Therapist

Teri Mills-Manuel, M.Ed., LPC-S, RPT-S, NCC

Teri received her graduate degree from the University of North Texas which has frequently been ranked among the top counselor preparation programs in the nation and the best in Texas. She was privileged to be able to study at and work for the Center for Play Therapy, under the direction of Dr. Garry Landreth and Dr. Sue Bratton.

Counseling is Teri's second career. Before she had children, she worked as an English and History middle school teacher. After teaching for several years, she took a break and stayed home with her boys while they were young. Although her plan was to stay home for several years, life threw her a curveball and she went through a divorce. Although it was a painful time, it served as the catalyst for her to return to graduate school and become a counselor and play therapist. Teri considers receiving her graduate degree one of the greatest blessings in her life. She sees her profession as a calling and as a privilege.

Teri believes that every person is a unique and beautiful individual, created by God, and designed to be in healthy relationships. She believes that God sees people for who they can become, not for who they are in any given moment. Therefore, she believes that perspectives and personalities are not fixed, but open to growth and change. Because she believes this, Teri views her role of Counselor as one of helping others sort through anything that stands in the way of being who they are created to be, fully experiencing love and great relationships.

Teri and her husband, Lindy, live in McKinney. Between the two of them, they have four sons, living in Colorado, California, and Texas. She loves spending time with her family, along with mountain bike riding, hiking, reading, shopping, hanging out with friends, and enjoying life.