About Us

Welcome to Healing First Counseling!

Damla Ricks

LPC Therapist and Founder at Healing First Counseling

Healing First Counseling is a safe, nonjudgmental and supportive place!

I am Damla Ricks and I am passionate about working with couples, families, parents, adolescents, and teens. I believe that a therapeutic alliance and connection is imperative. I strive to create a supportive and non-judgmental space that allows for my clients to feel secure and comfortable that facilitates healing.

I am currently working on a PHD in Family and Marriage Counseling at Texas Wesleyan University.

As a Gottman Level 1 certified therapist with specialized training in TF-CBT (Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), I use a holistic approach to create an authentic environment that helps my clients feel safe and at ease. I work with clients who struggle with trauma, anxiety, depression, and interpersonal conflict.

Aside from completing my studies at Texas A&M Commerce and receiving my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, I have 13 years of experience in higher education. I have taught a variety of Communication Studies courses such as: Interpersonal Communication, Relational Development, Business and Professional Communication and Interview Principles.

Prior to my time in private practice, I have worked in non-profit organizations such as Children’s Advocacy Center and Metrocare. I find it important to spend time in a community setting to help those who may need intensive services.

When I am not in session, you’ll find me spending quality time with my partner and stepson, reading or training in new counseling topics. I am incredibly passionate about what I do. I especially enjoy working with blended families and people who are just trying to find themselves.

I built this practice because I wanted to create a safe space for people from all walks of life. No matter what background, sexual orientation, religious affiliations, or race, please understand that you are accepted just the way you are.

*DAMLA SEES AGES 12 AND UP*

Kate Jones

LPC Associate at Healing First Counseling

Supervised by DulceTorres, LPC-S

I am so excited to get to know you!

I am Kate Jones (she/her) and I am thrilled to walk with you on your counseling journey. I have worked with all ages, and have a special place in my heart for teens, young adults, and parents.

I love hearing people’s stories and holding space for them. In our space, we are able to work through feelings without judgment, be accepted no matter what, and work together to find a better way of being.

I work mainly within a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy framework, but I tailor your therapeutic experience to your needs. We may use a variety of techniques, including sand tray, art activities, games, and more in our time together. I especially love working with people with ADHD, and as a person with ADHD I understand the vast amounts of unhelpful advice you may have received over your lifetime. I also work with anxiety, depression, trauma, and parenting.

I have two master’s degrees, one in Family and Child Studies from Texas State University – San Marcos, and one in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from University of North Texas at Dallas. These two degrees give me a unique perspective on how our early experiences and our family environments might influence us in surprising ways.

In my professional life, I have done school counseling at a Title I school, worked as a parent educator for teen parents in Dallas County and for people in early recovery in Austin, and also spent significant time in early childhood education. I have clinical experience with trauma, ADHD, anxiety, depression, family of origin issues, and relationship dynamics.

In my spare time, I am likely knitting, spinning yarn, weaving, sewing, or making something while watching movies with my dogs. My husband has introduced me to gaming and I often play cozy games on the Nintendo Switch, and am interested especially in games that deal with psychological issues or trauma.

It is important to me that you know that I am accepting of anything you throw at me. I will see anyone regardless of race, ethnicity, LGBTQ+ status, religion, experience, gender, occupation or philosophy.

You are safe and accepted here.

*KATE IS NOW ACCEPTING CLIENTS ON TUESDAYS, FRIDAYS AND SATURDAYS*

Alexandria Reese

LPC Associate at Healing First Counseling

Supervised by Samara Orr, LPC-S

Hello and welcome!

I’m Alex and I am an LPC- associate supervised by Samara Orr.

I have my Masters in Counseling from Texas Wesleyan University and I’m a current PhD candidate in Marriage and family therapy at Texas Wesleyan university.

My therapeutic approach is integrative and incorporates Solution focused therapy, Narrative therapy, CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), and person centered approaches.

I offer a holistic approach to treatment, taking into account your personality and life circumstances to create specialized goals in which reflect your own autonomy in creating unique outcomes. I am a firm believer in change and believe that each person is unique and resilient and possesses the power within them to overcome and adapt to complex circumstances.

Each person deserves more joy, less stress, relief from depression or anxiety, and freedom from trauma and healthier relationships. We suffer when we are disconnected from such gifts.

As your therapist I will be both a cocreator and challenger to find the strengths in your story. I will walk alongside you and bring a genuine sense of compassion for any difficulties you may face. I offer a safe, open and non-judgmental space for you to find your own voice and equip you with tools, and offer directions and possibilities to move forward and reach a more fulfilling life.

I am honored to assist you on your journey.

***ALEX IS NOW ACCEPTING CLIENTS ON WEDNESDAYS AND SUNDAYS.***

Kori Ayala

LPC Associate at Healing First Counseling

Supervised by M.Camille Williams, LPC-S

I am Korima “Kori” Ayala and I love working with you to help you identify your desires, needs, challenges and empower you to make those positive changes in your life. I understand that making the move to seek help can be difficult, so I use an approach that is compassionate, direct, and non-judgmental to help create an environment where you feel safe and supported in your journey.

I began my journey when I graduated from University of North Texas with my Bachelors in Psychology and Criminal justice and continued with my Masters in Forensic Psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in. I soon discovered my passion in helping individuals rebuild their lives and relationships by overcoming their struggles.

I currently focus on helping individuals (children 8 and up, adolescents, and adults) in overcoming anxiety, depression, body and self-esteem issues, relationship struggles, divorced parents, adjusting in blended families, and distorted eating habits.

I mainly work with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) but I individualize and tailor my framework for your therapeutic needs. I also utilize Mindfulness Based Interventions, Meditations, and Expressive Arts in my sessions.

Outside of my professional time I engage in hikes with my two huskies, watch true crime documentaries, and spend quality time with family and friends. I love to travel with my fiance and often find myself indulging in different adventures and experiences.

I look forward to working with you and finding out what your story is and how I can help you enjoy more, stress less, and give you relief from any challenges you might be facing.

“I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become.” – Carl Jung

We are so happy you are here!

As the Office Manager at Healing First Counseling, my goal is to help make your search for a new counselor as smooth as possible.

I can walk you step by step from the first phone call to completing paperwork, so that you can get started on the path to healing as soon as possible.

I strive to personalize my communication with our clients to ensure they always feel welcome.

I earned my Bachelors of Business Administration in Management from UTA and have enjoyed helping clients and therapists.

Previous to Mental Field practice, I have experience working in the pubic school sector for 10 years as a certified teacher, substitute, and administrator.

Effective and timely communication is the most important to me.

Looking forward to working with you!

Jennifer Ramirez

Office Manager at Healing First Counseling

Welcome, and thank you for taking this step for your own wellness.

As an Administrative Assistant with Healing First Counseling, my goal is to connect you with a counselor who can help you on your journey.

I will assist you in every step from the first phone call to scheduling and completing paperwork. We want you to begin your healing journey as quickly and smoothly as possible.

I value clear and timely communication and strive to engage with our clients in a way that allows them to feel respected and welcome.

I have a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Master of Science in Marriage, Family and Child Counseling, both from California State University, Fresno. I am currently working towards licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist as well as my PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy.

I have a genuine passion for this field and believe that even though we might need a little help sometimes, people are capable of finding and healing themselves.

Welcome again and I look forward to working with you.

Morgan Gomez

Administrative Assistant at Healing First Counseling

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