McKinney Team

  • RENE HAMPTON, LPC & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

    Rene is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas holding a Master of Arts degree in Counseling from Saint Edward’s University in Austin, TX, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from The University of Texas at Dallas. She has over a decade of experience including inpatient psychiatric hospital setting and intensive outpatient groups (IOP) along with vast experience in the behavioral health managed care industry.

    With her vast experience and knowledge, Rene treats people who are experiencing anxiety, codependency, career change, depression, disordered eating, divorce, enabling behavior, family of origin issues, grief/loss, life transitions, pre-marital /marriage concerns, relationship stressors, self-esteem, substance use/abuse and women’s issues. She works with teens, adults, and couples.

    Rene’s treatment focus is to create a warm, supportive and brave space to collaborate and design a treatment plan that addresses my client’s personal goals while aligning their authentic wants and needs (value-based therapy) using evidence-based treatment modalities, such as: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) coupled often with specific tools and strategies using: Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Family Systems Theory, Person-Centered Therapy, and the Gottman model for specific couples/marital concerns.

    Rene is warm, genuine and empathetic; yet encourages tough conversations and is committed to unconditional positive regard while creating lasting change. “I enjoy working with clients to sort out barriers, re-establish healthy boundaries, examine effective communication styles and improve coping strategies while recognizing and affirming their innate gifts, personal growth and always uplift their full potential.”

    Rene has a wonderful wit and uses humor when appropriate to make connections and build rapport with each client. “The focus is on you - the whole person, not presenting problems. If necessary, the narrative is redefined, and new skills are created – this is the heart of behavioral change.”

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Jason Semar, LPC

    Jason is a Licensed Professional Counselor and holds a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health from the University of North Texas in Dallas and a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Sciences from the University of Texas. Before working with us, Jason began his career in community mental health, and has extensive experience working with individuals in crisis and inpatient care in addition to outpatient therapy, working with adolescents 16 years and older, and adults of all ages.

    Jason is trained and specializes in the treatment of Anxiety, Adjustment Disorders, Anger Management, ADHD, Codependency, Depression, End of Life Concerns, Family Therapy, LGBTQIA+, Gender Identity, Sexuality, Grief/Loss/Bereavement, Men’s Issues, Mood Disorders, Panic Disorders, Trauma, Post-Partum Depression, Self-Harm, Suicidal Ideation, and Stress Management. He enjoys working with adolescents, adults of all ages and couple’s therapy.

    Utilizing many modalities, Jason is trained in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Adlerian Theory, and Person-Centered modalities in his work to assist his clients to evolve into their individual therapeutic journeys. You will discover your core being, identify your value system and begin living your authentic life on your terms. Wherever you are in your healing process, Jason’s guidance and reassurance will create a safe place to explore, find answers, and discover your peace.

    Jason approaches every client with genuine warmth, curiosity, and desire to provide a safe environment. There will always be a whisper of self-doubt or negative self-perceptions, but when it becomes debilitating, it’s time to take our power back. He thrives on empowering his clients to find acceptance and enjoy their best lives.

  • 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.