Dr. Betsy Puentes, LMFT, LPC - Therapist in Texas

46 years experience
LMFT and LPC
Practical step-by-step help

About Betsy

Dr. Betsy Puentes is a licensed marriage and family therapist and licensed professional counselor based in Texas. She draws on 46 years of clinical experience to help people facing stress, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, career struggles, and other life challenges. Dr. Puentes frames the client as the expert of their own story and focuses on practical steps forward.

She works in a direct and respectful manner. Sessions help people identify what matters most and take small, manageable steps toward change. Conversations may cover relationships, motivation, addictive behaviors, anger, and coping with major life shifts including coping with natural or human-caused disaster.

Her background includes a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a Doctorate in Counseling Psychology, and she holds both LMFT and LPC licenses in Texas. That training supports a range of approaches she uses to match someone’s needs.

Dr. Puentes commonly integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and cognitive behavioral techniques to address thoughts and behaviors that keep problems going. She also uses emotionally focused and relational tools when relationship issues come up.

People who choose her can expect clear, practical conversations. She helps clients notice patterns and try specific changes between sessions. The focus is on building everyday skills and supporting real-life decisions.

How her approaches translate to online therapy

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice what really matters and take actions that match those values even when emotions are difficult. It often focuses on small, practical steps and skills to build more meaningful daily routines. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors interact and teaches techniques to change unhelpful patterns and reduce symptoms over time. Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) concentrates on emotions and relationship patterns, helping people understand and shift key interactions that keep them stuck.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with each person about their goals and preferences and recommend ways of working together. That conversation guides whether ACT, CBT, EFT, or a mix of methods will be the best fit.

Please confirm current session options before booking, as formats are not specified here. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow for shorter check-ins when needed. They can also help people practice new skills in the settings where they live and work. Licensed professionals can tailor session pacing and homework so therapy fits everyday life rather than requiring large blocks of time.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety Self esteemCareer difficultiesDepression Coping with life changes

Also works with

AddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseAnger management

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stress Chronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)Divorce and separationDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSHoardingImmigration issuesImpulsivityInfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces Issues Money and financial issues Mood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaVisually impairedWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Existential TherapyImago Relationship TherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

46+ years

Credentials

Texas

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

What issues does she commonly address?

She helps people with stress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, career concerns, addictions, relationship issues, trauma, anger, and coping with life changes including coping with natural or human-caused disaster.

What is her general therapeutic style?

Her approach is practical and collaborative. She helps people identify values, notice unhelpful patterns, and try small changes that fit their life.

How much clinical experience does she have?

She brings 46 years of professional experience to her work with clients.

What credentials and state licensure does she hold?

She holds the LMFT and LPC credentials and is licensed in Texas as TX LMFT and TX LPC.

Which languages are supported for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can people outside the United States work with her?

International clients are not currently accepted.

How are sessions priced?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin the process of working with her?

Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.