Christopher Avila

Hey y'all! I'm a Latiné biracial, queer, nonbinary/agender, neurodivergent, and fat/larger-bodied person who was born and raised in Texas. I share these identities so you can know how I navigate this shared world. I have had the privilege of completing my Master of Science in Social Work and Bachelor of Social Work at the University of Texas at Arlington. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and board-approved supervisor in Texas, and I have also been able to become a Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Social Work and an EMDR certified therapist and approved consultant. I have worked in community development, hospice, home health, brain injury, community mental health, geriatric social work, and private practice throughout my career. Now, I work with adolescents and adults struggling with trauma, dissociation, mood disorders, neurodivergence, chronic health issues, disability, sexual issues, gender identity, LGBTQIA+ issues, racial identity, and grief.

My approach to therapy is to create an curious and compassionate environment so clients have an opportunity to connect as genuinely as possible. I hope to provide validation, emotional and practical support, assistance with skill development for daily life management, and assistance through processing experiences. I utilize an eclectic approach to therapy that integrates skills building (ACT, CBT, ERP) with processing (EMDR, IFS).

The first session includes a holistic assessment of current and past issues across all domains of life while also building relationship and developing connection with the client.