The Woodlands, TX Therapy, Psychiatry, and Counseling

Shameka Butler is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 6 years of experience who specializes in trauma, PTSD, domestic violence, sexual assault, depression, anxiety, and major life transitions. She helps clients break through emotional distress, rebuild self-esteem, and develop practical coping skills. Whether you are feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just ready for change, Shameka offers personalized sessions designed to support your journey toward healing and wholeness on your terms and at your pace. With a deep sense of empathy and unconditional positive regard, Shameka meets each client where they are without judgment.

Shameka earned a Master’s in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling from Southern Arkansas University. She provides compassionate, evidence-based therapy that fosters personal growth and emotional resilience, including cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-focused therapy, positive psychotherapy, and dialectical behavioral therapy.

You don't have to figure it all out by yourself. Shameka is here to support you with compassion, understanding, and care. Healing takes courage, and reaching out is a powerful first step. When you're ready, Shameka is here to walk alongside you.

I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC) with 7 years of experience supporting individuals and couples through a wide range of mental health concerns. I work with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, relationship challenges, substance use concerns, and the effects of trauma. I also support individuals affected by substance use and domestic violence, as well as couples seeking to strengthen communication and emotional connection. I have experience working in both agency and private practice settings and am especially passionate about supporting individuals navigating cultural identity and relational dynamics.

I earned my master’s degree in professional counseling from Texas State University in San Marcos. I often draw from dialectical behavior therapy and mindfulness-based approaches to support emotional regulation and relational growth.

I strive to create a safe, supportive space where you feel heard, respected, and empowered. Together, we will identify your needs, clarify your goals, and build practical skills that align with your values. I invite you to schedule an appointment so we can begin working toward meaningful and lasting change.

I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 4 years of experience providing individual and group counseling in community mental health, both inpatient and outpatient. I've supported clients with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, self-esteem, and relationship issues. I create a safe and supportive space where clients can explore challenges, reconnect with themselves, and begin moving toward clarity, healing, and meaningful change.

I earned my Master's in Social Work from Stephen F. Austin State University. I use evidence-based approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and cognitive processing therapy for trauma to help clients identify and shift patterns that may be keeping them stuck.

My clients are met with warmth, respect, and non-judgment. I take a strength-based, solution-focused approach, walking alongside clients as they navigate difficult times. Whether struggling to feel like themselves, managing overwhelming emotions, or seeking guidance, clients find support and the possibility of healing.

Asha Johnson is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S) and Certified First Responder Counselor (CFRC). Asha has over 10 years of providing therapy with a diverse client population. She has successfully counseled adolescents, adults, and elder adults with issues such as anxiety, depression, anger, dysfunctional relationships, poor coping skills, divorce, military and veteran's issues, low self-esteem, chronic stress, trauma, and PTSD. 

She earned a Master’s degree in Psychology from Houston Baptist University and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Miami. Asha currently supervises Licensed Professional Counselor Associates (LPC-As) and has trained other mental health professionals in the Assessment and Management of Suicide Risk. Additionally, Asha is dedicated to counseling first responders, including law enforcement, firefighters, EMS, and front-line healthcare workers.  

She believes that confidential support to help deal with occupational and personal traumas sustained can lead to healthier relationships and stronger resiliency. In sessions, Asha utilizes a holistic approach, solutions-focused methods, trauma-resiliency approaches, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychoeducation, mindfulness-based, and Acceptance/Commitment therapy techniques in therapy. Asha strives to create and maintain an honest and non-judgmental counseling relationship with individuals that are seeking support in order to start building a meaningful life.

Catherine Prestigiovanni is a licensed professional counselor supervisor with over 30 years of experience providing supportive psychotherapy to adults, couples, and veterans seeking to develop a healthier and more productive life. Catherine specializes in anxiety, stress, PTSD, trauma, and relationship issues. She acts as a guide in helping her clients to understand their issues and feelings, cope with daily life, and manage their mental health to live their best life. 

Catherine grew-up in a small East Texas town but moved to Houston in 1989 to attend college at the University of Houston, followed by graduate school at the University of St. Thomas. With over 30 years in the mental health industry, she has worked in many diverse settings including; nursing homes, psychiatric hospitals, outpatient clinics, local mental health authorities, county jail, and private practice. 

Catherine believes strongly that with the proper tools and guidance, anyone can make positive changes in their lives. She believes in kindness, integrity, and “paying it forward” in life. She looks forward to working with you in the near future.

I am a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) with 9 years of experience supporting clients across all ages. I provide evidence-based care for autism, anxiety, depression, personality disorders, mood disorders, and adjustment disorders. I integrate psychotherapy, medication management, and personalized treatment planning to help each client strengthen daily functioning and move toward a healthier, more balanced life.

I earned my master's degree in nursing from Walden University. My approach is nonjudgmental, collaborative, and grounded in compassion. I focus on creating a safe, respectful environment where clients feel welcomed, heard, and supported. I pay close attention to details, honor each person’s strengths, and work to build trust throughout the treatment process.

I believe mental health impacts every part of life, and I am committed to helping clients create meaningful, lasting change. I support people from all backgrounds and encourage you to share your concerns openly. Together, we can explore your needs, build healthier coping skills, and take the next steps on your treatment journey.

I am a dual-certified Family and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 4 years of experience. I provide compassionate, evidence-based care for individuals of all ages, supporting clients as they manage concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, stress, and life transitions. My approach emphasizes building resilience, fostering self-awareness, and guiding clients toward strategies that empower them to thrive in their daily lives with confidence, balance, and clarity.

I earned my Master’s in Nursing from Midwestern State University, where I developed a strong foundation in psychiatric and family health. My practice focuses on client-centered care, using therapeutic approaches that strengthen coping skills, improve communication, and support meaningful personal growth.

I strive to create a supportive space where clients feel understood, respected, and motivated to reach their goals. By focusing on strengths and celebrating progress, I help individuals navigate challenges with renewed purpose and confidence. Together, we will work toward lasting change and overall well-being.

Raymond Obiajulu is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. He completed his master’s degree program at Walden University. After his introduction to the key areas of nursing, he found that psychiatry comprised the exact sort of comprehensive and holistic healthcare that he wished to practice. Raymond has experience treating a wide range of conditions including but not limited to anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD, mood disorders, bipolar disorder, and dementia. He incorporates an evidence-based approach in his practice with a focus on holistic mental health treatment.

As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, he serves as a patient advocate, providing continuity of care, managing total care, and attending to issues that affected his patients' physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Raymond looks forward to collaborating with his colleagues and other healthcare team members to provide the best patient care possible to our community, while they teach, learn, and build lifelong relationships with their patients and each other. He is passionate about serving mankind, as it has also been a part of his life's journey.

Raymond loves to extend the motto of helping his patients fulfill their needs, as it helps him fulfill his own. After all, as Mahatma Gandhi said, "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." He strives to create individualized treatment plans tailored to each unique individual and their life goals. His goal is for his patients to feel confident with their plan of care and know that together they will work together to achieve their goals.

Brandy Messiah is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with a mission to deliver quality mental health care to individuals and their families by providing a safe, nonjudgmental environment to foster a strong therapeutic alliance with the patient and/or family. Brandy began a nursing career in 2009 as a Registered Nurse (RN) and spent the next 10 years as a bedside nurse in emergency medicine, psychiatry (outpatient programs & inpatient hospitals), long-term intensive care units (ICU), step-down ICU/cardiac/telemetry, home-health, and hospice. 

Throughout her nursing career Brandy witnessed the many disparities in the delivery and approach to mental health issues. This led her to develop an intense passion for the mental health population and the specialty of psychiatry. She decided to pursue an advanced degree as a PMHNP to effectively contribute and reach her personal goal to enhance the delivery of the mental health care to assist patients/families in better management and outcomes associated with mental health conditions. 

Brandy thoroughly enjoys direct patient care and values the therapeutic relationship between patient/family and provider as the foundation to success in outpatient psychiatry. In this relationship, she will be able to provide you with the relevant education and resources, and better assist you in your own, unique journey in the recovery and healing process.

Ifeoma “Iffy” Menakaya is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 5 years of experience delivering compassionate, high-quality mental health care. She takes an evidence-based, client-centered approach to help individuals manage depression, anxiety, insomnia, PTSD, mood disorders, and adjustment disorders. Iffy is committed to empowering clients to reconnect with their strengths and achieve lasting stability and well-being.

Iffy holds a Master of Science in Nursing from Walden University and a Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of South Alabama. She integrates evidence-based therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and psychotherapy into individualized care plans tailored to each client’s needs.

Iffy creates a safe, non-judgmental space where clients feel heard, supported, and empowered. Her compassionate approach fosters trust and collaboration, helping clients develop practical strategies for coping, growth, and long-term mental wellness. She is dedicated to guiding clients toward fulfilling and meaningful lives.

Mycael Parks is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 5 years of experience in the mental health field. She specializes in helping adolescents and young adults struggling with concerns including life transitions, anxiety, stress, grief, anger management, assertiveness, and self-esteem. Before becoming a counselor, Mycael worked as a teacher and enjoyed partnering with families to support students’ social and emotional growth. Her goal is to get to know her clients and their support systems on a deeper level and work collaboratively to make meaningful personal transformations.

Mycael has a Master of Science in Counseling from Oklahoma State University. She uses techniques including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, culturally sensitive therapy, and faith-based therapy based on each person’s needs and goals.

By offering an authentic and caring approach, Mycael strives to create a supportive space for individuals to grow and engage in healing. She believes the professional relationship between the therapist and client is a vital foundation for the counseling process. If you are ready to start your journey, reach out to Mycael today!

Dr. Denitrea F. Vaughan is a Licensed Professional Counseling-Supervisor (LPC-S) with almost 20 years of of experience in the mental health field. She is passionate about helping adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Dr. Vaughan is compassionate with a strong desire to walk through life with others to offer support and help in their healing process in their unique life challenges; so they might live more joyous and fulfilled lives. She specializes in anger management, mood instability, grief, trauma, relationship issues, and life adjustments/transitions.

Dr. Vaughan completed her Master's and Doctoral degrees in Clinical Psychology with the Texas School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University of Dallas, Texas. Most of Dr. Vaughan's experience has been with juveniles in the juvenile justice system as well as the geriatric population in nursing homes and rehabilitation centers, with other various populations sprinkled throughout her years of working in the field. Her very versatile experience enables her to provide guidance and support to very broad and unique populations and settings. Dr. Vaughan utilizes various treatment techniques including mindfulness, brainspotting, and grounding exercises, as well as various exercises for processing grief, such as the empty chair exercise.

Her main theoretical orientation is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), with experience in motivational interviewing and certification in aggression replacement training (ART). Dr. Vaughan is eager to support and challenge you on your life journey through this process of life. She is excellent at offering new perspectives and techniques that assist in coping with these various life situations. If you are ready to be brave and embark on this journey of change and healing, schedule an appointment with Dr. Vaughan today!

Chloe Gibson is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 2 years of experience. She enjoys assisting adolescents and adults with a range of concerns such as depression, anxiety, anger, academic stress, low self-esteem, grief/loss, trauma, and life transitions. Before joining Thriveworks, Chloe worked in settings including university, partial hospitalization, crisis intervention, and community outreach. With an empathic listening ear, Chloe provides a safe place for clients to tell their stories. She focuses on strengths, not flaws, and how to use them to cultivate resilience.

Chloe received her Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from Angelo State University. She takes an eclectic approach to therapy and uses a variety of modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused brief therapy, emotion-focused therapy, narrative therapy, and positive psychology.

Many people equate themselves with their issues, but Chloe encourages you to externalize the problem and write a new story. She views you as the expert and guides you through challenges while instilling confidence. If you are ready to better your mental health, reach out to Chloe today!

Alejandra Hayden is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Texas with 9 years of experience working with individuals, couples, and families. Alejandra has worked with clients to help them navigate their trauma, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and much more. 

After graduating from John Jay College of Criminal Justice with a Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Psychology in New York City, Alejandra decided to continue her education in Texas. Alejandra graduated with her Master of Arts in Family Therapy from the University of Houston - Clear Lake. 

When it comes to therapy, Alejandra utilizes ART (accelerated resolution therapy) relational, collaborative, strength-based, cognitive-behavioral, dialectical behavioral, trauma-informed, solution-focused, and Gottman approach to assist her clients in meeting their goals. Alejandra tailors her sessions based on the client’s needs by remaining consistent in her flexibility, creativity, and awareness as she helps individuals and couples discover and utilize their unique strengths. 

Alejandra understands that therapy can be intimidating at times. As such, she makes certain that she finds the right balance between listening and helping clients expand beyond their comfort zones by creating a safe, caring, and trusting relationship with each person. Alejandra ensures that she collaborates with you so that you are not only meeting your goals but also discovering your personal strengths, values, and desires to live your life to the fullest. 

Luz Ordaz is a bilingual Licensed Professional Counselor, who is being supervised by Chris Hansen LPC-S, with 2 years of experience supporting diverse populations. With a background in both military and civilian sectors, Luz brings a broad skillset to help clients overcome emotional challenges such as addictions, parenting, and relationship issues. She supports clients dealing with anxiety and depression, promotes social justice, and upholds high ethical standards.

Luz earned her Master’s in Mental Health Wellness Counseling from Angelo State University. She is committed to building strong, lasting relationships that support her clients’ therapeutic goals. Luz values a compassionate, client-centered approach and encourages growth through validation, trust, and understanding.

Therapy with Luz empowers clients to gain insight, build resilience, and move forward. She believes expressing emotions fosters healing, deeper self-awareness, and stronger relationships. Luz is passionate about helping individuals navigate life’s challenges while equipping them with coping skills for lasting emotional well-being.

I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC) with 3 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, and adults through life transitions, emotional challenges, and unexpected stressors. I specialize in treating trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, impulsivity, self-esteem concerns, and sexuality- and gender-related issues. I believe each client is the expert of their own life and work to empower individuals to build confidence, balance, and emotional well-being.

I earned my master’s degree in counseling from Sam Houston State University. My background includes work in educational and clinical settings, which allows me to bring a developmentally informed and collaborative approach to care. I use integrative, experiential techniques tailored to each client’s unique needs.

I recognize the courage it takes to explore your emotional world. In our work together, I provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space where you can feel heard, understood, and encouraged as you move toward healing, growth, and greater resilience. I would be honored to walk alongside you on your journey.