I believe that we are all, to some degree, shaped by our experiences within the system of our families of origin and their most prevalent dynamics. Something as basic and repetitive as the way we cook meals, speak (or not) about our days, manage stress, or engage in hobbies can play a role in how we relate to significant others in the future. Many of our problem-solving strategies, habits, celebrations, shames, responses to high-pressure situations, norms (what is deemed ‘acceptable’), and our own inner dialogues can all be influenced by our families; our blueprint to understand and relate to the world. Often, an existential dilemma arises when our passions, pursuits, fears, feelings, relationships, and other significant domains of our lives do not align with our blueprint. Sometimes we feel capable of thoughtfully navigating these discrepancies, but other times our natural response is conflict, overwhelming emotions, flooding thoughts, social and emotional disconnection, and many other symptoms.

Occasionally, the most powerful healing component is simply having the language to describe our thoughts and experiences that have, up to this point, been an overwhelming haze that feels dense still yet to be defined. It can also be plainly therapeutic to have another bear witness to our authenticity and accept us at our core. Ultimately, I believe we all want to be wholly understood: our culture, our past, our goals and dreams, our vulnerabilities, our humor, and our hearts and minds.

My therapeutic lens and role as a counselor can best be conceptualized as a facilitator, coach, and ally. I believe we are all capable of accomplishing whatever therapeutic goals we set. My work is to help clients clarify and refine those goals, identify internal and external barriers and resources, dig into the influence our blueprint has on our current experiences, and, if necessary, revise old patterns or establish new patterns that enable desired changes. I believe lasting healing happens at the fundamental level in small noticeable segments that can then be applied across future concerns. Above all, I hope to encourage my clients to embrace their authenticity in the safety of the therapeutic space; lean into what feels messy, uncomfortable, and problematic. Then, we can foster growth and self-improvement that leaves them feeling empowered to begin applying our work to other meaningful domains of their lives.

Specialties:
Couple & Family Dynamics, Life Transitions, Grief & Loss, Depression, Anxiety, Alcohol & Substance Use, Adjustment to Motherhood, Stress Management, Social Justice Concerns, Dual/multiple Heritage Identity Recognition & Development, LGBTQIA+ friendly.

Client Focus:
Children (+11), Adolescents, College Students, Adults, Couples, Families

Degree/s:
M.A. Counseling, Clinical Concentration in Marriage, Couples, and Families, Sam Houston State University
B.S. Psychology, Texas A&M University

Email Address:
carolinedillard@oakwoodcounseling.com