My name is Maribelle Lock, and I am a licensed professional counselor in the state of Texas. I do not necessarily have a one-way approach to counseling because every individual is distinctive. I am flexible in my therapeutic approach depending on the needs of my clients.
My approach
There is no doubt that life can get hard, and sometimes we just need to talk about it. I use a very heartfelt and humanistic approach when it comes to therapy because as a human being myself, I have seen my own share of adversity and strife. I use a cognitive behavioral approach as well. I truly believe the way one thinks greatly influences their emotions and behaviors. Every person has a story, and I seek to get to know that story. I feel in order to truly understand where one is in life, it is important to understand where they have been.
My focus
I have worked considerably with pre-teen, adolescent, and adult clients. I have gained much experience working with issues such as depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, stress management, and trauma.
My communication style
My manner is genuine, respectful, and caring. I like to consider myself an approachable human being. I understand that counseling is not as easy for some as it is for others, and I strive to be empathetic to each unique individual.
My journey to mental healthcare
My journey as a therapist began after much deliberation over what I wanted to study. I went back and forth with my college advisor, and during one conversation he asked if I had ever thought about counseling as a career choice. He went on to mention that I was easy to talk to, and he found it easy to share things with me. I guess you could say a light bulb went off in my mind. I was taken back to the various times in my life when I would meet new people, and they would immediately feel comfortable enough to confide in me the personal details of their life. So here I am, many years later, practicing as a therapist. My heart is very much in my work, and I continue to cultivate my skills.
My goals for you
I work together with my clients to create treatment goals for our sessions. I feel it is important for the client to voice what they hope to accomplish through therapy, and then together, we work towards those goals.
My first session with you
Apart from introductions, the first session is usually known as the intake session. This means there will be some questions asked regarding the presenting problems, and some exploration done regarding one's personal history. I welcome clients to ask any questions as well regarding the counseling process. This is when the “getting to know you” begins.