- 46 years experience
- Texas based
- Focus on stress
About Betsy
Dr. Betsy Puentes is a licensed clinician with 46 years of experience in mental health. She holds a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology and a Doctorate in Counseling Psychology. Dr. Puentes focuses on helping people who struggle with stress, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, motivation, and career difficulties.
She approaches therapy with the belief that each person knows their own story and brings strengths to the work. Sessions aim to build on those strengths and to take manageable steps toward change. She frames the first step of seeking help as an act of courage and offers steady support through the process.
Her practice addresses a wide range of concerns, including relationship issues, trauma and abuse, addictions, anger, and LGBT topics. She also works with specific challenges such as abandonment, attachment issues, body image, caregiver stress, chronic illness or pain, codependency, communication problems, and age-related concerns.
Dr. Puentes uses several clinical approaches to guide sessions, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally-Focused Therapy, Existential Therapy, and Imago Relationship Therapy. These methods are used to match what feels most helpful to each person.
She practices in Texas and conducts her work in English. People who are outside the United States are not currently accepted. To begin, a short matching questionnaire and scheduling step are used to connect people with her practice.
She approaches therapy with the belief that each person knows their own story and brings strengths to the work. Sessions aim to build on those strengths and to take manageable steps toward change. She frames the first step of seeking help as an act of courage and offers steady support through the process.
Her practice addresses a wide range of concerns, including relationship issues, trauma and abuse, addictions, anger, and LGBT topics. She also works with specific challenges such as abandonment, attachment issues, body image, caregiver stress, chronic illness or pain, codependency, communication problems, and age-related concerns.
Dr. Puentes uses several clinical approaches to guide sessions, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally-Focused Therapy, Existential Therapy, and Imago Relationship Therapy. These methods are used to match what feels most helpful to each person.
She practices in Texas and conducts her work in English. People who are outside the United States are not currently accepted. To begin, a short matching questionnaire and scheduling step are used to connect people with her practice.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)Divorce and separationDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSHoardingImmigration issuesImpulsivityInfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaVisually impairedWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic approaches
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Existential TherapyImago Relationship TherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy
Experience
46+ years
Credentials
Texas, Texas
Languages
English
How her approaches fit into online work
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on clarifying what matters to a person and taking committed steps toward those values, while accepting difficult thoughts and feelings that show up. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps people spot unhelpful thinking and test new behaviors to reduce symptoms like anxiety and low mood. Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) aims to identify and change patterns in close relationships so people feel more connected and secure.Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will talk with each person about their needs, goals, and preferences and then try methods that fit. That collaborative process means the plan can change as progress is made.
Session formats are not specified in the profile, so confirm current online options before booking. Many people find remote sessions useful because they can fit appointments into a busy day, avoid travel time, or choose a shorter check-in when needed. Licensed professionals can also use conversational tools from these approaches during remote visits to practice skills, try new ways of communicating, and track small changes between meetings.
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she address?
She helps people with stress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem and career concerns, as well as relationship problems, trauma, addictions, anger and LGBT topics.
What is her general therapy style?
She works collaboratively and builds on each person’s strengths, using practical conversations and step-by-step goals to make progress.
How much experience does she bring?
She has 46 years of professional work in mental health, including graduate and doctoral training in psychology.
What credentials and location apply?
She holds the LMFT and LPC credentials and practices in Texas.
Which languages are supported and can international clients join?
Sessions are offered in English and international clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are offered?
Specific session formats are not listed here; please confirm current session options before booking so you know how sessions will be conducted.
How are fees and payments handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What is the first step to begin?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to the therapist’s availability.