Mara Estrada Doster, LPC

Staff Therapist

Philosophy

I believe we are created in the image of God; created all unique, diverse and with purpose. I believe we all deserve dignity, respect and honor. I am committed to a holistic approach to the mental health profession where mind, body, and spirit are equally important. I personally know it is not easy to navigate life alone; nonetheless a difficult time, such as trauma, depression, anxiety, chronic illness, or any other difficulty in life. It is an honor for me to hear my client’s story and walk with them through this healing journey, where I believe counseling will help to discover new strengths and learn tools for life. I work to understand the issues and problems that people face in life from a thoroughly biblical point of view. In order to reach healing and growth, I utilize different techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and person-centered therapy.

Mara graduated from Dallas Baptist University with a Bachelors degree in Health Care Management and Psychology and a Master’s degree in Biblical Counseling from Dallas Theological Seminary. Mara is passionate about helping others heal and grow with a holistic approach. She believes we are mind, body and spirit, and that healing happens in these areas simultaneously. Mara likes to work along with your primary care physician or pastor if needed and if applicable.

In the past, Mara has worked with clients who have suffered from depression, anxiety, obsessions, trauma and chronic pain. She has also held workshops in Spanish at churches with topics like self-love/self-care, manipulation and codependency, depression and anxiety, among other titles. During college, she invested her summers in her hometown; Torreón, Coahuila, México working with her church and teaching Bible classes to children.

Mara is originally from Mexico and her favorite things from home are the artisanal Mexican embroidery shirts, her family, food and Pueblos Mágicos. She enjoys spending time with her husband, she loves reading, yoga, and taking care of her garden.

Additional Areas of Focus

Anger management
Boundaries
Bullying
Chronic pain
Codependency
Depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts
Faith and spirituality
Grief and loss
Guilt and shame
Identity and self-image
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Parenting
Parenting of adult children
Postpartum Anxiety Disorders
Relationship issues
School-related issues
Sexual abuse, childhood sexual abuse
Social skills
Stress management

Certifications

Circle of Security Parenting Program Facilitator

Education

Masters degree in Biblical Counseling, Dallas Theological Seminary
Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Psychology and Health Care Management, Dallas Baptist University