About Us
In-person and Virtual Counseling for Fort Worth/ North Richland Hills
Regardless of your background, past, and personal choices, you are welcome here. You’re not the same as everyone else and neither should your care be. We learn and value you through a holistic approach to learn what is best for you. Our compassionate team makes you feel comfortable and heard.
Meet Our Team
Damla Ricks, LPC
LPC Therapist and Founder at Healing First Counseling
Trauma, Grief, Individual, and Couples Therapy
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Healing First Counseling is a safe, nonjudgmental and supportive place!
I am Damla Ricks and I am passionate about working with couples, families, parents, adolescents, and teens. I believe that a therapeutic alliance and connection is imperative. I strive to create a supportive and non-judgmental space that allows for my clients to feel secure and comfortable that facilitates healing.
I am currently working on a PHD in Family and Marriage Counseling at Texas Wesleyan University.
As a Gottman Level 1 certified therapist with specialized training in TF-CBT (Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), I use a holistic approach to create an authentic environment that helps my clients feel safe and at ease. I work with clients who struggle with trauma, anxiety, depression, and interpersonal conflict.
Aside from completing my studies at Texas A&M Commerce and receiving my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, I have 13 years of experience in higher education. I have taught a variety of Communication Studies courses such as: Interpersonal Communication, Relational Development, Business and Professional Communication and Interview Principles.
Prior to my time in private practice, I have worked in non-profit organizations such as Children’s Advocacy Center and Metrocare. I find it important to spend time in a community setting to help those who may need intensive services.
When I am not in session, you’ll find me spending quality time with my partner and stepson, reading or training in new counseling topics. I am incredibly passionate about what I do. I especially enjoy working with blended families and people who are just trying to find themselves.
I built this practice because I wanted to create a safe space for people from all walks of life. No matter what background, sexual orientation, religious affiliations, or race, please understand that you are accepted just the way you are.
*Damla specializes in ages 12 and up
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I am so excited to get to know you!
I am Kate Jones (she/her) and I am thrilled to walk with you on your counseling journey. I have worked with all ages, and have a special place in my heart for teens, young adults, and parents.
I love hearing people’s stories and holding space for them. In our space, we are able to work through feelings without judgment, be accepted no matter what, and work together to find a better way of being.
I work mainly within a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy framework, but I tailor your therapeutic experience to your needs. We may use a variety of techniques, including sand tray, art activities, games, and more in our time together. I especially love working with people with ADHD, and as a person with ADHD I understand the vast amounts of unhelpful advice you may have received over your lifetime. I also work with anxiety, depression, trauma, and parenting.
I have two master’s degrees, one in Family and Child Studies from Texas State University – San Marcos, and one in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from University of North Texas at Dallas. These two degrees give me a unique perspective on how our early experiences and our family environments might influence us in surprising ways.
In my professional life, I have done school counseling at a Title I school, worked as a parent educator for teen parents in Dallas County and for people in early recovery in Austin, and also spent significant time in early childhood education. I have clinical experience with trauma, ADHD, anxiety, depression, family of origin issues, and relationship dynamics.
In my spare time, I am likely knitting, spinning yarn, weaving, sewing, or making something while watching movies with my dogs. My husband has introduced me to gaming and I often play cozy games on the Nintendo Switch, and am interested especially in games that deal with psychological issues or trauma.
It is important to me that you know that I am accepting of anything you throw at me. I will see anyone regardless of race, ethnicity, LGBTQ+ status, religion, experience, gender, occupation or philosophy.
You are safe and accepted here.
*Kate is now accepting clients on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays
Kate Jones, LPC
Morgan Elizabeth K. Gomez, LMFT-A
LMFT Associate at Founder at Healing First Counseling. Supervised by Dr. Mike Bishop, LMFT-S
Infidelity, Couples, and Family Therapy
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Welcome, I look forward to working with you as you take this step toward actualizing your wellness.
My name is Morgan Elizabeth K. Gomez. As a systemic therapist, I look at my clients and their concerns with consideration for the full context of their situation. I am passionate about helping individuals, couples, and families to attain healthy inter and intrapersonal relationships. I believe the therapeutic bond is essential for your growth during this process and my ability to see the world from your perspective(s). As we work together, I will strive to support you unconditionally and nonjudgmentally as we walk your path to healing.
I firmly believe every person is capable of finding/healing themselves. While my therapeutic framework is primarily an integration of structural and experiential therapies, I will tailor my approach to your individual or family needs. From where I stand, you already have the answers to get where you need or want to go, I’m just a walking stick to help make the trip a little smoother.
I have a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Science in Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling from California State University, Fresno. I am currently a PhD student in the Marriage and Family Therapy program at Texas Wesleyan University and am working towards full licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist.
My clinical experience has been with individuals, couples, and families working on infidelity, family dynamics/life transition, couple’s concerns, anxiety, and depression.
When I am not working, my time is split between school coursework, additional reading/training in various aspects of mental health, and family time. My husband and I are the proud parents of a beautiful new baby boy and three bratty but adorable dogs. When I am taking a moment for myself, I like to read fictional stories, watch soap dramas on story apps, or play puzzle games on my phone (going on three years of avid Merge Dragons playing).
I want you to know that during a session I am present because I want to be. I love systemic work and genuinely want to support you while you find a way to talk about or work through the things you are struggling with. No matter who or what you are life gets rough, and I look forward to providing a safe space and listening as you work/grow through it.
Julie Cosgrove
Office Manager
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Hi, thanks for looking into this practice.
As the office manager, my primary goal is to help our clients with scheduling, insurance issues, and other administrative aspects of the practice. That way, they can better concentrate on their therapy goals.
When the therapists are in session, I provide timely contact with our clients and strive to make each one feel valued and supported. Confidentiality is of primary importance to me. I want our clients to feel they are in a safe environment and can feel comfortable reaching out to us with their concerns.
I also monitor the practice’s marketing and content strategy. I strive to keep our social media presence aligned with our core values, which are to respect each person’s dignity, orientation, and well-being with honesty and transparency. My other purpose in this role is to inform the local area of our therapists’ expertise and availability, and to network with others in the behavioral health and medical fields. This way, folks in our community are well-served and matched to the therapists who can best meet their needs.
I have been in behavioral health office administration for over four decades and am honored to be part of this practice. I look forward to meeting you soon.
Your mental health journey to a healthier life starts here with us.
Our team of experienced health professionals is dedicated to providing evidence-based guidance tailored to your unique needs and goals. Whether you’re seeking support for managing chronic conditions, adopting healthier lifestyle habits, or navigating complex health challenges, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. With a focus on holistic care and client-centered approaches, we strive to create a supportive and nurturing environment where you can thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally.
With our office in North Richland Hills, we service Fort Worth and surrounding areas offering both virtual and in-person appointments with weekday, evening, and weekend availability. Our therapists have experience helping clients work through their anxiety and depression for a better tomorrow.
