My Approach to Therapy

Have you been feeling lost, stuck, or overwhelmed? I believe everyone can grow, heal, and reach their highest potential regardless of current circumstances because I have witnessed it many times.  My approach is to create a compassionate, non-judgmental space to help individuals find their way through a variety of issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship issues, addiction, loss, trauma, childhood wounds, and other difficulties toward a life that is vibrantly authentic and deeply fulfilling.  I utilize a variety of techniques depending on needs and work from a person-centered, trauma-informed perspective that draws from the mind-body connection using mindfulness techniques to build inner resources to help regulate emotions, build resilience, and reduce anxiety. I am also well-versed in attachment theory and shadow work.  Additional areas are strengths-based techniques, including solution-focused brief therapy, that assist in tapping into one’s inner drive and motivation to make desired changes. 

Understanding oneself better, building resiliency, processing distressing events, and integrating new understandings clear the way to move beyond the issues or stuck places and toward a life that is more in line with the real, true you.  Take that next brave step and call for a free 15-minute consultation. 

My Educational Journey

• Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from University of Texas - Austin 

• Near completion: Master’s Degree in Education/Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Lamar University  (Licensed Professional Counselor track)

• Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor Intern - State of Texas (Active) 

• Certified Sexual Assault Advocate - State of Texas (Active)    

My Life Outside Therapy

I’ve spent many years raising my son largely as a single mother and this year I will see him off to college. Outside of work you will find me hiking, gardening or just sitting in the grass. Being outside and connecting with nature is my calm, happy place.  I also love to cook and especially love to bake! I also enjoy restoring old furniture which supports the values of recycle, reuse and reduce. Thrifting is amazing also! 

After a long career in human resources and my own personal healing journey, I decided to take a major turn in my life journey to become a counselor.  During the COVID pandemic, I experienced some foundational shifts that led me to pursue a life that is infused with purpose and meaning. I find that walking alongside others that are navigating life’s difficulties and learning to live life with intention, to be incredibly meaningful, important work.  I am profoundly grateful to be on this path.   

My Philosophy on Social Justice and Advocacy

Until the death of George Floyd, I would have said that I did not grow up privileged because I was raised in a family severely lacking in resources. I never behaved in a racist manner and tried to look at all people as equals regardless of skin color.  I felt comfortable that I was doing my part to thwart racism in my scope of influence in daily life. But after the world witnessed not just the death of George Floyd but the MURDER of George Floyd, I went inward and asked myself some deep truths and set out to learn more about race issues from the perspective of those who have the experience of being black in America. I read Ta-Nehisi Coates and other authors and it began to break down my walls of comfortable denial. I began to comprehend that just having white skin opened more doors and created a life with less challenges.  I visited The Legacy Museum and The National Memorial for Peace and Justice both located in Montgomery, AL, and learned more about the atrocities of slavery and the struggle since which, for some, has led to intergenerational trauma. These were not easy truths to digest, it was painful to dive deeply into learning how much harm has been done and that I had been complicit by remaining silent. Today, I am a proud ally and speak out when I see or hear racism or any form of hate toward others including communities such as LQBTQ.  I will never stop speaking out. 

My Beliefs

Unfortunately, systemic and institutionalized racism continues today and it feels like we have moved five steps backwards from equality and inclusivity including within the LGBTQ community. I am committed to speak out and speak against these things and to do whatever small part that I can to bring healing and hope for those in marginalized communities. Everyone deserves to feel safe and valid being exactly who you are. I am also passionate about the advocacy work that I do supporting those affected by intimate partner violence and sexual assault. 

Thank you for allowing me to share my story with you. I can’t wait to hear yours.

Wishing you the best,

April Bright, BA, Graduate Counseling Intern, Supervised by Angela Hayes, LMFT and Christine Belaire, LMFT, LPC-S.