and I am excited to meet you. It took a lot of strength to admit you, your... Read More

Hello! My name is Jessica Haffner, and I am a Counseling Student Intern in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Sam Houston State University supervised by Shawna Munson, MA, LPC-S, LMFT-S. I began the program in August of 2022 and have loved every minute of it. In addition to my master’s degree, I am also pursuing an additional certificate in Marriage, Couples, and Family counseling. I have an interest in working with adults, adolescents, couples, and families who are dealing with trauma and grief.

I believe that my clients are the experts of their own lives and are able to work through any trial with the help of caring therapeutic alliance. I use a mixture of person-centered and emotionally focused techniques to help my client identify their own strengths and resilience. I aim to create an atmosphere filled with safety, empathy, trust, and loyalty. I hope it is a place that you will be able to find healing and grow in ways you may not have realized were possible.

Hello! My name is Jessica Haffner, and I am a Counseling Student Intern in the Clinical Mental He... Read More

Hi! I’m Tashara, a Counseling Student Intern from Lamar University under the supervision of Shawna Munson, MA, LPC-S, LMFT-S.

Counseling is my calling and I feel I’m here to serve a purpose for all walks of life. There’s no greater gift for me than to help others heal from their negative experiences or triggered traumas.

I have had the privilege of working with adults and adolescents using a variety of techniques and theories to guide my work. What we use in our work with you depends on what fits your needs. I specialize in CBT, DBT, and SFBT methods. My approach is meeting you where you are, to get you to where you need to be. I want to give a “listening ear”, and challenge you in an empathetic and non-judgmental way.

You may be experiencing anxiety, depression, fear, worry or a multitude of other emotions. Good news is, you’re not alone and those emotions can be managed. Sometimes our negative thought patterns can halt our ambitions, stride, and self-worth in life. I believe there’s a technique to everything in life. We as people can find our way back to a healthy mental balance, especially with an excellent support system.

Talk therapy is my passion because I truly believe that it’s one of the best medicines on the planet.

Getting a person to open and trust you with their experience is the “ice breaker” and a “fresh start” to the counseling/client relationship beginning. This type of connection can have a positive effect on each person involved. Take a chance, and let me in to change that reality, and together we can stomp out those stigmas. As humans, we not only want to be understood, but we want to understand ourselves and why we feel different and do the things we do .I wear many hats and can relate to many situations through my own lived experiences of traumatic events.

We can’t let the challenge win.

My motto is “If you do what you’ve always done, you get what you’ve always gotten”.

Hi! I’m Tashara, a Counseling Student Intern from Lamar University under the supervision of Shawn... Read More

Hi! My name is Bri Foresman, and I am a Counseling Student Intern from Lamar University, supervised by Shawna Munson, MA, LPC-S, LMFT-S. I graduated from The University of Texas at San Antonio with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2009, followed by a Master of Science in Research Psychology in 2012. In pursuit of my M.S., I studied the social and emotional deficits associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder and individual differences in emotion perception across media. Following my graduation, I began a career in education and have taught self-contained special education for the past 12 years. During this time, I have seen the toll trauma, stress, and adversities can have on an individual and the family system. My time in the classroom has taught me the importance of making connections and shown me the impact feeling heard, valued, and supported can have on an individual’s outcomes. These realizations are what motivated me to start my journey to becoming a counselor.

I approach counseling from a client-centered perspective and incorporate elements of cognitive-behavioral and strength-based therapy. I enjoy working with individuals, couples, and families and am interested in issues such as anxiety, mood disturbances, interpersonal relationships, and family dynamics. My goals as a counselor are to build a collaborative relationship with my clients and create a safe and nonjudgmental space for them to explore their thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and interactions. I believe people have the ability to solve their own problems and achieve change, they just might need a little help along the way.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, and two very spoiled dogs. I am a very active person and love to be outside! I like to relax with a good book, catching up on my shows, or spending time in my butterfly garden.

Hi! My name is Bri Foresman, and I am a Counseling Student Intern from Lamar University, supervis... Read More

Hello, I’m Chess, a Counseling Student Intern from the University of Houston, completing my Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, supervised by Shawna Munson, MA, LPC-S, LMFT-S.

Professionally, I look forward to working with both children and adults, believing deeply in the transformative power of therapy. I am dedicated to helping individuals, young and old, removing obstacles from their lives, fostering growth, and promoting well-being. I believe if you can teach children to recognize and address their mental health challenges earlier, you can set them on a healthy course for the rest of their lives. My approach is primarily client-centered, always putting the individual’s needs and experiences at the forefront. However, I am flexible and integrate various therapeutic theories as needed to best support my clients on their journey to healing and self-discovery.

I wholeheartedly believe in the importance of addressing mental health and removing barriers that hinder personal growth and happiness. It is my mission to empower others to overcome challenges, find their inner strength, and lead fulfilling lives.

I am a passionate traveler who has explored the nooks and crannies of our beautiful and fascinating world. Beyond my adventures, I’m a devoted husband and father, cherishing every moment with my family. When I’m not immersed in counseling or spending time with my loved ones, you’ll often find me in the gym, lifting weights to stay fit and focused.

Hello, I’m Chess, a Counseling Student Intern from the University of Houston, completing my Maste... Read More

Hi, I’m Jennifer Wallace. I am in my final graduate student year at Walden University. My internship supervisor is Shawna Munson, M.A., LPC-S, LMFT-S. Before beginning my unique counseling journey, I spent time in the U.S. Navy, earned my practical nursing license, my bachelor’s degree in business, and my health science teaching certification. I will finish my degree in the summer of 2024 and become a Licensed Professional Counselor.

My counseling passion encompasses a holistic and person-centered approach to working with adolescents, teens and adults. My belief is that every person’s needs can be supported in a variety of ways, and it is my job to work with each client to discover how I can best help them to succeed.

A couple of interesting facts about me are that I have a service dog named Duke and I love Sci-Fi movies and the Houston Astros.

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Hi, I’m Jennifer Wallace. I am in my final graduate student year at Walden University. My interns... Read More

Hi! My name is Shawna Munson and I am the founder and Director of Serenity House Counseling in Livingston, TX.

I love to work with individuals, couples, teens, and veterans and their families. I believe that all people have the capability of solving most of their concerns on their own when someone asks the right questions to help. I enjoy working with issues such as PTSD, anxiety, relationship concerns, sexual concerns, and parenting. I find that most people simply want to be heard and to have someone hold space for them without judgment or criticism to work through their own needs. ​

I view therapy from the lens that the client knows what’s best for them and they are the driver. I am the passenger helping with the navigation system! I work with clients from a client-centered philosophy with aspects of cognitive-behavioral and reality therapy. I love to work with individuals, couples, and veterans, along with their families.

My goal is to help make tomorrow better than today. My hope for you is that you build a relationship with your therapist based on mutual respect, dependability, and openness. If you are looking for someone who can hold space for you and to create a safe environment where you can be yourself, contact us today!

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“Progress is progress, no matter how small. An inchworm moves an inch at a time but as long as it is moving forward, it is making progress!” -Shawna

Hi! My name is Shawna Munson and I am the founder and Director of Serenity House Counseling in Li... Read More