Clinicians - Gearing Up

Dr. Sylvia Gearing

Nationally renowned clinical psychologist and author, Dr. Sylvia Gearing has been a pioneer in psychology for over thirty years. She is the Executive Director of Gearing Up Counseling Centers where she oversees both the administrative and clinical staff. For over thirty years, Gearing Up has addressed the mental health needs of thousands of Texas adults, teens, and children with the latest, most effective approaches in clinical psychology and counseling.

Dr. Gearing graduated Magna cum Laude in Psychology from Duke University and completed her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. She studied at the prestigious Masterson Institute in New York City for several years where she worked with the late James Masterson M.D., an international authority on borderline and narcissistic personality disorders.

For several years, Dr. Gearing has developed and taught Gearing Up’s acclaimed Dialectical Behavioral Therapy program for emotion regulation for both adults and adolescents. She has completed additional training and study in Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), and much more. Dr. Gearing has completed advanced DBT training with Dr. Marsha Linehan’s, the founder and developer of DBT treatment, organization Behavioral Tech including:

– Getting To The Heart of the Problem; Targeting, Assessing, and Solving Problem Behaviors (Level 2 Training)
– Adapting Your DBT Program for Substance Use Disorders or DBT-SUD (Level 4 Training)
– Intensive Training In the Dialectical Behaviors Therapy Prolonged Exposure Protocol for PTSD (Level 4 Training)

In addition, Dr. Sylvia Gearing is enrolled in the following upcoming trainings (as of November 2019):

– DBT Intensive Team Training (Level 3 Training) – January 2020
– DBT For Complex PTSD (Level 4 Training) – February 2020

She has presented over 2500 hours of her DBT based curriculum to Gearing Up adult and adolescent groups and classes. From its inception, this outstanding program has included skills and strategies from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Positive Psychology, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Neuroscience, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Self Compassion skills, and the latest research findings on mindfulness, trauma, and more.

As an author and TV expert, she has impacted the lives of millions. From 1997 to 1998, she was a frequent contributor in women’s issues on NBC’s Today Show in New York. For almost two decades she has been featured on hundreds of newscasts, radio shows, and talk shows including Dr. Phil, Donahue, Geraldo, and Sally Jesse Raphael. She is a frequent source and contributor for bloggers, academicians, and popular writers, and she has been quoted in numerous books. In addition, her television appearances and video blogs have been featured on Huffington Post, AOL.com, and CNN.com.

For over fifteen years, Dr. Gearing has been a psychology expert for DFW CBS 11 News where she has appeared on over 1,500 newscasts. She reported on a variety of topics in psychology, popular news, and research. Since launching in May 2010, her blogs and online videos have drawn millions of views from around the world.

Her first book, “Female Executive Stress Syndrome: The Working Woman’s Guide to a Balanced and Successful Life” (Summit, 1994), launched her national media career. She has been featured in publications including the Wall Street Journal, Modern Bride, Ladies Home Journal, Weight Watcher’s Magazine, the Philadelphia Inquirer, and the Dallas Morning News. In addition, her videos on stress and working women were aired on thousands of United Airlines flights in the late nineties. The National Association of Executive Women honored Dr. Gearing in 1995 with a featured article on her work. Dr. Gearing was on the cover of the association’s magazine, which was distributed to over 250,000 women worldwide.

Dr. Gearing has been a popular speaker in Dallas and across the country. She has spoken for Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, J.C. Penney, Forbes Magazine, Infiniti Automobile, Andrews and Kurth, Deloitte and Touche, and Hunton and Williams. Her speeches capture the unique perspective of a veteran psychologist who has worked in broadcast media for over a decade. These two highly divergent disciplines have shaped her understanding of how to present complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences in an entertaining and effective manner.

Dr. Gearing is a member of the Texas Psychological Association, the Dallas County Psychological Association, and the National Health Service Providers in Psychology.

Dr. Gearing has been married to Dr. Milton Gearing for over thirty-seven years and they have two grown sons and a wonderful daughter in law. The Gearing’s younger son, Chris Gearing, is the CEO of Gearing Up Counseling Centers, Inc. and oversees all marketing, financial, and business matters for the clinic. Dr. Gearing’s older son, Charles, is a commercial litigation attorney in Dallas and her daughter in law, Rachael, is an attorney specializing in health care law.

Dr. Milton Gearing

Dr. Milton Gearing is one of Dallas’ most respected experts in psychological testing and the assessment of mental health issues in various populations including adults, adolescents and children. As the Clinical Director of Gearing Up Counseling Centers, he oversees and supervises all psychological evaluations, attention and cognitive assessments, education evaluations, and threat assessments in the practice. His testing department completes thousands of evaluations per year and he is well known for his extraordinary expertise in test interpretation and the use of complex data in deciphering and integrating test results into clinical treatment. His ability to create an accurate and coherent psychological profile is unparalleled. All of Gearing Up’s clinicians rely heavily on his expertise and utilize his findings to refine and update treatment goals, assess outcomes, and advise clients about ongoing clinical issues.

Dr. Gearing began his career with unprecedented success in research and publishing his work in professional journals. The prestigious Psychological Bulletin published his review of professional literature in the use of the MMPI in prison populations in 1979. He continued to research the area of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in hospital settings. He collaborated and published several notable studies with other psychologists at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Dallas in the early 1980’s.

Following the completion of his doctorate in clinical psychology, Dr. Gearing was the supervising psychologist at the Substance Abuse Unit at Terrell State Hospital for several years. He left that position to become the Executive Director of the Plano Child Guidance Clinic. From 1987 to 1989, he was the chairman of the Psychology Department at Charter Psychiatric Hospital where he supervised all psychological testing and evaluations, participated in recruitment and credentialing of professional staff, and worked in program development. Dr. Gearing also worked extensively in both individual and group therapy with hospitalized adults and teens. He has been in private practice in Plano since 1986.

Dr. Gearing completed his undergraduate education at the College of William and Mary. He earned his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the distinguished graduate program at the University of South Carolina. Dr. Gearing then pursued his post-doctoral training at the prestigious Masterson Institute in New York City. During his postdoctoral training, he worked with internationally renowned psychiatrist, Dr. James Masterson. Dr. Masterson was one of the original theorists and foremost experts on the treatment of Borderline and Narcissistic Personality Disorders.

Dr. Gearing has completed seventy-nine hours of advanced training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). At the weekly DBT Team Meeting, Dr. Gearing often presents on psychological testing, specific case consultations on treatment and testing, and new innovative research in the field. He has completed advanced DBT training with Dr. Marsha Linehan’s, the founder and developer of DBT treatment, organization Behavioral Tech including:

– Getting To The Heart of the Problem; Targeting, Assessing, and Solving Problem Behaviors (Level 2 Training)
– Adapting Your DBT Program for Substance Use Disorders or DBT-SUD (Level 4 Training)

In addition, Dr. Milton Gearing is enrolled in the following upcoming trainings (as of November 2019):

– DBT Intensive Team Training (Level 3 Training) – January 2020

Dr. Gearing’s highly respected programs in parenting and effective communication with emotionally dysregulated children and teens have won him a wide following in the Dallas area. He collaborated with his wife, Dr. Sylvia Gearing, in writing and presenting the Growing Families Strong program to support modern parents. Their innovative program combines key elements of the Collaborative Parenting Program, principles of Mindfulness Training, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).

Dr. Gearing has been married to Dr. Sylvia Gearing for over thirty-seven years. The Gearings have two grown sons and a wonderful daughter in law. Their younger son, Chris Gearing, is the CEO of Gearing Up Counseling Centers, Inc. and oversees all marketing, financial, and business matters for the clinic. Dr. Gearing’s older son, Charles, is a commercial litigation attorney in Dallas and his daughter in law, Rachael, is an attorney specializing in health care law.

Antonette Anuwe, M.A., L.P.A.

Antonette Anuwe offers a diverse array of psychological assessment and professional counseling services. Joining Gearing Up in 2015, she brings excellent experience from psychiatric settings, educational environments, and psychologist offices specializing in forensic services and psychological assessments for children, adolescents, and adults. Antonette has completed extensive training in the administration and scoring of psychological testing, intellectual and educational testing, and professional report writing. In 2016, she completed an advanced training program in projective personality testing and is now working under the supervision of Gearing Up Clinical Director, Dr. Milton Gearing.

Antonette has a passion to help children and teens. In previous positions, she worked with children struggling with both developmental and social challenges. In that capacity, she conducted play therapy and group activities and games geared toward enhancing social skills. In addition, Antonette provided education to their parents to help them support their child’s continued social and emotional development.

Educated at two of the most prominent universities in Texas, Baylor University and Texas A&M University, Antonette has developed an intense and unwavering interest in professional excellence. At Baylor, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Child and Family Studies. She graduated with her Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Texas A&M at Corpus Christi.

Specializations and Experience In:
• Psychological Evaluation and Assessment
• Adult Individual Therapy
• Adolescent Individual Therapy
• Child Individual Therapy
• Adolescent Group Therapy
• Mood Disorders (Depression/Anxiety)
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Complex Trauma Disorder
• Bipolar Disorders
• Panic and Social Anxiety
• Mindfulness Training
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorders
• Anger Management
• Grief and Loss
• Diagnosing Social Skills Deficits
• Social Skills Training
• Parenting Training and Consultation
• Family Conflict Issues

Specialized Training In:
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) – completed over 55 hours of advanced DBT training, co-lead for 100’s of hours of DBT group sessions
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) – Certified
• Complex Trauma Disorder
• Traumatic Stress Disorder in Children and Adolescents (ARC)

Among Antonette’s many accomplishments are the following:
• Bachelors of Science in Psychology, Child and Family Studies (minor) from Baylor University
• Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology, Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi
• Member of PSI CHI International Honor Society In Psychology

Alisha Garcia, M.S., L.P.C.

Alisha Garcia brings a fresh perspective, professional enthusiasm, and her soothing demeanor to her clients at Gearing Up. She is a supportive and engaged clinician who strives to make therapy not only warm and nurturing for her clients but also highly effective. She has worked in a variety of outpatient and inpatient settings in her early career and has crafted an excellent approach to complex counseling issues with children, adolescents, and adults.

Prior to joining Gearing Up, Alisha developed her psychotherapy skills in a broad array of psychiatric settings. Recently, she was a program specialist at the prestigious Excel Center in Fort Worth. She led groups for children and adolescents to teach them effective coping skills to use at home and at school. She coached them on understanding and implementing these skills in the real world and helped them to decrease their emotional distress and self-sabotaging behaviors.

At Millwood Hospital, Alisha was an intake specialist where she conducted intake assessments, individual therapy, and group therapy on a weekly basis. She regularly dealt with emergency psychiatric and crisis stabilization issues in an inpatient setting. Alisha has also been an early intervention specialist in a well-known public agency where she provided individual therapy for children and family therapy for both children and adults.

Specializations and Experience In:
• Child Individual Therapy
• Adolescent Individual Therapy
• Adult Individual Therapy
• Marital Therapy
• Family Therapy
• Parent Training and Consultation
• Mood Disorders (Depression/Anxiety)
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Complex Trauma Disorder
• Bipolar Disorders
• Phobias
• Panic Attacks
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorders
• Oppositional and Defiant Children
• Defiant Teens
• Anger Management
• Grief and Loss
• Divorce Grief
• Family Conflict Issues

Specialized Training In:
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) – completed over 55 hours of advanced DBT training
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
• Marriage and Family Therapy

Among Alisha’s many accomplishments are the following:
• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Texas Wesleyan University
• Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Texas Wesleyan University
• Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas

Mariana Gonzalez, LPC-A

Under Supervision with June Holcomb, LPC-S, LCDC and Melissa Woods, LPC-S, LPA

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Brandi Herzog, M.A., L.P.C., L.C.D.C, A.T.R..

Brandi Herzog offers a wealth of experience and dedication to her counseling clients and their families. With the combination of her counseling skills and her expertise as an experienced art therapist, Brandi delivers an integrated approach to the counseling experience. In mental health, integrated approaches that combine state of the art counseling approaches with other therapeutic approaches such as art and music therapy, yoga, and nutritional classes enhance healing from trauma, depression and anxiety and can increase relapse prevention. Brandi’s professional expertise includes extensive experience in complex trauma, post traumatic stress disorder and addiction issues. In addition, she is a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) and has a strong background in substance abuse and addictions. Brandi is also a licensed as a National Art Therapist by the American Art Therapy Association.

With the Gearing Up treatment team, Brandi strives to design the most effective and compassionate treatment approach with her clients. She is an active member of the Gearing Up Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) treatment team and meets weekly with the team to consult on cases, review updates in DBT and to learn about other topics in psychology. Brandi is skilled in using DBT to facilitate mastery of the fundamental coping skills including mindfulness training, distress tolerance skills and emotion regulation skills. Her work using DBT helps clients implement the key skills that lead to more effective solutions, better decision-making and deeper connections with others. All of these important steps in therapy help her clients build a life worth living. After having completed an additional fifty hours of advanced education in DBT, Brandi now co-leads the Growing Boys’ Strong DBT group with Dr. Sylvia Gearing.

Brandi’s professional experience includes extensive experience in individual and group therapy in inpatient and residential settings. In these settings, Brandi has led multiple groups on a weekly basis using an art therapy approach. She conducted individual therapy and coordinated care with physicians and psychologists and other mental health professionals. In an Advocacy Center for Crime Victims, Brandi has also counseled both children and adults who were victims of violent crimes including sexual abuse, neglect and trauma. In this setting she conducted group therapy, art therapy, substance abuse counseling and assisted parents in developing more effective parenting skills.

Brandi graduated with a bachelor of arts in Studio Art from acclaimed Baylor University. She earned her Master of Art in Art Therapy and Counseling from Southwestern College in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She earned the prestigious designations of Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) in the State of Texas.

Specializations and Experience In:
• Adult Individual Therapy
• Adolescent Individual Therapy
• Child Individual therapy
• Substance Abuse Evaluation & Addiction Counseling
• Family Therapy
• Mood Disorders (Depression/Anxiety)
• Addictions
• Substance Abuse
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Complex Trauma Disorder
• Bipolar Disorders
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorders
• Defiant Teens
• Anger Management
• Attention Deficit Disorder
• Grief and Loss
• Divorce Grief
• Family Conflict Issues

Specialized Training In:
• Art Therapy
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) – completed over 55 hours of advanced DBT training
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

Among Brandi’s many accomplishments are the following:
• Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art from Baylor University
• Master of Arts in Art Therapy and Counseling from Southwestern College, Santa Fe, New Mexico
• Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas
• Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor
• Licensed National Art Therapist by American Art Therapy Association

June Holcomb, M.A., L.P.C., L.C.D.C.

June Holcomb is a talented and highly skilled counselor who has devoted her life to mastering the science and art of professional counseling. She brings vast experience in mood disorders, addictions, crisis intervention, trauma, personality disorders, individual counseling and assessments, and marital and couples counseling. She is an enthusiastic and welcoming counselor who sincerely meets her clients where they are and moves them forward to success. She works hard to understand her client’s goals and ambitions while remaining focused on the practical steps that they must take to achieve their dreams.

Prior to joining Gearing Up, June was an intensive outpatient substance abuse counselor for the Dallas County Community Supervision and Corrections Department. Following her work in substance abuse at the CSCD, she became the clinical team leader for Transicare where she supervised a team of case managers. Her team was charged with providing assessments and counseling for inmates in the Dallas County Crisis Services Project. June has been credited with training, mentoring, and overseeing a clinical team that has greatly reduced recidivism in the corrections system and has improved the mental health of their clients.

June graduated from the University of North Texas with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Shortly after, she earned her Master of Arts in Professional Counseling at Amberton University. She has earned the prestigious designation of Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the State of Texas.

Specializations and Experience In:
• Adult Individual Therapy
• Adolescent Individual Therapy
• Substance Abuse & Addiction Counseling
• Marital/Couples Counseling
• Family Therapy
• Mood Disorders (Depression/Anxiety)
• Addictions
• Substance Abuse
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Complex Trauma Disorder
• Bipolar Disorders
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorders
• Defiant Teens
• Anger Management
• Attention Deficit Disorder
• Grief and Loss
• Divorce Grief
• Marital/Couple Issues
• Family Conflict Issues

Among June’s many accomplishments are the following:
• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of North Texas
• Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Amberton University
• Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas

Jean-Pierre Lafont, LPC-A

Under Supervision with June Holcomb, LPC-S, LCDC and Melissa Woods, LPC-S, LPA

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Tammera McClenton, M.A., L.P.C.

Finding the right counselor can sometimes feel like a never-ending struggle. A counselor who approaches psychotherapy as a serious and sacred relationship is rare, let alone one that approaches their work with a dedication to offering the most advanced therapy tools and strategies in the industry. Tammera McClenton brings all of these qualities and more to her therapy practice. She offers not only an insightful perspective; she is also dedicated to assisting you in building the life that you envision. Compassionate, knowledgeable, and dedicated, she uses her counseling acumen to help direct and assist you in not only learning about more effective coping skills, but also integrating, mastering, and using those skills in moments of adversity.

Tammera helps her clients articulate and realize their vision of the life they wish to live. To achieve that goal, she helps her clients build new coping strategies that lead to improved mood regulation, enhanced ability to tolerate frustration and disappointments, a renewed ability to stay focused and effective even when we are upset, and a self confidence that leads to much more positive outcomes in life. Decision making improves, resilience skills increase, and relationships will deepen as her clients become more emotionally calm and regulated.

Generous with her validation, focus, and presence, Tammera provides a rewarding therapy experience that is soothing, dependable, and reassuring. Clients are able to fully understand the origins of their challenges, the steps that they need to take to resolve them, and the changes they need to make in the future to embrace those improvements permanently. Throughout the therapy process, Tammera always remains supportive, compassionate, and professional as her clients continue to integrate skills and complete their treatment goals.

Tammera has experience in mood disorders (depression and anxiety), child and adolescent issues, family issues, and clinical issues related to adult challenges. She is in the process of completing fifty-five hours of advanced education in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and a certification in Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy. She is also completing a clinical certification in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She is an active member of the DBT team at Gearing Up.

Tammera graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Pastoral Christian Ministry from Oral Roberts University. She earned her Masters of Arts in Christian Counseling from Oral Roberts University. She is a fully accredited Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the State of Texas.

Specializations and Experience In:
• Adult Individual Therapy
• Adolescent Individual Therapy
• Child Individual Therapy
• Group Therapy
• Mood Disorders (Depression/Anxiety)
• Trauma conditions
• Defiant Teens
• Anger Management
• Attention Deficit Disorder
• Grief and Loss
• Divorce Issues
• Family Conflict Issues

Specialized Training In:
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) (Fifty-Five hours) (in process)
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Certification (in process)
• Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) Certification (in process)

Among Tammera’s many accomplishments are the following:
• Master of Arts in Christian Counseling, Oral Roberts University
• Bachelor of Science in Pastoral Christian Ministry, Oral Roberts University
• Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas

Dr. Nathalie Martinez Raper, Ph.D., M.A., L.P.C.

Nathalie Martinez Raper is a congenial and talented Licensed Professional Counselor with extensive experience working with children, teens, and adults in a variety of settings. She establishes rapport quickly and is both perceptive and engaging during her client’s sessions. Her humility and kindness are prominent characteristics and help her clients feel both comfortable and supported as they work through the issues in their lives. She is attentive, compassionate, and accurate with her observations and interventions.

In keeping with the Gearing Up dedication to educational excellence, Nathalie has completed fifty five hours of advanced training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). She is also completing her doctorate in Family Therapy at Texas Women’s University. She is very interested in working with families in resolving conflict, improving communication, and renewing the bonds of family connection and intimacy.

Nathalie has a central professional interest in trauma and has trained in both Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and in Complex Trauma. She is dedicated to helping her clients overcome the long term problems caused by single episode or complex repetitive traumas. Traumatized people often experience emotional turmoil, the inability to maintain a cohesive sense of self, hypersensitivity to others, an inability to express and use emotions effectively, emotional withdrawal, and more. Many of us who have been traumatized struggle with finding balance in emotions and we often feel vulnerable and hyper emotional without understanding why. Addictions, eating disorders, remaining consistently engaged in work and home, chronic mood swings, and more are all characteristics of unresolved trauma. Nathalie equips her clients with a library of coping skills and strategies specifically built for traumatized victims to manage their lives effectively.

Prior to joining Gearing Up, she worked as a behavioral skills trainer at an autism center. As a counseling intern she worked in a variety of settings including Hope’s Door, Children’s Advocacy Center, and the Texas Women’s University Counseling and Family Therapy Clinic. Most recently, she was a therapist at Dallas Behavioral Healthcare Hospital.

Specializations and Experience In:
• Child Individual Therapy
• Adolescent Individual Therapy
• Adult Individual Therapy
• Applied Behavioral Analysis
• Marital Therapy
• Family Therapy
• Parent Training and Consultation
• Mood Disorders (Depression/Anxiety)
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Complex Trauma Disorder
• Bipolar Disorders
• Phobias
• Panic Attacks
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorders
• Oppositional and Defiant Children
• Defiant Teens
• Anger Management Issues
• Grief and Loss
• Divorce Grief
• Domestic Violence Recovery
• Family Conflict Issues

Among Nathalie’s many accomplishments are the following:
• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, the University of California at Riverside
• Master of Arts in Community Counseling, Argosy, University
• Doctoral Degree in Family Therapy, Texas Women’s University
• Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas

Princess Parker, LPC-A

Under Supervision with June Holcomb, LPC-S, LCDC and Melissa Woods, LPC-S, LPA

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Kaylynn Root, LPC, LCDC

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Maggie Smith, LPC-A

A warm and poised therapist, Maggie Smith, LPC-Associate, comes to Gearing Up with not only an excellent academic background, but also with outstanding experience in working with children and teens in both an outpatient setting and a day treatment center.

During her time at Children’s Health in Dallas, she worked with clients in the four-day treatment groups. Maggie ran these groups and worked closely with children and teens in learning more effective coping skills and strategies. There were two groups that included children ages five to eleven and two groups that included teens ages twelve to seventeen. In addition, she also was a part of a treatment team that met daily to assist client’s daily progress in meeting their treatment goals and building their clinical tool box. She was also able to assist parents directly with learning how to relate to their children more effectively, and she observed and trained with more senior clinicians conducting family sessions.

Maggie also worked at the well-known Child Advocacy Center while completing her practicum. This invaluable experience included managing 8-12 clients every week, assisting with CPS home visits, and providing childcare for children at the center.

Maggie’s Experience Includes:
• Child Individual Therapy
• Adolescent Individual Therapy
• Adult Individual Therapy
• Group Therapy
• Family Therapy
• Patient Assessment
• Mood Disorders (Depression/Anxiety)
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Complex Trauma Disorder
• Bipolar Disorders
• Phobias
• Panic Attacks
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorders
• Anger Management
• Grief and Loss

Specialized Training In:
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) – currently enrolled in the prestigious Foundational DBT training over the summer of 2022, to be completed by September 2022
• Trauma and Complex Trauma – currently enrolled in 48 hour long Certification Program with a world expert, to be completed in Fall 2022

Among Maggie’s many accomplishments are the following:
• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from The University of Oklahoma (graduated with distinction)
• Master’s in Counseling from The University of North Texas (4.0 GPA)
• Licensed Professional Counselor – Associate in Texas
• Under Supervision with June Holcomb, LPC-S, LCDC and Melissa Woods, LPC-S, LPA

Omari Smith, LPC

Thoughtful, well-spoken, and compassionate, Omari Smith is an engaging counselor who specializes in working with children, adolescents, and adults. Skilled in creating a comfortable, non-judgmental atmosphere, Omari is understanding and kind in his approach. Validating and warm, Omari is dedicated to the highest quality of care and works hard to meet and surpass client expectations every day.

Omari brings tremendous talent and a solid academic background to Gearing Up’s clientele. While offering his clients hope that lasting change is possible, he also reminds them that they must be patient and focused as they learn new coping skills. By engaging his clients in learning the invaluable skills taught at Gearing Up, he coaches his clients how to weave these new skills into their daily lives. These life changing lessons renew their investment in therapy and restore their hope in building a better life.

Omari’s expertise comes from years of graduate study at some of the top clinical programs in the area. He attended the University of Texas at Arlington for his undergraduate degree in psychology. He soon followed up by earning his masters at Tarleton State University. In addition, he has many years of experience working in schools, clinics, and hospitals in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. He worked for several years at the well-known Dallas Behavioral Hospital. He provided group, individual, and family therapy sessions to children, adolescents, and adults on a daily basis.

Omari worked with clients throughout their entire hospital stay overseeing their care from beginning to end. He taught them problem solving and decision-making skills during their hospital residence, and he also conducted psychosocial assessments and crisis intervention sessions. Omari assisted clients in determining treatment goals and implementing treatment plans to take steps toward those goals. Before they were discharged, he worked with clients to ensure a smooth transition to a less intensive level of treatment and coordinated their ongoing care with their new clinician. After discharge, he oversaw patient satisfaction surveys to confirm quality treatment for clients and excellent customer service throughout their stay. In addition to all of those responsibilities, he mentored practicum students who were training at the hospital.

Omari is currently enrolled in the Foundational Training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) with Marsha Linehan’s institute, BehavioralTech (as of January 2021). This prestigious and intense training is equipping him with the latest research, skills, and strategies in DBT in an estimated 80-hour course over multiple months. As a staff clinician, Omari will be working directly with Dr. Sylvia Gearing in learning all of the facets of DBT that she has mastered over years of training and experience, and he will assist her in teaching weekly DBT Skills groups. He is a valued member of the Gearing Up DBT team and meets weekly with senior staff to review client care issues, implement innovative solutions, and discover ways to improve client services.

Specializations and Experience In:
• Child Individual Therapy
• Adolescent Individual Therapy
• Adult Individual Therapy
• Group Therapy
• Family Therapy
• Patient assessment
• Crisis Intervention
• Mood Disorders (Depression/Anxiety)
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Complex Trauma Disorder
• Bipolar Disorders
• Phobias
• Panic Attacks
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorders
• Anger Management
• Grief and Loss

Specialized Training In:
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) – currently enrolled in Foundational DBT training with Marsha Linehan’s institute, BehavioralTech
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)–is completing his advanced training in this area of expertise

Among Omari’s many accomplishments are the following:
• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from University of Texas at Arlington
• Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from Tarleton State University
• Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas

Tasha Willens, LPC

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Melissa Woods, M.A., L.P.C.-S., L.P.A.

Melissa Woods is an extraordinarily accomplished counselor. She has a reputation for outstanding and innovative work with children, adolescents, and adults. She has been a counselor with Gearing Up for over eleven years and holds the designation of Director of Child & Adolescent Services. She is a gifted and seasoned clinician who enjoys a superlative reputation as one of the best counselors in North Texas.

Prior to joining Gearing Up, Melissa worked at the Dallas County Juvenile Department as a Psychology Assistant on the Psychological Evaluation Team. In this capacity, she worked with acclaimed senior psychologists from UT Southwestern Medical School in evaluating hundreds of children and teens. She became an expert in adolescent psychological evaluation, interviewing, and clinical treatment.

In addition, Melissa is an experienced clinician in the treatment of traumatic stress in children and adolescents. She has studied the ARC system (Attachment, Self Regulation and Competence) and uses this cutting edge system in the evaluation and treatment of children and teens at Gearing Up. Melissa has also completed fifty-five hours of advanced training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).

Fluent in Spanish and equipped with twenty years of clinical experience, Melissa possesses a keen understanding of a variety of psychological disorders, treatments and therapies. As a forensic evaluator, she has evaluated hundreds of adolescents, adults, and their families for court. In addition, Melissa has spearheaded Family Training Programs, Anger Management Programs for individuals and families, and has conducted therapy and assessments in Spanish for many years.

Specializations, Experience, and Training:
• Individual Therapy With Adolescents
• Individual Therapy With Men and Women
• Traumatic Stress in Children and Adolescents
• Complex Trauma
• Mood Disorders
• Depression and Anxiety
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy – completed over 60 hours of advanced DBT training
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• MBCT – Certified for Adults and Children
• Neuroscience and Yoga in the Treatment of Complex, Developmental or Repeated trauma.
• Trauma Informed Yoga Therapy
• ADHD Assessments
• Family Therapy
•

Psychological Assessments In:
• Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD)
• Learning Disabilities
• Educational Testing
• Psychological Testing
• Projective Testing

Melissa’s many accomplishments include the following:
• B.A. in Psychology, with a Minor in Spanish, Baylor University
• Masters of Arts in Counseling, The University of North Texas
• Licensed Member of the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors.
• Licensed Member of the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors
• Licensed Member of the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors as an LPC Supervisor
• Dallas County Juvenile Department Employee of the Year–Psychological Services, 1999
• Dallas County Juvenile Department Employee of the Month, February 1999.
• Dallas County Juvenile Department–Psychology Division, Staff, 1997 to March 2007
• Early Childhood Intervention Therapy Group for Children (ages 3-12)
• Conducts Therapy and Assessments in Spanish
• Managed High Volume Referrals for Psychological Intervention in Psychological Department at the Dallas County Juvenile Department
• Clinical Supervisor for Interns Completing the Masters Degree at the University of North Texas and Southern Methodist University
Clinical Supervisor of L.P.C. Interns