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Dr. Amanda Stanley, Ph.D, L.P. and her staff of clinicians provide in-person and remote diagnostic evaluation & therapy in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and beyond with an office located in Mansfield, Texas. Stanley Psychology treats a variety of conditions for patients of all ages, both individually and in group settings. Virtual Therapy What is online therapy? Virtual Therapy Online therapy, also known as remote therapy, virtual therapy, or teletherapy, is therapy conducted when the patient is in a different place than the clinician. This method has become increasingly popular and all Stanley Psychology clinicians are able to offer online therapy services. Why choose online therapy? M any people choose remote services for convenience, time, and comfort. By offering online therapy, any people are able to access therapy when barriers are present otherwise, such as time constraints in the workday, family obligations, or location. At Stanley Psychology, we offer in-person appointments in Mansfield, Texas, virtual appointments, or a hybrid approach in which patients can choose to attend virtually or in person at any point in time. Does online therapy work as well as in-person? Research demonstrates that online therapy can be as effective as in-person for many concerns! If your clinician believes you may benefit more from in-person services, that recommendation will be discussed during your course of treatment. How does online therapy work? Remote services offered through Stanley Psychology have similarities amongst clinicians, including privacy, HIPAA compliance, and video or phone offerings. You will be provided a link to access your session prior to your appointment time. Do I have to do online or can I attend in person? You can absolutely attend in-person. In fact, we would love to have you in the office! However, because of the popularity of remote services, some clinicians have remote days of work where they are not physically present in-office. Your clinician will discuss availability during your initial session. What states can you practice virtual therapy in? Dr. Stanley is fully licensed in Texas and Kansas, which means all clinicians supervised by Dr. Stanley can offer services there. In addition, we are part of the PSYPACT program, which allows for interstate practice in 39 states and counting! Thus, there are more states that we CAN see patients in versus not! The PSYPACT map is regularly added to, therefore it is best to reference this information to determine state-specific questions. MORE QUESTIONS? CONTACT US

Dr. Amanda Stanley, Ph.D, L.P. and her staff of clinicians provide in-person and remote diagnostic evaluation & therapy in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and beyond with an office located in Mansfield, Texas. Stanley Psychology treats a variety of conditions for patients of all ages, both individually and in group settings. Psychology Services Stanley Psychology offers a variety of services that are personalized for each patient. DIAGNOSTIC EVALUATION Stanley Psychology provides diagnostic evaluation services for adults, adolescents, and children. Typical evaluations include general mental health, substance abuse, forensic evaluations for licensing boards, bariatric, veteran's benefits, behavioral concerns, learning disabilities, and adult and childhood ADHD. PSYCHOTHERAPY Psychotherapy offers a chance for personal transformation, relief from distress and emotional suffering, and progress towards a better life. At Stanley Psychology, our clinicians are continuously learning and evaluating the best way to serve our patients. A variety of mental health conditions are treated for adults, adolescents, and children, ranging from general adjustment disorders to severe mental illness. Therapy sessions are offered both in person and virtually. Areas of Focus See below to view some of the many mental health conditions that we can help you manage. This is not an exclusive list of issues and mental illnesses that w e treat here at Stanley Psychology. Please reach out if you have any questions. TRAUMA, ABUSE, & PTSD Confronting traumatic events like physical or sexual assault, abuse, military warfare, and more. SUBSTANCE ABUSE Helping with the recovery from psychoactive drugs like alcohol, prescription drugs, or illegal drugs. MOOD & ANXIETY DISORDERS Alleviating mental illnesses like depression, anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, phobias, and more. BEHAVIORAL CONCERNS Treating disruptive disorders such as ADHD, aggression, impulse control issues, sleeping issues, and more. TESTING & EVALUATION Conducting psychological tests and assessments, evaluations for licensing boards, and more. MORE QUESTIONS? CONTACT US

Dr. Amanda Stanley, Ph.D, L.P. and her staff of clinicians provide in-person and remote diagnostic evaluation & therapy in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and beyond with an office located in Mansfield, Texas. Stanley Psychology treats a variety of conditions for patients of all ages, both individually and in group settings. Our Team Stanley Psychology is a group of experienced, unique, and passionate employees who work together to create a welcoming and supportive therapeutic environment for you. Each staff member is committed to evidence-based practice and ongoing professional development. Please see below to learn more about the team! Dr. Amanda Stanley Supervisory Psychologist & Owner of Stanley Psychology Qualifications: Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, Sam Houston State University M.A. in Clinical Psychology, Sam Houston State University B.S. in Psychology, Summa Cum Laude, University of Houston 14 years of practice, 7 years as the owner of a private practice Selected Additional Trainings/Certifications: Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) Neuropsychotherapy Advanced Clinical Supervision Has instructed university-level courses in: Research Methodology Psychology and the Law Advanced Psychological Testing and Assessment Rape Law Expertise: Trauma Recovery & PTSD Substance Abuse & Addiction Abuse & Violence Psycholegal issues Psychological Testing & Evaluation Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, & Adjustment Disorders dr.stanley@stanleypsychology.com Dr. Amanda Stanley is a graduate of Sam Houston State University’s renowned Clinical Psychology doctoral program. During her tenure at SHSU, she published several articles in peer-reviewed journals on areas including trauma and psycholegal issues under her maiden name of Amacker, and worked as an instructor and peer supervisor for less-senior students. Her clinical experience spans areas including inpatient treatment, neuropsychiatrics, forensic psychology, outpatient clinics, and the federal prison system, where she worked in mental health services for seven years. Although she treats a wide range of clinical issues in her practice, areas of specialty include trauma recovery, substance abuse, and women's issues. Due to her training and research, she is an expert on sexual assault and has a passion for providing talks to groups on rape laws, psychological sequalae post-assault, and post-traumatic growth. She also enjoys providing talks to groups on substance abuse diagnostics and recovery. In addition, Dr. Stanley has developed expertise in conducting psychological evaluations and considers this a primary part of her clinical practice. In her free time, Dr. Stanley enjoys time with her husband, Adam, and their dog-children Roxy (15), Roux (5), and their latest addition, Raider (3); Riddle, also pictured, gained his angel wings in 2022, five weeks shy of 15. As an avid sports fan, she spends much of her down time watching New Orleans Saints football and Houston Astros baseball- she was born in New Orleans and grew up in Houston, hence the team loyalties. She relocated to the Dallas/Fort Worth area with her husband in 2016 and is happy to call this area home. Whenever possible, she enjoys spending time with her father, siblings, and kiddos of the family who range in age from 6 to 25 years old. The memory of her beloved mother, who passed in 2018, keeps her motivated to be the best she can be every day, in both personal and professional endeavors. Adam Stanley Co-Owner of Stanley Psychology Adam is a co-owner of Stanley Psychology, and as you may have guessed (or read above), Adam is Amanda's husband. Adam has an MBA from Texas Tech University and is an experienced strategic sourcing professional who currently works as a director for a large healthcare system. Additionally, Adam is often behind the scenes at Stanley Psychology, handling most of the business issues and allowing Amanda more time to focus on patient care. As a result you may see him in-office from time to time doing various tasks, such as checking the A/C system, running payroll, meeting with other professionals, and networking. In his spare time, Adam focuses on family time with Amanda and their dog-children. He also has a love for all things Texas Tech, his alma mater. As a sports-lover like Amanda, Adam's favorite time of year is the college football season, although he also promised to be a Saints fan for his NFL team in his wedding vows. The Stanley Psychology Team Proficient. Open-Minded. Empathetic. Dedicated. Veronica Guerrero-Quan, M.S. Licensed Psychological Associate - Independent Practice Veronica is a Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA) with Independent Practice (License # 38808), which is the most advanced Psychological Associate license. Click here to learn more about LPAs. Veronica attended Nelson University and earned her Master of Science in Clinical Psychology, Associate of Arts in Biblical Studies, and Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Veronica's clinical experience includes diagnostic testing and evaluation, trauma-informed therapy, assessing and addressing acculturation challenges, crisis intervention, family therapy, and spiritual integration. Additionally, Veronica has completed post-masters training to become a Certified Mindfulness-Informed Professional and integrates these skills into her treatment approach. She is also currently a seminary student who happily integrates faith into therapy treatment for people of faith. veronica@stanleypsychology.com Do you experience excessive worry? Do you experience significant fear or anxiety about a specific object or situation? Or about social situations? Do you intentionally avoid what you fear? Do you ever experience unexplained heart palpitations, sweating, trembling, chest pain, lightheadedness, difficulty breathing, tingling sensations, chills/heat sensations, or nausea? Do you struggle with insomnia, fatigue, or muscle tension? If you answered yes to ANY of the above questions, Veronica is your girl! She believes you deserve a life FREE from the crippling control of fear and anxiety. Her clinical experience includes treatment for anxiety, trauma, OCD, phobias, panic attacks, and stress management. In her personal life, Veronica is happily married and loves spending time with loved ones. Meet her niece in the picture! She places a high priority on faith and family, because life is too short not to! Her greatest joys also include learning, traveling, playing board games, hiking, and spending time outdoors. Veronica is first generation bilingual Mexican-American, meaning she is the first in her family of origin to be born in the United States. For this reason, Mexico holds a dear place in her heart and she easily relates to people of Latino origin. Morgan Brown, M.S. Licensed Psychological Associate Morgan is a Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA; License #40486). She earned her Master of Science in Clinical Psychology at Nelson University and has worked at Stanley Psychology in progressing positions since 2022. She has a heart for helping others since childhood and has a desire to make sure people feel heard and supported throughout life. With this passion, she sought education for this career path, having completed her Bachelor of Science in Human Services and Psychology before enrolling in and completing her graduate studies. mbrown@stanleypsychology.com Morgan's clinical interests include anxiety disorders, self-esteem concerns, and Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder. She is well-versed in serving children/adolescents and socioeconomically disadvantaged populations. Although she is skilled with providing services to a variety of patients, Morgan specializes with children. In her personal life, Morgan loves spending time with her husband and her pug puppies, Frankie and Harper. Her hobbies include crocheting, painting, and jigsaw puzzles. Morgan Flores, M.S. Licensed Psychological Associate Morgan is a Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA; License #40186). She earned her Master of Science in Clinical Psychology at Nelson University and has worked at Stanley Psychology in progressing positions since 2022. Her desire in therapy is to meet people where they are and help them navigate life's challenges with effective tools for intentional healing and growth. While equipped to serve a variety of clients, she has a passion for conflict resolution in marital and family contexts, processing affair recovery, working with mothers of young children, as well as supporting foster & adoptive families. Morgan enjoys working with individual patients, couples, and whole families. mflores@stanleypsychology.com Apart from therapy, she also is competent in conducting psychological evaluations. Also, in addition to holding her LPA license, Morgan is also an ordained minister. She specializes in incorporating Biblical values into therapy, as requested, with an educational background in therapy from a Christian perspective. In her personal life, Morgan is happily married and has three children, all under three years of age. She comes from a family of one biological and three adopted siblings. She enjoys meeting new people, having a good cup of coffee, flipping things on Facebook Marketplace, playing strategic board games, and reading a variety of books whenever she has free time. Morgan is also bilingual, having lived in Central America, Nicaragua, for three years, and always welcomes a good conversation in Spanish and authentic Latino food. Erick Quan, M.S. Licensed Psychological Associate Erick is a Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA; License #40316). He earned his Master of Science in Clinical Psychology at Nelson University. Additionally, he obtained his B.A. in Business Management. Erick’s clinical experience includes administration and scoring of neuropsychological assessments for those with traumatic brain injury, neurocognitive disorders, and age-related disorders. He additionally obtained experience administering and scoring psychological assessments for trauma-related disorders, depressive disorders, and anxiety-related disorders. erick@stanleypsychology.com Erick is a Honduran-Chinese individual who speaks fluent Spanish and understands cultural factors that play significant roles in the situations, personalities, and lives of patients. He approaches patients with an understanding heart, while using his logical and methodical strengths to provide optimum services. He strives to serve patients well by implementing his skills and experience in the clinical setting to contribute to accurate diagnostics and empowering evaluations. In his personal life, Erick loves going on adventures with his wonderful wife Veronica. He also enjoys playing sports, writing poetry, reading, traveling, and playing video-games. Petrona Kautz, M.A., M.S. Licensed Psychological Associate Petrona is a Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA; License #40584). She graduated with a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Nelson University and holds a second master’s degree in organizational leadership. She additionally has credentials as an Ordained Minister and Career Missionary. As a minister, missionary, life and leadership coach, and mental health therapist, she has always felt drawn towards being a champion of others, someone who people can turn to when they need someone to listen and share insight. As a mental health provider, she specializes in spiritual recovery, dynamics of leadership, family therapy, trauma, and transitions. She is particularly well-versed in helping young adults and the unique challenges they face. Her goal is to help individuals discover their strengths, build resilience, and find the right therapies to be successful in everyday life. pkautz@stanleypsychology.com Petrona understands the challenges that can arise as one works to find balance both in spiritual and mental health. Her passion is to help others discover the skills they need to be successful in overcoming difficulties. She strives to help others find awareness of the potential and abilities that lie within them in order to experience personal success. She also understands the dynamics that leaders encounter, whether dealing with pressure one experiences when given great responsibility or the need to understand how to better interact with team members. As a missionary, Petrona understands the intricacies of emotions that are involved when one goes through transition, be it through changes in life stages or transitions from moving cross-culturally. She is bilingual in Spanish and English, with a Mexican heritage, and has lived in Central and South America. Petrona was drawn to mental health services when she and her husband founded a community center in Medellín, Colombia. She recognized that many needed someone who could walk alongside them through healing and finding their own voice in the midst of oppression. She has a long history of working with children, teens, and young adults. In her free time, Petrona enjoys spending time with her family. She is married, has two adult children, two granddogs and a grandcat. She enjoys a good game night, especially if Catan is being played. She also enjoys running. Kyle Coolidge Practicum Student Clinician Kyle Coolidge is a practicum student clinician at Stanley Psychology. Kyle is originally from Ventura, CA. He is working on finishing his masters degree in clinical psychology at Nelson University. He has an associates degree in psychology from Ventura Community College, as well a bachelor's degree in Human Services - Psychology from Nelson University. Having lost his best friend to suicide in 2016, he has an intimate understanding and respect for the importance of mental health. Suffering this loss has driven and guided him through his educational journey in the field of psychology ever since. Because of this, his clinical interests and studies have most heavily rested on the experience of grieving the loss of a loved one by suicide and how mental health professionals can best assist those individuals, as well as those individuals who are experiencing suicidality at any level. Additionally, Kyle is also interested in and has focused his studies on various trauma, depressive, anxiety related mental health disorders, and sports psychology. In addition to psychology, he is also a baseball coach; he has been a graduate assistant coach at Nelson University since finishing his playing career in the Spring of 2021. Following graduation, his plans on continuing his education by pursuing a PhD in clinical psychology as well as continuing to coach baseball. In his free time he loves to spend time fishing, surfing, and doing anything that has to do with the ocean. Lisa Viviano Patient Care Coordinator Lisa Viviano, our Patient Care Coordinator, is dedicated to ensuring a smooth experience for all our clients, from scheduling appointments to managing the intake process. She is happy to assist with any challenges that arise. Lisa has over a decade of experience in administrative roles within healthcare and education, specializing in streamlining operations and enhancing client relations . Outside of work, Lisa enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and reading. info@stanleypsychology.com Norlisha Gistarb Billing Specialist Norlisha Gistarb, our Billing Specialist, has worked for over 18 years in the field of Physician Revenue Cycle Management, developing a wealth of knowledge in the field of medical billing. She earned her B.S. in Psychology and her M.A. in Adult Learning and Development from Northwestern State University at Louisiana. She has a passion for applying the vast skills and knowledge she has gained over the years for such a meaningful role in assisting mental health providers. Stanley Psychology is very blessed to have her as a part of the team! As Norlisha works behind the scenes, please direct any billing questions to our Patient Care Coordinator, Kelsye, who can consult with Norlisha as indicated. Raider Stanley Certified G.B. (Good Boy) Raider Burreaux Stanley is our 45-pound bundle of love and goofiness. As proof of the Stanley love of sports, Raider is named after Adam's Red Raiders of Texas Tech and Joe Burrow ("Burreaux" is the Cajun way), a legend in Louisiana. Raider is a mix-of-mixes (our favorite kind) and the youngest pup in our pack. Raider has completed two initial trainings and is working towards certification as a therapy dog. Although a bit shy at first, when he warms up, he brings a calming presence. During remote sessions, Raider has strong instincts with when he makes an appearance, often popping up when hearing a patient emotional. If you see him, feel free to say hi! Raider spends his free time lounging on the couch, playing football fetch with his dad, and following his mama around. If Amanda says “let’s go do the therapy, buddy!” he runs with excitement to the remote therapy area and gets comfortable in his spot. I have seen many therapists and nobody has been able to help me...until I found Dr. Amanda Stanley. Dr. Stanley has brought light and hope into my frequently dark world. I finally have hope for a much happier and brighter life.

Veronica Guerrero-Quan, M.S., LPA-Independent Practice Why Some Christians Put Off Therapy (And Why You Don’t Have To) As both a Christian and a therapist who’s currently pursuing my seminary degree, I’ve walked the road of balancing faith and mental health. And I get it—it can feel like there’s a tug-of-war between trusting God with your struggles and seeking professional help. Many Christians wrestle with whether it’s okay to seek therapy, often feeling like they should be able to handle things on their own or that therapy might somehow contradict their faith. But here’s the truth: Therapy isn’t about replacing God—it’s about working in tandem with the healing He provides. It’s about allowing Him to use therapists, counselors, and other professionals to bring about deeper emotional and mental healing, just like He uses doctors to heal our physical bodies. So, why do many Christians hesitate to seek therapy in the first place? Let’s dive into the most common reasons: 1. "It’s not spiritual enough." There’s this misconception that therapy is something secular and that seeking a therapist means you’re turning your back on God’s wisdom. But here's the thing: therapy can actually be an incredible tool that God uses to bring healing. Think about it this way—God works through many channels. Just as He uses doctors and medicine to heal the body, He can use therapists to help untangle the complexities of our minds. Therapy isn’t anti-God ; it’s a way to align your emotional well-being with His design for holistic health. In fact, many therapists integrate faith-based practices into their work, and you can absolutely find one who respects your values. 2. "I should be able to pray my way through this." Absolutely, prayer is powerful, and I’m a firm believer in the transformative power of talking to God. But there’s a fine line between trusting God and expecting to “fix” everything just through prayer alone. Sometimes, God uses the gifts of others—like therapists, counselors, or trusted mentors—to help us process pain, trauma, and stress. You wouldn’t hesitate to go to the doctor if you had a broken arm, so why hesitate to seek help for your mental health? Praying through your struggles can be part of the process, but therapy can help you navigate and unpack those struggles in a structured and healthy way. 3. "It’s a sign of weakness." One of the biggest barriers I see is the idea that needing therapy somehow indicates a lack of faith or weakness. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Needing help is not a sign of failure—it’s a sign of wisdom. Even the most spiritually mature people experience pain, trauma, and mental health challenges. It’s not about being weak; it’s about being strong enough to admit that you need help. In fact, Jesus Himself said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Recognizing that we need rest—and that rest might come through professional support—is not a lack of faith; it’s a healthy, self-aware response to the pressures of life. 4. "I’m just not ready to open up." Vulnerability is hard. And it can feel especially hard when we’re conditioned to put on a brave face and “just deal with it” as Christians. But here’s the thing: healing doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens when we’re brave enough to face our pain, even in small steps. Therapy provides a safe, non-judgmental space where you can unpack the thoughts and emotions that feel too overwhelming to share with others. And you don’t have to do it all at once. Therapy isn’t a race—it’s a journey, and you get to move at your own pace. 5. "I don’t want to look like I’m not trusting God enough." This is a big one, especially for those who feel the weight of wanting to appear like they have everything together. But here’s the liberating truth: Seeking therapy doesn’t mean you’re failing God—it means you’re allowing Him to work through others in your life. Mental health challenges don’t make you less faithful. In fact, God often uses our struggles to deepen our faith, strengthen our resilience, and draw us closer to Him. Therapy isn’t a rejection of God’s power; it’s an acceptance of the fact that we are human, and God made us to seek help when needed. Therapy as a Tool in God’s Healing Process Ultimately, therapy is not a substitute for faith; it’s a tool within the broader framework of God’s healing process. The Bible tells us that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14), and part of that divine design includes the ability to seek support from others. Just as we wouldn’t try to heal a broken bone on our own, we shouldn’t feel obligated to work through emotional and mental struggles without professional guidance. As a therapist, I’ve seen how God uses these tools to bring restoration and wholeness. If you’re struggling with fear, anxiety, depression, or just the weight of life’s pressures, don’t be afraid to seek the support you need. You’re not abandoning your faith by doing so; you’re taking a courageous step toward emotional and spiritual healing. Conclusion It’s okay to need help. In fact, it’s a sign of strength, not weakness, to admit when you need support. Therapy doesn’t replace your faith—it complements it. You can seek professional help and  trust God with your healing. If you’re ready to take that step, remember: God is with you in the process, and He will use all means to bring you to a place of peace and wholeness. Whether through prayer, therapy, or a combination of both, the journey toward healing is one that honors God and cares for the person He created you to be. So, if you’ve been putting off therapy—don’t. You’re worth the time and the effort. You’re worth healing. And remember, God’s not just with you in your faith—He’s with you in your journey to wholeness, in every way possible.   Veronica Guerrero Quan, LPA-Independent Practice * This post was created with the assistance of an AI tool.

Veronica Guerrero-Quan, M.S., LPA-Independent Practice  Ah, the holidays—where your calendar fills up faster than your inbox, and your family starts planning Christmas dinner before you’ve even finished Halloween candy. If you’re already sweating over how to juggle a billion work meetings, 5 gift exchanges, and an endless supply of holiday sweets, it might be time to talk about the most important holiday tradition of all: setting boundaries. Because let’s be real, the only thing you should be spreading this season is holiday cheer, not your emotional bandwidth!   Why Boundaries Matter During the Holidays The holiday season often bring pressures including family dynamics, social obligations, and financial stress. It is precisely because of this that boundaries are so essential during the holiday season! I often describe boundaries to my therapy clients as the defining lines that determine our limitations and responsibilities as a human being. They are like having a fence and gate around a backyard; they keep the bad out while selectively letting the good in through the gate. Similar to a fence and gate guarding a backyard, boundaries purpose to protect your physical, emotional, mental, and emotional real estate. Let me give an example. I may have a limited amount of money to spend on Christmas gifts this year. To prevent myself from accumulating debt on a credit card by spending money I don’t have, I would need to acknowledge my financial limitation and set that financial boundary with myself and others during Christmas gift shopping. By setting a financial boundary, I would be protecting my financial wellbeing from being damaged. One point I’d like to highlight: boundaries are often seen as a “scary thing” to implement with family and friends, because it might feel unloving. However, nothing could be further from loving! Boundaries help prevent resentment by acknowledging our human limitations in finances, time, and emotional bandwidth. By acknowledging our limitations and implementing boundaries, we increase our ability to foster healthy interactions and connections with loved ones.   Practical Tips for Setting Boundaries During the holiday season, setting clear boundaries is key to avoiding burnout and maintaining your mental and emotional health. Start by assessing your commitments and recognizing areas where you might need to say "no," whether it’s turning down extra social invitations or delegating tasks. Practice using simple, assertive language like, "I can’t commit to this right now," or "I need some time to rest." Be honest about your needs and remember that you don’t owe anyone an elaborate explanation. Prioritize your time and energy—choose the events or gatherings that feel most meaningful and skip the ones that will leave you drained. Set limits on how long you’ll stay at family gatherings or social events and give yourself permission to leave early if you need to recharge. Lastly, don’t forget to schedule personal downtime, whether that’s reading a book, taking a walk, or enjoying a quiet cup of tea. Boundaries are about taking care of yourself, so you can be present and enjoy the holidays without feeling overwhelmed.   Overcoming Common Barriers to Boundary Setting Dealing with guilt: Many people struggle with guilt when setting boundaries, often fearing that saying "no" will disappoint others or lead to feelings of rejection. It's important to remember that setting boundaries is not an act of selfishness but an essential practice of self-respect. By prioritizing your own well-being, you are ensuring that you can show up fully for others when you are able to. In fact, honoring your boundaries creates healthier, more sustainable relationships, as it prevents burnout and resentment. Reassure yourself that it's okay to say "no"—it’s a way of taking care of your own needs so that you can engage with others in a balanced, positive way.   Handling pushback : When setting boundaries, it’s common to encounter pushback or criticism from family members or friends, especially if they’re not used to you asserting your needs. It’s important to stay firm and calm in these situations, remembering that their reactions are not necessarily a reflection of your worth or the validity of your boundaries. You can acknowledge their feelings without compromising your own needs, such as by saying, "I understand that this may be disappointing, but I need to prioritize my well-being right now." It’s helpful to stay consistent in your responses and avoid getting defensive. Over time, people will come to respect your boundaries as they see that you are committed to them, and your relationships will benefit from the clarity and mutual respect that boundaries create. Managing loneliness : Setting boundaries, especially during the holiday season, can sometimes lead to feelings of loneliness or isolation, particularly if you find yourself turning down social invitations or spending more time alone to recharge. It’s important to acknowledge these feelings and remind yourself that solitude doesn’t equate to being alone or unloved. Instead of isolating further, find ways to connect with others in meaningful, low-pressure ways, such as through a phone call, a small, intimate gathering, or virtual hangouts. Engaging in self-care activities like journaling, reading, or taking walks can also provide a sense of peace and reconnection with yourself. Remember, quality connections matter more than quantity, and nurturing your own well-being through intentional time alone can help you show up more authentically when you do choose to engage with others.   Takeaways Setting boundaries is a powerful way to create a more balanced and fulfilling holiday experience. By taking the time to define and honor your personal limits, you can reduce stress, prevent burnout, and protect your mental and emotional well-being. Boundaries help you prioritize what truly matters—whether it’s spending quality time with loved ones, engaging in self-care, or simply enjoying a peaceful moment to yourself. Rather than feeling overwhelmed by the demands of the season, boundary setting allows you to navigate the holidays with more intention, confidence, peace, and joy. Remember, you have the right to create a holiday experience that feels nourishing and authentic to you, and setting boundaries is a key step in ensuring that happens.   As the holiday season approaches, take some time to reflect on your own needs and how you want to show up for yourself during this insanely busy time. Consider the areas where you may be overextending yourself and identify at least one boundary you can set that will honor your well-being. Whether it's saying "no" to a social obligation, prioritizing rest, or limiting the emotional energy you expend, setting a clear boundary will help you create a more peaceful and balanced holiday season experience. By committing to this small but meaningful change, you’ll not only protect your own well-being but also ensure that you can engage with the season in a way that feels authentic and fulfilling.   Veronica Guerrero Quan, LPA-Independent Practice * This post was generated with the assistance of an AI tool; Veronica is responsible for the final content

Welcome to Stanley Psychology! I'm Dr. Stanley, but I tend to be informal - most of my patients call me Amanda. I want to welcome you to our practice. I am excited to be establishing our practice in Historic Downtown Mansfield, Texas, to embrace the charm of the area and community culture. We want our practice to feel comfortable for our patients and like a second home, rather than having too much of a medical feel. I truly believe the best healing begins with being comfortable and that starts with the treatment environment. I am also happy to announce we will continue remote services for those who prefer to attend virtual sessions. Many psychology group practices focus on a single area of expertise throughout their clinicians; meaning, that the whole practice has a specific specialty. This works great for some practices. However, when expanding my practice, I wanted to embrace the diversity in specialties for clinicians, leading us to serve a wider range of patients. Individuals who practice in the mental health field tend to be generalists; meaning, they are equipped to treat a wide variety of issues, as we all are here. However, each clinician also brings specialties to the practice. For myself, I specialize in trauma and substance abuse treatment. Morgan Flores, one of our therapists, specializes with couples and families, Christian counseling, and women’s issues. Morgan Brown, one of our other therapists, specializes in treating anxiety, self-esteem concerns, and is our child expert in the practice treating children ages 4+. In addition, as clinicians trained in the science of psychology, we are all experienced in conducting testing or psychological evaluations, which is something unique to our specific field. We are also always looking to hire new clinicians to bring additional specialties to our practice. In our office, each therapist utilizes a base of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with additional modalities utilized depending on clinician and case circumstances. All treatment is supervised by me, allowing each patient to have access to both a psychologist and their treating therapist throughout their mental health journey. We are also excited to be offering group therapy for various concerns- keep an eye out on our social medias and in-office for information! We are delighted you are here- welcome in! Dr. Amanda Stanley