As someone who decided to become a counselor in the last semester of their bachelor’s degree, I knew that I would like to one day work with college students. Although early in my career, I worked primarily with children as young as two and their families; I always knew the population that I wanted to work with in the future. This is what led me to pursue a doctoral degree in Counselor Education and Supervision. I ultimately would be on a college campus in some capacity, either as a counselor, educator, supervisor, or all three.

Many college students and young adults, in general, are struggling with common issues relating to school, relationships, family, and workplace environments. These issues can lead to anxiety, depression, insecurity, resentment, and eating disorders. With social media's influence, people are beginning to feel that they are not doing enough because they are comparing themselves to people they don't even know. But let's be honest, who is putting all their personal losses on the internet? You will never know someone's entire life story, no matter how well you know them.

College athletes, specifically, are the reason I decided to become a counselor. Long story short, I attended OU, which is a big sports university. I saw firsthand how some athletes struggled either returning from injuries, adjusting to the new speed of college, or just overall navigating college as a student-athlete. It inspired me to become a counselor and help a population whose mental health is sometimes not considered.

I aim to create a safe, nonjudgmental space for my clients to enter. I never want clients to feel as if they are being judged or that their voice isn’t being heard. My approach is based on being genuine, respectful, and always authentic. https://ww.ok.gov/behavioralhealth/

For more information on the states where I am eligible to practice, visit https://ww.ok.gov/behavioralhealth/ https://dpo.colorado.gov/ProfessionalCounselor https://flhealthsource.gov/telehealth

Similar to medical doctors, most therapists have a specific population that they treat as well as certain issues.

Dr. Tecii primarily works with college students, athletes and young adults.

Below are the specialities that I have gathered the most experience in as a counselor.

Life Transitions

Life transitions refer to significant changes or shifts in a person's life that can affect various aspects of their well-being, lifestyle, and relationships. These transitions are a natural part of the human experience and can be both positive and challenging. Some common life transitions include: moving to a new place, starting a new job or career, graduating or starting college, and getting married or divorced. It's important to recognize that each person's experience during life transitions is unique, and individuals may respond differently to the challenges and opportunities presented by these changes. Discussing life transitions in therapy is a collaborative process so I aim to empower clients to navigate change effectively and build a more resilient and fulfilling future. The therapeutic relationship serves as a foundation for exploration, understanding, and growth during these significant moments of transformation.

Anxiety

Anxiety is a normal human reaction to stress or perceived threats. It is a state of uneasiness, fear, or concern that can range from minor to severe. While anxiety is a normal part of life, for some people, it can become chronic and overwhelming, impairing their daily functioning and well-being. Anxiety disorders are often diagnosed when anxiety becomes persistent, severe, and interferes with daily activities. While there are different types of anxiety disorders and each has its specific characteristics, they generally share symptoms such as restlessness, excessive worry, irritability, difficulty concentrating, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances. In our sessions, we will explore the root causes of your anxiety, understand your triggers, and develop coping mechanisms. We will also utilize relaxation techniques. cognitive restructuring and explore emotional regulation strategies.

Depression

Depression is a mood disorder characterized by persistent sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in most activities. It extends beyond life's regular ups and downs and can have a substantial impact on a person's daily functioning, relationships, and general quality of life. Depression can manifest in a variety of ways and may be accompanied by physical symptoms such as appetite changes, sleep difficulties, exhaustion, and difficulty concentrating. The sessions will consist of identifying negative thought patterns, setting realistic goals, developing effective problem-solving skills, and improving interpersonal relationships.

Self-esteem/confidence

Self-Esteem refers to an individual's entire subjective judgment and perception of oneself. It is concerned with how a person perceives their own worth, competence, and value as an individual. When a person has low self-esteem, they tend to have a negative and critical self-image. They may feel unworthy, insufficient, and unable to believe in their own skills. Self-doubt, self-criticism, and a lack of self-acceptance can all result from low self-esteem. It can be caused by a variety of circumstances, including poor life experiences, peer criticism, and unreasonable standards and comparisons.

Confidence is a belief in one's own abilities and competence to complete activities and successfully handle problems. It is connected to self-esteem, but it particularly refers to one's belief in their ability to do certain acts or skills. When someone lacks confidence, they may question their talents, be hesitant to take on new challenges, and fear failure. This lack of confidence can prevent individuals from following their goals and achieving their full potential.

It's essential to recognize that self-esteem and confidence are interconnected. Low self-esteem can contribute to low confidence, as a person's negative self-perceptions may prevent them from recognizing their abilities and worth. Conversely, low confidence in specific areas can also affect overall self-esteem as it may lead to a belief that one is not capable or competent in various aspects of life. Both low self-esteem and low confidence can have significant consequences on mental health, relationships, and overall life satisfaction. I use a variety of techniques and interventions for individuals struggling with low self-esteem/confidence which includes identifying and challenging negative beliefs, mindfulness and self-compassion, identifying strengths and positive attributes, setting realistic goals, and celebrating achievements.

Trauma

Trauma refers to a deeply distressing or disturbing event or series of events that overwhelm an individual's ability to cope and may have long-lasting psychological and emotional effects. Traumatic experiences can be caused by a wide range of events, such as physical or sexual abuse, accidents, natural disasters, violence, combat, or the sudden loss of a loved one, among others. Trauma can have profound impacts on a person's mental, emotional, and physical well-being, often leading to symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other trauma-related disorders. For individuals attempting to recover and heal from traumatic experiences, I aim to create a safe space, utilize various techniques to process the event(s), assist with regulating emotions and work on building effective coping strategies.

Sessions are often guided by using principles of Person/Client-Centered Therapy. My goal is to provide a supportive and empathetic environment in which the client can explore their feelings, thoughts, and experiences without judgment. I act as a facilitator, creating a safe space for the client to express themselves openly and honestly. I believe that I am simply a helping hand in a person’s growth and the real work is completed outside of the session. I attempt to avoid directing the client toward specific solutions or interpretations. Instead, I trust the client's ability to find their own answers and solutions to their problems. I help clients explore their feelings, thoughts, and experiences to gain insights and make positive changes.

I aim to create an environment where clients feel as if they can communicate their feelings, thoughts, and concerns without feeling as if they are being judged. Due to every client having their own unique experiences, I also utilize components from other theories as well including Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Therapy (TFCBT), Family Systems Therapy (FST), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).

Individual Counseling

In individual counseling, the client and I will engage in open and honest discussions focusing specifically on the client's specific goals, struggles, and emotions. I provide a safe environment for individuals to reframe their thoughts, address their concerns, and highlight their strengths. I will use various therapeutic approaches and techniques tailored to the client's specific needs and goals. The frequency and duration of counseling sessions can vary based on the individual's circumstances and progress.

Family Counseling

With family systems therapy, I help families increase positive communication, understand changing family dynamics, and address potential family conflicts. Overall the goal is to enhance the sense of connection between family members. Family counseling can be beneficial for a wide range of issues, from everyday conflicts and communication problems to more complex challenges. It provides a collaborative and supportive space for families to work through their difficulties, strengthen their relationships, and create a healthier and more cohesive family unit.

Group Counseling

In group counseling, a small group of individuals, typically around 6 to 12 people, meet together regularly with Dr. Tecii as the facilitator. The group setting offers a supportive and confidential environment for members to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences, and work towards personal growth and positive change. Group counseling can be beneficial for a wide range of mental health and personal development issues. It provides unique advantages and opportunities that may differ from individual counseling. Group participants are able to receive feedback and different perspectives, further development of social skills, and receive shared support and understanding. Groups are also more cost-effective since the time is shared among multiple participants. Talks with Tecii offers groups throughout the year so if you would like to be notified when they are available to sign up, please subscribe to the practice newsletter https://www.talkswithtecii.com/talkingwithtecii

Talks with Tecii is a virtual practice.
All appointments are Telehealth.
The appointments will be conducted by video (you will be sent a confidential link) or by phone.

ACCEPTING CLIENTS FROM OKLAHOMA, COLORADO, & FLORIDA

Interested in starting services?

Complete the consult request form to get started!

As an advocate in the mental health field, I try to provide as much assistance as I can to individuals in my community. While many people are interested in seeking out therapeutic services in today's climate, I understand that money can sometimes be a barrier.

I try to meet my clients where they are so I offer a limited number of sliding scale slots based on income. Because everyone's income differs, this will be something discussed during the initial intake. The scale will also be dependent on the type of services you are seeking. Please note sliding scales are NOT always available.

Here are the current fees for all services:

Individual, $140/50 minutes

Family, $160/70 minutes

Group, $65/90 minutes (offered throughout year)

Limited sliding scale slots

Superbills are receipts of your services that you can send to your insurance provider for possible reimbursement. I can send you the superbill concluding your session. Please allow 24 hours. Make sure to contact your provider to learn more about your “out of network” benefits because the percentage of the reimbursement may differ based on numerous factors. If you are still interested in services, you can schedule a consultation, and we can discuss your options.

At my practice, I accept both private pay and specific insurances (these are listed below). Private pay provides greater flexibility of the client’s treatment. Instead of focusing on meeting the sometimes unrealistic expectations of insurance companies, I would rather put that energy into meeting the needs of my clients. However, in order to create some balance and continue to treat clients who may not be able to afford my private pay rates, I have now started accepting insurance. Unlike other professions, there are obstacles that counselors have to work through if we would like to practice in other states. There are different sets of rules for each state as well as credentialing with insurance. When taking insurance, professionals are not allowed as much flexibility regarding the client’s treatment.

Oklahoma: Aetna, Cigna, Optum (UHC behavioral health provider), Private Pay

Florida: Aetna, Cigna, Private Pay

Colorado: Private pay only

This is subject to change

The last semester of my bachelor’s degree is when I decided that I wanted to become a counselor. I saw the need for more mental health resources on college campuses. I also understood that I wanted to join this field to make a real difference, whether by providing direct counseling services or creating programs on campuses. I have since realized that I should have taken advantage of the resources available during my undergraduate years. However, like many other college students, the stigma attached to mental health led me to continue dealing with everything independently.

As I advance in my career, I never want to forget the reason why I joined the field. I want to continue offering various opportunities for individuals to assist in improving their overall well-being.

For over a year, I have worked with an organization that offers six free sessions to college students nationwide. I enjoyed this so much! I have been able to help these students navigate numerous transitions, manage current stressors, connect them with resources in their communities, and assist them in developing healthy strategies to use in their everyday lives.

Due to their success stories, I wanted to offer a similar service in my private practice. With this service, I can work with students I otherwise may not be able to work with.

I am currently offering discounted sessions for college students. These sessions are $85 each, and students are free to schedule whenever they want. Students will be able to receive 6 counseling sessions for this price.

Things to know about this offer:

The same practice policies apply, including no-show/late cancellation fees

Must be able to show proof of current college enrollment

Private pay only (NO insurance)

All sessions are conducted via Telehealth (45 minutes/session)

Upon completion of your 6th appointment, we will discuss other payment options or referral options if you would like to continue services.

If you would like to start services, please complete this form. I look forward to hearing from you!

Let’s talk!