AMA Behavioral Therapy welcomes D. Michelle Ruiz-Deal, LPC.
“I believe that each person is doing the best that they can now; however, sometimes they need new tools to be even better. I am a firm believer that you, the client, have the most knowledge about yourself, and I see my role as a facilitator to help you finding resolution for your major issues. Sometimes I will help you process, other times provide coaching, and other times give you new tools, but in every case, I will never judge you.
I will, also, help you to let go of the judgments that you impose on yourself. In my opinion, the strength of the partnership that you and I form will be the biggest indicator of change for you. The combination of training and experience has prepared me to work with anxiety, PTSD, depression, LGBTQ issues, veteran issues, substance abuse, and major mental illnesses. I come from a background of CBT, which focuses on reframing thoughts and DBT where we leverage your strengths and develop better emotional control and communication skills, and crisis management. I have been training in Prolonged Exposure for PTSD for combat, noncombat and sexual trauma.
I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish from Florida State University and Master’s degree in Counseling and Guidance from Texas A&M San Antonio. In addition, I am a native speaker of Spanish, and have an understanding of the military life gained from life as a dependent. My unique background has prepared me to work with clients from diverse backgrounds.
