Ariel McKinney, phd pllc
I am a Licensed Psychologist (LP) and Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP) in the state of Texas. I am the psychologist for the strong friend. The one whose initial instinct is to process alone. I am the psychologist for the person who feels the need to isolate to recover mentally and emotionally. The overachiever who is paralyzed by the goal of perfection (*Raises hand. Hi Friend!). The person who wants to break generational curses but does not know how to move forward. The person carrying the emotional, mental, or financial load for their family. The person looking for answers about themself. If you identify with any of these things, let’s go to work!
Why am I able to walk this journey with you is because I too am the strong friend, and quickly realized that no matter how resilient I am, I am deserving of support. And even in all of my strength and intelligence, I was too close to myself. So, I went to therapy to sort that mess out. I understand the energy behind the vulnerability and the belief that “I can do this because I always have”.
A person who is ready to work with me is a person who is ready to move with a foundation of love and clarity in all areas of their lives. This means that you are ready to commit to challenging the current thought processes, addressing repeated patterns of behavior, generalizing learned skills, and showing up as your truest self.
As I started in the field, I became interested in how our early relationships and experiences string together core memories for us into adulthood. I also became intrigued with how to cut the string that does not serve us and mend the ones worth fighting for. How to evolve into the person we are called to be and not what society has handed us. And when we are in the trenches fighting for the version of ourselves that we dream of, I make sure my clients know how to cope. I help individuals view the period of sacrifice and evolution with awe and gratitude, resulting in them seeing life as a series of sweet and bitter lessons, both of which sharpen our wisdom and agility to continue our evolution.
Why do I do this work
I genuinely love people and maintain a deep curiosity to help my clients. I am constantly exploring ways to help my clients have the life that they deserve and can help evoke change without making decisions for them. I have been in the chair as a client, I have had tough conversations with friends and family members, I understand the process, and have implemented strategies in my own life. I do not ask more of my clients than I am and have been willing to do. It brings me so much joy to see my clients have breakthroughs, lean into change, and see progress. The light that clients exude when they have experienced meaningful healing and changed habits keeps me energized about this work.
OUTSIDE THE OFFICE
When I am not engaging with my clients, I enjoy going on walks with my family, connecting with my village, plotting my next recipe (Top Chef and Master Chef are two of my favorite cooking inspiration shows!), rewatching The Office, playing and grabbing cuddles with my daughter, and traveling. I also deeply treasure my individual rejuvenation time and intentional time with my husband.
Education:
Ph.D. in School Psychology from the University of Arizona
APA-Accredited Internship with Dallas Independent School District
M.A. in School Psychology from the University of Arizona
B.A. in Psychology from St. Mary’s University
Primary Areas of Research:
Ethnic Identity
Emotional Intelligence
Academic Achievement
Licenses:
Dr. McKinney is licensed with the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists and certified with the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP).
LP Number: 39093
LSSP Number: 71798
NCSP Certification Number: 65149