Whatever you are dealing with, know that I am here to listen, support you and help you figure things out. I believe strongly in encouraging self-empowerment, focusing on choices and their results. Central to my theoretical orientation (Person-Centered, Existentialist) is a focus on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, being solution focused, as well as encouraging mindfulness. Areas of clinical expertise include chemical dependency, stress and anger management, life adjustments, veterans’ issues, intimate and non-intimate partner abuse, crisis prevention and intervention, long-term illnesses and palliative counseling.

My approach to therapy is empathetic, supportive, and solution-focused. It takes courage to face change head-on and I am here to help support you in this journey. I like to work collaboratively with my clients and your feedback is valued. I am a trauma-informed therapist and I use an integration of Cognitive Behavioral Techniques, Mindfulness, and Solution-Focused Therapy. I focus on helping my clients to identify their strengths while challenging and changing any negative thought filters that might be holding them back in life. My clinical expertise areas include anxiety, depression, grief, relationships, stress management, veterans’ issues, life transitions, and trauma.

My role as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor for Austin Community College (ACC) is to serve my clients based on a holistic approach, combined with clinical experience, personal observations; and advocacy, while deciding on mental health goals together, and providing recommendations in line with those goals. I strive to create a safe & trusting space for all of my clients within a foundation that is free of judgment, great communication, compassion, and mutual respect.

Areas of Experience & Focus: Young Adult/Adolescent Issues - Suicide & Crisis Management- Depression/Anxiety - Stress Reduction- Relationship Issues- Sexual Assault/Violence - Grief & Loss- Time Management -Social/Communication Skills- Stress Reduction- Parent Education, Self-Esteem & Personal Growth. Theoretical Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Client Centered, Narrative and Solution Focus.

LPC-Intern, Bilingual in Spanish, employed with ACC since 2010 to current; supervised by Associate Dean of Counseling Dr. Zamarripa, LPC-S

• Masters in Counseling Psychology (MFT-Marriage & Family Therapist Program) Costa Mesa, CA- 2005
• BA of Arts in Psychology, Los Angeles, CA- 2001

My counseling philosophy is rooted in the idea that human beings are resilient and can overcome challenges in their life. I use a holistic approach to help my clients move towards their goals and achieve overall personal growth. I believe in empowering my clients to create positive change in their lives. I also create a safe space for my clients to be heard, respected and supported in their journey.  
 
Areas of Experience & Focus: anxiety, depression, grief & loss, substance abuse, crisis intervention, stress management and relationship concerns.

Theoretical Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Client-Centered, Solution-Focused, Humanistic

Bilingual in Spanish
Licensed Professional Counselor (TX)
Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (TX)

Anita Sheridan-Normann is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC-S) helping students with psychosocial needs (e.g. anxiety, depression, relationship issues, etc.). Her previous clinical experience includes: working with at-risk youth, inpatient psychiatric facility working with incarcerated populations, community centers, private practice, groups for mandated populations, and as a university Counselor. Anita’s goal is to work collaboratively with clients to alleviate uncomfortable symptoms, manage emotional pain, increase self-awareness, and promote personal growth and positive change.

Education:

Anita is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. She attended the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor receiving her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Currently, Anita is pursuing a Doctorate (PhD) in Counselor Education and Supervision with Leadership specialization.  

Since joining ACC in 2010, Janie Wang has been providing clinical counseling for mood disorders, crisis management, family violence intervention, motivation, emotions management, trauma, anxiety, and relationship health for students.  She is trained in mental health assessment, individual and group counseling, suicide assessment and prevention, drug and alcohol counseling, trauma aftercare, disaster relief counseling, and EMDR. She has also worked with local and national organizations on human trafficking prevention both in Texas and in Bolivia, South America.

Hello!  My name is Denise Anding and I am a clinical counselor at the South Austin Campus of Austin Community College. I started my own college career as a math major at Rice University in Houston.  After a two-semester battle with calculus my freshman year, I visited our Dean of Students, and eventually decided on a career in counseling.  I completed my BA degree at Rice with a triple major in psychology, sociology, and religion. I then got my MA in counseling, at Catholic University in Washington, D.C., and later, my MBA back in Austin, at St. Edward’s University.

I started as a counselor at ACC in 1978. Over the years, I have worked with students in job placement, career, assessment, general, and now clinical counseling.  I think that all of these areas are essential to developing a well-balanced future for our students.  However, sometimes our personal lives can override all of the other aspects. This is where our clinical counselors can help with how you address these situations, and help you develop lifelong ways of facing whatever life brings. 

If you feel that this may be helpful for you, I look forward to meeting with you!

My name is Sandra Elizondo and I have 30 years of experience working with individuals in mental health crisis and in the areas of sexual assault and intimate partner violence as it relates to crisis and trauma.  Other areas of experience in the field are working with PTSD, depression, anxiety, grief, relationship issues, student issues, self-esteem, drug/alcohol abuse, stress, abandonment issues, case management, and self-care.  I use cognitive behavior therapy to assist students seeking counseling and I’m trained to administer the SASSI which is a drug and alcohol assessment tool.  

I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Counseling from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas with a master’s degree concentrating in mental health and substance abuse counseling.   I currently have my LPC-Intern license and I’m working on my clinical hours toward my LPC licensure under the supervision of Rosa Rodriquez-Alvarez, LPC-S.  I strive in helping students have a healthy and successful learning experience at ACC while helping them also focus on mental health.

Some of the most difficult challenges we face aren't as clear as a broken bone, conflict at work or school or problems with money. At times the greatest challenges are confined to our mind and heart. I'm here to listen, be with, and help you navigate whatever may be going on in your life. I believe we have the tools to be our optimal selves and become aware of our behaviors that don't serve us. My clinical orientation focuses on the stories we tell ourselves, positive psychology and solution focused. My clinical expertise include chemical dependency (LCDC), anxiety, life adjustments, relationship issues, crisis prevention and intervention, and palliative counseling.