A Conversation with Dr. Patras

What is your approach to therapy?

My approach to therapy is warm, caring and of a sincere desire to assist the client in achieving their individual goals. I am integrative in my theoretical framework, grounded in person-centered, cognitive-behavioral and family systems theories. I utilize attachment theory as well as developmental theory to guide my client work. When working with couples, I combine Imago Therapy as well as the work of John and Julie Gottman to assist couples.

What do you love most about A&M-Commerce?

I love that A&M-Commerce is small enough that meaningful relationships can be formed, yet large enough to be a first-class university. I enjoy the celebration of the many intersecting identities represented by faculty, staff and students on our beautiful campus. I really appreciate the rural setting but the convenience of being less than an hour away from the DFW metroplex.

Favorite Quote

The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of those depths.

Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

Education

• Ph.D., Counseling, Texas A&M University-Commerce, 2016
• M.S., Counseling, Texas A&M University-Commerce, 2010
• B.A., Organizational Communication, St. Edward's University, 2008

Experience

• Assistant Director, Counseling Center, Texas A&M University-Commerce, 2014-present
• Licensed Professional Counselor, Counseling Center, Texas A&M University-Commerce, 2012-present
• LPC-Intern, NCC, Harold Murphy Counseling Center, 2011
• Emerging Leader, Texas Association of Marriage and Family Counselors, 2010-2011
• President/CEO, BeneSource, Inc., 1998-2011

Campus Involvement

• System Employee Benefits Advisory Council, 2021-2023
• JED Campus Advisory Group
• Campus Wellness Council
• Athletics Performance Team

Clinical Interests

• Grief, trauma and loss
• LGBTQ concerns
• Veterans and returning warriors concerns
• Couples counseling
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
• Clinical supervision