PuttingFamilyFirst

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RD Portrait of Rafaela DeSoto-Ray
Online therapist

Rafaela DeSoto-Ray

Supportive, practical therapy for everyday family challenges

Credentials
LPC
Experience
25 years
Licensed in
Texas
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Rafaela

Rafaela DeSoto-Ray is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Texas with 25 years of clinical experience. She focuses on everyday problems like stress, anxiety, depression, sleeping troubles, parenting concerns, and relationship strain. Parents and caregivers often look to her for practical ideas they can use between sessions.

She aims to offer clear, usable steps rather than long theory talks. Her background includes work with trauma and abuse, grief, bipolar disorder, and ADHD.

Background and approach

She also has experience with developmental and neurological concerns such as dementia and head injury. That range helps her adjust tools to each person’s situation. Rafaela blends several approaches to find what fits each client.

She uses client-centered listening, cognitive behavioral techniques, and solution-focused strategies so conversations stay goal-oriented and concrete. Sessions often include trying a new skill or strategy to practice during the week. Her style is collaborative and pragmatic.

She treats clients as the experts on their own lives and helps them build on existing strengths. New ideas and small changes are introduced gradually to reduce overwhelm and support real-life progress. Working with Rafaela involves straightforward planning, checks on what’s working, and adjustments as needed.

For people who want plain language, doable tools, and steady support, she offers a steady, experienced presence.

How therapeutic approaches translate to online care

Client-Centered Therapy starts with listening and respect. The therapist focuses on understanding each person’s story and responding without judgment, which helps people feel heard and more willing to try small changes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at how thoughts and behaviors influence feelings and teaches practical exercises to reduce anxiety, improve sleep, or manage mood swings. Solution-Focused Therapy concentrates on what’s working now and builds short-term goals to create quick, useful changes.

Deciding which approach to use is part of the work with the therapist. She will talk with the client about goals, try techniques, and adjust based on what helps. That collaborative process aims to find the best fit rather than forcing one method.

Online therapy offers flexible ways to connect. Video calls let people have face-to-face conversations from home. Phone sessions work when video isn’t possible. Live chat and text-based messaging can support quick check-ins or ongoing coaching between sessions. These options make it easier to get regular support while juggling family, work, and other responsibilities.

Client-Centered Therapy

The direction comes from you rather than from a set programme. The therapist offers a warm, non-judgemental space to think out loud and work at your own pace. Online, this rests on the relationship rather than on being in the same room.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT looks at the link between what you think, how you feel, and what you do. You work on noticing unhelpful patterns and practising steadier responses. It suits online sessions well, because much of the work happens between appointments and can be talked through from anywhere.

Solution-Focused Therapy

Rather than examining the problem at length, this looks at what is already working and builds on it. Sessions tend to be practical and forward-looking, with small achievable steps, which translates readily to shorter online conversations.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of problems does Rafaela address?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and intimacy issues, coping with life changes, ADHD, trauma and abuse, grief, parenting concerns, anger, bipolar disorder, sleeping problems, and family issues.
What is her therapy style like?
Her approach is practical and collaborative. She listens first, then offers concrete skills from client-centered, cognitive behavioral, and solution-focused methods.
How much experience does she have?
Rafaela has 25 years of professional experience working with a wide range of emotional and behavioral concerns.
What are her credentials and where is she located?
She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, licensed in Texas under TX LPC 18263 and practices in Texas.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the US work with her?
International clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are available?
She offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different needs and schedules.
How does payment and scheduling work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. To begin, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a session according to therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Experience
25 years
Licensed
Texas
Languages
English

Next step

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