About Maureena Benavides
Maureena Benavides' experience and specialization in family systems, gender identity, and sexual orientation makes her approach well rounded and compassionate as well as thoughtful enough to help clients explore deeper issues such as trauma and grief.
Areas of Specialization
Individual, family and couples counseling
Relationships
Sexual identity and orientation
Depression, anxiety grief and suicidal thoughts
Self-harm behaviors
Bullying
School difficulties
Name/gender marker letters of support
Pre-maritial counseling
Comprehensive sex education
Job or work difficulties
Quality of life concerns
Training for organizations/
businesses on LGBTQ affirming practices and inclusion
Immigration documentation
Coaching and consulting
Referral letter for transitioning
“I'M PASSIONATE ABOUT HELPING INDIVIDUALS, PARENTS, COUPLES AND FAMILIES THROUGH SOME OF THE MOST CHALLENGING LIFE SITUATIONS.”
I am the owner and clinical supervisor of On the Couch Counseling based in Midland, Texas. I have over 17 years of experience as an educator and a high school counselor. In my years of working with children, I have focused on the care of the most challenged children, serving as a counselor for students with a variety of mental health and cognitive challenges. I have taken a special interest in helping families and children dealing with problems from self harm, drugs or alcohol use, suicidal ideation, depression, bullying, sexual identity or orientation struggles to low grades or school performance. My unique niche in our community is my role as an advocate and counselor serving our lgbtq+ community. I love people of all kinds, truly embracing the belief that we are all more alike than different and are connected by our humanity. With those beliefs, I strive to embrace the positive and loving traits of all. It is in reaching out to others that I have found much happiness, solace, joy, and fulfillment in my life and wish to share that hope with others. I am dedicated to helping couples of all types create the loving bond that will nurture them through the challenges of life. I work closely with parents, partners, and individuals to uncover what is creating an obstacle for growth and happiness in their lives and then work to help navigate those challenges to make positive changes. I am a certified school counselor and a Licensed Professional Counselor. I serve as a trainer/educator to local agencies, schools, churches and businesses on how to provide lgbtq affirming practices in our community. In 2017, I started a local non profit called Out in West Texas with the mission of advocating for and empowering the gender diverse community of the Permian Basin through education and outreach to reduce social, legal, and physical and mental health barriers. I’m an active participant/patron in various community groups such as theatre, the arts, education, music (I’m learning the harmonica), animal rights, and choir. I enjoy cooking/baking, dancing, hiking, exercise, being in nature and spending time with my family and fur babies.
Contact me so we can set up a consultation meeting. You can message me at 432-226-6566.
