Alba Villegas with Alba Villegas Counseling Services
We are honored to introduce this special mama who has over 12 year of experience as a bilingual therapist and owner of Alba Villegas Counseling. Here at Katy Moms Network, we will always be huge advocates for all things mental health and self care. Having a trusted therapist is something so valuable, especially in the throes of motherhood.
Originally from Venezuela, Alba specializes in work with teenagers, adults, and families in a private practice settings, public mental health centers, and juvenile justice facilities.
She says her true passion and main services are supporting moms, young adults and teenagers that want to make an intentional shift in their lives.
Alba has dedicated her life to mental health because she truly believes that everyone deserves a fulfilling life and that nobody should have to go through life’s struggles alone.
Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all journey. Alba takes the time to get to know each client, explore their emotions, provide an individualized relationship, help develop personal goals and lend an unbiased hand to help people in their journey.
Check out our full interview with this inspiring mom below and be sure to contact her to set up your therapy sessions! Remember, mental health is just as important as physical health, mama!
Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in the Katy area?
I am originally from the beautiful country of Venezuela. I moved to Houston to attend college and completed my undergrad at the The University of Houston, GO COOGS! I then completed my graduate degree at Houston Baptist University and got my licensed as a Professional Counselor. I moved to Katy during my post-graduate years and it has been my lovely home for 20 years! It’s crazy to think I’ve been in Katy longer than my own country of birth but I would not change it for the world!
How many kids do you have and how old are they?
I am blessed with 2 wonderful boys ages 12 and 14. They are my pride and joy and whom I spend most of my time with, running from one sport field to the next. I also have 10 nephews and nieces that have either graduated or are currently attending Katy ISD schools. YES! We have a BIG family and Yes, we LOOOVEE Katy.
One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
I am not sure, I am an open book. If you want to know, just ask!
Favorite local things to do in the Katy area?
Attend school sporting events, they are my fave – that’s what I do most of my days, I also love visiting La Centerra, exploring new and old coffee shops and restaurants in the area and getting to know other local moms.
Favorite local restaurants?
Alicia’s Mexican restaurant, Local Table, Thai Spice, Little V’s.
Give us your best mom advice that makes life easier.
My best mom hack is to let your child experience hard moments, Yes, I know it sounds strange
and sure does not make life easier in the moment but trust me it will in the long run. Let them stumble and fall, and cry and grieve, and experience all the feelings and then help them rise again stronger and smarter! Let them make mistakes, have a D or F in a class without losing your mind, lose a game or not be picked for “that” team and be ok with it. Help them learn that struggle, and change, and problems are part of normal life and that they can totally handle it. This will help them grow up with confidence that they can get knocked down but they are strong enough to always get back up again.
OK, would love to talk about your practice and your work as a therapist. Can you tell us
what makes your business unique?
The uniqueness of my business really comes from the love I have for what I do and the relationship I built with my clients. I am a solo/ private pay practice that concentrates in giving
the time needed to each individual. To me is more about quality than quantity. Not taking insurance allows me to customize the time, modality and treatment for the needs of my clients without having to jump into a diagnosis or be dictated into what to do and how to do it by manage care companies. There are TONS of great therapists in the Katy area with phenomenal teams, specialties and resources, we are all unique and we are all part of the same team with a mission to help people find their light and walk through life with the confidence to overcome whatever comes their way. I am also bilingual in Spanish, I have appointments available within 48 hours of initial contact and can also help you find another therapist if you are looking for something I do not offer. Another unique trait is that I recently started offering “outdoor-sessions” where I meet with
mommas during the day at a Katy park instead of my office and we either walk around, or sit in the grass or a bench and learn how to be in contact with nature all while doing therapy. This also allows a space for mommas with babies/toddlers to participate in therapy and bring their
stroller along! It’s a win-win. I am also a certified provider of SSES Funds, a supplemental special education funding source
for kiddos under IEP plans. This is through the Texas Education Agency (TEA). I can provide behavioral and mental health counseling and be covered by the SSES funds if you have already been approved. https://sses.tea.texas.gov/
When did you decide you wanted to be a therapist and open your own practice, and
what’s been the biggest blessing in it all?
Wow, this is a big one. Well, I felt in love with psychology when I took my first mental health class in high school but it wasn’t until I got to college and started taking my degree classes that I realized the importance of learning about the human brain, and was fascinated by learning
about our thoughts and behaviors. This whole experience made me realize how much I would have loved to have someone guide me and teach me some of these concepts and strategies during my most difficult years. So, I decided I would be that “someone” for those who would
allow me to and have been doing it ever since. A private practice was always in the back of my mind, I worked for over 10 years at a huge
agency in Houston and eventually decided I wanted to have more time with my kids, less commute and be able to help more the community I live in, so I took the leap of faith and with my husband’s support and opened up my private practice. Conveniently located near Costco. So many blessings to count in this journey, but definitely the support from my husband and the help of others to get my business started was definitely sent from above. Professionally the biggest blessing is meeting with my clients and being invited to share their journey. Their smiles, tears, ability to manage life and ultimately happiness is the real testimony.
Tell us all your offerings for local moms and do you also work with kids?
I offer individual counseling sessions both face to face or online or sometimes a combination of
both for both moms and non-moms alike. I also offer “outdoor-sessions” where I meet with my adult clients at a park in Katy and we walk or sit and talk while processing their concerns and difficulties. I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy which helps clients learn how their
thoughts, feelings and actions are connected and is one of the most effective therapy for both
depression and anxiety. YES! I also see teenagers in my practice (12 and up). They are actually about half of my clients and I just absolutely LOVE working with them. The teenage years are such a difficult stage to navigate but so much fun when you are willing to learn about yourself and others.
What’s your back story- what did you do before launching your business? Do you think it
prepared you for being a business owner?
Without a doubt my previous experience has definitely prepared me for the entrepreneur life. I spent several years as clinical team leader and overseen clinic operations at my previous job. It gave the clinical, leadership and business perspectives that has been key to my current path and plan. It also allowed me to witness the deficiencies in our society and struggles in health care.
Best advice for mamas wanting to pursue therapy?
Don’t be afraid to try it, it is a lot easier and way more fulfilling than you can imagine. We all can use help, guidance, and an objective perspective. Many women tell me they waited YEARS to reach out because they felt “scared” “nervous” or “unsure of what to expect” I encourage you to
just TRY, let me help you through the process. Take advantage of the free consultation that I offer, get a feel of who I am and ask question before even committing to session. Even after you start, therapy is not a contract and you can pause or stop as needed. You can always find reasons to “keep waiting” or thinking it is “not the best time” but your mental health is super important and you have nothing to lose by trying! I am here to help!
Future plans and hopes for your business?
My hope is to continue to grow my clientele, to continue to meet mommas out there and help them, to continue to help teenagers and proof to them that they can improve their self-worth, improve relationships, and their overall satisfaction in life. I am also hoping I can do more community talks at schools as well as organizations to help promote mental health for women and adolescents.
Biggest blessing in being a mama?
Seeing my kiddos grow into healthy, responsible, fun, kind, family and faith oriented young man. Witnessing their highs and lows and helping them grow through victories and challenges. Being a mama is not an easy task but it is hands down the most beautiful and most important work of all!
What does community mean to you?
Community to me is knowing that there are others out there that also want to best for the greater good and that are willing to support and praise and applaud each other instead of
compete and criticize. Community is building a family and support system together to make Katy better every day!
