Carlos Benalcazar

My name is Marcelo Benalcazar. I am a father of four and a first generation son of two immigrants. I grew up in Topeka as a biracial/bicultural child and know all too well the feelings that come from being "different" than everyone else. In my free time I play video games (I have multiple systems and enjoy multiple genres), watch movies, read graphic novels, and LOVE all forms of music. Educationally I received my Associates Degree in Addictions Counseling from Kansas City Kansas Community College and my Bachelors and Masters from the University of Kansas where I graduated Cum Laude as an Integrated Behavioral Health Scholar. I am currently a dual licensed therapist with an LSCSW and an LMAC.

Whether young or old, I will bring the same humorous, direct, empathic, accepting, and challenging process to each session and to everyone I come into contact with. My focus is to make sure that the people I work with know that they matter, feel safe to be themselves, and understand that it is their session. They are the most important person. I want to see my clients feeling empowered and to take the stigma out of therapy. Keeping it fun and engaging is a must for me. I have said before, "if therapy begins to feel like a chore then clearly I am not doing my job properly." I think that bringing an amount of humility and empathic understanding is very important when working with others and that will undoubtedly be noticed throughout your sessions.

My hope for all of my client's is that they know from the very first session that I am someone who cares deeply for them and their mental health. From the moment a client walks through my door my focus is on helping to build a safe space for them to share whatever comes to mind. I want them to feel comfortable getting to know me just as much as I want to get to know them. Going over the rules, regulations, and values is of utmost importance but so is understanding that therapy is a marathon not a 100 meter dash. We will have time to get to know each other. I don't want anyone to feel pressured to say more than they want to. I will follow your lead. Building the relationship, trust, and rapport is and always will be the most important aspect of the first session and throughout the time that we work with each other.