The Thrive Counseling Team
Our Team is a group of amazing helping professionals that each have Masters Level training, education, and experience. Their depth of knowledge and clinical skills is only matched by their level of care. Take some time to read about their backgrounds and approaches to find the right therapist for you or schedule a consult with our director for helping finding your fit.
About Elise Miller, LPC-S
My path to becoming an LPC really started as a teenager when I began to see how my empathetic nature allowed me to connect to and feel for others. From that point, I started exploring careers that would align with my desire to help. That is how I found the counseling field and began pursuing the goal of becoming an LPC at age 17. After entering college, the last decade of my life has been focused on gaining education and direct counseling experience while working in diverse settings to best prepare me to meet my current clients’ needs.
I completed my Bachelors of Science in Psychology at Dallas Baptist University and then went on to complete my Masters of Arts in Professional Counseling from Liberty University. Upon completion of the education side of my career, I continue to gain valuable direct counseling experience. I believe that my time spent in more acute settings, like psychiatric inpatient care, has given me a unique lens to view each client's concerns. I continue to focus my time on pursuing this same growth; I want to grow as a counselor and human.
My passion for working with grief and trauma began as I worked in Hospice and Medical Hospital. I then spent time working in community mental health and crisis intervention which continues to provide me with a base line for helping my client when dealing with hopelessness. Next, I spent three years working in higher levels of care for people struggling with eating disorders and anxiety and mood disorders. From that point on, I have worked in outpatient care in telehealth or a hybrid model being able to provide direct care to individuals and couples.
I specialize in helping individuals work through relational issues, postpartum struggles, anxiety, body image, and trauma while working with adolescents, adults, and couples. My approach involves EMDR, Cognitive-Behavior Therapy, mindfulness, and a solution-based focus that allows my clients to see real change while feeling accepted in the now. My heartbeat is to walk with individuals from survival to thriving!
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About Labrea Law, MA, LPC-Associate
Supervised by Stacia Alexander, LPC-S
Navigating life’s challenges can be tough, especially when you feel unheard and alone. Whether you're dealing with spirituality, sexuality, suicidal thoughts, family dynamics, or relationship issues, I’m here to listen and provide support. My goal is to ensure you feel understood, cared for, and have a safe space to explore your feelings and thoughts. My practice is built on respect, compassion, and a deep awareness of the diverse struggles people face. Whether you need guidance through a specific issue or just a supportive presence, I’m here to help you build resilience and gain clarity.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate under the supervision of Stacia Alexander, Ph.D., LPC-S, I offer spiritual counseling, crisis intervention, support for depression and anxiety, and assistance with life transitions. I believe every individual's journey is unique, and I am committed to customizing my approach to fit your specific needs.
Together, we can work towards positive changes and foster a sense of empowerment in your life. I’m here to remind you of your purpose and significance, and I look forward to the opportunity to connect and support you on this journey.
About Mitzi Smith
LPC-Associate
Supervised by Amy Standifer, LPC-S and Heidi Tournoux-Hanshaw
I bring a diverse and extensive background to my role as a counselor at Thrive. My journey began with a strong foundation in education, as I graduated from the University of Nevada Reno with a degree in Special and Elementary Education. For over two decades, I dedicated myself to the field of education, working with students in both primary and secondary settings. This experience allowed me to witness the profound impact of knowledge and compassion in young minds.
As a former military spouse for over 20 years, I intimately understand the relentless challenges faced by military families during and after active duty. I've personally navigated the unique trials of military life, fostering a deep empathy and insight into the needs of the military community.
Driven by a passion for helping others navigate life’s complexities, I pursued a Clinical Mental Health
Counseling degree from Liberty University. My professional journey led me to work in diverse
environments, including partial hospitalization programs and intensive outpatient programs, where I
specialized in crisis counseling, anxiety, depression, and grief support. This experience honed my ability to provide immediate help during times of emotional turmoil and loss.
I believe in the power of empathy, understanding, and tailored support to help individuals overcome
challenges, build resilience, and achieve their goals. Whether you’re facing personal struggles, seeking guidance in the aftermath of military service, or coping with grief, I’m here to provide you with a safe and compassionate space to explore, heal, and grow.
Beyond my professional life, I’m a staunch advocate for mental health awareness and self-care. I
understand that mental well-being is an essential component of a fulfilling life, and I’m dedicated to
helping you navigate your unique path to happiness and personal growth.
Thank you for considering me as your partner on your journey to a brighter future. I look forward to the opportunity to collaborate with you and make a meaningful impact in your life.
About Carol Hernandez, LMSW
My journey towards becoming a therapist began during my early adulthood after personal experiences in my upbringing led me to reflect on how our environment, genetics, childhood, and life experiences shape who we become as people.
I am part of an underserved population and also the daughter of two first-generation immigrant parents. I saw the gaps that existed within our mental health system and struggles that specifically exist within lower socio-economic communities and our BIPOC (black, Indigenous, and people of color) populations.
This motivated me to pursue a path towards becoming a therapist and where my drive came from to empower individuals and give back to my community. I graduated from the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work. After knowing that I wanted to become a therapist, I pursued my Master's in Social Work at Baylor University with a Clinical Specialization.
My experience and work background involve healthcare settings, mental health practices, and community agencies. The issues I worked on with clients involved life transitions, grief and loss, postpartum depression, ADHD, emotional dysregulation, struggles with cultural assimilation, homophobia, racism, generational trauma, and many more.
I have a strong passion for helping individuals by processing their struggles and trauma with them, problem-solving, and teaching clients the tools that can aid in improving their coping abilities. Some of the approaches that I integrate are from DBT (dialectical behavioral therapy), CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), somatic therapy skills to help in tuning into the connection between mind and body, and ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy).
My therapy style also strongly incorporates a person-centered approach, where I uphold unconditional positive regard, which means, creating both a safe and warm environment for you that is free of criticism and shame, and which can allow you to freely express yourself and share your story with me. I recognize the disparities that exist within our BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities and acknowledge the impact that those life experiences can have on our mental health.
I am committed to continuing to expand my knowledge so that I may always work on being a well-informed therapist. I hope to have the privilege of walking alongside you in your healing journey.
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512-710-6199