About
Empowering Change, LLC
At Empowering Change, LLC, we provide counseling, consultation, and training services that focus on improving mental health and fostering a brighter future. Our LGBTQ+ and Gender Affirming individual and couples therapy services cater to individuals aged 12 years and above. Our team of therapists specializes in evidence-based therapies such as EMDR, trauma-focused CBT, and Motivational Interviewing. We are passionate about helping individuals and couples overcome their challenges and achieve their goals. We provide face-to-face and virtual services to meet your needs.
Our Expertise
At Empowering Change, LLC, our therapists have years of experience in the field of mental health. We have worked with a diverse range of clients and have successfully helped them overcome their mental health challenges. Our qualifications include master's degrees in social work and specialized training in trauma therapy modalities such as EMDR, trauma-focused CBT, and Motivational Interviewing. We stay up to date with the latest research and techniques to provide the best possible care to our clients. All of us have experience providing LGBTQ+ Affirming therapy, inclu
Our Training and Qualifications
Brenda A. Risch, PhD, LCSW
Present
Master's Degree in Social Work
Specialized training in EMDR, trauma-focused CBT, Motivational Interviewing, CAMS Suicide Prevention, and many other modalities.
2016-2023
Extensive experience in LGBTQ+Affirming Therapy Continuting Education Training provider for social, mental health and health services professionals.
Founder and Executive Director of the Borderland Rainbow Center
2017
Master's Degree in Social Work
University of Texas at El Paso
2022
Licensed Clinical Social Worker- NM
2021
Licensed Clinical Social Worker- Texas
2004-2015
Faculty Member at the University of Texas at El Paso,
Women's and Gender Studies (2007-2015)
Entering Student Program (2004-2007)
2003
Ph.D. in Comparative Literature (focus on Women's and Gender Studies and Film)
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
1992
Master's Degree in Comparative Literature
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
1988
Bachelor's Degree in Comparative Literature
Northwestern University
2015-17
Specialized training in EMDR and trauma-focused CBT
Kathryn Schmidt, PhD, LCSW
Present
Master's Degree in Social Work
Specialized training in EMDR, trauma-focused CBT, Motivational Interviewing, CAMS Suicide Prevention, and many other modalities.
2016-2023
Extensive experience in LGBTQ+Affirming Therapy Continuting Education Training provider for social, mental health and health services professionals.
Therapist and social worker at the Borderland Rainbow Center
2012
Master's in Social Work
New Mexico State University
2008
Ph.D. in Sociology
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
2022-2022
Certified Community Mental Health Grant Program Coordinator, Clinical Director
FYI, Las Cruces, NM
1995
Master's Degree in Sociology
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
2019-2022
Community Mental Health Support Speicalist Manager
Therapist
Behavioral Health Trainer
La Clinical de Familia, Las Cruces, Anthony, and Sunland Park, NM
1992
Bachelor's Degree in Sociology
Indiana University
2010-18
Faculty Member at the University of Texas at El Paso,
Social Work (20011-2018)
Criminal Justice and Social Work (2010-2011)
Irene Arlette Werthmann, LCSW-S
Present
Master's Degree in Social Work
Over 25 years of experience with therapy for children, adolescents, adults, and families. Expert in trauma-informed care, and LGBTQ+ Affirming Care.
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2017-2023
Extensive experience in LGBTQ+Affirming Therapy Continuting Education Training provider for social, mental health and health services professionals.
Therapist and social worker at the Borderland Rainbow Center
2016-2023
Clinical Instructor, Social Work
University of Texas at El Paso
2017 - present
LCSW - Supervisor Certification
2009-2017
Clinical Director of Behavioral Health Department -Ellis County Coalition for Health Services
DBA- Hope Clinic- Waxahachie, TX
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Behavioral health administration and supervision, counseling services for individuals and families in an integrated behavioral health center.
2002-Present
Contract Work, Waxahachie, TX
Court-ordered social studies and home evaluations for disputed custody cases and private adoption cases.
2006-2009
Private Counseling Practice Waxahachie TX
Provided counseling for adults, adolescents, children and families.
2005-2009
Treatment Coordinator for Optimum Childrens Services, Red Oak, TX
Developed professional development curriculum for staff, foster parents and respite providers, developed Treatment and Behavioral plans for foster children with emotional and mental health issues; counseled foster families and children; provided case managmentement services to foster families.
2003-2005
Case Coordinator - Law Offices of Lynn G. Winborne and David Abbott, Waxahachie, TX
Provided case management services to individuals and families involved in family lawsuits or civil litigation.
1983-2003
Supervisor in Ellis County
Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services (TDPRS)
Rural Counties: Ellis, Grayson, and Hood
Worked with social service agencies, the legal system, and the mental health system to meet ht needs of clients who were involved with Child Protective Services (CPS) ; Managed local CPS budget; served on committee which founded the Child Protective Services Board; the Child Advocacy Center, and the Rainbow Room.
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Worked in the following divisions: Investigation, Ongoing In-Home Services, Legal/Foster Care, Intensive Family Preservation, Foster Home Development, and Legal Liason.
Gaby Gandara, LPC-A
Present
LPC-A Licensed Professional Counselor Associate
Supervised by Gizelle Alvarado, LPC-S
2023
Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling
Experience working with LGBTQ+ adolescents and adults.
2022-2023
Mental Health Counseling Practicum- Internship
Borderland Rainbow Center
Provided counseling using trauma-informed CBT, EMDR, mindfulness, and person-centered therapy. Designed and co-facilitated psychoeducational counseling groups.
2020-2023
University of Texas at El Paso- Dept. of Educational and Psychology and Special Services
Research Assistant - conducted 90 min. focus groups, managed confidential data to maintain program accreditation, assisted faculty with research projects.
2016
University of Texas at El Paso
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
with a minor in Criminal Justice
Summer 2015
Purdue University - Psychological Sciences Dept. -
Summer Research Opportunity Program Participant
Conducted intensive research with a faculty member and two graduate students , designed research methodology and created a survey, ran experimental sessions with 50 participants, collected and analyzed data, presented a post on research findings.
2018-2019
University of Texas at El Paso - Research Assistant
Brain, Voice, and Language Laboratory - Speech Language Pathology Dept.
Worked with research project measuring graduate student attitudes after working with transgender adult clients attending the Speech, Language, and Hearing Clinic for voice perception and modification goals. Presented research project poster at 2018 national conference.