Accepted insurance & self-pay
About Janis
As a PhD-level clinician and licensed professional counselor based in San Antonio, Texas, I have over 18 years of experience supporting individuals facing stress, anxiety, trauma, depression, motivation challenges, self-esteem concerns, and substance use recovery. My goal is to help you reconnect with your strengths and build a meaningful life. My approach is collaborative and empowering, grounded in the belief that you are the expert of your story. I offer a safe, supportive space to explore your experiences without judgment.
My goal is to help you reconnect with your strengths, gain clarity, and build a meaningful life. My approach is collaborative and empowering, grounded in the belief that you are the expert of your story. Together, we'll uncover what's holding you back and create a path toward healing and growth.
I enjoy hiking, biking, fencing, and studying literature and poetry. My commitment to service includes community volunteering and active parish involvement. Training for the 1996 Olympic fencing trials shaped my discipline and values. I've also worked as a nanny and trained abroad with the Red Cross, deepening my sense of care and service.

"As a female therapist, I bring a culturally informed, trauma‑aware approach that honors the resilience within each person navigating loss, addiction, or relationship difficulties. "
Get to know Janis
Why did you decide to become a counselor or psychiatric provider?
Coming from a family of medical practitioners and healers, I was raised with a deep respect for service and the human capacity to heal. Counseling felt like a natural extension of those values. It allows me to support others not only through challenges, but also through growth, resilience, and self‑discovery.
What types of clients do you work best with?
I work best with clients who value collaboration and are ready to take an active role in their healing. Whether someone feels stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of their next step, I’m most effective with people who are willing to show up honestly and engage in the process at their own pace.
What's one thing you wish all clients knew about therapy, mental health, or the healing process?
I wish clients knew that healing isn’t about fixing themselves but understanding themselves with compassion. Progress isn’t always linear, and even small steps matter. What matters most is showing up and allowing the process to unfold at a pace that feels right.
What can clients expect in their first session with you and in the early stages of therapy?
In our first meeting, we’ll focus on understanding what brought you in, what you’re hoping to change, and what feels most urgent right now. I’ll ask questions about your history, your strengths, and what support has or hasn’t worked before. You’ll also have space to ask me anything and get a sense of whether my style feels like a good fit.
What personal experiences or values inform your practice as a therapist/provider?
Growing up in a family of healers taught me the importance of compassion, service, and steady support. Those values guide my work and help me create a space where clients feel understood and empowered.
How do you tailor therapy to meet each client’s unique needs?
I tailor therapy by treating each client as a whole person rather than a set of symptoms. That means I take time to understand your history, strengths, cultural background, values, and the pace that feels right for you. From there, I adjust my approach—whether you need structure, reflection, skill‑building, or space to process. I check in regularly so we can make sure the work stays aligned with your goals and evolves as you do.
Other areas of focus
Education and training
- Years in practice
- 19 years
- Graduating institute
- St. Mary's University
- Graduating degree
- Doctorate of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision
