Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Audra Benavidez

Edinburg

Summary

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with experience providing mental health support to youth and adults in both school and clinical setting. My approach is rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Person-Centered Therapy, allowing me to help clients develop coping strategies while fostering a strong therapeutic alliance. I am passionate about leveraging telehealth to make therapy accessible and effective for those in need.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Licensed Professional Counselor

South Texas Counseling Center
06.2023 - Current
  • Used cognitive behavior therapy to help clients identify and challenge negative thought patterns, develop healthier coping strategies, and set achievable goals.
  • Implemented evidence-based therapeutic interventions to promote positive behavior change.
  • Developed treatment plans to help clients build self-confidence and resilience.
  • Developed individualized counseling plans for clients to incorporate short-term and long-term goals.
  • Supported individuals dealing with mental health and emotional issues.
  • Used Person-Centered approach by creating a safe, empathetic, and non-judgmental space, ensuring that clients feel heard and empowered in their healing journey.

School Counselor

PSJA ISD
12.2022 - Current
  • Planned and promoted career and employment-related programs and events, fully coordinating job fairs and career workshops
  • Provided crisis intervention in response to emergencies, employing existing trust, and rapport to deescalate situations.
  • Provided crisis intervention to students dealing with difficult situations at school
  • Identified and addressed concerns of incoming students and parents.
  • Conferred with parents, teachers and administrators to discuss children's progress and resolve behavioral and academic problems
  • Identified cases of abuse, encouraging students or parents to seek assistance from mental health professionals
  • Collaborate with teachers and parents on early identification and intervention of children's academic and social/emotional needs
  • Individual and group counseling for students that teaches knowledge, attitudes and skills students need to acquire in academic, career and social/emotional development
  • Adhere to a proactive school counseling program that engages students and includes leadership, advocacy and collaboration with school staff, administration and community/family members in the delivery of programs and activities to help students achieve success

Teacher

PSJA ISD
12.2008 - 12.2022
  • Manage classroom coverage of 8th grade US History classes, assume all responsibilities of a regular classroom teacher, including professional development, communications with parents, assessments of students, and staff meetings
  • Collaborate with cooperating teachers to design curriculum and lesson plans: perform basic administrative duties such as recording attendance and organizing student portfolios; provide individual assistance to students as needed
  • Establish and maintain positive relationships with students, parents, and colleagues, fostering an environment of open communication and support

Mental Health Counselor Intern

PSJA ISD
01.2022 - 05.2022
  • Performed supervised individual and group counseling to middle school students
  • Individual clinical work is supervised by licensed professional counselors
  • My site supervisor is Loretta Sanchez, M
  • ED, LPC
  • This is a one semester, 300-hour internship provided by PSJA ISD and Lamar University

School Counselor Practicum

PSJA ISD
01.2014 - 05.2014
  • Obtained supervised practical experience (100 indirect / 60 direct field hours) in the field of counseling specific to the school setting
  • Through the ASCA (2005) National Model and the Texas Comprehensive, Developmental Guidance Counseling Program Model, I was able to demonstrate the ability to apply and integrate counseling theory and skills including career planning, session and case management, and to adhere to the ethical and legal standards of the counseling profession and local and state codes
  • Established school counseling activities
  • Advised students on career and academic development
  • Provided college and career information to students
  • Facilitated students resume writing, interviewing techniques and developed job search skills
  • Assisted teacher in educational placement of students, with the help of educational assessment strategies

Education

Clinical and Mental Health Certification -

Lamar University
Beaumont, TX
05.2022

Masters - School Counseling

Lamar University
Beaumont, TX
05.2014

Business Management - undefined

University of Texas - Pan
Edinburg, TX
05.2006

Skills

  • Individual Counseling for Children, Adolescents & Adults
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Treatment
  • Person-Centered Therapy
  • Anxiety & Depression Treatment
  • Building Therapeutic Rapport with Children, Adolescents, & Adults
  • Active Listening & Empathy-Based Communication
  • Goal-Oriented Treatment Planning
  • Emotional Regulation & Coping Strategies

Certification

  • LPC - Licensed Professional Counselor

License #91949

Timeline

Licensed Professional Counselor

South Texas Counseling Center
06.2023 - Current

School Counselor

PSJA ISD
12.2022 - Current

Mental Health Counselor Intern

PSJA ISD
01.2022 - 05.2022

School Counselor Practicum

PSJA ISD
01.2014 - 05.2014

Teacher

PSJA ISD
12.2008 - 12.2022

Masters - School Counseling

Lamar University

Business Management - undefined

University of Texas - Pan

Clinical and Mental Health Certification -

Lamar University

Similar Profiles

CREATE PROFILE
Audra Benavidez