Meet the Team

Maribel Arias, MA, LPC-S, NCC

Owner/Founder/ Licensed Professional Counselor- Supervisor

My name is Maribel Arias and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor here in the state of Texas. I have a Master’s degree in Counseling from Wayland Baptist University. With over 10 years of experience, I specialize in treating mood disorders, trauma, and providing effective couples counseling. As the owner and founder of Guiding Star Counseling & Wellness, PLLC, I am committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for individuals, couples, and families to explore their unique challenges and find healing.

In addition to my clinical work, I serve as a Clinical Supervisor in the state of Texas for LPC-Associates, guiding the next generation of counselors toward professional licensure. My approach is grounded in empathy, evidence-based practices, and a deep understanding of the complexities of human emotions and relationships.

If you're seeking a compassionate and experienced counselor, I am here to help you navigate life’s difficulties and work towards a brighter, more fulfilling future.

Licensure:

  • Licensed Professional Counselor- Supervisor

    • Texas License #76212

Specializations/Certifications:

  • Trauma Informed Care

  • Traumatic Stress Studies

  • Certified Sex Therapy Informed Professional

Therapy Modalities:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

  • EMDR - Trained (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)

  • Mindfulness

  • Person Centered Therapy

  • Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

  • Somatic Therapy

  • Couples therapy

    • Gottman Approach

Ricardo Velazquez Garcia

Licensed Professional Counselor Associate / Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor -Intern

Supervised by Maribel Arias, LPC-S, NCC

Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure? I'm here to help you explore these feelings, overcome challenges, and create lasting positive change. My expertise includes supporting individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, trauma, and identity exploration. As a Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor-Intern (LCDC-I), supervised by Maribel Arias, LPC-S, I provide compassionate, evidence-based counseling tailored specifically to you.

My therapeutic approach blends Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and trauma-informed practices with innovative interventions like neurofeedback, video game therapy, virtual reality (VR) therapy, and mindfulness strategies. I am certified in administering assessments such as SCID-5-RV, K-SADS, CAPS-5, Young Mania Rating Scale, Hamilton Depression Scale, etc. which are used to tailor your sessions effectively to meet your unique needs.

In addition to my clinical work, I’m actively involved in mental health research at UT Austin's Bipolar Disorder Center. My experience in clinical research and my personal passion for incorporating technology and creative arts into therapy helps create a dynamic, engaging therapeutic environment.

Outside of counseling, I'm deeply passionate about music, nutrition, technology, and philosophy, all of which influence my creative and holistic approach to mental wellness. If you're ready to embark on a meaningful journey toward healing and self-discovery, I warmly invite you to reach out.

Licensure:

  • Licensed Professional Counselor Associate

    • Texas License #: 97735

    • Supervised by Maribel Arias, LPC-S, NCC

  • Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor Intern

Research Projects:

  • NimStim

  • Smart-BD

  • Nectary-Plus

Specialties:

  • Mood disorders (Anxiety, Bipolar, Depression)

  • Trauma

  • Life Transitions

Therapy Modalities:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy

  • Mindfulness Techniques

  • Neurofeedback Interventions

  • Virtual Reality Therapy

David J. Arias, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

With over 10 years of experience as a licensed counselor, I am passionate about helping individuals navigate life's challenges and lead more fulfilling lives. I specialize in treating anxiety and depression, providing compassionate, evidence-based therapy tailored to each person's unique needs.

In addition to my work with individuals facing anxiety and depression, I have a deep understanding of the unique pressures faced by musicians. I specialize in providing mental health support to artists, helping them manage performance anxiety, creative blocks, and the emotional toll that can come with a career in the arts.

I believe in a holistic approach to therapy, integrating various therapeutic modalities to ensure the best possible outcomes for my clients. If you're struggling with anxiety, depression, or need support in your music career, I offer a safe, non-judgmental space where we can work together to help you thrive.

Licensure:

  • Licensed Professional Counselor

    • Texas License #76211

Specialties:

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • Musicians - Performance Anxiety

Therapy Modalities:

  • Person Centered Therapy

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

  • Trauma Informed Approach

Annika De Anda

Licensed Professional Counselor- Associate / Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor -Intern

Supervised by Christina Del Rio, MA, LPC-S and Maribel Arias, LPC-S, NCC

Annika provides a safe and supportive space for healing and personal growth. Annika earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from The University of Texas at San Antonio in 2020 and went on to complete her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2023. '

Her professional background includes working in dual diagnosis treatment facilities, where she supported individuals dealing with both substance use and mental health disorders. She has a background in treating children and adolescents in several school districts.

She brings experience in crisis assessment, trauma-informed care, group therapy, family support, and the therapeutic benefits of horticulture.

Annika is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a powerful method used to help clients process and heal from trauma. Her therapeutic approach is flexible and individualized, drawing from Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing; guided by the unique needs and goals of each client. Annika is committed to ongoing professional development and continues to expand her clinical knowledge to provide holistic and compassionate care. Annika is currently taking clients ages 17 and up as they reclaim their strength and rediscover meaning in their lives. 

Licensure:

  • Licensed Professional Counselor -Associate

    • Texas License #96270

    • Supervised by Christina Del Rio, LPC-S

    • Supervised by Maribel Arias, LPC-S, NCC

Specialties:

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • ADHD

  • Addictions

  • Trauma

Therapy Modalities:

  • EMDR - Trained (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)

  • Trauma - Focused - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy

Jayangela Hoel

Licensed Professional Counselor- Associate / National Certified Counselor

Supervised by Maribel Arias, LPC-S, NCC

Jayangela takes a holistic and collaborative approach to counseling, recognizing that mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health are all connected. She works with individuals and couples, ages 10 and up, who are navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, trauma, and relationship challenges. She is a military veteran and understands the unique challenges that military service members and their families face, and she is dedicated to providing support tailored to their experiences.

Jayangela’s counseling style is warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental. She uses evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based approaches, and Person-Centered Therapy. She also integrate holistic techniques like breathwork, grounding exercises, and exploring values and meaning—tailoring therapy to your unique needs.

Jayangela strives to create a safe, inclusive space where you feel heard and supported. She honors the whole person and walks alongside you on your journey.

Licensure:

  • Licensed Professional Counselor Associate

    • Texas License # 99500

    • Supervised by Maribel Arias, LPC-S, NCC

Specialties:

  • Mood Disorders (Anxiety and Depression)

  • Trauma

  • Couples

  • Military Service Members and their families

  • Children

Therapy Modalities:

  • Gottman Trained

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Trauma Focused

  • Mindfulness Techniques

Gerardo Torres

Licensed Professional Counselor Associate / Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor -Intern

Supervised by Maribel Arias, LPC-S, NCC

Gerardo offers a client-centered, trauma-informed space for adolescents (13+) and adults to feel supported, seen, and empowered. He believes therapy isn’t about fixing what’s broken, but about uncovering the strengths you already have and using them as a foundation for growth and healing.

As a certified bilingual therapist, Gerardo offer services in both English and Spanish, ensuring that clients can engage in therapy in the language that feels most comfortable and authentic. I am passionate about creating a safe, affirming space for LGBTQ+ individuals and those exploring their sexual and gender identities.

Gerardo’s approach blends evidence-based practices—including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), mindfulness, and psychoeducation—to meet each client where they are. Whether you’re seeking clarity, connection, or lasting change, Gerardo is here to walk alongside you on a path towards healing.

Licensure:

  • Licensed Professional Counselor Associate

    • Supervised by Maribel Arias, LPC-S, NCC

  • Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor Intern

Specialties:

  • Substance Use (including Teens Vaping)

  • Anxiety

  • LGBTQ+

Therapy Modalities:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

  • Motivational Interviewing

  • Solution Focused Brief Therapy

Languages Spoken:

  • English

  • Spanish

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