Meet our Clincians
Priscilla Perez, MA, LPC-S
Counselor and Founder of Grit & Grace Counseling
Welcome to our page! I am the founder and owner of Grit & Grace counseling. I am a proud graduate of The University of Texas at San Antonio where I earned my Masters degree in Counseling. I have been providing counseling services to indviduals since 2012 and have extensive experience in working with a variety of populations.
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My counseling sessions are client centered and theory base, utilizing techniques from different theories such as Rogerian, cognitive behavioral, solution focused and acceptance commitment theory. In our sessions together, we will discover what makes you, YOU. In sessions, clients tend to gain a better understanding of themselves, the people in their lives and the world around them. Together, we will find solutions to help you work towards a better version of yourself and improve in the areas of life you would like to change. My hope is that I can help you gain more awareness and acceptance towards the things and people we cannot control and develop healthier perspectives to improve the parts of your self you would like to grow in.
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GRIT & GRACE COUNSELING will help provide you the tools and support you need to navigate the ups and downs, with the hope that you may be able to have a better quality of life regardless of the things that are out of your control. If you are feeling stressed, overwhelmed or are not feeling like the best version of yourself, our team is here to help you navigate your journey in a compassionate, safe and therapeutic environment. I believe that clients have the power and ability to help create the life they desire.
You are taking the first step in improving your mental health!
My areas of expertise: anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem, women's issues
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Maribel Arias, MA, LPC-S, NCC
Clincial Supervisor
I am the Clinical Supervisor here at Grit and Grace Counseling. I obtained my Masters degree in Counseling from Wayland Baptist University. I have seven years of counseling experience providing individual and marital counseling. My passion is to help people during the various stages, circumstances, and situations that people face throughout life and on a daily basis. My goal is to help create a safe and peaceful environment for my clients to better understand them on an individual basis. I will strive to help my clients find their unique qualities and purpose in life. I believe that every person has the capacity for healing and growth.
Trauma Approach
I have extensive training in the field of trauma treatment. I specialize in helping clients work through their past trauma. My goal is to help clients feel more empowered in their daily lives so that they no longer feel like victims of their past circumstances.
I specialize in helping individuals overcome the lasting effects of trauma, whether it be from childhood experiences, accidents, or life-changing events. I utilize evidence-based therapies such as Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EFT Tapping, and mindfulness to empower clients to heal, find resilience, and regain control over their lives.
Mood Disorder Approach
Understanding the intricate world of mood disorders such as depression and anxiety is one of my strengths. I provide effective tools and strategies to manage symptoms, facilitating lasting relief and empowerment.
Couples therapy Approach
I have a profound passion for fostering healthy and loving relationships. My comprehensive approach to couples therapy is tailored to each unique partnership, fostering communication, understanding, and connection. Whether you're facing conflicts, struggling with intimacy, or desiring to enhance your partnership, I am here to guide you.
I believe in the power of a collaborative, empathetic, and non-judgmental therapeutic environment. I will work with you to develop a customized treatment plan that suits your unique needs and goals. My approach is rooted in respect, trust, and a strong commitment to your personal growth and well-being.
My areas of expertise: Mood Disorders, Trauma, grief, and Couples/Sex Therapy.
Hillary Pappas, MA, LMFT
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in both Texas and Washington State. I have over 14 years of experience working with children, adolescents, families, and adults. I work with those living with trauma, anxiety, depression, developmental differences, along with behavioral issues, family issues, and school-based concerns. As a military spouse and parent, I also find importance in working with veterans’ and their families to increase connection and resilience. I use a wide variety of strength-based, client centered treatment interventions including play therapy, EMDR, solution-focused therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral therapy. I will work side by side with the individual and families in order to clearly identify the problem, develop achievable treatment goals, and continue to collaborate throughout the therapy journey.
In 2012, I completed my Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pacific Lutheran University, and in 2008 completed her Bachelors of Psychology from Central Washington University. I have also worked in a wide variety of settings including out-patient services, in-patient services, and residential. Mycareer began working at a residential mental health facility working with adults, and over time transitioning to specialize working with children, adolescents, and their families. I became trained in Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapist in 2017, in 2019 became a developmental specialist in Washington state, and in 2021 completed EMDR basic training. Along with working with youth and their families, I also enjoy working with adults of all ages and backgrounds.
It is my passion to help client’s build on their strengths and supports, along with enhancing skills to live a happy and fulfilled life. It is my goal to help you feel heard, understood, and empowered each time you enter the office. During your sessions, you can expect laughter and kindness, acceptance and support, empathy and empowerment. I will help you recognize your true worth and potential, and to reach a deeper understanding of who you are and who you would like to be.
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Misty McGuffin, MA, LPC
“Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity, and change.” – Brene Brown
It takes a great deal of courage to be vulnerable, and you have taken the first brave step of seeking out a counselor to help you on the journey to healing and change – Congratulations! I would be honored to be a part of helping with whatever is on your mind. I believe healing comes through honesty and openness, so I strive to be compassionate and non-judgmental during this process. I work to create an open-minded atmosphere of respect, calm, trust, kindness, willingness, and full acceptance of every person as they are. I want everyone to feel heard and to know they don’t have to go through this alone. I am comfortable with the tough conversations that lasting change requires. I believe every person has the ability to be who they want to be, and my goal is to help empower you to do so through supportive, constructive feedback and helping you gain insight into any barriers.
I work with adolescents (13+), young adults, and adults of all ages. I am open to helping you find your way through almost any problem or obstacle you may be facing, but my areas of specialty include: adjusting to life transitions, mood disorders, depression, anxiety, all types of trauma (including childhood trauma, relational trauma, sexual trauma, combat trauma), LGBTQ related issues, recovery from addictions, sexuality issues, personality disorders, self-worth, stress management, emotion regulation, decision making, improving communication, parenting stress/issues, women's issues, men's issues, creating healthy relationships, and work/life balance.
I earned my Master’s Degree in Professional Counseling in 2012. I have experience working with people from all walks of life including individuals from various cultures, religions, and worldviews. My history includes working with individuals, families, inpatient setting, intensive outpatient setting, group therapy, foster care, LGBTQ, and military.
I treat every client as a unique individual with their own unique needs, ways of being, and methods of change. So therefore, I practice an eclectic approach to therapy by utilizing various evidence-based techniques to include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Radically Open Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (RO-DBT) Person Centered Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Parts Work Therapy (currently getting trained in IFS), mindfulness, and meditation. Together, “we can do hard things.” -Glennon Doyle
Ali Richter MA, LPC-Associate
Supervised by Veronica Ball MA, LPC-S, RPT, CSC, license # 18538
Hi! I received a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from St. Mary's University and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Texas A&M University (whoop)! I have worked with a variety of populations and see clients ages 5 and up.
My goal is for you, the client, to feel comfortable and safe in counseling so that I can truly get to know what you are facing so that we can work together to understand and improve your conditions. I use a client-centered approach and employ motivational interviewing, solution-focused therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, and bibliotherapy modalities. I love to use expressive arts and sand tray therapy in session and often use play therapy with children.
I'm an avid reader and always love to suggest related books if you are open to it!
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"Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light." -Brene Brown
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My areas of expertise: anxiety, depression, trauma, school issues, self-esteem, Christian counseling, grief & loss, and life transitions.
Lenni Y. Peed- MA, LPC
Welcome! Thank you for reading my bio. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I graduated with my Masters degree in Counseling from the University of Texas at San Antonio. I have over 11 years of experience working with clients ages 5 years old to adulthood. My passion lies with helping adolescents and adults build their foundation for good mental health.
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Counseling sessions are client-centered with an integrative approach that includes Existential Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Reality Therapy. My hope is that by working together you will find meaning in life and build self-determination by creating a strong sense of self to make choices that will help you to achieve your personal goals.
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My area of expertise: adolescents, women’s issues, coping with emotions, school issues, trauma, , self-esteem, and anxiety
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Kimberly Patlan, M.S., L.P.C.
Hello, my name is Kimberly M. Patlan, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I graduated from Texas A&M International University. I am bilingual and have experience working with children (4+), teens, and adults. I am passionate about helping others through their difficult times. I have experience working with individuals going through depression, anxiety, grief & loss, PTSD, etc. I enjoy educating others and helping them gain an understanding of their own emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. I have extensive experience and training helping children and adults that have experience traumatic experiences. As a collaborative team we can work together to help you find your strengths to get you through these difficult times.
My therapeutic approach begins by building a solid foundation on a Person-Centered approach and incorporating its core principles. Taking into consideration your needs and building on other modalities such as Solution-Focused Therapy, Child-Centered Play Therapy, or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
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Keaton Scarff, MS, LPC, NCC
Welcome! I’m Keaton Scarff, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Texas, and I earned my Master’s degree in Counseling from the University of Texas at San Antonio. I am passionate about nurturing and empowering children (3+), teens, young adults, and adults in their journey through healing. My therapeutic approach implements a solid foundation in trauma-informed, person-centered therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy. I also blend over 20 years of experience as a dancer and dance educator to incorporate expressive arts, somatic processing, mindfulness, and self-compassion within my counseling sessions. I am trained in TGCT (Trauma and Grief Component Therapy) and TF-CBT (Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), and enjoy utilizing play therapy, sandtray therapy, narrative therapy, bibliotherapy, and behavior modification techniques when appropriate with clients. I strive to create a comforting space where you can feel safe and accepted as your most authentic self, and where discussing sensitive topics are met with compassion versus shame or judgement. Through our sessions together, you will learn concrete coping skills and gain increased understanding of your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. As a fierce advocate, I prioritize fostering resilience and hope to empower others with the skills they may need to build meaningful relationships and navigate life’s various obstacles. Vulnerability takes a vast amount of courage, and I applaud you in your bravery for taking this step towards seeking support in your healing journey. Every person has the capacity for healing and growth, and you have the power and ability to create the life you most desire. “It isn’t where you came from. It’s where you’re going that counts.” – Ella Fitzgerald
My areas of expertise: grief/bereavement, trauma (childhood abuse/neglect, sexual abuse, & domestic violence), self-esteem and perfectionism, anxiety and depression, stress and burnout, behavioral concerns, family concerns, women’s issues, life transitions
Alexis Alfaro, MS, LPC Associate
Supervised by Bonnie Scott, MA, LPC-S, License #73442
Hi all, thanks for reading my bio! My name is Alexis Alfaro (she/her/hers). I am your typical Gen Z'er; I love a good podcast, my dog, reality TV, reading my horoscope, and exploring new places! Therapy sessions with me = creating a space to be authentically YOU (with jokes, tears, and anything in between!), feeling safe + cozy, and connecting with someone who understands you. I have found my passion in life through counseling. Being able to provide a sense of stability, a place for healing, and empowering others to be their best self is an incredibly rewarding experience. I am an LGBTQ+ advocate and passionate about helping folks with navigating through gender, sexual, and identity issues. I also have experience helping individuals with relationship issues, navigating anxiety and depression, grief counseling, trauma, burnout, improving self-esteem, family conflict, and working through life transitions. I love working with teens (12 yrs+) and young adults. I graduated from The University of Texas at San Antonio, where I received my Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. My approach to counseling is most consistent with Relational Cultural Therapy, with aspects of Person-Centered Therapy intertwined. What that means for you, is that I operate from the belief that the relationships we engage in with other people (or things) are important to help achieve the change you want to see! I hope to meet you soon.
Valerie Rabadan- LPC Associate
Supervised by Priscilla Perez, MA, LPC-S, license # 75961
Hi, I’m Valerie Rabadan! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate with a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Walden University. My journey in the field of mental health has been shaped by a deep commitment to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges and achieve emotional well-being.
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Before becoming a counselor, I spent 14 years as an educator. This experience has given me a unique perspective on personal growth, resilience, and the diverse challenges individuals face at different stages of life.
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I work with individuals ranging from 3 to 65 years old, offering a supportive and compassionate environment that fosters healing and personal growth. My approach to counseling is integrative, drawing from person-centered therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, solution-focused techniques, and narrative therapy. I strive to help clients explore their emotions, develop coping strategies, and work toward meaningful change. No matter where you find yourself today, know that counseling can help you build the tools to move forward and find clarity, strength, and hope.
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Areas of Expertise: Anxiety, Depression, Parenting, ADHD, Behavioral Issues, Career Changes, Life Transitions, School-Based Concerns, Building Self-Esteem, Women's Issues, Eating Disorders, and Couples Counseling.
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"Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle." – Christian D. Larson
Brittany Carrera, BA, Counseling Graduate Student Intern
Supervised by Priscilla Perez, MA, LPC-S, license #75961
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Hello, my name is Brittany Carrera. I have obtained a bachelor's degree in Psychology from the Univeristy of Texas at San Antonio and I am currently pursuing my master’s degree at Walden University. While working as a Family and Community Involvement Liaison, I discovered my passion for helping and empowering others leading me to pursue a degree in counseling.
I am excited to be part of the Grit & Grace Counseling team, where I will support you with your goals to empower you to live your best life. I believe mindset is key to making the changes that you see fit and to help you along in your journey to healing. My goal is to provide a safe and non-judgmental place, so that you are comfortable to express yourself and embark on forward change.
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I have over 10 years of experience in being a dancer and dance educator and love incorporating artistic ways to help improve the overall being and confidence of the individual. I have experience in working with children (3+) through adolescents in the development and creative movement of dance. If interested we can incorporate this artistic approach into our sessions which can help with mindfulness, building self-esteem, managing stress and body awareness.
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I hope that together we can accomplish life’s challenges by understanding what you are truly going through and finding ways by providing the tools to be successful.