Hello, My name is Ami Estrada, and I am a counselor in training at the Pearland location under the supervision of Bonnie Simien, LPC at Texas Counseling Center. I am a graduate student pursuing a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling at Texas Southern University. I received my bachelors degree in Psychology at Coker University in Hartsville, South Carolina.
I moved to Houston, TX in August 2024 and began working as an RBT providing ABA therapy for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. As an RBT, I implemented individualized behavior patterns, collected and analyzed data, and collaborated with families and my BCBA. My experience has strengthened my skills in building rapport, managing challenging behaviors with empathy, maintaining ethical and professional standards, and supporting clients’ emotional and developmental needs, skills I am eager to further develop and apply in my role as a counselor in training.
As a first-generation student, my path has been shaped by navigating rigorous familial beliefs and experiencing my own mental health challenges silently. These experiences have deepened my understanding of how cultural expectations and stigma can impact emotional well-being. I am passionate about being part of the change, challenging harmful narratives, breaking generational cycles, and creating a supportive, non judgemental space where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered.
