McKinney Team
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Denise Thornton, LPC-S
Denise is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor, LPC-S in Texas and is certified by the National Board of Certified Counselors (NCC). She graduated from Point Loma Nazarene University with a Bachelors in Liberal Studies with a minor in Psychology, and has Masters in Counseling from Texas A&M Commerce. Over the last 20 years, Denise has helped many people in our community as a teacher, school counselor and a professional counselor.
Denise works in the treatment of mood disorders, depression, stress management, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, parenting, marriage, codependency, infertility, and adoption. She also works with clients to help them find motivation; move through life challenges and changes; reestablish their self-esteem and confidence; as well as find resolution with family conflicts. Denise enjoys working with adolescents, adults, and seniors.
With the many treatment options available, Denise uses a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) and works with diagnosis of PTSD, CPTSD, and trauma. In addition, she uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client Centered Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy to allow clients to meet their desired outcomes. She has extensive practice with the Enneagram, Boundary setting, and Attachment styles to help each client learn more about who they are and how to navigate relationships with other people. Denise has led groups and seminars on topics of mental health first aid, parenting, and infertility.
Passionate about finding connection in relationships, Denise will help you find tranquility and peace in your life. Assisting clients learn new skills and tools to have a happy and healthy outlook is of utmost importance. We can't add quantity to our lives, but we can find quality. Denise is warm and empathetic. She creates a therapy environment of acceptance and support so clients can feel peace and are open to share and do beneficial work.
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RENE HAMPTON, LPC & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Rene is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Texas holding a Master of Arts degree in Counseling from St. Edward’s University in Austin, TX, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from The University of Texas at Dallas. Rene has 15 years of experience in the mental health industry which ranges from private practice, inpatient, IOP and PHP facilities, and utilization management.
Rene has a wealth of experience working with a variety of concerns including Anxiety, ADHD, Depression, Addiction, Codependency, Divorce, OCD, Grief/loss, Life Changes, Mood Disorders, Relationship Issues, School Stressors, Self-Esteem, Suicide Ideation, Stress Management, and Women’s Issues (Such as navigating the transformative stages—midlife. Coping with emotional stress, aging, perimenopause, menopause, changing careers, empty nesting, rediscovering your identity and aging parents.) She enjoys working with teens (13-17), adults, and seniors and brings a warm, authentic, and compassionate approach to therapy.
Rene uses evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), Person-Centered Therapy and Internal Family Systems (IFS). Her clients’ experience improved mental health, coping skills, relationship dynamics, and overall well-being as she helps clients through their individual transformation.
Rene can assist with prioritizing personal needs and breaking barriers from a lifetime of negative affirmations and/or trauma. When clients learn to understand their individual experiences, they can create balance, acceptance, and strength from within. Rene is naturally a reassuring, non-judgmental, and calming person and this inspires clients to achieve inner peace, accountability, and control of their lives which is the ultimate purpose.
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Apryll Sample, LPC
Apryll is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas and is certified by the National Board of Certified Counselors. Apryll obtained her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in trauma and crisis treatment from Walden University and received her Bachelor's of Arts degree in Psychology from Baylor University. She has worked as a clinical therapist in various settings such as crisis treatment centers, community centers, and child advocacy centers. Prior to becoming a therapist, Apryll worked in the mental health field as a case manager serving those with severe and persistent mental health conditions.
Apryll specializes in Trauma, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Sexual Abuse, Suicidal Ideation, Self-Harm behaviors, Depression, Anxiety, Mood Disorders, Multicultural Concerns, LGBTQIA+ Issues, Adjustment Disorders, Relationship Concerns, and Parenting Skills. She enjoys working with children ages 3 and up, adolescents, and adults of all ages.
Apryll understands the importance of individualized treatment as she believes that no two healing journeys are the same. Along with evidenced based treatment modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), she also uses person-centered, solution-focused, and mindfulness approaches to individualize treatment, catering to each client’s unique needs.
Believing that therapy should be a collaborative journey rooted in trust, acceptance, and mutual respect, Apryll’s goal is to create a welcoming and supportive space where accountability and compassion are able to coexist. As a woman within the BIPOC community, she is committed to honoring and embracing diversity in all its forms. She hopes to create a nurturing environment where your unique experiences and perspectives are genuinely valued and where you are encouraged to be your authentic self throughout your therapeutic journey.
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Michelle Bermudez, LPC
Michelle is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Texas, holding a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University. She began her career with different organizations that focused on supporting families healing from trauma. She looks forward to bringing that experience and compassion in her work here.
Passionate about helping people, Michelle treats individuals struggling with ADHD, Adjustment Disorders, Anxiety, Depression, Attachment Disorders, Autism, Family Conflict, Life Transitions, PTSD, Trauma, Self-esteem, Stress Management, and Women’s Issues. She enjoys working with children (3+), teenagers, young adults, and families.
Michelle’s therapeutic approach is rooted in compassion and collaboration. Dedication and commitment to the client’s well-being are at the core of her practice. She blends several different modalities, including Expressive Arts, Family Therapy, Play Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Talk Therapy. She is also trained in EMDR, which focuses on helping clients process traumatic events.
Clients can expect a genuine passion for helping navigate life’s challenges. When working with children and teens, she works closely with parents to address concerns and questions. Her aim is to empower clients and families to achieve their goals. Whether through play therapy with children or individual counseling for teens and adults, she is committed to fostering growth and healing in a safe, supportive environment.
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Brittany He, LPC, Synergetic Play Therapist
Brittany He, LPC is a licensed trauma-informed clinician and Certified Synergetic Play Therapist with a deep passion for supporting children and adolescents in their emotional growth, healing, and development. With a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling—concentrated in Trauma and Crisis—from Walden University, and a Bachelor's in Communication Studies from the University of Texas at Austin, Brittany blends clinical expertise with a strong foundation in interpersonal communication and multicultural awareness. Her professional journey spans across the United States, Asia, and Africa, contributing to a rich and diverse perspective on mental health care.
Brittany provides trauma-informed care for a diverse range of presenting concerns including Trauma and PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, Self-Harm, Suicidal Ideation, Behavioral and Emotional Dysregulation, Attachment Challenges, Aggression, ADHD, Autism, Crisis Stabilization, Educational and Learning Disabilities, LGBTQIA, Oppositional Defiance, Parenting Issues, Self-Esteem, difficulties related to Life Transitions and Identity Development, and Woman’s Issues. Brittany has experience supporting clients with co-occurring disorders and high-risk behaviors, as well as those navigating complex family systems, IEP-related concerns, and cultural adjustment issues. She works with children (ages 3 to 17), adults, family, and group therapy.
Her therapeutic approach is trauma-informed and culturally sensitive, drawing from evidence-based modalities including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and family systems work. Brittany is a Certified Synergetic Play Therapist, further expanding her capacity to connect with children through creative and neuroscience-informed therapeutic approaches. Her career reflects a lifelong dedication to helping others thrive emotionally, socially, and psychologically, regardless of their circumstances. She offers a compassionate, nonjudgmental space where clients of all ages and backgrounds can feel safe to heal, grow, and thrive.
When you work with Brittany, you can expect a warm, grounded, and collaborative therapeutic space where your experiences are heard and honored without judgment. She approaches therapy with deep compassion, cultural humility, and a strong commitment to trauma-informed care. Her work is guided by values of safety, authenticity, empowerment, and curiosity—and believes in meeting clients where they are, helping them build insight, resilience, and tools for long-term emotional well-being. Brittany’s goal is to help you not just manage symptoms, but to reconnect with your strengths, improve relationships, and move forward with confidence and clarity.
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Ansu Thomas, LPC
Ansu is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas with a deep passion for helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with compassion, authenticity, and understanding. She earned her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of North Texas and her Bachelor’s in Psychology, with minors in Disability Studies and Linguistics, from the University of Texas at Arlington. With experience in both private practice and structured therapeutic settings—including Partial Hospitalization (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)—Ansu has worked extensively with adolescents, young adults, and adults in both group and individual therapy.
She specializes in supporting clients facing Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Trauma and Abuse, Adverse Childhood Experiences, Grief and Loss, Stress Management, Life Transitions, Attachment and Relationship Challenges, and Multicultural Identity Exploration. Ansu values helping clients uncover the connections between their past and present, exploring how intergenerational trauma, cultural experiences, and personal beliefs shape their emotional well-being. She is committed to creating a space where clients of all backgrounds feel heard, validated, and empowered in their healing journey.
Ansu’s approach is tailored to each client’s unique needs, drawing from evidence-based modalities such as Person-Centered Therapy, EMDR, CBT, and DBT. She integrates expressive arts, art therapy, play therapy, psychoeducation, mindfulness, and meditation practices to encourage self-reflection and healing in creative and meaningful ways. Through these approaches, she helps clients gain insight, develop coping strategies, and move toward the version of themselves they aspire to be.
With warmth, empathy, and a firm belief in each person’s capacity for growth, Ansu provides a therapeutic space where clients can process emotions, set healthy boundaries, and rewrite narratives that no longer serve them. She believes therapy should be a space where clients feel safe to make mistakes, embrace their journey, and celebrate their progress—because no one has life all figured out, and we’re all doing the best we can. Ansu is here to walk alongside you, offering support, guidance, and the reassurance that healing is possible.
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Sarah Autry, LCSW-S
Sarah is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Supervisor (LCSW-S) in the State of Texas holding a Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of North Texas. She began her career as a medical social worker in hospice and end-of-life care and has also worked in inpatient psychiatric settings. She has extensive experience in crisis intervention as well, which makes her an asset to clients who are experiencing the full range of complex emotions and concerns.
She has a wealth of knowledge in the treatment of Anxiety, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Chronic Illness & Pain, Codependency, Complex PTSD, Crisis Intervention, Depression, Domestic Violence & Abuse, Grief, Loss, & Bereavement, Post-Partum Concerns, Self Esteem, Sexual Abuse, School Issues, Suicidal Ideation/Self Harm, Substance Use, and Trauma/PTSD. She is particularly passionate about working with children ages 10 and up, adults, women, and civil service professionals. Sarah also speaks Spanish fluently.
Sarah takes a person-centered approach to therapy and utilizes a variety of treatment modalities to help her clients navigate their wellness journeys. These modalities include but are not limited to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness and Eclectic approaches.
With unwavering compassion and empathy, Sarah works diligently to empower her clients. She takes a strengths-based approach and is dedicated to helping individuals explore and address their past or present distressing thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Her primary goal is to create a space for clients to focus on the present and move forward in their journey towards a fulfilling and positive destination.
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Tamara Addis, LPC
Tamara is a Licensed Professional Counselor, with licenses in Texas and Colorado. She holds a Master of Education degree in Counseling from the University of North Texas and a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas A&M University.
Amongst Tamara's areas of expertise are the treatment of Anxiety, Depression, PTSD/ Trauma, Bipolar, Borderline Personality Disorder, Mood Disorders, Self-Esteem, Stress, Grief, Life Transitions, Physical Abuse, Sexual Abuse, Self-Harm, Suicidal Ideation, Substance Use, Traumatic Brain Injury, Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Parenting Issues, Family System Issues and Relationship Issues. Tamara enjoys working with teens, adults, seniors, couples, and families.
Tamara has a very diverse work background including leading intensive experiential counseling for women’s retreats, school counseling and private practice. She uses EMDR, Solution-Focused Therapy, CBT, DBT, Experiential Therapy, Gottman Level 1, to create an integrated, adaptive methodology to help guide her clients through their personal journey of healing.
Tamara has a passion for helping clients address challenges and create new paths to independent happiness. Together you will uncover an array of personal belief systems, habits, doubts, and determine what you would like your future to be. Your voice will be heard, positive change will occur, and you will find the freedom you deserve.
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Jacob Pritchard, LPC
Jacob is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas and Illinois, holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Master’s degree in Clinical & Community Mental Health Psychology from Western Illinois University. Jacob has worked as a therapist in a variety of settings, such as boarding schools, children’s homes, and private practice.
Jacob is experienced in treating a wide array of concerns, such as Addictive Disorders, Adoption Concerns, Alcohol & Chemical Dependency, Anger Management, Anxiety, ADHD/ADD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Antisocial Personality Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Chronic Illness, Depression, Divorce Issues, Domestic Violence & Abuse, Eating Disorders, Grief & Loss, Infertility, Infidelity, LGBTQIA+ Concerns, Marital & Pre-Marital Concerns, Men’s Issues, Narcissistic Personality Disorder, OCD, ODD, Self Esteem, Self Harming, Sexual Abuse, Stress Management, Substance Use, Suicidal Ideation, Trauma & PTSD. Jacob works with adolescents (age 16 and up), adults, and couples.
Jacob’s therapeutic conceptualization is built primarily on the concepts of Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). He also utilizes interventions from Narrative Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, Logotherapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT.) His work is built on a foundation of Rogerian Humanistic Theory but the approach he uses for each client is largely based on what works best for the client and elicits the best response.
Jacob believes that the therapeutic relationship is built on a concept of trust in a non-judgmental environment. The goal is to formulate the idea that therapy’s purpose is not to achieve perfection but to enhance the “toolbox” that clients can utilize in adverse situations. Jacob is direct and focused on working toward a resolution with his clients.