My work as a counselor is intentionally focused on individuals between the ages of 16 and 40, with a specialization in three core populations: college students, current and former student-athletes, and individuals navigating major life transitions. My interest in this work developed during my undergraduate studies and solidified through my clinical training and doctoral education in Counselor Education and Supervision, with the long-term goal of working closely with college-aged and young adult populations.

College students often face a unique combination of academic pressure, identity development, changing relationships, and future uncertainty. Many struggle with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, burnout, and comparison—particularly in an environment that rewards performance and constant productivity. Social media further amplifies these challenges by promoting unrealistic standards and minimizing the real struggles students experience behind the scenes. My work with college students centers on helping them manage stress, build confidence, and develop coping skills that support both academic success and personal well-being.

Current and former student-athletes represent a population I am especially passionate about serving. Student-athletes often experience added pressure related to performance, injury recovery, time demands, and balancing athletics with academic and personal responsibilities. Former athletes may also struggle with identity shifts after sport ends. I work with athletes to address mental health concerns that are frequently overlooked, support healthy identity development, and navigate transitions both during and after their athletic careers.

Individuals experiencing major life transitions—such as entering or leaving college, career changes, identity shifts, relationship changes, injury, or loss—often feel overwhelmed, uncertain, or disconnected from their sense of self. I support clients through these transitions by helping them process change, regain stability, and move forward with clarity and confidence.

Across all three populations, I strive to create a safe, nonjudgmental, and supportive space where clients feel heard and respected. My approach is grounded in authenticity, collaboration, and empathy, with a focus on helping individuals navigate change, strengthen self-confidence, and build sustainable skills for long-term well-being.

For more information on the states where I am eligible to practice, visit

https://oklahoma.gov/behavioralhealth.html
https://dpo.colorado.gov/ProfessionalCounselor https://flhealthsource.gov/telehealth
https://llr.sc.gov/TeleHealth/Counselor.html

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

Below are the areas in which I have gathered the most experience as a counselor. My work intentionally focuses on individuals ages 16–40, with a specialization in college students, current and former student-athletes, and individuals navigating major life transitions.
While each client’s experience is unique, the following concerns often show up across these populations.

Life Transitions

Life transitions are a central focus of my work. College students and young adults frequently experience significant transitions such as starting or graduating from college, changes in academic or athletic roles, entering the workforce, relocating, relationship changes, injury, or shifts in identity and purpose. For current and former athletes, transitions may also include returning from injury, changes in performance expectations, or adjusting to life after sport. These transitions—whether expected or unexpected—can feel overwhelming and destabilizing. In therapy, I support clients in processing change, strengthening coping skills, and building resilience as they move toward a more grounded and fulfilling next chapter.

Anxiety

Anxiety is a common concern among college students, athletes, and young adults navigating high-pressure environments. Academic demands, performance expectations, time management challenges, and uncertainty about the future often contribute to excessive worry, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbances, and physical tension. For athletes, anxiety may also be linked to competition, injury, or fear of failure. In our work together, we identify triggers, explore underlying patterns, and develop practical coping strategies, including emotional regulation, relaxation techniques, and cognitive restructuring, to help anxiety feel more manageable and less intrusive.

Depression

Depression can impact individuals across all three populations, often presenting as persistent sadness, loss of motivation, low energy, feelings of hopelessness, or disconnection from previously enjoyed activities. College students and young adults may experience depression in response to academic stress, identity struggles, relationship challenges, or major life transitions. Former athletes may also experience depressive symptoms related to loss of routine, role, or identity after sport. Therapy focuses on identifying unhelpful thought patterns, setting realistic and meaningful goals, strengthening problem-solving skills, and improving interpersonal connections.

Self-Esteem and Confidence

Low self-esteem and confidence are common among college students and athletes who are navigating comparison, performance pressure, and evolving identities. Students may question their abilities or worth when faced with academic challenges, while athletes may struggle with confidence related to performance, injury, or transitioning out of sport. Individuals in major life transitions may also experience self-doubt as familiar roles or routines change. My work in this area includes helping clients identify and challenge negative self-beliefs, develop self-compassion, recognize strengths, set achievable goals, and build confidence in both personal and professional domains.

Trauma

Trauma can affect individuals at any stage of life and may stem from experiences such as abuse, accidents, loss, violence, or other overwhelming events. College students, athletes, and young adults may carry unresolved trauma that impacts their emotional regulation, relationships, sense of safety, or self-concept. For athletes, trauma may also be related to injury or high-stress environments. I provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space to process traumatic experiences, develop emotional regulation skills, and build effective coping strategies that promote healing and long-term stability.

Across all areas of focus, my goal is to provide a safe, collaborative, and supportive therapeutic environment where clients feel heard and respected. I tailor my approach to meet the unique needs of college students, current and former student-athletes, and individuals navigating major life transitions, helping them develop the skills and insight needed to move forward with confidence and clarity.

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.