About Houston Dialectical Behavior Therapies Center

Emily Trof, LCSW
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Radically Open DBT

Emily Trof, LCSW is intensively trained in both DBT and Radically Open DBT. She received her Masters in Social Work from The University of Houston. Additionally, she is a 200 hour certified yoga instructor. She began her career working in acute inpatient where she thrived working with clients and their families to address high risk behaviors and family interventions. This included co-creating and directing a Radically Open DBT program for a local inpatient facility for adolescents. Today, she enjoys working with individual clients, families and couples to maneuver through the complexities of themselves and their personal relationships.

In her free time, Emily enjoys traveling, road trips, hiking, yoga, working out, reading, and spending time with loved ones including her rescue pup, DJ!

Jennifer Edwards, LCSW
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy
LCSW Supervisor

I love being a therapist. I find the human mind very intriguing. We have so many predictable similarities in how we function, and yet every client I work with is also completely unique. I enjoy getting to know my clients and learning about what got them to the current place in their life that led them to me. I take the time to really understand an individual’s thought patterns, coping mechanisms and behavioral patterns. When working together I appreciate the collaborative process between the client and myself in identifying solutions. And most of all I love seeing the look on a client’s face the moment they understand what’s been keeping them stuck and what they can do to get unstuck. I even enjoy the goodbyes. When a client leaves my office for the last time I know they have the tools they need to sustain the work they have done. All of this passion motivates me to push myself to always be learning more.

Using systematically researched, evidence-based therapy techniques, I can help you make lasting changes to the way you think, feel and behave. Through the assessment process, we can develop a better understanding of your issues and design a personalized treatment plan that fits you best. We will continually track your progress toward your goals and make adjustments when needed. Change may feel impossible right now, but with this approach and your hard work, you will see that it is possible!

Kelly Guynes, LCSW
Clinical Director and DBT Team Leader
LCSW Supervisor
DBT-Linehan Board of Certification,
Certified Clinician
Radically Open DBT

I’m Kelly and I’m the Clinical Director of the Dialectical Behavior Therapy Center. I’m certified by the DBT-Linehan Board of Certification as a DBT therapist and intensively trained in Radically Open DBT. I work with adolescents, adults, families, and couples with disorders of under-control and over-control. In addition to my clinical practice, I consult and provide trainings with clinicians, schools, residential programs, and hospitals on effective implementation of DBT.I also provide supervision to social workers obtaining their clinical licensure.

I enjoy traveling, spending time in nature, cooking, and snuggling with my Rhodesian ridgeback, Atlas.

Lindsey Overstreet, PsyD
Director of Training
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Trauma Specialist, DBT-PE Advanced

I’m Dr. Lindsey Overstreet, and I am passionate about working with adolescents and their families to build healthier, happier, and more mindful lives. I first began working clinically with children and families in 2007, as a graduate student at the PGSP-Stanford PsyD Consortium. I began studying Dialectical Behavior Therapy and implementing it into my practice in 2009, and I was fortunate to be able to immerse myself in DBT 24/7 when I began my post-doctoral fellowship at Harvard University/McLean Hospital’s 3East Residential Adolescent DBT Program in 2013. In my five years at McLean, I was able to learn from some of the best clinicians in the field, and I had the opportunity to help open two programs: an outpatient adolescent DBT program and a residential DBT program for adolescent boys. I also received advanced trauma training in DBT-PE and was a member of a trauma consultation and training team. I moved to Houston, Texas, to be closer to my family in 2018, and I feel extremely fortunate to have found the DBT Center and to be a part of such an excellent team here. In addition to therapy, I provide clinical supervision to graduate students, and I enjoy teaching and training students and clinicians. I am a board member and trainer for DBTWise, and I’m currently working on my first book on DBT family therapy. In my free time, I enjoy singing in choir, writing poetry, baking, rooting for the Red Sox, and spending time with my two nieces and my cat, Dobby.

DBT-Linehan Board of Certification, Certified Clinician.

Joe received his Masters in Counseling from The Houston Graduate School of Theology in 2007 where he learned the role of healthy, balanced spirituality in mental wellness. During his last year studying for his Masters he volunteered at American Hospice where he used his knowledge of scripture and spirituality to help those facing death and dying. He then began working at MHMRA and Westbury Community Hospital with a population of patients with severe schizophrenia, bipolar, high suicidality and hospitalization rates.
Joe received his training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy in 2009 and has received ongoing training since. He was pleased to put his interest in mindfulness based therapies to use at the Houston DBT Center where he currently leads skills groups and has a private practice. Joe works collaboratively with a team of therapists and psychiatrists to ensure the best possible care for his clients.

Kristin Balloon, LPC
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy

I’m Kristin Balloon, LPC. I began working in the mental health field at the The Menninger Clinic where I was able to work first hand with those struggling a myriad of mental health disorders such as bipolar, borderline personality disorder, depression, and anxiety. It was at the Menninger Clinic where I discovered my interest in DBT and working with those who engage in self harm behaviors. I graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Science in psychology and a minor in Human Development and Family Studies and later returned back to the University of Houston to obtain my Masters in Education in Counseling Psychology.

During my last year of grad school I became a student intern at the DBT Center, where I was able to developed my therapy skills and co-lead groups. After graduating I was fortunate to stay on at the DBT Center and continue pursuing my interests as well as train in other areas. Currently at the DBT Center, I see adolescents and adults individually and lead skills groups for both our intensive outpatient and regular outpatient programs.
Outside of the therapy office I am a mommy to a toddler son who keeps me on my toes. I enjoy spending time with my friends, my family and traveling.

Sophie Kerr
Pre-doctoral Practicum Student

I’m Sophie and I am a pre-doctoral therapist currently completing my practicum at the DBT Center. I have my master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and am in my third year of the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program at the University of Houston. Before beginning graduate school, I worked as a diagnostician and researcher in a partial hospital program at Rhode Island Hospital/Brown University. I am dedicated to delivering compassionate, collaborative, and evidence-based therapy for individuals struggling with emotional dysregulation and related mental health difficulties, with an emphasis on helping teens and families. In addition to providing therapy, I also conduct research through my position at UH, with particular interests in improving treatment of personality problems, parent-child relationship problems, and families impacted by the incarceration of a parent. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, sailing, being outdoors, and spending time with my husband, our family, and our dog and two cats.

Jessica Brady, LMSW
Radically Open DBT
Cognitive Behavior Therapy

I’m Jessica and my passion is supporting people as they seek to understand and improve their mental health to create their most fulfilling life. I am trained in Cognitive Behavior Therapy and intensively trained in Radically Open DBT. I work with adolescents, young adults, and adults struggling with disorders of over-control. My goal as a therapist is to create a safe space for self-exploration and partner with clients to identify areas for growth that can lead to meaningful change. Before joining the DBT Center, I received my Master of Social Work from the University of Houston and Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of Southern California. In my free time, I enjoy listening to music, drawing, and hanging out with my husband and our two rescue pups.

Leslie Binyon, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Supportive Psychotherapy

I’m Leslie and I love working therapeutically with adults, adolescents, and couples to improve and find fulfillment in their lives. I have found a true calling in combining clinical social work values with the teachings of Dialectical Behavior Therapy to meet people where they are, accept and validate their strenghts and challenges, and help them grow and change to become the people they were meant to be. I grew up in the Houston-area and am happy to call it my home. I attended the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work, earning my Master of Social Work in 2014, and my clinical license in 2017. Before coming to the DBT Center of Houston, I worked and gained expertise from working at a private therapeutic school for individuals with neurological-differences, with a primary focus on Autism Spectrum Disorder. I continue to be passionate about working with this population, and find we are all on the spectrum of neurodiversity. I recently moved to the Sugarland-area with my husband, our young daughter, and our two cats. I love food, reading, collecting vinyl, being outdoors, and watching media. Hope to help you change your life soon!

Margot Williams, LCSW
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Cognitive Processing Therapy (trauma treatment)
Somatic Experiencing (trauma treatment)

Have you heard that therapy is “hard”? Sometimes it is. Often it’s fun, and most of the time it’s quite interesting! My approach is direct and change-focused, but cultivating a warm and accepting relationship with my clients is most sacred. I use evidence-based therapeutic approaches, with a deep reverence for psychodynamic concepts, and have completed year two of a three-year training in Peter Levine’s Somatic Experiencing method. I am also extensively trained in yoga and mindfulness practices.

Before I joined the DBT Center, I had the great privilege of receiving my clinical training at Houston’s DeBakey VA Medical center, where I worked as a social worker and psychotherapist in both medical and behavioral health settings. Working with veterans and their families sparked my interest in trauma treatment, and the VA provided me with the opportunity to train at McLean hospital in Boston, Mass as a member of the DBT Clinical team.

My special areas of interest and treatment are PTSD, attachment trauma, grief and bereavement, childhood sexual assault, human sexuality and substance use disorders.

On a personal note, I enjoy journalism about music, art, and film, cultural anthropology, embarrassing television, and weird comedy.

“We all live in a happy-ending culture, a what-should-be culture. We are all taught that fantasy. But if we were taught ‘This is what is’, I think we’d all be less screwed up.”– Lenny Bruce

Stephanie Carrera
Office Manager

I’m happy to welcome you to the DBT Center. Keeping administrative needs flowing smoothly is an important part of providing effective services and my goal is to help make that happen for everyone. I have experience in billing for over twenty years and medical office management for over seven years. I have four children; three youngest are in college and one grandson.I love spending time with my grandson and taking time to bring my Siberian and Alaskan Huskies to the dog park.

Marie-Therese, LMSW
Dialectical Behavior Therapy

I am Marie-Therese, better known as Marie. I have been interested in psychology and being a therapist since my “career field trip” days in high school. After graduating high school, I decided to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and then followed it with a masters in Social Work. I am trained in several aspects of psychotherapy; however, I must say that DBT is my favorite -for several different reasons. Here at the Dialectic Behavioral Center, I am honored to have the opportunity to assist our clients by being at their side providing individual therapy, family therapy, coaching and much more, to ensure their success not only in the program but in life as well. My goal as a therapist is to ensure that my clients learn and practice coping and emotion regulation skills which will allow them to live their best lives.

Halie Maxwell, LMSW
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Parent Skills

I’m Halie Maxwell and I am so grateful you are here. It is my privilege to provide a space for others to feel connection, acknowledge pain, and learn about their emotions. My goal as a therapist is to help clients learn how to access their own inner wisdom through validation, problem solving, and skills development. I have spent time working within the school systems, in acute crisis response, and running psychoeducational groups. I work with both adolescents and adults and have a particular passion for helping parents of emotionally sensitive children learn the skills necessary to transform what is often seen as a barrier into their family’s greatest strength.

I imperfectly practice the skills I teach and can often be found trying to one-mindfully wash my dishes. When I am not in sessions, you can find me validating my toddlers’ emotions, in the Hill Country, or snuggling my French Shorthair Pointer with a book.

Viola Chavez, LCSW

Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Throughout life, we are often faced with challenges and difficulties, which can lead to ineffective coping. By understanding what’s happened to us in the past, we can work to implement changes in the present day, effectively bringing meaning and joy to our lives. I received my Master’s in Social Work from the University of Houston and my Bachelor of Arts from Cornell University. I was intensively trained in DBT through Behavioral Tech and completed ERP training through the BTTI. I have also completed training in CBT and RO-DBT. With a background in evidence-based therapy, I blend behavioral and relational therapeutic approaches in my work. I began my clinical work at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, where I received training in both inpatient and outpatient mental health settings. While there, I developed an interest in suicide prevention and mental health advocacy. Since then, I have also worked at the Council on Recovery supporting individuals and families through the struggles of addiction. My other areas of interest include trauma, grief, attachment work, family of origin issues, and recovery. I will show up authentically and passionately for my clients. Change is hard, even when we seek it out and welcome it, it can be hard. I have great appreciation for the fact that clients allow me to be a part of their change journey. One of the most rewarding things in my job is to see clients implement new skills that help them thrive in their lives.

Stacy Fromberg, LPC
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Radically Open DBT
Supportive Psychotherapy

Hi, I’m Stacy! I started my career in mental health in 2009 after graduating from Kent State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology. My love for Dialectical Behavior Therapy developed while working at the Women’s Center at Clearview Treatment Programs in Venice, California. During my time there, I gained experience working in residential and transitional living facilities. In 2014, I graduated from the American School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University – Orange County with a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology. Shortly after graduation, I moved to Houston, Texas, where I expanded my clinical experience working in intensive outpatient (IOP), outpatient, and private practice settings. I have been working at the DBT Center since 2018, primarily working with adolescents, adults, couples and families. I also lead IOP and outpatient DBT skills groups. I enjoy getting to know my clients and building our relationships through active listening and empathy, and I strive to provide an environment that fosters mutual trust. I have a passion for equipping my clients with valuable skills needed to navigate life’s challenges, as well as help them identify opportunities for growth.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, reading, traveling, trying out new vegetarian recipes, checking out new spots around Houston and snuggling up with my three cats and two dogs. I also enjoy volunteering and fostering for several Houston area animal rescues!

Jennifer Holzman, Psy.D.

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

DBT Linehan Board of Certification, Certified Clinician

Trauma Specialist

I’m Jen and I specialize in working with adults who experience difficulties with managing their emotions, struggle with self-harm and suicide, and have experienced trauma. I value creating a safe, collaborative, and open environment for all my clients. I am a DBT-Linehan Board Certified Clinician. I utilize evidence-based treatment approaches including DBT, DBT for complex PTSD, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). I graduated from La Salle University in Philadelphia with my doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology. I have worked in various treatment settings, including private practice, community mental health, a college counseling center, a VA medical center, and a partial/ intensive outpatient hospitalization program. My areas of expertise include PTSD, Borderline Personality Disorder, emotion dysregulation, suicidal behavior, self-injury, mood disorders, and substance abuse. I am licensed in both Texas and Indiana and have my license with PSYPACT to practice telehealth in participating states.

In my free time I enjoy traveling, biking, hiking, spending time with friends, and watching baseball and cheering for the Baltimore orioles.