"The most common way people
give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.”
― Alice Walker
Meet Our Specialists
Tamera Rasmussen, MS, LPC, LPCC, NCC, C-PD
Hi! While it is necessary to introduce myself according to my education, experience, licensing, and specializations, it's more important to let you know that I am a human first. I live life just like you and experience parenting pitfalls, marriage challenges, financial quandaries, and all the other stuff that life is made of. My role in your life isn't to tell you what to do or how to do it. It is to use the clinical skills I've learned, the wisdom I've gained, and my clinical experience to help you navigate and heal from the "stuff" in your life. As for my credentials, I have a Master's of science (MS) in Mental Health Counseling from a CACREP Accredited University. I am a nationally recognized Board-Certified Counselor (NCC), a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the State of Texas, and a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in the state of New Mexico. I am a Certified Personality Disorder (C-PD) specialist and a trained EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) provider. I am also trained in Co-Parenting Counseling, Circle of Security Parenting©, ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), and interventions specific to the treatment of trauma and eating disorders.
While I often use and believe in the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral and solution-focused interventions, I identify as an eclectic and holistic-oriented therapist. In other words, I don't subscribe to a "one size fits all" method. Instead, I draw from various skills and models to best meet your needs. My definition of a holistic approach is that all things in life are connected to achieve long-term emotional wellness. Therefore, we need to consider everything that makes us, us (i.e., physical wellness, family dynamics, eating and sleep habits, work environment, past traumas, etc.).
My specializations include working with individuals and families affected by personality disorders and serious mental illness, attachment and intimacy issues, working with couples and individuals (16 and up) with relationship problems related to sex and intimacy, parenting, co-parenting and divorce transition, general marital distress, anxiety and depression symptoms, stress, body image and eating issues including bulimia and anorexia, simple and complex trauma, grief/loss, career transition, and phase of life difficulties. In addition to general adult counseling, I also run a Circle of Security parenting group.
I use Circle of Security Parenting© and parenting psychotherapy to help parents discover new ways to connect with their children (from infant to adult) to develop healthy long-term attachments and/or create lasting repairs to restore broken family relationships. Healthier families = healthier children = healthier, happier, and more productive classrooms, communities, and homes.
I am passionate about my calling as a psychotherapist because it allows me to work with a wide range of individuals from all walks of life. I make no apologies for my belief in God or my desire to offer faith-based services when desired. However, ALL are welcome in the haven of my office regardless of sexual orientation, religious background, ethnicity, gender, or political affiliation. Thank you for stopping by; I look forward to working with you!
Andrea Bellard, LPC
Andrea is a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in adolescent counseling (ages 11 and up) in substance abuse/addiction and teen anxiety.
She earned her Master of Education degree in Counseling from the University of North Texas in Denton. She has 12 years of experience working as a general and special education counselor in the public school system.
Before becoming a counselor in education, Andrea worked in adolescent clinical settings, including juvenile detention facilities, inpatient mental health facilities, and inpatient adolescent recovery programs.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor, Andrea is committed to helping adolescents problem-solve, learn effective coping skills, and overcome challenges to be happy and successful at home and school. Andrea has experience in child and adolescent issues relating to grief, anger management, and depression. Additionally, Andrea has a professional interest in working with women struggling with grief and loss associated with pregnancy, infant, and child loss.
Jacqlyn Layne, LPC
Are you experiencing feelings of hopelessness? Are you facing serious relationship issues that require intervention? Do you wonder how you will ever get back on track? Are you feeling like there is always something not quite right? We can work together and develop treatment methods to fit your unique circumstances.
We will find a way back to your authentic self, when you can feel content again, maybe even laugh a little! We will seek balance within your mind, heart, body and spirit. By striving towards balance, it will lead to healthier and happier relationships. I specialize in finding joy through holistic, integrative wellness practices.
I will provide a warm, supportive space for you to cultivate a deeper level of self-awareness, allowing possibilities to emerge. My therapeutic skills address the full range of traumatic stress, mood disorders and relationship struggles. It would be an honor to walk alongside you during your journey to rediscover your strengths and build upon them.
Jacqui has a Master of Science degree in Counseling from the University of Houston–Clear Lake. She has worked at various agencies providing counseling and advocacy services to individuals and families affected by domestic violence and crimes against children. Jacqui's therapeutic approach is solution-focused and strength-based; she specializes in finding joy through holistic, integrative wellness practices. Jacqui’s clinical experience includes serving individuals with mental health concerns, grief, individuals struggling through various life transitions, and relationship/family issues. Additionally, she has worked with families struggling with a child’s diagnosis of a developmental disability, behavioral concerns, and impulsive behaviors.
Vielka Williams, LPC
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas. Originally from Brooklyn, New York and raised in Texas where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Social Psychology from Park University (Fort Bliss Campus) and a Master of Arts in Counseling with an emphasis in Mental Health from Webster University (Fort Bliss Campus). I have worked with children for many years in the juvenile justice system, parent child relational problems, truancy, and other emotional disturbances. Most recently working with adults dealing with addiction. Whether it is anxiety, depression, change of life issues, self-esteem, social skills, or relationships I’m here to listen. How may I be of service to you?
I am currently accepting individuals and couples between 11 years to geriatric adults.
I look forward to meeting you and assisting you through my experience, knowledge, and desire to support lasting positive change in one’s life.
Lakeisha A. Williams, MA, LPC
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas (License #75604). I graduated from Louisiana State University where I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration.
I later earned a Master of Arts degree in Counseling from Prairie View A&M University. With years of experience as a middle school teacher and school counselor, I have a heart and passion for helping others to reach their full potential.
I have worked with children and adolescents in both individual and group therapy settings. I value each person that I work with and my goal is to help them succeed as they work toward positive changes in their lives. Through evidence-based treatments, I am committed to helping my clients find hope, the help they need, healing and resolution in a safe, supportive, and confidential environment.
I specialize in working with children and adolescents in the areas of anxiety, ADHD, bullying, conflict resolution, grief/loss, self-esteem, social skills and trauma.
I use a variety of treatment approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy and Person-Centered Therapy. Through these approaches I strive to help my clients examine their behaviors, feelings and thoughts with an open mind and explore new and different ways of approaching and responding to specific situations. The goal is for my clients to gain insight, learn new coping strategies and build confidence to create lasting positive changes.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, cooking, reading, traveling and cheering on my favorite sports teams: New Orleans Saints and LSU Tigers.
Monique Vela, LPC-S
At times in life we experience unexpected life events that can disrupt our day to day life. Sometimes we are adjusting to change, transitional issues, unexpected loss, and overwhelming events. I help provide a safe and non-judgmental environment to encourage a free space to explore feelings and emotional stress.
I have a background of counseling school age children, adolescents, and adults. I specialize in perinatal mental health, grief, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and military family/concerns.
I approach mental health from a holistic perspective considering emotional, physical, and social aspects for both mental health needs and overall wellness. My focus is on living in the here and now, along with being present in your day to day routine.
