Norma Lopez

Hello, my name is Norma Lopez, a licensed psychologist (Psy.D. #3-1752) in Texas. In my part-time online practice, I enjoy assisting individual, adult clients in developing increased self-awareness and skills to manage their stress, grief, anxiety, depression, anger, relationship issues, or workplace challenges. I strongly believe that every client is responsible for putting their best effort into the therapy process so that they may achieve the most benefit.

My approach

My theoretical approach to therapy is rooted in the cognitive behavioral model (thought-behavior connection) and the impact emotions have on our thoughts and behavior (rational emotive therapy). I utilize a range of techniques that are the best fit for a client. They include the use of mindfulness strategies, emotion regulation skills, cognitive restructuring skills, coping skills for anxiety, anger, and depression, relaxation skills, communication skills, and activity assignments to name a few. Psycho-education and handouts are commonly used to complement the treatment process.

My focus

Over the past 30 years of working in the mental health field, I have developed expertise in assisting a range of clients with mood disorders, anxiety disorders, behavioral issues, relationship challenges, and occupational difficulties. However, in the past 10 years, my focus has been on working with individual adults who experience anxiety, depression, anger, grief, and interpersonal difficulties in their home life or workplace setting.

My communication style

I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Clients deserve to be heard and to be given feedback based on their presenting concerns. Questions are always welcome and an open dialogue sets the stage for an engaging and beneficial therapeutic process.

My journey to mental healthcare

With the onset of Covid, my 30-plus years of working in the mental health field transformed into a part-time telehealth practice and ultimately a decision to retire last spring. However, I later realized I wanted to continue to utilize my clinical skills and experience to assist clients experiencing life's challenges and fueling the demand for telehealth platform delivery services.

My goals for you

I will assess and tailor treatment goals with client input to meet their specific needs. When the client is uncertain of their goals for therapy, I will explore their expectations of therapy and present concerns to facilitate the identification of working, meaningful goals. As in any dynamic process, goals are likely to change at some point during therapy. When this happens, we will make the necessary adjustments to the client's treatment goals.

My first session with you

Building rapport and trust is fundamental to an effective treatment process. This can be accomplished by demonstrating respect for the client, acknowledging their concerns, and being receptive to questions or inquiries at all times. Exploration of client concerns, goal setting for treatment, and identification of any ancillary services are typical for initial sessions.