Today we’d like to introduce you to Marisela Linebarger.
Hi Marisela, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I had some challenging experiences growing up, but no mechanism to deal with them, so I ignored my feelings. As you may know, that can only last so long. By the time I was 22, I couldn’t ignore my feelings any more. I couldn’t control it any longer. I was crying all the time and I never knew why, getting angry at very small things, and I was just surviving, not thriving. A friend of mine recommended counseling and I thought, “Absolutely no way! I am not about to tell some stranger about my life!” And I was in such denial (which is what happens when you stuff your feelings) that I was afraid of digging deep. What would I find there in the dark recesses of my heart? Eventually, my depression and anxiety got so bad that more people in my life- God bless them!- encouraged me to seek professional help. “Dang! I am a failure,” thought I. What I found in my counselor was a kind, compassionate, safe person who was on my side, but who would also call me on my bull. She was direct and honest with me. I learned how to set and keep healthy boundaries (what a new concept!) and she helped me process some really hard things that had happened in my life. I learned that I was not a failure because I needed counseling. In fact, I now know it to be a brave, important step. It was a life-saving decision that changed the entire trajectory of my life. I now strive to be the same type of therapist for others- kind, compassionate, safe, direct, and honest. I want to pass along the things that I learned in counseling. It has been a beautiful, challenging, redemptive road and it is my privilege and honor to join others on that same road.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road to becoming a counselor was not always smooth, but it was worth it! While in the counseling program at Dallas Theological Seminary, I was juggling being a wife, mother of 3 kids in elementary/middle school, PTA involvement, church involvement, and a counseling internship. My sweet husband was incredibly supportive and helped with all the things. He has made this road way less bumpy. We also have an amazing community of loved ones that have stepped up whenever needed.
As you know, we’re big fans of Linebarger Counseling. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I am the proud owner of Linebarger Counseling, a private practice specializing in family counseling- kids, teens, couples, families, and also individual therapy. My office is located in Richardson, TX, but I also do online therapy for Texas residents. I think one unique quality that sets me apart is my personal and professional life experience. This is a second career for me, having taught in the public school system before raising my family. I’ve been where a lot of parents have been- unsure of how to handle something their kid might be going through. I work very closely with families, collaborating with parents and supporting them to meet shared family goals. I have a lot of experience in conflict resolution and relationship issues as well, having been married for 21 years. I don’t think a counselor necessarily has to have a ton of life experience to be effective, but it has certainly helped me understand my clients better.
What does success mean to you?
To me, success is not about numbers. Success is the look on a teenager’s face when they feel understood and seen. Success is a couple who is choosing trust , connection, and vulnerability in lieu of unhealthy communication patterns. Success is a child being able to grieve the loss of a sibling through play therapy, releasing trapped feelings for the first time. Success is a seeing the empowered look on a beautiful face knowing there is freedom in facing the truth. What a privilege to witness!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.linebargercounseling.com/
- Instagram: @linebargercounseling
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/linebargercounseling
- Other: Tik Tok- @linebargercounseling
