top of page

Our Therapists

Heather Hester Headshot.JPG

Heather Hester M.S., LCSW-S

Founder and Clinical Director

Education:

Heather Hester is a licensed clinical social worker-supervisor (Texas License #63127) who is fluent in Spanish and has extensive experience working with individuals of all ages, including children, teens, and adults. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Texas Woman’s University in Denton, TX, and a Master’s degree in Social Work from Texas A&M Commerce in Commerce, TX.

Heather's expertise lies in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, which is recognized by the World Health Organization as a highly effective method of treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). She is an Approved EMDRIA Consultant in Training and is actively working towards becoming a Consultant. Heather is adept at using various therapeutic approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Trauma Focused - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), mindfulness-based therapy, grief counseling, family systems, crisis intervention, and trauma treatment. Currently, Heather is offering EMDR therapy exclusively.

Experience:

Heather is an experienced social work educator, having taught at the university level for the TWU-UNT joint Master of Social Work degree program. She has also supervised both bachelor and master-level social workers since 2016. Heather specializes in working with teens and young adults, including individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Approach:

Heather's approach is rooted in empathy and non-judgment. She meets each client where they are and walks with them through their journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Heather is highly skilled in helping clients overcome various challenges, such as trauma, abuse, neglect, self-harming behaviors, physical aggression, depression, anxiety, grief, loss, relational issues, adjustment difficulties, developmental delays, and insecurities.

Get Started Today:

If you are seeking a supportive and skilled therapist to help you overcome life challenges, then look no further than Heather Hester. To schedule an appointment, please call 214-239-1980.

Fitzpatrick Headshot.jpg

Alicia Fitzpatrick M.S., LMSW

Clinical Supervisee

Education: 

Alicia Fitzpatrick is a licensed master social worker (License Number 64421) under the supervision of Heather Hester M.S., LCSW-S (License Number 63127). Alicia earned her Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Texas Woman's University in 2012 and her Master of Social Work from The University of Texas at Arlington in 2016. Alicia also completed her training at Cedar Valley College Law Enforcement Academy in 2017 and has been a commissioned peace officer in Texas since 2018.

Experience: 

Alicia's career in social work began with Child Protective Services, where she developed extensive experience in understanding the effects of trauma and neglect on children and families. Alicia then transitioned to the non-profit family violence sector, where she worked with survivors of intimate partner violence and sexual assault.

She later received her mental health training at UT Southwestern Medical Center, where she gained experience working with clients in the inpatient psychiatric unit and emergency room.

Therapeutic Approach:

Alicia takes a solution-focused and client-centered approach to therapy, viewing the client as the expert in their own life. She collaborates with her clients to help them understand themselves, build self-love, and gain empowerment. Alicia understands that humor and genuine interactions are critical to creating a comfortable and open therapy experience.

Alicia has a passion for working with survivors of intimate partner violence and sexual assault. Her extensive knowledge and experience with these issues enable her to help clients process the trauma surrounding their relationships while prioritizing client safety.

Specialties:

Alicia's specialties include women's issues, domestic violence, divorce, first responders, trauma, adoption, and teens. She is currently accepting private pay patients.

Get Started Today: 

If you're ready to start your journey to a healthier mental state, please contact Alicia at 214-239-1980 to schedule an appointment.

_storage_emulated_0_DCIM_Camera_20210410_130844 (1).heic

Amanda Saoit M.S., LCSW-S

Education:

Amanda is a licensed clinical social worker, holding licenses in both Texas (#59364) and Virginia (#0904011766). She has a broad range of experience working with individuals, families, and youth, and holds a Bachelor's degree in Rehabilitation Studies with a minor in Substance Abuse and Addictions Studies from the University of North Texas and a Master's degree in Social Work from Texas State University.

Experience:

Amanda is well-versed in working with clients facing substance use, severe mental illness, involvement in the criminal justice system, and major life transitions. She is dedicated to helping family members understand and support their loved ones through the recovery process. Amanda has worked in various settings, including juvenile detention centers, residential facilities, outpatient clinics, and community-based programs, and currently serves as a social worker at the Salem VA Healthcare System, where she takes pride in supporting veterans.

Therapeutic Skills:

Amanda's therapeutic approach includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for substance use disorders, depression, and anxiety, crisis intervention, and faith-based counseling. She is a board-approved supervisor through the state of Texas and values the opportunity to train and mentor future social workers. Amanda is currently accepting new patients and is credentialed with BlueCross and BlueShield, Medicare, Optum, and private pay.

Get Started Today:

If you are ready to take the first step towards better mental health, contact Amanda at 214-239-1980 to schedule an appointment.

Cynthia Photo (1).JPG

Cynthia Barboza M.S., LMSW

Clinical Supervisee 

Education:

Cynthia Barboza, a bilingual (Spanish) License Master Social Worker with License Number 109645, who is passionate about helping clients navigate through difficult life transitions. Cynthia received her Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work degree from the University of Texas at Arlington, and has extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and adults.

Experience:

Cynthia takes an integrative approach to therapy, drawing from cognitive, person-centered, and solutions-focused theories, as well as attachment theory. She also utilizes various techniques such as motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization reprocessing therapy (EMDR), and faith-based counseling to effectively treat anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorders (PTSD), obsessive compulsive disorders (OCD), suicidality and self-harming, grief, and more.

Therapeutic Approach:

As a compassionate and empathetic therapist, Cynthia is dedicated to empowering clients who are facing severe or chronic stress, single parenthood, special needs parenting, immigration and cultural transitions, childhood trauma, and separation or divorce. Currently, Cynthia is accepting new patients and is only accepting private pay at this time.

Get Started Today:

Take the first step towards your healing journey by contacting Cynthia at 214-239-1980.

Get Started Today 
214-239-1980

bottom of page