Sandra Dunlap, MA, LPCC

Name & Credentials:
Sandra Dunlap, M.A., LPCC Candidate, Trauma Support Specialist, Addiction Counselor Candidate
Where did you study?
I earned my Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Adams State University. I also hold a Master of Arts in Human Services from Liberty University and a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.
What is your current role at Nexus Counseling Services?
I currently serve as a Mental Health Clinician/Therapist at Nexus Counseling Services, where I provide individualized therapeutic support to clients experiencing a variety of emotional, behavioral, relational, and life challenges.
How long have you been working in the mental health field?
I have several years of experience working in mental health, behavioral health, human services, and social services. My professional background includes counseling, addiction services, trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, advocacy, foster care, and supporting individuals and families with complex needs.
What inspired you to become a mental health professional?
I have always had a passion for helping people navigate difficult seasons in their lives. Over the years, I have seen how trauma, grief, relationships, and life circumstances can affect a person’s emotional well-being. I wanted to become a clinician so I could provide a safe and supportive space where people feel heard, valued, and empowered to heal and move forward.
What are your clinical specialties or areas of passion?
My areas of passion include trauma-informed care, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, adjustment disorders, relationship and family concerns, parent-child relationships, foster care, and working with children, adolescents, and adults. I am especially passionate about helping clients recognize their strengths, develop healthy coping skills, and understand that healing is a process. My clinical approach is integrative, client-centered, and trauma-informed, allowing me to tailor treatment to meet the unique needs of each client. I incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Person-Centered Therapy, strengths-based interventions, psychoeducation, mindfulness and grounding techniques, and family systems approaches. My goal is to create a safe and supportive environment where clients can identify their strengths, develop healthy coping skills, improve relationships, and work toward meaningful and lasting change.
What do you love most about being a clinician?
I love watching people begin to recognize their own strength and growth. Sometimes clients enter therapy feeling overwhelmed or unsure of themselves, and it is rewarding to see them develop confidence, establish healthier boundaries, improve relationships, and realize they have the ability to make meaningful changes in their lives.
Is there a quote or philosophy that guides your work?
One philosophy that guides my work is: “Meet people where they are, but don’t leave them there.” I believe therapy should provide compassion and acceptance while also encouraging growth, accountability, and meaningful change.
How do you take care of your own mental health and well-being?
I value faith, family, rest, healthy boundaries, reflection, and making time for the things that bring me peace and joy. I also recognize the importance of practicing the same self-care and balance that I encourage my clients to develop.
What’s something your clients have taught you?
My clients have taught me that resilience can look very different from person to person. People can experience incredibly difficult circumstances and still find the courage to keep moving forward. They have also taught me that progress does not always happen in a straight line—sometimes the smallest steps represent significant growth.
What’s one thing you wish more people understood about mental health or therapy?
I wish more people understood that therapy is not only for times of crisis. Therapy can be a place to learn about yourself, strengthen relationships, develop healthier coping skills, process past experiences, and become more intentional about the life you want to live. Asking for support can be an important part of personal growth.
I’m a big Star Wars fan! I enjoy the adventure, memorable characters, and the ongoing battle between the light and dark side. And of course, “May the Force be with you!”
When I’m not helping others navigate life’s challenges, you just might find me in a galaxy far, far away. 😊
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, being involved in my church and community, traveling, and finding opportunities to simply relax and enjoy life. I spend so much of my professional life helping others that I value time to reconnect with the people and things that matter most to me.




























