The Team
Who We Are
Cicelia Como, LPC-S, NCC, BCCC, RYT
Founder & Clinical Director
As a Black Licensed Professional Counselor, my encounters with clients are imbued with empathy, cultural sensitivity, and a profound understanding of diverse experiences. My journey to becoming the professional I am today has been shaped by rigorous higher education and diverse professional experiences.
Holding designations such as Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S), National Certified Counselor (NCC), and Board-Certified Christian Counselor (BCCC), I am equipped with a versatile skill set to address my client's multifaceted needs.
In addition to my counseling credentials, I am a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT), a trauma-informed practitioner, a certified school counselor (CSC), an author, and a researcher. During my time at Sam Houston State University, I focused my private practice and research endeavors on areas such as historical and racialized trauma, restorative practices, and self-care.
At my counseling and supervision practice, I specialize in providing individual, couple, and family counseling services and comprehensive supervision and mentorship for interns pursuing licensure in the mental health field. In a supportive and professional environment, I assist clients in navigating various personal, relational, and familial challenges and empower them to embark on journeys of healing and growth.
Simona Smith, MA
Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate
Supervised by Cicelia Como, LPC-S,NCC
Simona Smith, a native of El Paso, Texas, transitioned to Albuquerque, New Mexico, at seven, where she spent her developmental years and pursued her academic endeavors through college. Following her undergraduate studies, Smith engaged with the Peace Corps, relocating to Houston in 2008, where she has since established her residence. Currently married with two children, Smith's professional journey encompasses a multifaceted educational background and a commitment to counseling and mental health advocacy.
Smith holds a Bachelor of Science in Family Studies and Psychology from the University of New Mexico, complemented by a Master of Science in School Counseling and later Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of St. Thomas—Houston. Her academic pursuits reflect a dedication to understanding human behavior and facilitating growth and healing within individuals and communities.
In her therapeutic approach, Smith embraces the concept of individuals as experts on themselves. Central to her practice is creating a nurturing and empathetic environment, fostering collaboration between herself and her clients to implement tailored strategies for personal development. Recognizing the diversity of human experiences, Smith employs an eclectic methodology, drawing from various therapeutic modalities to address each individual's unique needs.
Smith's professional experience predominantly centers on her work with children and adolescents within educational settings. As an Elementary School Counselor, she engages with students through individual counseling sessions, group interventions, and classroom instruction to promote social-emotional learning. Smith collaborates with parents, educators, and community stakeholders to ensure holistic student support. Her dedication to counseling extends beyond the school environment, as evidenced by her internship with Ambassadors for Christ, where she provided counseling services to troubled adolescents within a nonprofit setting.