Providers/Therapists/Counselors

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  We all attempt to understand where our beliefs, feelings, and habits are coming from, but connecting the dots alone can be confusing and frustrating. I provide the supportive and non-judgmental environment you need to comfortably process your attitudes, assumptions and expectations about the world around you. I will approach our work together with empathy, curiosity, and a sincere interest in your emotional well-being. Our therapeutic alliance will enable you to cultivate new perspectives and promote increased insight. Together, we can explore the many layers of your unique self, and gain a deeper understanding of how your thoughts, emotions and behaviors are interconnected.

Effective psychotherapy is scientific in analysis and approach, yet highly personalized to each client, situation and context.  I approach emotional challenges from an integrated framework of humanistic psychology, and utilizing cognitive-behavioral applications. My process is depth-oriented, with a focus on inter-relational models; going beyond simply employing coping techniques to reduce symptoms, but examining and addressing the root causes of your distress. My style is open, direct, accepting and patient, with a focus on presence and immediacy.  

In conducting assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning, I draw from my experience in psychiatric hospital, mental health agency and integrated care settings, to serve my clients in private practice. I have additional expertise in adolescent populations, attachment modalities, and trauma informed care. As a National Certified Counselor (NCC), I am among the elite group of board certified counselors who offer the highest standards of practice because we have met stringent education, examination performance, supervision, experience, and ethical requirements.

Therapy can open the door to increased self-awareness, healing, and personal growth. Don’t just survive…thrive!

Have you woken to the thought, Oh God another day? Have you felt there just isn’t enough of you to go around, or had thoughts that bring you down and won’t go away? Maybe you’ve tried therapy before, but it just didn’t click. I can relate. Life is hard. Life changes are even harder, but they don’t have to be.; You can take steps toward better feelings and more success in your relationships. I can help you take that journey within the context of a safe, nonjudgmental, supporting telehealth environment. I can provide objective feedback, help you foster a sense of personal empowerment, even challenge you when necessary. You have choices in life, and when you are ready, I am here to guide you through tough times and develop strategies for health and healing. 

I offer therapeutic guidance from an outside perspective centering on you, the client. My name is Audra Markins and I am a licensed associate marriage and family therapist. I have experience working with all age groups (adult, child and adolescent), with a variety of issues including schizophrenia, substance abuse, depression, stress and anger management. To schedule an appointment, call (575) 449-2288. 

Hello my name is Stephanie, I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in New Mexico. I am bilingual counselor working with both Spanish and English with adults, adolescents, children, and groups in a school setting, as well as in, hospital inpatient and outpatient treatment. When making the decision to seek counseling I understand that each person comes with their own unique experience. I feel the counseling relationship is meant to honor such experiences, perspectives, and ambitions through a thoughtful collaboration between counselor and client. I feel that this aspect of counseling can help to resolve my clients’ specific concerns, and it enables them to think beyond mere problem solving. Working with some issues and making changes can be challenging and every individual moves at a different pace. Counseling takes time that varies from person to person, but together we can work towards the changes you want to make. I take a more person-centered approach and you are in control of the counseling relationship. 

Hello, my name is Jessica Gassdorf. I have been a licensed mental health counselor in NM since 2020. Choosing a counselor can be difficult and looking at making change can be an intimidating process, especially in the beginning. My goal is to try to provide a safe and non-judgmental space for your journey to a better and healthier you. Everyone's process is different, and every individual is different which is why I work to take a person-centered and integrative approach with each client.  I have focused most of my career on working with those who have struggled with adjusting to new life situations and/or stressors, low self-esteem, lack of motivation, depression, anxiety, trauma as well as addiction. I work with client's to not only talk out the things they are struggling with or wanting to change, but also making some of the changes by learning, or refining, healthy boundaries and coping strategies. Together we will work on trying to uncover any root issues and working on a deeper understanding of how to manage day to day life. 

Hello, my name is Crystal Portillo, LMHC. I received my degree in Forensic Psychology in Los Angeles, at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. I have worked in school settings and in psychiatric inpatient facilities, treating individuals struggling with a variety of issues ranging from stress, anger management, anxiety, depression and mood disorders. Most of my pre-private practice experience has been at a partial hospitalization program incorporated as a step-down program from psychiatric hospitalizations. My clinical focus is on treating mental health issues with co-occurring substance dependency/addiction; utilizing the matrix model, dialectical behavioral therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy approaches. I integrate these constructs, within a person-centered approach to treatment, as effective therapy should never be a one size fits all approach.

Many struggle with addiction and maladaptive coping patterns. They can impact multiple facets of one's life; work, socialization, familial relationships, and much more. It is essential to know that no one starts using substances to become an addict, and I want to be there on your journey to begin living the life you want, and the one you deserve to live.