Hidden Gems: Meet Alva Pierlot of Good Start Counseling & Coaching PLLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alva Pierlot.

Hi Alva, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Greetings, my name is Alva Pierlot, and I’m a proud Dallas native, a devoted daughter, mother to a beautiful baby girl, wife, teacher, entrepreneur, psychotherapist, and passionate lover of good books. I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my story with Dallas Voyage. As an introvert, it’s not typical for me to talk about myself.

For much of my career, I’ve enjoyed being the listener, learning from others, and hearing their stories. I take pride in my ability to listen more than speak—a quality that has certainly benefitted me in my current profession. However, on this occasion, I’ll share my journey, including both successes and hardships, with the hope that at least one person will feel uplifted by what they read.

It would be impossible for me to speak about myself without acknowledging the pivotal role that faith has played in my life. I was raised in a God-fearing home, where my parents—immigrants from Central America—instilled in me values I still hold dear today. They came to this country with a dream of providing a better future for my siblings and me, a sacrifice I am forever grateful for.

Though we didn’t have much growing up, we had each other, and my parents’ resilience in the face of adversity taught me the importance of determination. Watching them work tirelessly for our family inspired me to pursue my dreams and life goals.

Thus, I resolved early on that I would do whatever it took to succeed, including starting college courses while still in high school, taking a train back and forth to attend a better school, applying for scholarships, and finding ways to fund my education, knowing my parents couldn’t afford to help me financially as a first-generation graduate.

Through hard work, the support of my parents, and God’s provision, I graduated without student loans, proudly stating that most if not all of my education was funded by scholarships. The path wasn’t easy, but for anyone who has walked the challenging road of higher education, my story may resonate.

Around the age of 21, I made a deliberate decision to deepen my faith, devoting my time and energy to serving in my local church while simultaneously working and completing my degrees.

For many years, I focused on two things: sowing for my future through education and serving in ministry. In my twenties, I was incredibly busy, and while others may have thought I had no life, I had a deeply fulfilling one.

I once heard someone say that we won’t see the full effect of our decisions until years later, that the impact of today’s choices may not be immediately visible. I carried this principle with me, always considering how future versions of myself, whether at 35 or 45, would reflect on the decisions I was making in my early twenties. Following this principle really helped me to see that time is precious, and that we must make decisions not only for the present but for our future and the betterment of those around us.

Over the years, I discovered my love for helping others but wasn’t sure where to begin or how to find my purpose. I knew I thrived in supportive roles, preferring to help behind the scenes rather than lead from the front. Thankfully, God brought mentors into my life who guided me toward the path I’m on today.

Looking back, I can confidently say that each decision I made, every experience I had, has shaped me into the person I am now. From my work in ministry to my roles as an elementary teacher, school administrator, college advisor, interpreter, and advocate for domestic violence victims, helping young children or teenagers, each experience has contributed to my growth.

I’m a lifelong learner, motivated by the love of learning itself, yet I firmly know that my true passion lies in faith and helping others. Today, as a clinical therapist and the founder of Good Start Counseling & Coaching PLLC, I draw inspiration from all these years of life experience.

I’m committed to creating a supportive space where individuals and families can heal, grow, and thrive, just as I have. My clinical training, combined with my theological foundation, allows me to offer a more integrative approach to therapy, especially for those who wish to incorporate their faith into the healing process.

Fast forward to life now, my goal is to continue providing compassionate, faith-centered therapy. I truly believe that faith can offer comfort and strength in overcoming life’s challenges.

After getting married, my husband and I, along with our family, faced difficult losses that tested our faith. It was during this time, especially after the loss of my father to cancer, that I felt inspired to create Good Start Counseling & Coaching in his honor.

Through this work, I strive to provide the same encouragement, support, and healing that helped me navigate my own struggles. I aim to carry my father’s legacy of strength and compassion, helping others find hope and restoration in their darkest moments.

This journey has been shaped by faith, perseverance, and the desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others, and I look forward to continuing this work of service for many years to come.

Thank you, Dallas Voyage, for this opportunity to share my story.

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Personal Information:
Alva Pierlot holds a Bachelor’s in Sociology from the University of North Texas, with certifications in Substance Abuse and Alternative Dispute Resolutions. She earned a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington and a Doctor of Ministry in Christian Counseling from Texas University of Theology. Alva is currently completing her final courses to become an ordained minister and serves as an adjunct professor at Liberty University.

Alva is the founder and owner of Good Start Counseling & Coaching PLLC, a practice focused on creating a supportive, faith-based therapeutic environment. She also owns Pierlot Rentals, where she applies her entrepreneurial skills to provide quality rental services to her local community.

Alva is married to Guy Andre Pierlot, and together they have a daughter who is the light and joy of their lives. Outside of her professional and family life, Alva enjoys reading, connecting with her faith community, and continuing her lifelong journey of learning.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There have been many challenges throughout my life, but the loss of my father to cancer was undoubtedly one of the most defining moments. The three years of battles, demands, and overwhelming stress we faced during his fight put all other struggles in pale comparison. This comes from someone who once thought her life was defined by challenges. It’s difficult to fully convey in just a few words how profoundly this season affected us, as the depth of that experience is something that would take more time than this interview allows.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We are a faith-based practice providing quality mental health and psychotherapy services for children and families. Our therapeutic approaches are tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients, including Play Therapy, CBT, EMDR, and more. We collaborate with churches to raise awareness about mental health. Additionally, we offer biblical counseling and premarital coaching for couples. We also assist high school and college students with college and career exploration.

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
You can find us at goodstartcounseling.com .

Pricing:

• 125 Individual Session
• 225 Couples Counseling

Contact Info:

• Website: https://goodstartcounseling.com
• Instagram: goodstartcc
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goodstartcc
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@goodstartcounseling