Hope for Today

Amy Rike is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the states of Texas and Tennessee. She holds a Master's degree in Counseling and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, both from the University of Tennessee. With over 30 years of experience, Amy has dedicated her career to helping adults and adolescents achieve positive changes in their lives. She has worked in diverse treatment settings, including inpatient and outpatient care, providing individual, group, and family therapy.

Amy currently offers virtual therapy sessions exclusively for adult women. Her work focuses on helping clients identify and overcome obstacles that hinder personal growth and fulfillment. These barriers often manifest as negative thought patterns and unproductive behaviors, frequently linked to chronic depression, unmanaged ADHD symptoms, fear and anxiety, untreated childhood or adult trauma, and more frequently addictive behaviors, including sugar and ultra-processed food addiction. All of these are things that can keep you from living the life you know you are capable of living. But there is hope and change is possible!

Amy emphasizes a holistic approach to healing, addressing physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual dimensions of well-being. She employs evidence-based therapeutic techniques, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).

Amy is passionate about helping her clients live the fulfilling lives they are capable of achieving. She believes in the power of hope and the potential for change, no matter the challenges.

Outside of her professional life, Amy enjoys adventure and exploration. In her younger adult years, she relished activities like dirt biking and martial arts. Today, she finds joy in road trips to new and sometimes familiar places, especially to nature-filled destinations far from the bustle of city life. Her faith in God serves as her cornerstone, providing daily strength and gratitude for the privilege of living in this amazing country of ours!

Carolyn Moorman, LPC-S, CSC, is a Licensed Professional Counselor - Supervisor and Certified School Counselor with a deep commitment to fostering personal growth and strong relationships. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Middle Tennessee State University and holds two Master of Arts degrees from Amberton University in Professional Counseling and School Counseling.

Carolyn’s professional journey has been rich and varied. She spent several years at Timberlawn Mental Health Hospital in Dallas, focusing on addiction treatment and family crises. Since 2013, she has worked with families and students in trauma and crisis within the Carrollton/Farmers Branch ISD. Currently, Carolyn has cultivated a thriving private practice, specializing in marital and relationship therapy.

Known for her dynamic and solution-focused style, Carolyn works primarily with couples and adults. Drawing on her extensive training in family systems therapy, she integrates this approach into her sessions, even when working with individual clients. Carolyn firmly believes that meaningful change in relationships is possible, even when only one person is actively working toward it.

Beyond her professional work, Carolyn is an animal activist and enjoys exploring the outdoors with her rescue dogs, Daisy and Lucky Luka. A longtime vegetarian/vegan, she takes pride in her home-baked vegan pies, claiming they’re just as delicious as their traditional counterparts. Carolyn is a self-proclaimed “Mavericks Fan for Life” (MFFL), enjoys photography, and has a soft spot for fried pickles. She finds inspiration in music, her love for animals, her connection with children, and her passion for promoting strong mental health—all of which shape her positive outlook on life.

Carolyn Ray, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Supervisor with years of experience providing therapy and crisis intervention to individuals, families, couples, and groups. She is passionate about helping clients navigate life’s challenges and transitions, believing that everyone can benefit from support during difficult times. Carolyn specializes in working with adults, couples, and families on a variety of issues, including substance abuse, mood and anxiety disorders, stress, anger and conflict management, self-esteem, grief, illness, career concerns, and coping with significant life changes.

Carolyn’s professional journey is rooted in her own experiences with life transitions. Before becoming a therapist, she worked as an insurance executive for a publicly traded corporation. Motivated by her desire to help others heal and grow, she returned to school to pursue her Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington.

Carolyn utilizes a holistic approach, incorporating a variety of evidence-based therapeutic interventions to help clients improve their quality of life and relationships. She is committed to creating a warm, safe, and supportive environment where clients can explore their strengths, find fulfillment, and heal. Her work is grounded in the belief that growth and resilience are achievable for everyone, and she feels honored to guide her clients on their journey.

Outside of her professional life, Carolyn enjoys spending time with her family and their beloved Labradors. She finds peace in gardening, reading, exploring history and genealogy, and is intrigued by the symbolism of lighthouses. Carolyn has an appreciation for art, enjoys visiting museums and galleries, and is particularly drawn to modern, contemporary, and abstract art.

Elaine Duvall, LCSW, NPT-C, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker deeply committed to providing a safe, non-judgmental environment where clients can explore their challenges and develop the skills and insights needed to lead fulfilling, rewarding lives. Understanding that seeking help can be a difficult step, Elaine views the decision to trust her guidance as the first step toward meaningful personal growth. Her diverse life experiences enable her to connect with individuals from all walks of life, appreciating their unique backgrounds, cultures, and concerns.

Elaine earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington, following dual Bachelor’s degrees in Family and Child Development and Psychology from the University of Utah. Her extensive professional background includes experience in psychiatric hospitals, acute care settings, intensive outpatient programs, case management, and private practice.

Elaine specializes in treating depression, anxiety, OCD, chemical dependency, grief, self-esteem issues, and trauma recovery, working with individuals, couples, and families. She uses an eclectic therapeutic approach, incorporating techniques such as Solution-Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Family Systems Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Thought Field Therapy.

Elaine is also certified in Neuropsychotherapy (NPT-C), which integrates neuroscience principles into psychotherapy to help clients change the way they perceive and react to life experiences. This approach empowers clients to set achievable goals and develop problem-solving techniques while taking into account how the brain processes emotions and behaviors. Neuropsychotherapy provides Elaine with tools to address the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of healing, enabling a more holistic and personalized approach to care.

Outside of her professional life, Elaine enjoys traveling and has visited inspiring destinations such as Paris, Prague, Vienna, and Budapest. She finds peace and creativity in flying sailplanes, quilting, reading, and cross-stitching on linen—a harmonious blend of tranquility and artistry that reflects her thoughtful approach to life and therapy.

Jennifer Crisp, LPC, is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 30 years of experience in education and mental health. She holds a Master of Education in School Counseling and a Professional Certificate in Counseling and Development from Lamar University. Jennifer’s extensive background equips her to work effectively with school-age children, adolescents, their parents, and other adults, offering compassionate and skilled support.

Jennifer understands that life and relationships can feel overwhelming, and at times we all need to feel heard, understood, and supported. For some this need may feel particularly acute during challenging moments or after enduring prolonged hardships. Jennifer’s approach emphasizes that no one has to navigate these struggles alone. Through counseling she helps clients feel stronger, heal from past pain, manage intense emotions like sadness, fear, grief, or anger, and move toward their personal goals.

Her areas of focus include anxiety, depression, and self-esteem, behavior and emotional dysregulation, grief and trauma recovery, identity development including support for the LGBTQ+ community, parenting challenges and parent-child relationship dynamics.

Jennifer employs a client-centered approach, tailoring therapy to the individual’s unique needs, experiences, and goals. She integrates techniques from Solution-Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Narrative Therapy, along with psychoeducation to enhance understanding and empowerment.

For children and adolescents Jennifer incorporates play therapy and sand tray therapy, recognizing that younger clients often express their understanding of the world and emotions through activities and creative exploration. She is dedicated to providing a safe and trusting environment where clients can explore their fears, process feelings, and identify strategies to overcome life’s difficulties.

In her downtime, Jennifer treasures family time, especially with her children and grandson. She’s an avid traveler who has explored unforgettable destinations like Rome, Ireland, Puerto Rico, and countless beaches. Jennifer finds peace and joy in nature, enjoys participating in and supporting local Pride events, and values every opportunity to help others thrive.

Kathy Messina serves as the Office Manager and the welcoming face of LifeWorks Counseling. With many years of dedication to the team, Kathy has built strong, meaningful connections with both therapists and clients. She and her team work tirelessly to ensure every client receives personalized care and attention, managing schedules, verifying insurance benefits, and going the extra mile to make your experience at LifeWorks Counseling both professional and comfortable.

Outside the office, Kathy is often found cheering on her son at weekend baseball tournaments. She also loves reading, hiking, traveling, and all things Disney. If you bring up Disney, be prepared—Kathy’s enthusiasm and knowledge may surprise you!

Marissa Hathaway began her therapeutic journey in high school when she realized that a life on Broadway wasn’t her calling. After struggling with depression as an adolescent, she felt a deep desire to help others navigate their mental health challenges, which set her on the path to becoming a therapist.

Marissa takes pride in her authentic, often humorous, and direct-when-needed approach to therapy. She believes that being real in the room is just as important as learning the skills to face life’s challenges. For Marissa, the most important relationship you’ll ever have is the one with yourself, and she strives to help clients cultivate self-compassion as a cornerstone of their healing journey. Her goal is to guide individuals toward becoming more genuine, empowered, and confident versions of themselves.

Marissa is experienced in the therapeutic approaches of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness, and Internal Family Systems (IFS). She is also EMDR-trained and working toward certification. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based therapy effective for treating traumatic memories, long-standing depression, anxiety, self-esteem issues, panic disorder, PTSD, and grief.

Marissa’s ideal clients include individuals dealing with depression and anxiety-related challenges, anger management, grief and loss, significant trauma and childhood trauma, and young adult and coming-of-age issues.

Marissa earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Texas Woman’s University in 2012 and her Master of Science in Counseling and Development in 2015. Her extensive experience includes working in all levels of care, with much of her training rooted in acute psychiatric settings.

Outside of her professional life, Marissa cherishes time spent with her son, often trying new comfort food recipes together. She has a strong affinity for trees, seeing them as symbols of healing, growth, and being rooted. A standout memory for her is visiting Sequoia National Park, where standing next to the majestic General Sherman tree was a humbling and awe-inspiring experience. Known for her big heart, Marissa also finds heart shapes in everyday life, a reflection of her compassion and positivity.

Ever since Myrna Salinas was young, she knew she wanted to pursue a career that made a meaningful difference in people’s lives. This passion led her to begin as an educator and later return to school to earn a Master of Science in Counseling and Development from Texas Woman's University. After obtaining her degree, Myrna transitioned from being a bilingual teacher to a school counselor, a path that eventually brought her to LifeWorks Counseling. She is deeply committed to the well-being of her clients, always going above and beyond to meet their unique needs.

Myrna works with adults, adolescents and children.  Myrna treats and helps individuals presenting with anxiety related disorders; mood disorders; identity and self-esteem; family changes, dysregulation disorder, grief, behavioral issues, ADD/ADHD and behavioral issues.  Myrna’s professional approach is a mix of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), solution-focused techniques and other techniques. She uses a variety of therapeutic modalities tailored to each client’s needs, including play therapy, sand tray therapy, and talk therapy, creating a safe and supportive environment for healing and growth.

Life can be overwhelming and exhausting at times, but Myrna is here to guide you through challenges and help you navigate life’s changes. Her goal is to help clients understand themselves more deeply, develop resilience, and achieve greater emotional well-being. Myrna is bilingual and delighted to offer counseling services in both English and Spanish, ensuring accessibility and comfort for her clients.

When not seeing clients, Myrna enjoys spending time with her husband, Kyle, and their son, David. They often visit family in Myrna’s hometown of Friona, Texas, and are passionate about exploring new restaurants, attending local events, bowling, and spending time outdoors at the park. As a die-hard Cowboys fan, Myrna also loves cheering on her favorite team and sharing the experience with her family.

Sarah Sumpter, LPC, enjoys connecting with people from all walks of life and embracing diverse interests. A lifelong Texan, she has spent most of her time in the Dallas and Austin areas. Sarah earned her Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of North Texas and her Master’s in Counseling from the University of Texas. Before joining LifeWorks Counseling, she worked as a high school counselor and French teacher, bringing a unique blend of empathy and cultural perspective to her practice.

Sarah specializes in working with individuals aged 10 and up, as well as families, providing compassionate and tailored support. As a parent herself, she has firsthand understanding of the unique challenges of parenting and family life in today’s world. Her areas of expertise include ADD/ADHD, anxiety, autism spectrum concerns (both diagnosed and suspected, as well as neurodivergence in general), and depression in its various forms. Sarah is bilingual and delighted to offer counseling services in both English and French, ensuring accessibility and comfort for her clients.

In addition to her therapeutic work, Sarah is a valuable resource for navigating the public education system, offering guidance to students, parents, and employees alike. Her main counseling approaches include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Family Systems Therapy, though she also incorporates elements of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Internal Family Systems (IFS) when beneficial for her clients. Sarah’s integrative style allows her to adapt her techniques to meet each client’s unique needs, fostering growth and resilience.

A dedicated lifelong learner, Sarah is often juggling multiple books at once—typically a mix of therapy resources, novels, and true crime. She is married and a proud mom to two teen/pre-teen boys, as well as two spirited Australian Cattle Dogs. Her love for live music spans all genres, and she occasionally plays piano and viola herself.

To stay active, Sarah enjoys long walks with her dogs, barre and Pilates classes, and practicing beginner’s gentle flow yoga. She’s passionate about traveling whenever possible and cherishes time spent with friends and family.

Fun facts about Sarah: Nature is her sanctuary, and she’s always on the hunt for her next spicy food fix!

Claire Cotton has been working in counseling since 2019. Originally from a small town in west Texas, she has spent most of her adult life in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, with a two-year chapter in the Northeast where she completed her education. Claire earned her M.Ed. in Counseling and Student Affairs from Texas Christian University and later pursued additional coursework to obtain her LPC licensure at Kean University in New Jersey.

Claire works with pre-adolescents, teens, and adults, providing personalized and compassionate mental health care. As a certified yoga instructor, she incorporates relaxation techniques and mindfulness into her sessions, offering clients practical tools to manage stress and improve emotional well-being.

Claire’s journey to becoming a counselor was shaped by her own experiences with mental health challenges. Having faced depression, anxiety, and significant life transitions, she developed a deep sense of empathy and compassion for others navigating similar struggles. This personal understanding drives her dedication to helping individuals overcome a wide range of challenges, including trauma, work or academic anxiety, eating disorders, relationship difficulties, anger management, sleep disturbances, depression, substance abuse, low self-esteem, and more. She also enjoys supporting clients with ADHD and those on the Autism Spectrum, offering specialized care to meet their unique needs.

As an LGBTQIA+ allied counselor, Claire is committed to fostering an inclusive and affirming environment where all clients feel heard and respected. Her comprehensive approach empowers individuals to build resilience, gain insight, and achieve lasting personal growth.

Her approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), trauma-informed care, identifying strengths and mindfulness that are tailored to each client's individual needs. She believes in empowering her clients to achieve mental wellness and personal growth through a supportive and collaborative environment where the client’s opinions and values are heard and respected. Claire earned her clinical hours by working in a substance abuse clinic, a clinic that treated eating disorders and working with high school and college students in academic settings. These experiences helped to enhance her counseling skills with both adolescents and adults from varied backgrounds and perspectives.

Outside of work, Claire enjoys hiking, especially in cool, wet weather where crossing water obstacles adds a fun challenge. She’s passionate about the theater, cheering on the Dallas Stars, and supporting her alma mater, TCU’s Horned Frogs. Halloween is her favorite holiday, and she loves combining the spooky season with her hobbies of building Legos and spending time with her rescue pups, Bailey and Wicket. For Claire, being one with nature and celebrating life’s small joys are vital to maintaining balance and happiness.