New Counseling Location! Posted on January 1, 2015February 26, 2016 by AspireNB We are excited to announce that we have a new counseling location here in New Braunfels! 145 Landa Street, New Braunfels TX 78130- a beautiful, historic building close to the plaza downtown. In addition, there is a room just for our counseling groups. We still have a counseling space in San Marcos, however we are slowly moving all clients to the New Braunfels location. All new counseling appointments will be scheduled in New Braunfels at the location above. If you are seeking counseling and want to schedule an appointment, or if you have questions regarding counseling or the counseling process, please feel free to give us a call at 512-501-2597. We offer free phone consultations and are usually able to return your call within 24 hours.
Senior Project Posted on November 15, 2014June 11, 2018 by AspireNB Calling All Seniors! Most high school seniors feel like their last year in high school is one life changing decision after another, and so many “last times” that it can get overwhelming fast. College choices, scholarships, forms, relationships, leaving friends behind, attending homecoming, clubs, prom…. You may feel like graduation can’t come soon enough one day, and the next day you can’t stop worrying about how little time you have. It may even feel as though in every area in your life, you are constantly having to prove yourself. Getting through your senior year is a bit like learning to ride a bike without the training wheels. Once you get moving, it will seem natural & you’ll never look back. But in the meantime, you’ll need a lot of love, support, trust… and maybe a push or two. This group is specifically for high school seniors who want guidance through their senior year, in a way that is hard to find within your typical high school routine. We will meet once a month for the whole year and will talk, vent, offer support, and practice coping skills that will help you as you transition to your next step in life. I truly love working with high school seniors, and enjoy incorporating any music, art, or writing that helps you to express your experiences. In addition to specific requests from group members we will address: Reducing overwhelm & anxiety Accepting support & requesting feedback from your peers Self-care skills Meditation & relaxation exercises Healthy communication strategies Boundary setting Articulating & fulfilling individual needs Goal setting Feeling more empowered in your life The fee will be $40/session, and we will meet once a month on Monday evenings. This is a closed group, which means that once we begin, I will not let anyone new into the group. This allows for higher levels of confidentiality and safety. I keep groups small, with no more than 5 participants per group, so that I can easily attend to each member’s needs. To sign up or ask questions, please contact Gillian Amaro, M.Ed., LPC at 512-501-2597
New Group Therapy Options! Posted on September 4, 2014September 13, 2014 by AspireNB Group Therapy | Gillian Amaro M.Ed, LPC I am currently interviewing interested participants for several new groups: Teen Girls Support Group: This will be a closed, 8 week long group for high-school age girls focusing on avoiding peer pressures, giving positive support, and improving self-concept and self-esteem. A closed group means that once we start, I will not allow any other new members into the group. Dates and times will be determined by group members and their parents. Pre-Teen Girls Support Group: This will be a closed, 8 week long group for middle school age girls focusing on avoiding peer pressures, giving positive support, and improving self-concept and self-esteem. A closed group means that once we start, I will not allow any other new members into the group. Dates and times will be determined by group members and their parents. Because She Can: Too often, women and young girls shrink themselves to find acceptance. Many times our strengths are ignored, judged, or even ridiculed. Our focus is to help you improve your strength, courage and self-confidence—as well as your ability to support other women. Because She Can is part support group, part fitness class, and part fun. It brings together women and girls who want to feel empowered and comfortable to be who they genuinely are! We have groups for adults, as well as for girls ages 8 and older. Groups meet once a week for 8 weeks, ending the group by participating in a 5K together! Lean On Me: This will be a closed, 8 week long group for women who have lost a family member, spouse, or close friend and are seeking support and understanding. A closed group means that once we start, I will not allow any other new members into the group. This group will meet on Saturday mornings. If you are interested in any of these groups, or would like to suggest a group topic that is not listed, please call Gillian at 512.501.2597, or email her at amaro@aspirenb.com “Each of us has lived through some devastation, some loneliness, some weather superstorm or spiritual superstorm. When we look at each other we must say, I understand. I understand how you feel because I have been there myself. We must support each other because each of us is more alike than we are unalike.” -Maya Angelou
Welcome to Aspire New Braunfels, PLLC with Gillian Amaro Posted on September 4, 2014September 9, 2015 by AspireNB Gillian Amaro, M.Ed, LPC Aspire New Braunfels, PLLC Aspire: as·pire verb \ə-ˈspī(-ə)r\ : to want to have or achieve something 1 : to seek to attain or accomplish a particular goal 2 : ascend, soar Welcome! Thank you for considering counseling. Aspire New Braunfels, PLLC is formed with the idea that we can all create wellness in our lives and that each one of us is capable of defining and accomplishing our own unique goals. Sometimes that may be moving forward in a logical or predictable way. Sometimes, what may look like a step backward is actually a step forward. Counseling is above all, a relationship in which a counselor walks beside you, listening to your story, offering support, and challenging you at key moments. It is very important that you choose someone who you trust and feel at ease with. Sometimes counseling may be short. It may help you to learn concrete skills to improve relationships, reduce stress, increase productivity or to improve other symptoms that have a negative impact on your life. It can also give support during a challenging transition or life event. I believe that we, as individuals, have power over our thoughts and actions. At the same time, we can be affected & troubled by outside influences, as we are closely interconnected with the world around us- from our friends, family, and community to the world at large. As you work towards achieving your goals, I will help you gain awareness about your unique strengths- as well as obstacles that may hinder your progress. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas and earned my Masters degree in Counseling and Guidance from Texas State in 2009. Since then, I have worked in nonprofit agencies, alternative schools, and in private practice. I am continually attending new trainings and reading new material related to my clients and practice. In addition, I am trained in the Gottman Method and am a member of the American Counseling Association. I enjoy finding ways to integrate your interests into the counseling process. These can include art, music, books, writing, the great outdoors, and physical activity. I look forward to hearing from you soon! I can be contacted in the following ways: Phone: 512.501.2597 Email: amaro@aspireNB.com Counseling Office: 145 Landa Street, New Braunfels, TX 78130 Mailing Address: PO Box #311114, New Braunfels, TX 78131 During the week, I will answer your calls as long as I am not with another client. If I do not answer, I will make every effort to respond to your call or email within 24 hours. After Hours Contact: During evenings, weekends, and holidays I may not be able to return your call within 24 hours. However, I will make every effort to return your call on the first business day that I return. Emergency Contact: In any event where you are a danger to yourself or others, or when someone else is endangering your safety, you must immediately call 911, or the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Counseling in New Braunfels Posted on May 2, 2014February 16, 2018 by AspireNB Sadly, the day has come to say goodbye to my San Marcos counseling office, but I am loving the new location here in New Braunfels too much to keep both!The (one & only) location for Aspire New Braunfels is now 145 Landa Street, New Braunfels, TX 78130. It is a beautiful, historic building close to the plaza and downtown but far enough away to be private. If you are seeking counseling and would like to inquire about scheduling an appointment, or if you have questions regarding counseling or the counseling process, please feel free to give Gillian a call at 512-501-2597. Phone consultations are free and I am usually able to return your call within 24 hours.