Today we’d like to introduce you to Kyrstin Jimenez.
Kyrstin, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I became interested in psychology from an early age and dreamed of becoming a psychologist for many years before learning about counseling as a profession. Counselors are specially trained to build a relationship with clients and I loved that part about it. It is not just about listening and replying, but about building rapport and demonstrating empathy with another human being in such a deep way that healing may occur.
I began studying rehabilitation counseling in 2009 at Georgia State University and graduated from there with my master’s degree in 2011 and with my education specialist degree in 2013. That same year I began my doctoral studies at the University of North Texas. I knew that I could help people more with the more education I obtained. I started my private practice upon graduating and have profoundly grown as a person and a professional in my work with my clients in both the counseling and the testing realm. I continue to enjoy my work with my private practice clients and as an adjunct supervisor through UNT for master’s level counselors.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Is there such a thing as a smooth road? I have had some struggles along the way that I believe many can relate to–being a working mom is tough. It feels sometimes that I have been or am split in two as I work to balance my life personally and professionally. This balance is ongoing and ever-changing as my family grows and develops, as needs and schedules change. Finding the extra time for administrative tasks is probably the hardest part of it all–it’s easy to make time to see clients, to meet their immediate needs, and to be with my children. Paperwork is tough to stay on top of!
We’d love to hear more about your practice.
I am a Ph.D. level counselor who specializes in crisis, trauma, adolescents, and psychoeducational testing. I am also known for working as an animal-assisted therapist with my therapy dog, Bella. Bella is very helpful in creating a safe space quickly for animal lovers. She helps provide support, love, and safe touch in ways that I am not always able to. I am most proud of the healing work in which Bella and I partake. It is a blessing to be a part of someone’s journey in such a profound and positive way.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
A large part of my career depends upon my level of education and for that, I am extremely proud. Personally, I am most proud of the journey that took me from a single master’s level counselor to a wife, mother, and a doctor. I was able to have a baby in my doctoral program and graduate on time!
Pricing:
- Testing varies between $300 to $2000
- Self-pay counseling sessions are $150/hour
Contact Info:
- Address: 6136 Frisco Square Blvd.
Frisco, TX 75035 - Website: www.clearlifecounseling.com
- Phone: 469-352-5180
- Email: kyrstin@clearlifecounseling.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clearlifecounseling/
Image Credit:
Amy Poton Photography
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