MEET OUR TEAM
Lydia Kasmoch (she/her)
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR - SUPERVISOR
REGISTERED PLAY THERAPIST
Hello and Welcome
I am so happy you found me. Let me take a moment to introduce myself.
For the past seven years, I have been working in the El Paso community with children, adolescents, adults, families, and couples. I founded Thrive Counseling & Wellness, PLLC in 2019 with the goal of creating a space where individuals could come and feel cared for; a space where deep healing could happen.
I believe our bodies and minds are interconnected and seek to help clients in my practice to heal holistically. Working collaboratively with each client, I utilize mindfulness, somatic therapy, and other expressive therapies, such as sand tray, art and play therapy. My hope is to help others learn to bring insight to their life experiences and then move forward toward the goal of a joyful life.
I hold a Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology from The University of Toledo and a Master's of Arts in Clinical Counseling from Heidelberg University, a C.A.C.R.E.P. accredited university. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Texas and a Registered Play Therapist through the Association for Play Therapy. I have advanced training in Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) and Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT). Additionally, I am a Level One trained Sensorimotor Psychotherapist and completed the Level I training in the Gottman method for Couples' Therapy.
If you’re ready to put your life, your relationship, or your healing into focus and you think I may be a good fit to help you on that journey please contact me and we’ll get started.
With Gratitude,
Lydia
hilary hernandez (she/her)
Director of Human resources
LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR
LICENSED MARRIAGE + FAMILY THERAPIST
REGISTERED PLAY THERAPIST
Hi there!
My name is Hilary, and I’m so glad you’re here. The Sun City has always held a special place in my heart as I was born and raised here. I chose to move back home after completing graduate school, and I have taken pride in being able to help children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families in the El Paso community in their healing journeys.
I believe that we do not exist in isolation as individuals, and that it is important to collaborate and consider the impact our “systems” (school, work, families, doctors, etc.) have on our lives. I do feel there can be a disconnection within ourselves that can often impact our connections with others and the world around us. However, I understand that you are the expert in your past and present experiences in the world. My job is to meet you where you are and use my own knowledge and experience to assist you in your growth and healing. I want to ensure that our sessions help you in your life to be more connected with yourself and in your relationships.
As for my credentials, I received a Bachelor’s of Science in Family Studies and a Master’s of Science in Family Therapy from Texas Woman’s University. In the state of Texas, I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I am a Registered Play Therapist through the Association for Play Therapy. I have completed Level 2 training in the Gottman Method for Couple’s Therapy, and I am trained in the Gottman Institute’s Bringing Baby Home program. Additionally, I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, which is an evidence-based psychotherapy that helps clients to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that result from overwhelming life experiences.
Thank you for taking the time to read a bit about me to see whether we would be a good fit. I look forward to the opportunity of working with you.
Hilary
sarah swafford (she/her)
Director of operations
LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR-SUPERVISOR
REGISTERED PLAY THERAPIST
Welcome!
I am grateful for your bravery to seek and understand more about yourself and those around you. We often hear that vulnerability is the key to connection, however we are not always surrounded by an environment where it is encouraged or safe.
Therapy does require vulnerability and some risk taking and at times it may feel scary or uncomfortable to confront certain areas of your life that may not be functioning in the way you would like. However, I am prepared and ready to meet you wherever you may be in the process and create a space where you can process and create new ways of living that work best for you.
I hold a Bachelor's of Science degree from the University of Texas at El Paso and a Master's of Education degree in Counseling from Sul Ross State University. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor (LPC-S) in the state of Texas and a Registered Play Therapist (RPT) through the Association for Play Therapy. I have completed advanced training in Child- Centered Play Therapy (CCPT), and Child-Parent Relationship Training (CPRT). Additionally, I have completed Level 1 training in the Gottman's method for Couple's Therapy and the Resolve Through Sharing Bereavement Training: Perinatal Death.
If you find that you are ready to embark on a journey of healing and feel that I could be a good fit for you please contact me and we can begin the journey together.
Warm Regards,
Sarah
Lorae Marquez (she/her)
LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR
Hello & welcome,
Making the decision to seek help can often be a difficult step in
one’s journey towards recovery and self-healing. So, I thank you for visiting this page and taking time to learn if myself or any other member of our team might be a good fit for you.
My priority as a therapist is to hold a safe space for you to express and explore difficult thoughts or feelings that may be barriers to your overall well being and growth. Oftentimes, these difficulties are rooted in difficult life experiences that have shaped the way we see ourselves, others, and/or the world around us. My perspective is that growth and healing occur when we take time to better understand how what has happened to us may have led to where we are now and to use that insight to move towards where we would like to be.
I received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from St. Mary’s University and a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from University of Texas at El Paso. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and am trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Eye
Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), which are treatments for individuals impacted by trauma and/or other stressful life experiences. I have completed training in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), a treatment for young children with behavioral problems. I have also received training in Child-Centered Play Therapy, a modality for children ages 2-10.
If you are ready to begin your journey and feel that I am a good fit, please contact me and we can begin our work together. I look forward to the opportunity to help you on your journey.
Warmly,
Lorae
natalia murillo (she/her)
LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR-ASSOCIATE
Supervised By: Lydia Kasmoch, LPC-S, Registered Play Therapist
Hello,
My name is Natalia and I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a Master’s of Science in Mental Health Counseling from The University of Texas at El Paso, a C.A.C.R.E.P. accredited university.
I believe that mental health is so important and vital for living a happy life however, I also understand that therapy can be a scary and uncomfortable journey to begin. I strive to create a safe environment that clients will feel comfortable in. I utilize a person-centered approach with clients because I believe that each person knows themselves best. I incorporate mindfulness and expressive therapies such as play therapy and sand tray therapy.
My hope is to help individuals on their journey towards healing and insight. If you are ready to begin your journey and feel that I am a good fit, please contact me so we can begin your mental health journey together.
Natalia
