Counselor Spotlight - Piper Williams, LPC

THIS WEEK ON THE BLOG…

Rockwall Counseling and Wellness would love for you to get to know Piper Williams, LPC. After taking time away from the mental health field to raise her children, Piper proudly works with teenage girls and women to help them rediscover their worth. We are so thankful for her expertise and passion. If you’re interested in booking a session with Piper, please click the link at the bottom of the page.

Tell us a little about your journey to becoming a counselor. Where did you go to school? What are your degrees in? Are you originally from the Rockwall area?

I am originally from San Antonio and attended school at Texas Tech and UH Clear Lake. Although I worked in the mental health field for many years prior to having a family, after achieving my masters in counseling, I decided to take time to raise our children and did not return to counseling until about 10 years ago. It is so rewarding and I’m so glad I did!

What type of therapy are you most passionate about? Why?

I am passionate about helping teen girls and women find their purpose in life, especially those that struggle with depression, anxiety and low self-worth. I struggled with those things myself as a teen and have found myself having come full circle now that I have the blessing to serve my clients

If you could have any job besides the one you have now, what would you want to be doing?

Own a ranch and lots of animals!

What do you feel the biggest struggle facing your clients is?

Many of the clients I serve don’t know who they really are, what their gifts are, or where their identity lies. I have found that once I help a client to identify those, they SOAR!

What is one piece of advice you would give your younger self?

God has a purpose for your life. Just trust in Him.

Are you a dog person or a cat person?

Dog! We have two and I can’t imagine my life without them. I am also a horse person. My horse, Teddy is 30 years old and we spend time together daily

What’s your favorite place to go out to eat in Rockwall?

Zanata's

What do you like to do in your free time?

I love taking walks with my husband. We try to do that almost every day. I treasure it.

What’s your favorite time of year?

Summer! I love it because I can see my kids more, and I love the hot weather.

What is your favorite place to visit?

I took each of our teenage kids on separate occasions on a spontaneous trip to NYC last year... only 2-3 days but it was lots of fun and such an adventure!

If you could have dinner with one person, living or dead, who would it be and why?

I would love to meet actress, Jennifer Garner. Supposedly we look alike, but more importantly, I love her personality and the character roles she plays

Counselor Spotlight: Kristen Velasquez, LPC

this week on the blog…

We are excited to introduce you to Kristen Velasquez, LPC. Born and raised in Alabama, Kristen moved to the Rockwall area in 2018. Kristen is passionate about working with women, couples and families who are looking to strengthen their family dynamic. We are so thankful for her expertise and hard work! We hope you’ll take the time to get to know her a little more.

Tell us a little about your journey to becoming a counselor. Where did you go to school? What are your degrees in? Are you originally from the Rockwall area?

I decided to pursue counseling after taking just one psychology class in college! I got my graduate degree at Lipscomb University in Nashville, TN, but I grew up in Alabama. My husband and I met in Dallas in 2014, and we moved to Rockwall in 2018.

What type of therapy are you most passionate about? Why?

I feel a special draw towards perinatal women and couples/family relationships!

If you could have any job besides the one you have now, what would you want to be doing?

I truly can’t see myself in any other field! If I wasn’t doing this I would probably want to just stay at home with my children.

What do you feel the biggest struggle facing your clients is?

Right now, the biggest struggle may be accessibility and affordability of therapy. We live in very tough times and the healthcare system doesn’t always make it easy to get therapy quickly or affordably, and insurance panels are difficult to work with for a lot of therapists, which leads them not to want to accept insurance.

Who in your life do you most look up to? Why?

I look up to my grandmother! There has never existed a more patient woman.

What is one piece of advice you would give your younger self?

It’s okay if people don’t like you, and you don’t have to change yourself or pretend like you don’t need what you need in order to get people to stick around.

What would you say to someone who is considering starting therapy, but doesn’t know if it’s worth the time or money?

I would tell them that therapy is like taking your car to the shop. You do it for an oil change and you do it after a wreck. Both times, it’s worth the money and effort

Are you a dog person or a cat person?

I am an animal person! I have always had both dogs and cats in my home!

Do pineapples belong on pizza?

Pineapples do not belong on pizza, no. I can’t imagine a greater assault to my pizza taste buds!

What’s your favorite place to go out to eat in Rockwall?

My husband and I love Ramen Head in the square!

What do you like to do in your free time?

In my free time I like to exercise or read! My husband and I have done kickboxing and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu together.

What’s your favorite time of year?

My favorite time of year is Fall because it starts a series of really happy times for me! My birthday and wedding anniversary are both in October (yay gifts!), then Halloween and October leads into Thanksgiving, which leads into Christmas and New Years. Just really great memories for this time of year for me!

Tell us a little about your family.

I have been with my husband since 2014! We met at an MMA gym and continue to exercise together. I have two daughters, Lily (4) and Camilla (2), and I gave birth to my son in July of this year!

What is your favorite place to visit?

My favorite place to visit is Alabama, as that is where most of my family of origin lives.

If you could have dinner with one person, living or dead, who would it be and why?

I would have to say Jesus! I believe the world today needs clarification on a few things and I’d like to ask him about that

Are you more introverted, extroverted, or a mixture of both?

I am an extroverted introvert! I am mostly happy to keep to myself and my small family, but I do crave social interaction at times!

Counselor Spotlight: Kaci Pullin LPC-Associate, Supervised by Lauren Smith LPC-S

THIS WEEK ON THE BLOG…

We are thrilled to introduce you to Kaci Pullin. Kaci is another one of our LPC-Associates being supervised by Lauren Smith LPC-S. Kaci loves working with adolescents and young adults as well as teaching clients about the importance of nutrition in supporting mental health. We are so glad to have Kaci as part of our team, and we know she will continue to make a positive impact in people’s lives for many years to come.

Tell us a little about your journey to becoming a counselor. Where did you go to school? What are your degrees in? Are you originally from the Rockwall area?

I attended Collin College for my Associate’s degree, then transferred to Southern Methodist University where I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. I also completed my Master’s degree in Counseling at SMU. I was born and raised in Rowlett, TX and I currently live in Wylie, TX.

What type of therapy are you most passionate about? Why?

I’m most passionate about working with adolescents and young adults as they navigate the unique challenges, changes, and choices that arise during the period of transition between childhood and adulthood. Because adolescence is ripe with change, it can often be a period of considerable stress. I aim to provide a welcoming space for teens to process their emotions and learn skills to successfully manage stressors.

If you could have any job besides the one you have now, what would you want to be doing?

I’d want to be a dietician, helping people understand how they can utilize food and nutrition to promote physical and mental health, prevent and manage illness, and lead healthier, longer lives.

What do you feel the biggest struggle facing your clients is?

One of the biggest struggles facing my clients is getting stuck in unproductive, negative thinking and behavior patterns.

Who in your life do you most look up to? Why?

I have such admiration and respect for my maternal grandfather. He lived a life in service to others; he served his country in the military for 20 years, volunteered in his community and church, and was a pillar of strength and wisdom for his family. He passed away in 2016 but I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to know him.

What is one piece of advice you would give your younger self?

Strive for progress and growth, not perfection.

What would you say to someone who is considering starting therapy, but doesn’t know if it’s worth the time or money?

When I’m struggling with decision making, I like to do a cost-benefit analysis. Grab a sheet of paper, create two columns, and list out potential costs alongside potential benefits of starting therapy. Consider how important – or how much significance – each of these costs and benefits have, given your circumstances. My guess is that the benefits of therapy will outweigh the costs!

Are you a dog person or a cat person?

Dog person all the way! I have a 6 year-old goldendoodle named Charlie; he adds so much joy to my life!

Do pineapples belong on pizza?

For me personally, no! I’d rather have all the veggies on my pizza.

What’s your favorite place to go out to eat in Rockwall?

My favorite meal of the day is breakfast, so my go-to restaurant in Rockwall is Book Club Café!

What do you like to do in your free time?

I enjoy taking Charlie on long walks, tending to my many houseplants, baking and cooking new recipes, and going to the lake with my husband and family.

What’s your favorite time of year?

Fall! I love when the leaves begin to change colors and the air is brisk.

Tell us a little about your family.

I am an only child. I’m extremely close with my parents; we see each other for weekly dinners! I’ve been married to my husband for 2 years; he works in finance and loves to fish.

What is your favorite place to visit?

I love visiting Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. It feels like a quaint, coastal European town but you don’t need a passport to visit; the scenery is just beautiful!

If you could have dinner with one person, living or dead, who would it be and why?

Rich Roll. I listen to his podcast weekly; I’m inspired by his story of recovery and admire how he uses his platform to facilitate conversations on all things health, fitness, nutrition, art, entertainment, entrepreneurship, and spirituality.

Are you more introverted, extroverted, or a mixture of both?

Introverted.

Counselor Spotlight - Ryann Rich LPC-Associate, Supervised by Lauren Coats LPC-S

this week on the blog…

We would love to introduce you to Ryann Rich one of the LPC-Associates here at Rockwall Counseling and Wellness. Ryann is being supervised during her work by our owner, Lauren Coats, LPC-S. We are so honored Ryann has chosen to do this work with us, and we know she is a wonderful asset to our team. 

Tell us a little about your journey to becoming a counselor. Where did you go to school? What are your degrees in? Are you originally from the Rockwall area?

Becoming a counselor was something I always knew I wanted accomplish and being a part of the helping field was a non-negotiable for me. I am so passionate about my job and could not imagine being in any other occupation😊 I got my Bachelors of Science degree in Rehabilitation Services at Stephen F. Austin State University, and completed my Masters of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at The University of North Texas at Dallas shortly after. I was born and raised in Rockwall, (JFND!!!) and am currently residing in Uptown, Dallas!

What type of therapy are you most passionate about? Why?

I am most passionate about working with teens and young adults. I have worked with all ages and welcome anyone who is seeking out counseling for the betterment of their mental health!

If you could have any job besides the one you have now, what would you want to be doing?

I would probably be working with the special needs population in some form or fashion. I was raised with my special needs older brother, Andrew, and have been employed with rehabilitation centers of mentally disabled adults while in graduate school, which is something I enjoyed tremendously. I have so much love for these people and would be happy working with them as a career!

Who in your life do you most look up to? Why?

I look up to my mom and sister the most. They are both amazing role models not only through their Christian faith, but in many other aspects as well. My mom has always been my rock throughout my life, and my sister’s strength is something I have always admired. I am extremely blessed with an amazing and close-knit family who I feel constant support from!

What would you say to someone who is considering starting therapy, but doesn’t know if it’s worth the time or money?

I think everyone can benefit from going to counseling at least once in their life. It is an investment in yourself and can help you in so many ways. I recommend it to anyone and everyone 😊

Are you a dog person or a cat person?

Dog person 100% (I am biased to Basset Hounds specifically)

Do pineapples belong on pizza?

Unfortunately, I cannot get behind this idea!

What’s your favorite place to go out to eat in Rockwall?

Either Edo Japan for sushi, Joe Willies, Zanata or Chiloso, of course!

What do you like to do in your free time?

I would consider myself to be a social butterfly, so I love to spend time with my friends, family, and boyfriend. I also love crafting and photography 😊

What’s your favorite time of year?

I love all season except when it is 30 degrees outside – Texas girl through and through!

Tell us a little about your family.

My family consists of my mom (Lisa), brother (Andrew), sister (Darby), brother-in-law (Marco), my sweet baby niece (Richie), and one nephew on the way (Name is TBD)! My dad passed away from cancer when I was 18 - I always want to include him, because he was such an amazing dad, a huge part of my life, and a big reason why I am a therapist today!

What is your favorite place to visit?

Any beach!!!

If you could have dinner with one person, living or dead, who would it be and why?

I would choose my late dad - I would love to catch him up on life since he has been gone and give him the biggest hug imaginable. Can’t wait for that reunion one day!

Are you more introverted, extroverted, or a mixture of both?

Definitely extroverted 😊