At Empowering Change, LLC, we support people not only as individuals, but as members of families, communities, and larger systems. Our work is rooted in the belief that meaningful change happens when care is compassionate, affirming, and responsive to real life.
We offer LGBTQ+ and gender-affirming counseling for individuals and couples ages 12 and older, along with consultation, training, and community-focused work designed to strengthen organizations and the people they serve. Services are available both in person and virtually.
Our clinicians bring deep experience and a shared commitment to evidence-based, trauma-informed care. We draw from approaches such as EMDR, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing, while remaining attentive to each person’s values, relationships, and lived experience. Whether working one-on-one, with groups, or at the organizational level, we strive to create spaces that are affirming, respectful, and supportive of growth, resilience, and possibility.
Our Team
Our Expertise
Brenda A. Risch
PhD, LCSW
Brenda Risch is a licensed clinical social worker and the founder of Empowering Change, LLC. She provides LGBTQ+ affirming, trauma-informed therapy to adolescents and adults, and brings decades of experience supporting individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, identity development, and life transitions. Brenda specializes in evidence-based approaches including EMDR, Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) to address trauma, Motivational Interviewing, and suicide prevention. Her work is grounded in compassion, collaboration, and respect for each client’s lived experience. She is deeply committed to creating a therapeutic space where clients feel safe, affirmed, and empowered to grow. In addition to her clinical practice, Brenda has extensive experience as an educator, supervisor, and trainer for mental health professionals. She is passionate about mentoring emerging clinicians and advancing accessible, affirming mental health care in the Borderlands and beyond. Licensed Clinical Social Worker — Texas & New Mexico ⸻ Present •Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) •Founder and Clinical Supervisor, Empowering Change, LLC •Provides individual and couples therapy with a focus on trauma-informed and LGBTQ+ affirming care •Provides supervision and professional training for social work and mental health professionals ⸻ Clinical Specializations & Training •EMDR •Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) •Motivational Interviewing •CAMS Suicide Prevention •LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapy •Trauma-Informed Care ⸻ Professional Experience Founder & Executive Director Borderland Rainbow Center •Led community-based LGBTQ+ mental health and support services •Provided training and continuing education for social, mental health, and health services professionals Faculty Member, University of Texas at El Paso Women’s and Gender Studies (2007–2015) Entering Student Program (2004–2007) ⸻ Licensure •Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Texas — 2021 •Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), New Mexico — 2022 ⸻ Education Ph.D., Comparative Literature University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill •Focus: Women’s and Gender Studies, Film Master’s Degree, Comparative Literature University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Bachelor’s Degree, Comparative Literature Northwestern University Master’s Degree, Social Work University of Texas at El Paso Continuing Education & Advanced Training •Extensive post-graduate training in EMDR and trauma-focused CBT (2015–2017) •Ongoing continuing education in LGBTQ+ affirming therapy and trauma-informed practice
Kathryn Schmidt
PhD, LCSW
Kathryn Schmidt is a licensed clinical social worker who provides LGBTQ+ affirming, trauma-informed therapy to adolescents and adults. She has extensive experience supporting clients navigating trauma, depression, anxiety, and major life transitions, with a strong commitment to culturally responsive and inclusive care. Kathryn’s clinical approach draws on evidence-based modalities including EMDR, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and suicide prevention strategies. She brings warmth, curiosity, and deep respect for clients’ lived experiences into the therapeutic relationship. In addition to her clinical work, Kathryn has a background in higher education, community mental health leadership, and professional training. Her work reflects a strong belief in accessible mental health care, ethical practice, and ongoing learning. ⸻ Present •Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) •Therapist, Empowering Change, LLC •Provides individual therapy using trauma-informed and LGBTQ+ affirming approaches ⸻ Clinical Specializations & Training •EMDR •Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) •Motivational Interviewing •CAMS Suicide Prevention •LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapy •Trauma-Informed Care ⸻ Professional Experience Therapist & Social Worker Borderland Rainbow Center •Provided LGBTQ+ affirming mental health services •Participated in professional training and continuing education initiatives Certified Community Mental Health Grant Program Coordinator & Clinical Director (2022) FYI, Las Cruces, NM Community Mental Health Support Specialist Manager / Therapist / Behavioral Health Trainer (2019–2022) La ClÃnica de Familia — Las Cruces, Anthony, and Sunland Park, NM Faculty Member, University of Texas at El Paso (2010–2018) •Social Work (2011–2018) •Criminal Justice and Social Work (2010–2011) ⸻ Education Ph.D., Sociology University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Master’s Degree, Social Work New Mexico State University Master’s Degree, Sociology University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Bachelor’s Degree, Sociology Indiana University Additional Notes •Extensive experience in LGBTQ+ affirming therapy •Background in community mental health leadership and program coordination •Experience integrating clinical practice, training, and higher education
Irene Arlette Werthmann
LCSW-S
Arlette Werthmann is a licensed clinical social worker and approved clinical supervisor with more than 25 years of experience providing therapy to children, adolescents, adults, and families. She specializes in trauma-informed and LGBTQ+ affirming care, with a strong commitment to ethical, compassionate, and client-centered practice. Arlete brings extensive experience in clinical supervision, behavioral health administration, and direct practice across community, private practice, and child welfare settings. Her work is grounded in respect for clients’ lived experiences and a deep understanding of how trauma, family systems, and social contexts shape mental health. In addition to her clinical work, Irene has long been involved in training and supervising social workers and mental health professionals, supporting the development of thoughtful, competent, and ethical practitioners. ⸻ Licensed Clinical Social Worker — Supervisor ⸻ Present •Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Approved Supervisor (LCSW-S) •Therapist, Empowering Change, LLC •Provides therapy to children, adolescents, adults, and families •Provides clinical supervision and professional guidance ⸻ Clinical Focus & Expertise •Trauma-Informed Care •LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapy •Individual, family, and systems-based practice •Clinical supervision and behavioral health leadership ⸻ Professional Experience Clinical Instructor, Social Work (2016–2023) University of Texas at El Paso Clinical Director, Behavioral Health Department (2009–2017) Ellis County Coalition for Health Services (DBA Hope Clinic), Waxahachie, TX •Behavioral health administration and supervision •Counseling services within an integrated behavioral health center Private Counseling Practice (2006–2009) Waxahachie, TX •Provided counseling to adults, adolescents, children, and families Contract Social Work Services (2002–Present) Waxahachie, TX •Court-ordered social studies and home evaluations •Disputed custody and private adoption cases Treatment Coordinator (2005–2009) Optimum Children’s Services, Red Oak, TX •Developed treatment and behavioral plans for foster children •Provided counseling and case management to foster families Case Coordinator (2003–2005) Law Offices of Lynn G. Winborne and David Abbott, Waxahachie, TX Supervisor, Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services (1983–2003) Ellis, Grayson, and Hood Counties •Worked across CPS divisions including investigations, in-home services, foster care, and legal liaison •Managed local CPS budgets and participated in founding community support structures ⸻ Licensure & Supervision •Licensed Clinical Social Worker — Supervisor (LCSW-S) •Over 25 years of clinical and supervisory experience ⸻ Additional Notes •Extensive experience in trauma-informed and LGBTQ+ affirming care •Longstanding background in child welfare, family systems, and supervision •Experience spanning direct practice, administration, and higher education
Aaron Waggoner
PhD, MSW Intern
Aaron is a Master of Social Work intern at Empowering Change, LLC, practicing under supervision.* His emerging practice is grounded in the belief that people already carry many of the tools they need to live meaningful, connected lives, even when those tools feel out of reach. He is especially interested in working with people navigating identity, belonging, stress, and life transitions, including those whose lives, relationships, or families do not always fit dominant norms. Aaron approaches this work in a humane, affirming, collaborative way, with attention to the body as well as the mind. He is particularly interested in somatic practices and in supporting self-acceptance and self-actualization at a pace that feels safe and realistic. Aaron habla español. ⸻ Current Role •MSW Intern, Empowering Change, LLC •Practicing under the supervision of Brenda A. Risch, PhD, LCSW •LGBTQ+ affirming, trauma-informed services to adolescents and adults ⸻ Clinical Interests •Identity, belonging, and minority stress •Shame, self-acceptance, and meaning-making •Eco-therapy and outdoor behavioral health programs •Somatic and body-informed approaches •Supporting individuals and families whose lives and relationships fall outside dominant norms ⸻ Education Master of Social Work (in progress) Western New Mexico University Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), History Graduate Certificate, Women’s and Gender Studies University of Texas at El Paso Bachelor of Arts, Spanish Bachelor of Science, Secondary Education Tennessee Technological University ⸻ Professional Background •More than 15 years of experience as an educator, mentor, and researcher •Extensive work with adolescents, emerging adults, and diverse communities •Background in gender, sexuality, religion, borders, and social inequality •Experience integrating research, teaching, and reflective practice in applied settings *MSW Interns practice under supervision in accordance with state and professional guidelines.