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Relationship Help
conflict
dating fatigue
boundaries
divorce/ breakup
codependency
trust issues
trauma bonding
polycule issues
attachment style
relationship trauma
abandonment fears
communication
poly affirming
LGTBQ+ Support
queer affirming
gender identity
transition plan
coming out
partner conflict
family rejection
stigmatization
queer identity
religious trauma
partner therapy
social trauma
political trauma
kink affirming
Mood Issues
depression
anxiety
phobias
bipolar 1
borderline pd
explosiveness
impulsivity
panic attacks
intrusive thoughts
mood swings
dysthymia
adjustment disorder
CPTSD/PTSD
Parent Coaching
same-page parenting
choice + consequences
end power struggles
effective time outs
empathetic listening
power struggles
'splitting' issues
adolescent rebellion
stop sibling rivalry
no more acting-out
handling fit throwing
coparenting conflict\
teenage development
Systems Theory
But we are not always aware of a pattern that is no longer working, mostly because we like to keep things the same (homeostasis). So we resist changing our patterns even if they are not serving us well anymore, then we get stuck and fall into chaos--which tells us we need to change, and this is when we will finally seek help. If this sounds familiar, reach out to get unstuck, try some new approaches, and regain your forward movement.
Mindfulness techniques increases internal resources, improves self awareness, and strengthens attentional control. From a cognitive perspective, mindfulness is quite simply slowing down our mind, directing our attention to the present moment, and observing our brain activity with a nonjudgmental perspective.
Sounds simple right? Give it a try right now. Sit quitely, breath deeply and ask yourself "what am I thinking? what is my body doing? what am I feeling right now? what was I experiencing before I started this activity? If you found it difficult to do this, therapy can help you reach your goals of having more control over your mind and body reactions. Raach out new to get support for slowing down your busy brain.
Due to increased need for a structured method, I have developed a 5-step tool that when practiced regularly, helps clients become much more emotionally intelligent and better regulated in mood (because unprocessed feelings can build up into poor mood). What's more, clients also report having more empathy for those around them because they have more 'bandwidth' for feelings. If you need better control over your mental space, this tool might be a good fit for you so reach out to me to give it a try.
Attachment Theory
Developmental Model of Intimacy
Me, You, and We
– Dr. Harry Aponte
Virtual sessions will be held in the portal or via Psychology Today's Sessions platform. If you prefer a different platform, you may provide a link to therapist prior to each session. No in person sessions available, VIRTUAL ONLY.
Therapy is best defined as clinically trained support by a licensed professional for chronic or acute mental health issues affecting the individual and their relationship system. I offer therapy services to individuals (over the age of 14), partners, and families via HIPPA compliant telehealth platforms (no in-person option currently available).
{See my list of specialities above, but please know that while I am trained to treat a wide array of psychological problems, I do not offer crisis intervention services at this time. Here is list of crisis hotlines you can reach out to for an emergency. }
My standard rate is $125 per hour, which will be applied for all therapy sessions unless otherwise arranged between parties in writing, and these sessions are available only to TEXAS residents (all sessions must occur at a Texas address, which will be confirmed at the onset of each session). Free cancellation 24 hours prior to session, late cancel/same day cancellation or no shows are full session fee. Fees for services are due at the time of service.
NOW ACCEPTING INSURANCE for therapy sessions (but you MUST also register at Headway, as they manage the billing), in network provider with Aetna, Cigna, Oscar, Oxford, and UnitedHealthcare. Some HSA cards accepted (contact your insurance company prior to booking). Receipts and super bills are available for personal filing /reimbursement purposes upon request for OON / Out-of-Network filings by clients.
UNINSURED CLIENTS or those wanting to do so can pay out of pocket via Paypal, debit/credit cards.
LICENSE INFORMATION
LMFT Supervisor #202002
Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council
333 Guadalupe St., Ste. 3-900
Austin, Texas 78701
Main Line (512) 305-7700
Complaints 24-hour,
(800) 821-3205
Ocassionally clients require legal documents signed by a therapist and/or need court appearances by a therapist. Fees for these services when requested by clients or subpeaned by law are $300/hour, rush documentation of less than one week are an additional 35% of total invoice.
Written consent is required for release of information (unless under action of subpeana), documents requested can be mailed for $35 via UPS or FedEx. EXPERT WITNESS as an LMFT in TX on the behalf of legal council is $300 an hour, billed monthly to requesting entity. ESA letters are $300 per letter, Transition Related Letters are $200 per letter. Out of Pocket pay only for all legal services. Request documentation below.
PACKAGES
Select a date and time to book.
I am a Queer Identified, Neuro-divergent, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Supervisor. I am also an empty nester parent of an adult child, world traveller, and an artist. I love all things growth oriented and embrace life as fully as I can, in spite of my early childhood religious trauma.
My stance as a therapist is reflective of my life experiences and personal identity; authentic, eclectic, and empowering. Normalizing mental health struggles and making therapy accessible is foundational to my practice---I want you to feel welcome to explore and be yourself openly, without judgment, to find your wounds and heal your inner life, all from the comfort of your own environment.
I also have embraced life coaching as an alternative to therapy, and love connecting with those who are moving beyond struggle (it's a journey though) and finding ways to THRIVE in life. Since I love to travel, I have expanded my coaching services beyond the borders of the United States and love working with clients from ALL OVER THE GLOBE!
Even though I have over 50 years of living under my belt and am obsessed with all things vintage, I find technology so empowering in that I get to do more, meet more people, and learn more about you by visiting YOUR environment (I even get to meet your pets). And isn't it lovely to not waste a single moment on commuting? So don't hold yourself back from trying virtual meetings due to fears about technology, I aim to make virtual sessions feel as connected and warm as in-person meetings.
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I also have embraced life coaching as an alternative to therapy, and love connecting with those who are moving beyond struggle (it's a journey though) and finding ways to THRIVE in life. Since I love to travel, I have expanded my coaching services beyond the borders of the United States and love working with clients from ALL OVER THE GLOBE!
T E S T I M O N I E S
Real clients talking about his/her therapy experience with me.
"I recommend LaVelda as much as possible! I have been seeing her for about 3 years now and it has been one of the best decisions of my life. From the very first visit I felt comfortable. LaVelda has a way of using her sense of humor and her empathy to make walls come down and make you feel at ease. She has helped me find useful tools and helped me set healthy boundaries for anything from my first year teaching to my first real heartbreak. I have discovered the importance of self-care! TY, L." <<<<A.M.
"I found Lavelda Naylor by pure accident and without knowing who I was, she was able to work with me on the fee. She is firmly dedicated to the welfare of her clients; when my situation was dire, she went out of her way to assist me and never charged an additional dime for the extra help. I can't rate her 5 stars because that is too few. " <<<<H.G.
"My work with LaVelda is the single best thing I do for myself (and for my relationships). Our work together is effort-full, productive, and thanks to it, I know now that growth is wonderfully possible. She is both inspired and inspiring & she's also compassionate and warm. I've seen her for four years now and am still in awe regularly at how fantastic she is at her work. I didn't know therapy could be like that! I'm beyond glad I found her & I recommend her every chance I get." <<<<M.J.P.
My approach to supervision is collaborative, integrative and focused on helping you achieve your career goals. I am happy to work within the theories you are experimenting with and expand my own knowledge about your populations of interest.
As a therapist, I know that my cultural and philosophical values impact my view of clients and their issues, of clinicians and their work; thus, I like to lean on Person of the Therapist theory to examine our own internal processes and how they are influencing supervision.
Real clients talking about his/her therapy experience with me.
Submit a testimonial!
{submitting is viewed as permission to post testimonial with initials}
R E F E R R A L S
I love referrals and am happy to send you some business cards. Alternately, you can print a handout below.
What treatment modality is best for you?
virtual therapy
all sessions currently virtual
Virtual therapy (video, phone, and/or chat) is an effective alternative to in-person therapy a for just about anyone: people who are comfortable with technology, have mobility issues, or are busy and dealing with time constraints. For such people, research shows outcomes of virtual therapy are not significantly different from in person therapy regardless of reason for attending or therapeutic approach. However, virtual therapy is NOT a good fit for small children, technology challenged, or actively suicidal clients. If you cannot find privacy for 45 minutes, virtual video/phone sessions may not work for you as confidentiality and privacy are critical components of therapy. HIPPA platforms offered for virtual video sessions are Client Portal, Psychology Today, and Zoom (if client initiated).
individual therapy
just for you
This modality focuses on the issues that a single client of any age brings to treatment: From chronic difficulties to challenging life events, even to just needing a listener - someone who doesn't judge and who can help generate new perspectives. Good candidates include just about anyone feeling stuck and unsatisfied with life, but examples are those struggling with a diagnosis, experiencing a life change, grief/loss, mood difficulties, etc. For this modality, I generally use a combination of systemic ideas, cognitive tools, and existential therapies to support your therapy goals. I also offer relationship coaching that targets issues specific to dating and/or parenting in a modern world.
partner therapy
plus a significant other(s)
This modality focuses on issues that occur between intimately connected persons. Issues range from poor communication to infidelity. Symptoms are identified within relationship characteristics, not an individual. Good candidates are partners who have more negative than positive interaction, trust issues, relationship stress or dissatisfaction, escalating conflict, poor communication, withdrawal from each other, separation talks, etc. For this modality, I generally use a combination of systemic ideas, attachment-focused dialogues, and cognitive behavioral tools to support your therapy goals.
family therapy
more than partners
This modality focuses on the issues within a family system - members of our primary support group. Issues in families range from parental concerns, to life cycle changes, to family conflict. Symptoms are identified within the context of the family and treatment focuses on addressing family functioning as a whole, instead of on a single person and that person's issues. Good candidates include families with a high degree of conflict, regular/repetitive stress, ongoing developmental or health issues, families experiencing change, divorce, struggling with diagnosis , etc. For this modality, I generally use a combination of systemic psychoeducation, experiential, and cognitive behavioral tools to support group goals.
Copyright 2015