My story…

I am a multiracial and multicultural woman who values balance and tolerance above all else. I am of Indian and Creole descent, with Caribbean and American cultural roots. I am loyal, creative, inquisitive and would describe myself as a bit of a non-conformist. I didn’t grow up knowing anything about therapy, but I was a soft hearted kid, who always wanted to make sure that other people felt included, and were okay. Throughout early childhood and adolescence, I survived the adversities of complex trauma and grief that led me to pursue a path of mindfulness and mental health. I feel like my quest began at age 18 with my training in Yoga, as an instructor. However, when my brother was diagnosed with a life altering condition that eventually led to his death, I dedicated myself to learning more about the human condition, and the constructs that become socially applied to contain us. Philosophy, psychology, and the arts became my candlelight to make meaning amidst the many storms.

Education:

After earning a Bachelor of Arts in Art Therapy with a Minor in Psychology from Southern Adventist University in Tennessee in December 2015, I pursued a Master of Science in School Counseling. During my graduate studies, I worked as a Mental Health Technician at a residential child and adolescent behavioral hospital and as a Disability Support Services Representative at my alma mater. I completed 800 hours of school counseling internships across elementary, middle, and high school settings. In November 2017, I relocated to France with my partner, where I taught English as a second language to children aged 2-10, completing my final master’s class abroad in the summer of 2018. After working as a school counselor for 5 years, I pursued and completed my post graduate Clinical Mental Health Counseling Certification.

Career Moves:

In 2019, after returning to the United States, I accepted a role as one of the first Professional School Counselors serving private schools through Catapult Learning in Central Florida. Over two years, I provided individual and small group counseling to K-12 students across seven culturally diverse private schools while collaborating with academic leadership teams. In 2021, I relocated again to Georgetown, Texas, with the intention of establishing long-term roots. I worked as an Elementary School Counselor in Austin ISD from 2021-2022, supporting students through the rapid influx of Afghan refugees by creating ambassador programs and peace projects to foster integration. In 2022, I joined Georgetown ISD as an Elementary School Counselor, a role I held for the 2022-2024 school years.

In March 2024, I launched my private practice, Transform Insight Therapy where I design and facilitate constructive seasonal groups, tailored to my clients needs, and I offer a limited number of individual and couple sessions for adults. I also accepted and maintain the role of Primary Therapist at Charlie Health, since November 2024, where I provide intensive outpatient individual, couple and family sessions for populations 8 - 64 years old.

Expertise:

My personal and professional experiences have provided me with a depth of understanding in attachment, grief, mood disturbances (anxiety, depression, bipolar, psychosis), obsessive and compulsive urges, eating disorders, early childhood trauma, and relational intimacy issues. I’ve been exposed to a variety of cultural perspectives, enabling me to approach each therapeutic relationship with an open, non-biased mindset. I deeply value the unique qualities each client brings to our therapeutic work and honor their freedom to explore their beliefs and worldview and I enjoy existential therapeutic approaches to help clients develop their sense of meaning and purpose.

I have received additional training to enhance my practice with Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Psychodynamic Therapy in Polyamory/CNM, LGBTQIA, Veteran populations, and Addiction. I am also able to facilitate a number a assessments, such as Career Assessments, Mood & Personality Assessments, or the Autism Spectrum Quotient as well as some others upon request. I have collaborated with nonprofit organizations in Tennessee, Florida, and Texas to support individuals and families in accessing essential resources. I have had the opportunity to offer Natural Disaster Support Groups, Eating Disorder Groups, Trauma Focused Groups, Grief Groups, and a wide range of social emotional learning groups. My passion for therapy drives me to create safe, welcoming, and nurturing environments where clients can heal, grow, and gain transformative insights.

On a personal note:

When I am not in a session, I’m typically with my family. You might catch me running errands with my kiddo, or out on a nature walk. When I can, I love capitalizing on precious “me time” where I enjoy writing songs and poetry, exercising, scrapbooking, reading, cooking/baking or following a random curiosity wherever it may lead. I’m also often looking for ways to strengthen my support network and offer support to my close friends and community.

Thanks for taking the time to learn a little bit about me and please feel free to contact me with any questions.

- Raquel