GARY S. WHITING, PH.D., DIRECTOR




Dr. Gary Whiting is the director of RTR, Inc.  He received his Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Missouri, and his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Texas in Austin in 1990.  During his internship at the University of Missouri, he helped manage the Stress Management Laboratory which was adjacent to the Student Health Center and received referrals for medical conditions that clearly had a stress-related component.  He has had extensive training in biofeedback, meditation, prayer-based techniques of self-calming, and clinical hypnosis, and was certified by the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis in 1998 after meeting their training and supervision requirements.  He has been the co-director of a work hardening/physical therapy clinic specializing in Workers' Compensation injuries and rehabilitation, and has extensive experience dealing with the posttraumatic stress issues that often occur after life-threatening injuries.  He has a particular interest in community-based models of mental health, and feels that a great amount of healing comes from mutual support and the ingrained desire we have to help one another.






     POONAM SHARMA, PH.D.


I have served the San Antonio area as a licensed psychologist for 20 years, first as faculty at the medical school, and now in independent practice. I earned my Ph.D. in counseling psychology from The University of Texas at Austin in 1994. In my clinical practice, I provide psychotherapy for adults and also specialize in working with people dealing with health issues, such as infertility, traumatic injury, and stress. I also coach and consult with people who are not in any psychological distress, but would like support in achieving their most important health, professional, or relationship goals.


I have served on the faculty of The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio for several years in the Departments of Rehabilitation Medicine, Psychiatry, and Comprehensive Dentistry. I was President of the Bexar County Psychological Association in 2000-2001. I am currently a professional member of the American Psychological Association, Association for Psychological Science, Texas Psychological Association, Bexar County Psychological Association, and American Society for Reproductive Medicine. I am credentialed as a Health Service Provider in Psychology through the National Register. I am certified to offer the mind/body program for infertility created by Dr. Alice Domar, a leading researcher in the area of stress and infertility. I am also a Certified TeleMental Health Practitioner through the Telemental Health Institute.


I believe that it takes a true partnership to bring about change in a person's life. My job is to bring you the professional expertise that I have developed through many years of education and training. Your job is to tell the truth, take risks to be open, and make an honest effort to follow through with what we discuss. I will work very hard to make it comfortable for you to be yourself, so that you can take the emotional risks that are necessary for growth. I will believe in you every step of the way. As someone who has dealt with health challenges personally, I believe I have a unique perspective on living life fully, no matter what your personal limitations. My style is to listen compassionately to understand your situation clearly, help you set realistic goals, and then support you in courageously taking steps toward the results you desire.







     CHERYL WRIGHT, LPC, LCDC


The decision to seek therapy is difficult and personal. Not knowing all the answers to your life questions is natural. Often, people choose therapy during times of stress, discomfort, chaos, and emotional pain. It may also be when you are ready for changes or growth to happen in your life. I believe that within every individual lies the ability to overcome, learn, and persevere through the concerns that brought them to therapy.  


My clients count on me to provide an honest and direct professional appraisal of their specific situations for which they are seeking change and to offer realistic, holistic, and sometimes challenging guidance with insightful feedback. I listen with absolute non-judgment, helping navigate the journey to your desired goals.


Whatever your reason for seeking therapy, I will listen to your concerns & help you decide upon the most appropriate course of action.





   ROSS GARCIA, LPC, LCDC


I believe all human beings strive to create fulfilling lives with meaningful connections to others.  Having a greater understanding of our strengths and weaknesses enables us to make better decisions that lead us to living the life we imagine for ourselves.  Through therapy, I assist clients in gaining insight into themselves through increasing coping and self-awareness, and helping you identify and examine values and strengths in order to make realistic goals and movement towards the life you want.  Feelings of loneliness, inadequacy, shame, hopelessness, and anxiety/depression often derive from negative patterns developed over time as a result of traumatic pain or injury.


Recognizing these negative patterns help you find solutions for positive change that is healthy and empowering.  I provide a safe and collaborative environment in which individuals can explore and learn to identify both their specific needs and their inherent strengths so they can move forward with hope.






ROBERTO LOZANO, PH.D., LPC-S, LCDC


I’m honored to have the opportunity to be of service to the persons seeking improvement by engaging in the healing community of Rehab Therapy Resources.


I obtained a Master of Science degree in Counseling and Human Development, and a Doctorate degree in Professional Counseling. I have been licensed in Professional Counseling and Chemical Dependency Counseling. And I'm dedicated to work with every person, I can have the privilege of serving, to co-create reflexive questioning and meaning making dialogues that open new possibilities, and generate self-actualization patterns of perception, cognition, emotion and behavior for physical, psychological, social, and spiritual healing, recovery, growth, and development.


We will work together on your process of becoming, relating to others, to the world, and to life with growing conscious awareness in a constantly creative, renovating, and meaningful light of inspiration, hope, self-empowerment, and profound connection with love. We will promote your life energy with enthusiasm towards the fulfillment of your potential, and your desired way of being and interacting with significant others and your community.




 PAUL ALVARADO, LCSW, LCDC


Life does not discriminate when it comes to stress, trauma, and pain. We should not bear life's burdens alone, as we all need to be heard, understood, and appreciated. It is never an easy decision to ask for help, whether it be your first time seeking counseling, or if you are searching for a new therapist to continue that journey with. I love to work with those in need of connection, nurture, and growth. I do so through a style that is direct, compassionate, firm, empathetic, practical, and supportive.


My work experience includes 24 years of active duty military service, which has influenced my career transition to helping those who experience depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, substance abuse, and grief.  Therapy is a deeply personal process, and I consider it a privilege to be invited to be a part of your journey in healing and improving your life. I will work to make you feel safe and valued.  I do not practice from a "one size fits all" perspective, as we all are uniquely different with unique experiences of life.  I meet you where you are, and we make the walk to well-being together.












RUBY TORRES, LPC


For many years, I have specialized in helping individuals who are struggling with chronic pain and illness. It’s challenging to enjoy your current life when you become overwhelmed with pain or emotions. I believe that you have the inner strength to handle these struggles and I consider it a privilege to walk through this part of your journey with you.


Whether you are seeking support with every day struggles or therapy for depression, anxiety, trauma or other conflicts, I am here to listen and help.  Although I utilize cognitive behavioral and solution focused techniques, I know that there is a strong connection between the mind, body and soul.  Therefore, I utilize a holistic therapeutic approach as a guide during the therapeutic process.


My role as a therapist is to partner with you and provide a safe environment where you feel free to express yourself. I believe that you have the capacity to find answers for healing from within.  My goal is to support you on your personal journey of change, recovery and happiness.


 










KATRINA PRESSWOOD, LPC-ASSOCIATE


I graduated with a Masters of Science degree in clinical mental health counseling from the University of Texas at San Antonio and am currently pursuing a doctoral degree in counseling psychology from Our Lady of the Lake University. Whether a client is dealing with grief, stress, trauma, pain, anxiety, phobia, depression, or a major life transition, I am a great believer in the power that each and every one of us has to overcome the obstacles we encounter and thrive in the face of adversity. It is my goal to provide a comfortable and mutually respectful space for clients to explore whatever challenges life has brought their way.


 










NANCY OHLENBUSCH, LPC, NCC, CBIS (Certified Brain Injury Specialist)


Living with new or ongoing health issues can be challenging, impacting both practical matters of day-to-day living and one’s deeper experience of oneself and the world. I am here to support you in this phase of your life, to help you respond to life-altering events and realizations - or just the evolving nature of life. My goal is to facilitate healing, adaptation, and growth.

 

I have experience working with people with a variety of health conditions, including acquired brain injury and those with trauma and a range of mental health concerns. However, regardless of your situation, I am available to support you in your personal objectives and help cultivate quality of life.

 

My approach includes a variety of modalities, depending on your needs and preferences, from supportive counseling and traditional approaches to physical/somatic resources and creative or expressive techniques, in order to provide access to the many dimensions of healing.


 


AMANDA WHITING, OFFICE MANAGER


I have been working here with my dad since I was 15 years old, and have come to greatly value the work that we do at this clinic.  It is my goal to make you feel understood and welcomed from our very first interaction.  As the office manager, I will do whatever I can to help you, whether that be figuring out problems with your insurance, or making sure that you are getting the care that you deserve.  I believe that every person is capable of making changes in their lives that will promote self healing and self worth, and am determined to make those goals accessible to anyone who is in need.