Anxiety Insights
BP Portrait of Dr. Betsy Puentes

Dr. Betsy Puentes, LMFT, LPC

Experienced therapist focused on practical change

46 years in practice · based in Texas · sessions in English · online sessions

Book with Betsy

We will earn a commission if you sign up through our link, at no cost to you.

About Betsy

Dr. Betsy Puentes uses straightforward, practical therapy to help people manage anxiety and stress. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist and a licensed professional counselor with a long clinical history.

She writes plainly and listens carefully so people feel heard and understood. With 46 years of experience, Dr. Puentes helps people facing depression, low self-esteem, career struggles, relationship concerns, addiction challenges, and difficult life changes.

She treats trauma and abuse, anger issues, and a wide range of emotional and behavioral concerns.

Book with Betsy Now Review online therapy options and next steps.

Background and approach

Her approach centers on helping each person build on their own strengths to move forward. Sessions focus on real-life skills and clear goals. She draws on approaches such as acceptance and commitment work, cognitive behavioral strategies, emotionally focused methods, existential ideas, and Imago relationship tools.

Conversations aim to identify what matters to the person and practical steps to reduce distress. Dr. Puentes helps people who are wrestling with attachment worries, abandonment fears, chronic illness or pain, caregiver stress, body image, codependency, and communication or commitment issues.

She also addresses concerns like avoidant or dependent personality patterns and mood dysregulation challenges. She practices in Texas and conducts sessions in English. Her style is collaborative and direct.

People who choose her often want guidance that is experienced, steady, and focused on usable change.

How therapeutic approaches translate to online sessions

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings while choosing actions that match their values. It can reduce avoidance and support steadier responses to anxiety and life changes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking and trying different behaviors to change mood and stress. It is often used for anxiety, depression, and coping with everyday problems. Emotionally-Focused Therapy, or EFT, centers on recognizing emotions and the patterns that keep people stuck, which can help with relationship strain and attachment concerns.

Choosing the best approach is a shared process. The therapist will talk with the person about their goals, what has helped before, and their preferences. Together they decide what to try first and review progress as sessions continue, adjusting methods as needed.

Online work uses video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to make therapy fit into busy lives. Video is useful for in-depth conversations and exercises; phone can be easier when video bandwidth is limited. Live chat and messaging support brief check-ins, written reflections, and steady contact between longer sessions. These options offer flexibility for scheduling, travel, and different communication needs while keeping attention on practical change and emotional growth.
Book with Betsy Now Review online therapy options and next steps.

Questions people ask

What kinds of concerns does she help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, career difficulties, relationship challenges, addictions, trauma and abuse, and anger. Additional areas include attachment issues, body image, caregiver stress, chronic illness and other related concerns.
How would you describe her therapy style?
Her style is practical and collaborative. She focuses on clear goals, useful skills, and building on each person's strengths while listening closely to their story.
What background and experience does she bring?
She has a Doctorate in Counseling Psychology, a Master's in Clinical Psychology, and 46 years of professional experience working with a broad range of mental health concerns.
What credentials and region are listed?
She holds LMFT and LPC credentials and practices in Texas.
Which languages are supported and are international clients accepted?
Sessions are offered in English and international clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are offered?
She provides video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to suit different schedules and preferences.
How does the subscription and cost work?
Costs vary with location and therapist availability; sessions are provided through a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin therapy?
Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and then scheduling sessions according to therapist availability.

What this therapist works with

Most often

Also listed

Therapeutic approaches

Experience
46 years
Licensed
Texas
Languages
English

We will earn a commission if you sign up through our link, at no cost to you.