Seeking out a therapist that best suits you is the first step in forming a productive, professional counseling relationship.  It takes courage to take that first step, and I hope to provide a safe, comfortable, and knowledgeable environment to fulfill your therapeutic goals.

 

My areas of expertise include:

individual

couple

family issues 

C e n t r a l  T e x a s  P r o f e s s i o n a l  C o u n s e l i n g

             Cheryl E. Duke, MA, NCC, LPC is a graduate of Texas State University San Marcos with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders and a Master’s in Professional Counseling specializing in individuals, families, and couple/relationship issues.  Along with acquiring her Master’s, she is a National Certified Counselor as well as a Licensed Professional Counselor.

             Her specializations include adult individuals, marital, couple, and family issues, focusing on communication, stress/anxiety, parenting concerns, self-esteem, and abuse victimization.  She also conducts social studies and home evaluations throughout Comal County pertaining to custody or adoption cases.  Cheryl has gained experience working with couples, families, at-risk kids, and abuse victims through Connections Individual and Family Services as well as children and family grief groups through Hope Hospice in New Braunfels.  While working in private practice, she continues to volunteer with the Children’s Grief Programs and both Camp Courageous—Families and Camp Courageous—Youth of Hope Hospice, is assisting as psychotherapist for First Baptist Church San Marcos, and is also an active member of Comal County Junior Livestock Show Association.

             Cheryl’s passion is working with adult individuals, couples and families.  Depending on the client’s needs and level of comfort, techniques such as art, play, and creative means as well as the traditional talk therapy may be exercised during a session.  She has seen a high rate of success in utilizing systemic and experiential theoretical aspects, which derive from the basis of families, relationships, communication between individuals, and how conflicts are resolved within relationships.  She is also interested in gaining clear and obtainable goals from each client as to what they expect from the therapy process, and what they hope to achieve.  This goal-setting is for the purpose of helping the client see, feel, and appreciate progress made during the counseling process.  Exploring family of origin issues and past experiences as well as their present state is also very important.  This gives counselors a better understanding of the client’s life, trials, and accomplishments that mold people into who they are. 

            

             Most importantly, I appreciate that each client, couple, or family is unique and, as a therapist, am willing to follow your lead as to what will work for you and make you as  comfortable as possible.  The therapeutic relationship is the most important aspect of the counseling process and will flourish in a secure, inviting atmosphere, and that is what I have to offer.  My goal is to help facilitate a constructive change in clients’ relationships, lives, and outlook on life.