What We Do
The counselor provides a safe and supportive environment for individuals and families to discuss their innermost conflicts, concerns and feelings. Together, everyone involved will work to identify and enhance strengths and achieve goals to resolve problems. Ultimately, everyone will work to attain more adaptive and healthy patterns of living.
Why Choose Us
We realize that you have a wide range of choices available to you and that seeking counseling can be a difficult decision within itself. Therefore, you will discuss the needs and special circumstances of the individual or family with the therapist when planning treatment and setting goals. The therapy technique chosen will be specifically tailored to meet the situation and needs of the individual(s) involved.
New Braunfels Counseling Center has been serving the New Braunfels Texas community for over 25 years! Our dedicated team of professionals is here for your counseling needs.
Darla Lane, LCSW
Darla Lane, LCSW is the founder, owner and director of New Braunfels Counseling Center (NBCC), established in 1997. Through the years, New Braunfels Counseling Center has achieved an excellent reputation and referral base. NBCC has continued to grow, reaching out to many in the New Braunfels area.
Darla Lane, LCSW holds a Masters Degree in Social Work from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Texas. She holds the highest licensure possible at the Masters Level, as she is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). She has been a member with the National Association of Social Workers, the National Association of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapists, and the Association for Play Therapy. She has also been a member with the New Braunfels Women’s Chamber of Commerce and The Greater Chamber of New Braunfels. Her background includes pediatric and adolescent diagnostics and treatment, geriatric consultation, specialized training in anxiety, depression and OCD. She has provided individual, group, and conjoint family therapy with children, adolescents, adults and seniors for the past 30 years and has been a social worker for 33 years.
Melanie Blank, LCSW
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker having earned a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin in 2006.
My approach to therapy is to meet my clients where they are. I believe building trust and rapport in a therapeutic relationship is essential to the healing process. I work with all ages, including children, adolescents, young adults, and seniors.
I have over 17 years’ experience working with all ages and diverse clients experiencing multiple challenges including substance abuse, grief and loss, and trauma. I have worked in school settings with children and teens, and I have extensive grief and loss experience through many years of hospice work. Despite their diverse backgrounds, most of my clients have struggled with similar challenges: anxiety, depression, relationship, family, and/or social dynamics, and past trauma.
Becoming EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)-certified by EMDRIA has improved my skills in a trauma-informed approach to therapy, and I’m excited to share the EMDR technique which is largely client-led and very beneficial for overcoming anxiety, phobias, and past trauma. I also have training in Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I am certified in Teen and Adult Mental Health First Aid and have experience working with clients to overcome suicide ideation.
I am a mother and a stepmother to a blended family of 4 children, and I have been through a divorce, so my life experiences have also informed my practice. I look forward to meeting you and helping you work towards your therapeutic goals. Together we can face any challenge you may bring to my office.
Randall Chavez, LPC
Randall Chavez is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 12 years’ experience. He obtained his Master of Counseling at Webster University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Texas Lutheran University.
Randall has experience working with children and adults with chronic mental illnesses using a variety of treatment modalities based on the cognitive model. Randall has been trained and certified in CPT, TF-CBT and CBT. By using a cognitive approach, the individual can learn to identify the specific emotions, attitudes, and behaviors that get in the way of their daily living and incorporate the skills to handle new problems that may arise.
Randall has also worked with individuals who have been exposed to traumatic stress. Traumatic stress overwhelms our ability to cope and leaves us to feel unsafe, vulnerable, and out of control. Randall uses a trauma-informed care approach to promote understanding of the impact of the trauma to help survivors rebuild control and empowerment in their lives.
Tifarah Canion, LPC-A
Supervised by Jennifer Kenley, LPC-S NCC
Graduated with a Master’s Degree in Counseling from St Edwards University, Undergraduate in Social Work from Texas A&M San Antonio.
Hello there! I know that choosing a counselor is a big deal and I hope this helps you see if we would be a good fit!
I am drawn to working with those who are going through life changes, healing from complex traumas, and anyone who is just looking to work on themselves. I am an eccentric counselor, and while I prefer to work under the theories that best work for my clients, I hold the mind-body connection as a crucial piece of our sessions. I enjoy using a holistic approach by incorporating mindfulness into the sessions, be that through stretches, breath work, or guided meditation. Through the person-centered counseling style, I incorporate empathy, explore attachment, and utilize narrative skills to navigate our time together and get you to where YOU want to be. You know you best and I am here to help you through the foggy bits.
Most of my client work has been with individuals between the ages of 18 and 50. My background prior to counseling was in social work. Prior to this, I had 10 years of experience in the foster care world working with foster parents and teenagers in care, this line of work led me to pursue a career in counseling.
I love live music, good food, and everything vintage. A San Antonio native, beautiful Wimberly, TX is where I call home with my amazing husband and four spoiled fur babies
Christina Rubio, LPC-A
Christina Rubio is an LPC-A who graduated with a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from St.Mary’s University and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Texas Lutheran University. Christina has experience counseling children between 9 and 18 years old, as well as adults aged 19 to 75. As someone from New Braunfels, she finds it essential to improve the mental health of her community by offering therapy for couples, families, children, and individuals from all walks of life.
Her areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, PTSD, relationship issues for couples and individuals, neurodivergence, major life transitions, LGBTQ+ matters, family dynamics, grief counseling, anger management techniques, women’s issues, multicultural considerations, academic trouble areas, career changes, military family members and veterans.
Christina always makes sure to establish a comfortable therapeutic environment where clients feel safe to open up and be true to themselves. She believes each client’s situation is unique and deserves tailored treatment when it comes to counseling.
In her free time, you can find Christina reading books, listening to music, crocheting stuff, cuddling her pets, or spending time with friends and family at local events around town.
Kelvin D. McCoy, LCSW, LCDC
I have practiced for approximately 26 years. I have practiced and held a Licensed Clinical Social Work designation in Illinois, Missouri, Texas, Georgia, and Louisiana. I have also been designated a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor in the State of Texas. I graduated from Faulkner University with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Clinical Psychology and from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale with a Master’s of Social Work in Clinical Social Work.
I have worked with children, adolescents, adults and geriatrics dealing with trauma, life stage issues, substance abuse, relational issues, depression and psychiatric disorders. I have worked in recovery treatment centers, residential treatment centers, in community mental health agencies, psychiatric hospitals, medical hospitals, with home health/hospice agencies, on military bases for the Defense Health Agency, in the community with the Department of Veteran Affairs, Department of Health and Human Services in school programs, in private practice, in group practices, and in telehealth.
I have worked with multiple community advocacy groups, community projects, given trainings, given talks, wrote articles, and worked on policy within the government through professional groups. From the various experiences and populations that I have had the opportunity to work with, I would look forward to working with you as well.
Susan M Greco, MS, NCC, LPC
Have most of your days become consumed with mental worry and feelings of aloneness? And, family members you were once able to reach out to are justifiably distracted by their own concerns? You simply want the relief of feeling heard by someone who will not judge your thoughts, no matter what they are. I am here for you.
I am currently seeing individuals (ages 9 – 65+), couples, and families who are experiencing personal and relationship distress. I want to hear how the ‘story of your past’ has contributed to the person you are now. And, as a therapist and creative coach, I will work with you to strategize ways we can move you forward at your own pace and comfort level.
My preferred method of counseling involves a hybrid modality of solution-focused brief therapy, narrative work, and mindfulness-based cognitive approaches. The intention is to equip you with the appropriate education and tools you need to move beyond the things you believe to be limiting your personal growth.
In addition to my therapeutic work, I facilitate restorative group sessions and am credentialed in Disaster Mental Health Counseling, the Science and Practice of Wellbeing, and Applied Positive Psychology.
Areas of Specialization:
• Anxiety
• Behavioral Issues
• Coping Skills
• Depression
• Couples-Family Conflict
• Life Coaching
• Creative Coaching
• Sexual Identity (LGBTQ+)
School: Walden University
Year Graduated: 2018
License and State: 82198 Texas
Shar McKelvie, MA, LPC, LCDC
After graduating from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 2002 with a Masters in Counseling, I worked as a Counselor in the public education setting until 2023. In addition to this, I obtained my LPC and LCDC licensure in 2015 and have worked in both the private practice and residential treatment settings.
My approach to counseling is eclectic, and I utilize several therapuetic styles including: Person Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy(CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Solution Focused, Positive Psychology, Reality Therapy, and EMDR.
My counseling is designed to help clients succeed in overcoming the obstacles that interfere with their ability to obtain their goals and/or achieve their maximum potential and happiness.
I am a firm believer that all individuals benefit from having a safe place where they are free to develop the skills needed to meet the complex challenges that arise in life.
I work with both adolescents and adults and specialize in all things addiction related, family systems and co-parenting counseling, and recovery from trauma.
Ulysees Cantero, LPC
Hi, I’m Ulysees, or simply “UC”! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I have experience working with individuals facing challenges with anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma to name a few. I tend to be solution focused and will utilize a combination of approaches to work with you while trying to resolve various situations. Life experiences and my desire to help others is a primary factor behind becoming a therapist.
My communication style is calm, non-judgmental, and personable. I want my clients to feel comfortable talking with me about anything, and I pride myself on my ability to listen without judgment. My approach to therapy varies based on the needs of each client I work with. I most frequently use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I will meet you where you are, without judgment and bias, hoping to provide a comfortable and safe space, as we work together towards potential solutions.
I have found that my style and approach are a good fit for pre-teens, teens, and adults, who may be dealing with life challenges and social pressures. This often takes the form of anxiety, depression, and stress. I work to help my clients navigate these challenges and build necessary skills to help them feel better about themselves, and develop a more positive outlook on life. I also have experience with Parent Child Interactive Therapy (PCIT), working with children ages 2-7, parent involvement required in every session.
Our first session together is for us to spend the majority of the time talking about how you’ve been feeling recently, and me asking questions to gain a better understanding of why you may be feeling that way. The first session is about starting to build rapport and an initial connection, helping me get a sense of where we should go from there. Each individual is different, and I like to listen first before assuming I know what will work best for you moving forward.