Today we’d like to introduce you to Lea Roman.
So, before we jump into specific questions about what you do, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Counseling is a vocation that came to me naturally. As a child, I felt like an “emotional sponge.” When I walked into a room, it was easy for me to “feel” what others might be experiencing. I learned later that the word for the aforementioned scenario is sometimes referred to as “empathy.”Early in life, I was privileged to experience a positive counseling relationship that truly embodied said empathy. This is when I became more fully aware of the healing power of relational work, empathy, and non-judgmental guidance.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Because I consider my role as a counselor to be a genuine part of who I am, I have never experienced the burden of doubt amidst the path to licensure. What I mean by this is that I have often heard peers speculate whether or not counseling is “right” for them as a profession. However, there were moments in time that influenced great introspection about what areas of specialization seemed to “fit” for me. Fortunately, I received great mentorship from a chosen few whom I considered both trustworthy and wise. I truly believe that all people can benefit from sustaining a relationship with a mentor. I frequently lean on my mentors by asking them to act as a mirror for me to truly see myself, my needs, my desires, my growth areas, and strengths. I’m proud to offer evidenced-based counseling modalities as a means for influencing growth. In addition to being a Licensed Professional Counselor, I am also a Registered Play Therapist, AutPlay Certified, and an EMDR Trained Therapist. My natural areas of specialization are helping children, adolescents, adults, and families with difficulties related to anxiety, depression, self-esteem, diagnoses that impact learning and attention, and general life adjustments and changes. I also believe in the power of family counseling and place special emphasis on collaboration with family members. Other interests that are near and dear to my heart include helping marginalized populations cope with stress, and difficulties related to multiculturalism. I also pride myself on being an advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of. What sets you apart from the competition?
In the afternoons, I see clients privately through the Vanguard Center for Neurological health, but during the day I work as the Lower School Counselor for Vanguard Preparatory School. We are a therapeutic school for children in pre-school through high school who struggle with a variety of diagnoses and difficulties that impact one’s overall functioning and wellness. We also have an 18+ program that offers continuing support and life skills education to young adults. My personal belief is that Vanguard is one of a kind. We truly emphasize the growth of the whole child, socially and emotionally, within the context of both their family and environment. We utilize the Devereux Student Strengths Assessment (DESSA) to target intrapsychic growth and customize lesson plans and treatment plans for each student. Some of these items include: personal responsibility, optimistic thinking, goal-directed behavior, social awareness, decision making, relationship skills, self-awareness, and self-management. We are adamant that this growth is foundational for all other growth areas. Due to this holistic perspective, we also offer a variety of therapeutic modalities via the Vanguard Center for Neurological Health and the VCNH Behavioral Clinic. Some of these services are: Neurotherapy, EMDR, Play Therapy, Activity Therapy, Individual and Family Counseling, and Behavioral Therapy – just to name a few.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
For me, success is synonymous with fulfillment. In my life personally and as a clinician, I operate with the belief that we are the most healthy and happy when we are fulfilled emotionally, relationally, and professionally. The “professional” life is important for children and adolescents, too and should not be overlooked. School is their profession. We often forget that school is not just part of a routine, but it is truly their job and the environment in which they live most of their early lives.
Pricing:
- $125/50 minute session
- Pricing for longer or shorter services is available
Contact Info:
- Address: 4240 Sigma Road Dallas, TX 75244
- Website: http://vanguardprepschool.com/clinical-staff/
- Phone: 972 559 0519
- Email: lroman@vanguardprepschool.com
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