(214)-256-6324

Family Therapy

Family therapy is a form of psychological counseling that focuses on improving communication and resolving conflicts within family relationships. This therapeutic approach considers the family as a system, emphasizing the interdependence and interconnectedness of its members. Family therapists work with individuals, couples, and entire families to address issues such as communication breakdowns, dysfunctional patterns, and unresolved conflicts. 

Family therapy is useful for   a wide range of issues, including marital conflicts, parent-child relationships, blended family dynamics, coping with major life transitions, and more. Family therapy can be a valuable resource for individuals and families seeking to strengthen their connections and foster a healthier family environment. 

Benefits of Family Therapy 

  • Improved Communication 
  • Conflict Resolution 
  • Enhanced Understanding of family members’ perspectives 
  • Behavioral Changes 
  • Support During Life’s Transitions and Changes 
  • Strengthened Relationships 
  • Crisis Intervention 
  • Promotion of Individual Growth 
  • Healthy Boundaries 
  • Coping Skills Development 
  • Prevention of Future Issues 
  • Positive Impact on Children 

EMDR

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapeutic approach designed to alleviate distress associated with traumatic memories and experiences. Developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, EMDR has gained recognition as an effective treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related conditions. 

The core principle of EMDR involves bilateral stimulation, typically achieved through guided horizontal eye movements, auditory tones, or tactile sensations. During an EMDR session, the individual is guided to recall distressing memories while simultaneously experiencing these bilateral stimuli. This process is believed to help with the experiencing of traumatic memories, enabling the person to live life with them in a less distressing way. 

 EMDR aims to assist the brain in effectively processing and integrating traumatic memories, thereby reducing emotional distress and associated symptoms. 

EMDR has been found effective not only for PTSD but also for a range of conditions such as anxiety, depression, and phobias. It is widely used in individual therapy, and its structured protocol allows for flexibility in addressing various types of trauma. While the process is not fully understood, EMDR has become a well-established and evidence-based therapeutic approach for individuals seeking relief from the impact of traumatic experiences. 

Benefits of EMDR  

  • Effective Trauma Treatment 
  • Rapid Results 
  • Reduced Emotional Distress 
  • Integration of Traumatic Memories 
  • Applicable to a variety of issues causing distress 
  • Client Empowerment 
  • Holistic Approach 
  • Minimal Reliving of Trauma 
  • Long-lasting Effects 
  • Applicable to Diverse Populations 
  • Evidence-Based Practice 

Individual Counseling

Individual counseling, also known as one-on-one therapy or psychotherapy, is a therapeutic process where an individual works privately with a trained mental health professional. This collaborative and confidential relationship is focused on addressing personal challenges, emotional issues, and facilitating personal growth. During individual counseling sessions, clients can explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in a safe and supportive environment. The therapist helps clients gain insight into their concerns, develop coping strategies, and work towards positive changes in their lives. 

Benefits of Individual Counseling: 

  • Personalized Attention 
  • Confidentiality 
  • Self-Exploration 
  • Tailored Treatment Plans 
  • Emotional Support 
  • Coping Skills Development 
  • Goal Setting and Achievement 
  • Problem Solving 
  • Increased Self-Esteem 
  • Behavioral Changes 
  • Crisis Intervention 
  • Improved Relationships 
  • Holistic Approach 

    Our Individual and Family Therapy Team

    Kevin Goodnight, MS, BCBA, LBA - Director of Counseling

    Kevin Goodnight is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst who has been working with children and adolescents for over 20 years. His career has been dedicated to helping people with Autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders across a variety of environments. He has a Master’s Degree in Psychology Specializing in Applied Behavior Analysis and a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development and Family Studies. Kevin is a husband and father and he loves to travel and play golf in his free time. His focus is helping individuals and their families find hope and joy while improving their quality of life.

    Julie Dyer, MS, LPC

    Julie Dyer is a therapist at Vanguard Preparatory School and is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She is responsible for group therapy and crisis management within the school. Julie has been with Vanguard since 2007 and has worked with children and teens in a therapeutic setting since 2003. She is most interested in helping children feel successful in their environment and also to learn more about themselves and how to collaborate with others. Julie graduated with a Masters Degree in Science in Clinical Psychology from Radford University in Virginia.

    Gaby Glidden MS, LPC, NCC

    Gaby is currently a licensed professional counselor, LPC #86476. Gaby received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Texas A&M University in 2017. Prior to graduating Gaby received her Registered Behavioral Technician certification focusing her work with individuals on the Autism Spectrum and other developmental disabilities. She has experience working in school settings and has a focus on treating the “whole child”. After graduating Texas A&M, she decided to return to school to obtain her master’s in counseling with a focus in children and adolescents from Southern Methodist University (SMU). Her specialties include Play and Activity Therapy, Parent Training, Child Parent Relational Therapy (CPRT), Trauma Focused CBT (TFCBT), anxiety, depression, autism, personal growth, self-esteem, divorce, and sibling interaction. Her goal is to provide an accepting, warm, and supportive environment for her clients to feel safe, heard and valued. Through compassion and empathy, she approaches counseling by viewing each client holistically, understanding what shapes them and their stories.

    DeAnna Brown, BSN, MS, LMFT-Associate, #204852, - Supervised by Jonathan Wilson, Ph.D., MFT-S, #203636

    DeAnna completed a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from Abilene Christian University after spending nearly 25 years as a Registered Nurse and experiencing first-hand the impact of acute & chronic illness on families and relationships. DeAnna’s experience includes facilitating workshops on stress and anger management, conflict resolution, goal setting, and change management, as well as volunteering in the recovery community in the North Texas area for the last 13 years. DeAnna serves individuals aged 13 and up, couples, and families. DeAnna specializes in supporting those with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, grief and life transitions, and those living with the effects of disabilities, and acute and chronic illnesses.  Having experienced her own healing journey, DeAnna is passionate about supporting others in their healing, as well as improving their relationships. DeAnna lives in Sachse, Texas with her husband, Don, and their three dogs. She enjoys spending time with her four children and five grandchildren.

    CONTACT US

    ADDRESS: 

    4901 Lyndon B Johnson FWY Ste 150 

    Dallas, TX 75244

    CLINIC PHONE: 

    (214) 256-6324

    BILLNG PHONE: 

    (214) 853-1373

    FAX: 

    (972) 884-0690

    FACEBOOK

    TWITTER

    INSTAGRAM

    BUSINESS HOURS

    Should a client or client’s family require translation services for assessment, family training, and/or treatment, VCNH will arrange for the necessary translation services or let the client’s family know if it is unable to do so and offer other treatment options.

    ABA & Clinic Hours

    Monday7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
    Tuesday7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
    Wednesday7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
    Thursday7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
    Friday7:30 AM - 5:00 PM

     

    ABA & Clinic Hours

    Monday7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
    Tuesday7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
    Wednesday7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
    Thursday7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
    Friday7:30 AM - 5:00 PM