Meet the Collective…
Elizabeth Brothers, MS, lPC-S, Registered Play Therapist
Founder and Therapist
Offering in-person & virtual in Belton and Salado
Life can feel like a lot sometimes—whether you’re navigating a big transition, healing from trauma, or trying to manage the day-to-day challenges of relationships or parenting. Beth works with children, teens, and adults to help make sense of those experiences and find a steadier way forward. With a focus on trauma, stress, depression, and anxiety, she offers thoughtful, compassionate care that helps you build resilience, feel safer in your world, and reconnect with a sense of hope. Beth has a special passion for supporting individuals in various stages of life and those who may have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, and other forms of trauma.
Beth earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, with a minor in Child and Human Development, from Arizona State University, and her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Texas A&M University–Central Texas, where she was recognized as a distinguished graduate in both programs. Her background includes extensive work in community mental health, including leadership roles overseeing clinical and internship programs focusing on children, families, and father-specific roles, as well as serving as a HIPAA Privacy and Security Officer to ensure ethical and regulatory compliance.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and Registered Play Therapist, Beth specializes in trauma-informed care for children, adolescents, and families, including those impacted by domestic violence and sexual assault. She integrates evidence-based approaches such as EMDR, Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and play therapy—always tailoring her work to fit each client’s unique needs and goals.
Beth is also deeply committed to giving back to her community and supporting the next generation of clinicians. She has volunteered in multiple Board roles and is recognized for her dedication to advancing high-quality, ethical care—especially for underserved populations. In addition to her leadership work, Beth has provided both individual and group therapy in local shelters, supporting child and adult survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. She also invests in the future of the field by offering thoughtful, growth-oriented clinical supervision to LPC Associates and student interns. If you’re interested in supervision or training opportunities, you can learn more on our Supervision & Training page.
To learn more about the power of play therapy, watch this video from the Association for Play Therapy (APT) or visit the APT website for additional information on play therapy and helpful resources.
Carmen Arias, M.Ed., LPC Associate
Supervised by Elizabeth Brothers, MS, LPC-S #77398, RPT
Therapist
In-Person/Virtual - Salado, Belton, Temple
Bilingual - English/Spanish
Carmen is dedicated to walking alongside you and your family as you navigate life’s challenges and discover your potential. She believes that true healing happens when you feel seen, heard, and supported in a safe and compassionate space. She has had the privilege of supporting children, adolescents, and families through emotional, behavioral, and relational challenges, helping them build resilience, strengthen connections, and move toward meaningful change. Her approach to counseling is rooted in empathy, collaboration, and a deep respect for each person’s unique story.
Carmen holds a Master of Education in Counseling and Development with a specialization in Family Counseling, and she brings both rigorous clinical training and rich real-world experience to every client relationship. Her background spans counseling settings, community support roles, and family-centered services, where she built a strong foundation in trauma-informed care and evidence-based practices including EMDR, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI), and Cognitive Processing Therapy — approaches that support healing from trauma, grief, and life transitions.
Carmen's background in education and ministry has further shaped her perspective and deepened her calling to serve. For many years, she has taught, mentored, and supported the spiritual growth of children and families in faith-based settings, and she currently volunteers her counseling expertise at the Sunrise Center in Temple. This foundation allows her to integrate faith, when desired by the client, as a meaningful source of strength, hope, and restoration.
At the heart of everything, Carmen has a passion for people — helping them grow in self-awareness, experience healing, and discover the clarity, purpose, and confidence to move forward with hope.
Diana Plachowski, MSW, LMSW
Supervised by Ashleigh Gore, mSW, LCSW-S #51893
Therapist
In-Person/Virtual - Salado, Belton
If you or your family are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to move forward, Diana offers a calm, supportive space to work through it together. She works with children, teens, adults, and families navigating trauma, emotional challenges, and behavioral concerns—helping you better understand what you’re experiencing and how to move forward in a way that feels manageable.
With over 15 years in social services, Diana brings a grounded, trauma-informed approach to her work. She helps children and teens build emotional awareness and coping skills, while also supporting parents in strengthening connection and responding to challenges with greater confidence. Her style is collaborative, practical, and focused on creating meaningful, everyday change. She believes that when you begin to understand yourself more clearly, it opens the door to stronger relationships, greater resilience, and a more authentic way of living. Diana would love to support you in that process and be a part of your journcey.
Diana holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from McGill University, with a minor in Hispanic languages and culture. She earned her Master of Social Work from Boston University, specializing in clinical work with children, families, and trauma. Diana is a TBRI Practitioner, a specialization in trust-based relational interventions.
"You need to resign yourself to the awkwardness of life. Only if you find peace within yourself will you find true connection with others." (from "Before Sunrise.")
Jodi Carpenter, MS, LPC Associate
Supervised by Ryan Guajardo, MA, LPC-S #73887, LMFT-S #202599
Therapist
In-Person/Virtual - Salado, Belton
You don’t have to figure everything out on your own. Jodi believes that real healing starts when you feel truly seen, heard, and understood—and she’s intentional about creating that kind of space for you from the very beginning. Whether you’re coming in with a clear concern or just a sense that something isn’t quite right, she’ll meet you with warmth, curiosity, and care.
Jodi works with children, teens, and families who are navigating big feelings, life changes, and relationship challenges. Her style is collaborative and down-to-earth, helping you make sense of what’s going on while building the tools and confidence to move forward. She meets you where you are, while gently supporting growth, resilience, and a stronger sense of self along the way.
She is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in Texas, with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Phoenix and a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Capella University. Her work is grounded in evidence-based approaches, always tailored to fit your unique needs and goals.
Outside of her work as a therapist, Jodi is a wife and mom of two who loves getting lost in a good book. Much of her free time is spent at her family’s ranch caring for over 20 longhorns—something that keeps her grounded and connected to what matters most.
Valeria Pedraza Báez, MA, LPC Associate
Supervised by Elizabeth brothers, MS, LPC-S #77398, RPT
Therapist
Virtual only - Texas residents
Bilingual - English/Spanish
Feeling stuck in the same patterns, unsure how to move forward, or overwhelmed by life’s transitions? Valeria, a bilingual therapist, is here to help you make sense of what you’re going through and find a path that feels right for you. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship challenges, she works alongside you to understand the deeper patterns shaping your experiences—and helps you create meaningful, lasting change. Valeria offers a warm, collaborative space where you can reconnect with yourself, challenge limiting beliefs, and move forward with more clarity, confidence, and emotional resilience. She works with individuals, couples, and families, supporting adults, military members, veterans, and diverse communities in both English and Spanish.
Valeria earned her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor and has experience in both a military base counseling center and a community clinic in Texas. Valeria is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Puerto Rico and a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in Texas. Her approach is grounded in evidence-based practices, with care tailored to your unique needs, goals, and lived experience.Healing is not only about understanding and processing the past, but also about learning to embody and sustain a new version of yourself.
Valeria is the creator of “Encuentro Kintsugi,” a therapeutic experience inspired by the Japanese art of repairing with gold. Through this work, she integrates themes of resilience, self-compassion, and personal transformation, supporting individuals in reconnecting with themselves and rebuilding from their experiences with intention and meaning. Click here to learn more about Encuentro Kintsugi by visiting Valeria’s website Resilient Mind from her work in Puerto Rico!