Our Therapists

I'm Susan and I have been practicing in the mental health field for over 20 years in a variety of settings.  I offer kindness, an open  mind, and creative and practical approaches to tackling  life's mysteries and stressors.  My career journey has been amazing, interesting, confusing, challenging, empowering, conflicting and yes, spiritual too!  I have worked with several populations, addressing a  wide variety of concerns such as addiction, depression,  anxiety, adjustment issues, marital stress, infertility stress, stress  management, anger, trauma, and grief. I believe that it is in life's challenges that we can grow and become spiritually enlightened, both  professionally and personally. When I am not engaging in therapy, I  enjoy time at home with my husband and two children  and two pets.  I feel much gratitude to engage in the work I do and  enjoy the family around me.  It would be my honor to join you on your life journey!   Susan  

  Life is like the ocean, full of journeys and sights, as well as ups and downs. Sometimes the ups of life are really high, and the downs can be overwhelmingly down. Sometimes, we get in survival mode with the sole focus of surviving the downs that come our way. Our worries keep us from trying to thrive, and impact not only our lives, but the lives of others around us. In that process we forget that we can thrive and make choices that impact the ride we are on.

I want to help you build the skills to thrive no matter what comes your way in life. I offer talk therapy as well as experiential therapy. I am also a certified Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning so I like to explore the impact we have on others through relationships with horses.

You do not have to continue to merely survive from day to day in life, but instead learn to thrive and ride the waves of life’s ups and down knowing that you are capable of doing so. One of the hardest, yet most rewarding things you can do for yourself is to ask for help. I would love to connect and help you start the journey towards thriving.  

Candice began her career as a social work therapist at a psychiatric hospital in Abilene, Texas. When her family moved to New Mexico, she became school counselor and discovered that her passion was working with children. She has worked as a special education teacher and a kindergarten teacher. She has extensive experience working at the elementary, junior high, and high school level. As a school counselor, she helped students experiencing grief, trauma, anxiety, depression, anger, crisis, and suicide. She currently works as an Educational Diagnostician providing assessments and evaluations for students with learning disabilities. 

Candice received a bachelor's degree in Psychology/Sociology with a minor in Religion from Grand Canyon University. She received a master's of Science in Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington and she has been licensed as a clinical social worker since 1991. 

After living in Arizona and New Mexico, Candice and her husband of 34 years now call Amarillo home. Their sons, Caleb and Joshua, are grown, but she never misses an opportunity to play with her grand-dogs, Jake and Lucy. 

  Hi – I’m Melissa Ishio. I am a licensed clinical social worker. My therapeutic style is to come along side of you and walk with you on your journey. Being your best self starts with recognizing your strengths and utilizing them to address challenging areas in your life. I believe we are all spiritual beings and it is important to tap into our spiritual beliefs and value systems when addressing struggles in our life.

I have worked with different populations such as veterans, active duty military personnel and their families, older adults, and survivors of domestic violence, etc. I have experience with crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, EMDR, suicide intervention, and teaching parenting skills. My objective is to utilize therapeutic modalities which best help you to achieve your goals. 

My own family is bi-racial, bi-national and bi-lingual and I have lived overseas for about 1/3 of my life. We are a chosen family in that our children are adopted. Therefore, I understand the issues and concerns involved with bi-racial families and adopting children. I have a BSW, MSW, MPPA and PhD from Baylor University. I consider it a calling to be able to work in the profession of social work and a privilege to work with you. 

 I am a licensed professional counselor who has had over 10 years of

experience in the public school setting. I have seen, firsthand, the stressors that children and young people are facing in today’s sometimes challenging world. I have also taught and worked closely with children on the Autism Spectrum for over 20 years. I have a special place in my heart for young people as they navigate their path to adulthood with the pressures of social media, peer pressure, and other stressors that

affect them in today’s society. I have also, personally and professionally, interacted closely with families who have loved ones seeking recovery.

When not working, I enjoy being at our home in the country. I have three grown children and 4 grandchildren whom I enjoy spending time with as well. I am appreciative for the opportunities through my family and work to grow in

gratitude and purpose in life.

I received my undergraduate degree in English from Baylor University. I have a

Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Tarleton University and a Master’s Certification as an Educational Diagnostician from the University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley.

 Brandon is a licensed professional counselor EMDR certified therapist. He specializes in treating adolescents and adults who are dealing with a wide range of mental health issues. He sees clients struggling with addiction, depression, anxiety, family issues, trauma, and major life changes. 

"You are worth it and I am listening."

In addition to traditional counseling, Brandon offers EMDR in a virtual setting.   EMDR is most often connected with trauma recovery, but has been linked to helping a wide range of other behavioral health issues. 

  William is a licensed clinical social worker.  Prior to becoming a social worker, he served in the U.S. Marines as an infantry rifleman.  After being honorably discharged, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology/Social Work and a Master of Social Work degree at Texas Tech University.  

He has worked primarily in inpatient psychiatric settings and specialized in working with clients diagnosed with major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and personality disorders.  He is also experienced in assisting clients to recover from substance abuse, trauma, and anxiety.  

William takes a non-judgmental approach to counseling and psychotherapy that integrates elements of psychodynamic, person-centered, cognitive behavior, and solution-focused therapy elements to empower clients to overcome their unique challenges.