Therapists in Texas
![Photo of Lacey Castilleja Fisher - Open Heart Counseling of Austin/Trauma & Grief , LPC-S, RPT-S, PMH-C, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bc00cbd7-d955-4f07-8c05-aec418126719/1/320x400.png)
Open Heart Counseling of Austin/Trauma & Grief
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S, RPT-S, PMH-C
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78735
This includes: trauma, sexual abuse, grief & loss, fertility treatments, donor recipient consultations, TFMR, pregnancy loss, birth trauma, body image, family of origin, addictions, anxiety, depression and so much more.
Immediate Openings! Open Heart Counseling of Austin (OHC) is a group practice founded by Lacey Castilleja Fisher. Lacey wanted to create a practice that is all inclusive so the community can have a safe space to come and share their stories as they find healing after they have experienced trauma. Survivors of trauma often feel worried that they cannot share their experiences with others because it is too difficult to hear. Our therapists are able to sit with you to hear your story as many times as you need to tell it. When you are ready, we are here to hold hope for you as you begin your healing journey, with an Open Heart.
This includes: trauma, sexual abuse, grief & loss, fertility treatments, donor recipient consultations, TFMR, pregnancy loss, birth trauma, body image, family of origin, addictions, anxiety, depression and so much more.
Immediate Openings! Open Heart Counseling of Austin (OHC) is a group practice founded by Lacey Castilleja Fisher. Lacey wanted to create a practice that is all inclusive so the community can have a safe space to come and share their stories as they find healing after they have experienced trauma. Survivors of trauma often feel worried that they cannot share their experiences with others because it is too difficult to hear. Our therapists are able to sit with you to hear your story as many times as you need to tell it. When you are ready, we are here to hold hope for you as you begin your healing journey, with an Open Heart.
![Photo of Jordana Hudson, MS, MEd, LPC-A](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d2de27e-5b04-4815-866c-618ea7705127/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jordana Hudson
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, MS, MEd, LPC-A
Verified Verified
Fort Worth, TX 76116 (Online Only)
As a Proud LGBTQIA+ community member, triple minority/BIPOC, trauma, sexual assault and suicide survivor, I have become better at listening with both an empathetic and sympathetic ear.
Have you ever felt misunderstood, forgotten, out of place, or like you just weren't being seen or heard? Believe me, I have been where you are and understand what you may be experiencing.
As a Proud LGBTQIA+ community member, triple minority/BIPOC, trauma, sexual assault and suicide survivor, I have become better at listening with both an empathetic and sympathetic ear.
Have you ever felt misunderstood, forgotten, out of place, or like you just weren't being seen or heard? Believe me, I have been where you are and understand what you may be experiencing.
![Photo of Janelle Jackson, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/974a6cfa-5124-4708-b3b1-de7d9d8cea26/3/320x400.jpeg)
Janelle offers Child-Centered Play Therapy and has counseled teens and young adults presenting with childhood sexual abuse, rape, and other traumas.
Janelle is a Licensed Professional Counselor, specializing in adolescents, children (4 and up), adult individuals and families with presenting concerns such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, family conflict, relationship concerns, self-harm, and more. Janelle brings a genuine sense of compassion for the difficulties her clients face, placing great emphasis on building meaningful relationships, transparency, and authenticity. She is flexible, person-centered and strengths based in her therapeutic approach, allowing her to address the unique needs of you and your family.
Janelle offers Child-Centered Play Therapy and has counseled teens and young adults presenting with childhood sexual abuse, rape, and other traumas.
Janelle is a Licensed Professional Counselor, specializing in adolescents, children (4 and up), adult individuals and families with presenting concerns such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, family conflict, relationship concerns, self-harm, and more. Janelle brings a genuine sense of compassion for the difficulties her clients face, placing great emphasis on building meaningful relationships, transparency, and authenticity. She is flexible, person-centered and strengths based in her therapeutic approach, allowing her to address the unique needs of you and your family.
![Photo of Shawna Corley, PhD, LPC-S, LCDC, CCTP, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/48a1b3c2-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Shawna Corley
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC-S, LCDC, CCTP, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Antonio, TX 78216 (Online Only)
Want to start your journey to healing? I would love to come along side you and help facilitate your growth. I love working with kids, teens, and adults and I am skilled to handle the hard issues of trauma. My work with clients covers a wide range of topics, but I specialize in sibling/parent conflict, relationships, trauma, abuse, sexual identity, sexual assault, and grief. I will ensure you are provided an individual plan and help challenge you to reach you optimum version of you. I am available to perform Child Custody Evaluations and Adoptions Studies though the Bexar County DRO. I am also available for forensic cases.
Want to start your journey to healing? I would love to come along side you and help facilitate your growth. I love working with kids, teens, and adults and I am skilled to handle the hard issues of trauma. My work with clients covers a wide range of topics, but I specialize in sibling/parent conflict, relationships, trauma, abuse, sexual identity, sexual assault, and grief. I will ensure you are provided an individual plan and help challenge you to reach you optimum version of you. I am available to perform Child Custody Evaluations and Adoptions Studies though the Bexar County DRO. I am also available for forensic cases.
![Photo of Shani D. Bell, MA, LPC, ATR, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5267c30f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Are you overcome with anxiety, tired of dealing with depression, or feel you've been struggling with the same issues over and over again? If you feel stuck or moving in the wrong direction, you are not alone. Don't lose hope. As a fully invested clinician and fellow human being, I'm dedicated to serving all people of all affiliations and backgrounds. I facilitate restoration and well-being by helping you utilize undiscovered strengths, compassionately challenging you to be authentic, and helping you feel empowered with choices. Re-imagine a different, more fulfilling life, and let me help you take the next step forward.
Are you overcome with anxiety, tired of dealing with depression, or feel you've been struggling with the same issues over and over again? If you feel stuck or moving in the wrong direction, you are not alone. Don't lose hope. As a fully invested clinician and fellow human being, I'm dedicated to serving all people of all affiliations and backgrounds. I facilitate restoration and well-being by helping you utilize undiscovered strengths, compassionately challenging you to be authentic, and helping you feel empowered with choices. Re-imagine a different, more fulfilling life, and let me help you take the next step forward.
![Photo of Esli B. Gonzalez, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/91873413-5ef8-4467-b843-49e3d5f90d51/3/320x400.jpeg)
Esli B. Gonzalez
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
McAllen, TX 78503 (Online Only)
For most of us, life has not been easy.Dealing with life struggles can be overwhelming and at times it can be exhausting! Life stressors and impactful situations can greatly affect our mental well-being and, as a result, affect our physical health in the process. Hay que gozar de buena salud para vivir una vida plena! Having the necessary and proper tools to work through those issues are essential to better one's life.
For most of us, life has not been easy.Dealing with life struggles can be overwhelming and at times it can be exhausting! Life stressors and impactful situations can greatly affect our mental well-being and, as a result, affect our physical health in the process. Hay que gozar de buena salud para vivir una vida plena! Having the necessary and proper tools to work through those issues are essential to better one's life.
![Photo of Barbara Wood - Three Oaks Counseling & Psychiatry, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7c2b6a7f-8206-4fec-a12c-9ffb402e050c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Three Oaks Counseling & Psychiatry
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
West Lake Hills, TX 78746
We are a group of talented and experienced mental health clinicians that provides counseling and medication management all across Austin and greater Texas. We have offices in West Lake Hills, Georgetown, and Dripping Springs. We also provide telehealth service anywhere in Texas.
We are a group of talented and experienced mental health clinicians that provides counseling and medication management all across Austin and greater Texas. We have offices in West Lake Hills, Georgetown, and Dripping Springs. We also provide telehealth service anywhere in Texas.
![Photo of Balavikash Ravi, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0eda6d34-d11a-457e-87b4-ec257d892eff/2/320x400.jpeg)
Balavikash Ravi
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Plano, TX 75023 (Online Only)
I have worked primarily with POC and other American Cultural Minority populations, including South Asian survivors of domestic and sexual violence, LGBTQIA+, and many others. As a first generation Tamil-American, I have extensive personal and professional experience with model minority stressors, cultural trauma, immigration abuse, religious abuse and various other struggles common for those that identify as a minority in America. I believe that therapy is meant to be a space of mutual collaboration, to help work towards and help understand those aspects of your life that motivated you to seek guidance.
I have worked primarily with POC and other American Cultural Minority populations, including South Asian survivors of domestic and sexual violence, LGBTQIA+, and many others. As a first generation Tamil-American, I have extensive personal and professional experience with model minority stressors, cultural trauma, immigration abuse, religious abuse and various other struggles common for those that identify as a minority in America. I believe that therapy is meant to be a space of mutual collaboration, to help work towards and help understand those aspects of your life that motivated you to seek guidance.
![Photo of Brandelyn Williams, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/397cb4cb-0cb7-492b-97f2-7994d5b3d81a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Brandelyn Williams
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Sugar Land, TX 77498 (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor in the State of Texas and is registered to provide mental health and telehealth services across the state. My goal is simple: To Help You! I specialize in clinical areas of depression, anxiety, difficult adjustment to life stress, and trauma. During therapy I use various client-tailored approaches in therapy, including but not limited to person-centered and cognitive-behavioral, and expressive therapy. As a result of my work, clients have reduced stress, depression, trauma, anxiety and more while rebuilding and improving the "Brand New You".
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor in the State of Texas and is registered to provide mental health and telehealth services across the state. My goal is simple: To Help You! I specialize in clinical areas of depression, anxiety, difficult adjustment to life stress, and trauma. During therapy I use various client-tailored approaches in therapy, including but not limited to person-centered and cognitive-behavioral, and expressive therapy. As a result of my work, clients have reduced stress, depression, trauma, anxiety and more while rebuilding and improving the "Brand New You".
![Photo of Steffanie Shea Strawbridge, LCSW-S, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a985a93b-95b8-4ae4-a8d1-ba226bce6e40/1/320x400.jpeg)
Steffanie Shea Strawbridge
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Dallas, TX 75206
I believe that everyone needs someone who will give them a safe, non-judgmental place to work through problems or stresses. I see the role of a therapist as someone who dives into the deep end of your emotions/problems and helps guide you on how to swim your way out. I will be there if you start to drown to help keep your head above water, but I will also help you develop the skills to get out of the deep end and know how to navigate it should you end up there again.
I believe that everyone needs someone who will give them a safe, non-judgmental place to work through problems or stresses. I see the role of a therapist as someone who dives into the deep end of your emotions/problems and helps guide you on how to swim your way out. I will be there if you start to drown to help keep your head above water, but I will also help you develop the skills to get out of the deep end and know how to navigate it should you end up there again.
![Photo of Kristalyn (Kris) Allison, MSW, LCSW-S, RPT-S, CATP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/497861b4-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kristalyn (Kris) Allison
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW-S, RPT-S, CATP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
New Braunfels, TX 78130
I work with a wide range of clients and concerns. Anxiety, depression, past trauma, relationship struggles, and behavior difficulties in teens and children are among a few of the common issues I treat. I have several years of experience with play therapy as well as therapy with adults and teens. I see each client and their experiences as unique to them with their own needs and strengths. I am very open minded and non-judgmental and really do care about each one of my clients. I consider the relationship I have with my clients to be central their success.
I work with a wide range of clients and concerns. Anxiety, depression, past trauma, relationship struggles, and behavior difficulties in teens and children are among a few of the common issues I treat. I have several years of experience with play therapy as well as therapy with adults and teens. I see each client and their experiences as unique to them with their own needs and strengths. I am very open minded and non-judgmental and really do care about each one of my clients. I consider the relationship I have with my clients to be central their success.
15 Second Videos
Open Heart Counseling of Austin/Trauma & Grief
Michael Contreras
Janie Odem
Freedom Reins Counseling - Yvonne Höffchen
Paramount Concepts and Wellness, LLC -Counseling
![Photo of Kim Van de Vere - Psychotherapy Associates, LCSW, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c2e34d2-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
At Psychotherapy Associates, we believe in providing a safe, nurturing and effective psychotherapy to individuals, couples, children and families in crisis or other major life transitions. We also offer play therapy, EMDR for teens and adults, as well as court and CPS-mandated services for all age groups. Additionally, we work very closely with doctors, pediatricians, schools and other specialists out in the community to provide the best continuity of care for our clients. If we can be of help to you or someone you care about, please call or email us today for more information or to make an appointment with one of our counselors.
At Psychotherapy Associates, we believe in providing a safe, nurturing and effective psychotherapy to individuals, couples, children and families in crisis or other major life transitions. We also offer play therapy, EMDR for teens and adults, as well as court and CPS-mandated services for all age groups. Additionally, we work very closely with doctors, pediatricians, schools and other specialists out in the community to provide the best continuity of care for our clients. If we can be of help to you or someone you care about, please call or email us today for more information or to make an appointment with one of our counselors.
![Photo of Alex Guevara III - Excelsior Therapy, LPC, BA, MA, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/544a0092-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Excelsior Therapy
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, BA, MA
Verified Verified
Fort Worth, TX 76164
Excelsior Therapy works with individuals, couples, families, and groups, even offering adult and teen anger management classes. We believe that using cognitive testing and evidenced-based interventions with the collaboration of clients creates the most positive impact on helping clients meet their goals. In addition, to these therapeutic specialties, Excelsior Therapy is connected with a medical team that can assist with medication management that many clients have come to appreciate.
Excelsior Therapy works with individuals, couples, families, and groups, even offering adult and teen anger management classes. We believe that using cognitive testing and evidenced-based interventions with the collaboration of clients creates the most positive impact on helping clients meet their goals. In addition, to these therapeutic specialties, Excelsior Therapy is connected with a medical team that can assist with medication management that many clients have come to appreciate.
![Photo of Cynthia Louise Bonifer, MS, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4b302a9a-9518-4a91-9a82-db941d1f722d/2/320x400.jpeg)
Cynthia Louise Bonifer
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Corpus Christi, TX 78418
My goal as a therapist is to help my clients explore their lives and any areas they might want to grow in. I provide a nonjudgmental and safe space to listen to my clients, help them sort through the issues that brings them to counseling, and work as a team to reach their goals.
My goal as a therapist is to help my clients explore their lives and any areas they might want to grow in. I provide a nonjudgmental and safe space to listen to my clients, help them sort through the issues that brings them to counseling, and work as a team to reach their goals.
![Photo of Sarah Benefiel, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/92f6df4d-3509-426b-962b-89656fd2e0fd/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sarah Benefiel
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Houston, TX 77007 (Online Only)
Are you struggling to manage everyday life? Do you seem to “have it all together” on the outside, but are feeling lost, alone, and overwhelmed on the inside? Anxiety and self-defeating thoughts may be making it difficult to be in the moment. Or maybe difficult memories are resurfacing and you feel stuck in the past. You want to be able to enjoy life instead of feeling overcome with difficult emotions, to not feel “stuck”, and to have more confidence. You could also be struggling with a poor relationship with your body, food and/or exercise and are ready to take steps to have acceptance with your body and have a more fulfilling life.
Are you struggling to manage everyday life? Do you seem to “have it all together” on the outside, but are feeling lost, alone, and overwhelmed on the inside? Anxiety and self-defeating thoughts may be making it difficult to be in the moment. Or maybe difficult memories are resurfacing and you feel stuck in the past. You want to be able to enjoy life instead of feeling overcome with difficult emotions, to not feel “stuck”, and to have more confidence. You could also be struggling with a poor relationship with your body, food and/or exercise and are ready to take steps to have acceptance with your body and have a more fulfilling life.
![Photo of Dr. Vincent Ray Newman, MA, MEd, PhD, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bdecf4a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/6/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Vincent Ray Newman
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, MEd, PhD
Verified Verified
Houston, TX 77058
Hi, Making the first move for help is always the most difficult. A little about myself, I have lived and learned multiculturalism from my stay in various cities and abroad. From my experiences combined with my training and education has helped me become very effective when helping those in need of intervention. I specialize in problems with children, adolescents, adults, marraige, relationships, and family problems, depression, dissociative, and behavioral disorders.
Hi, Making the first move for help is always the most difficult. A little about myself, I have lived and learned multiculturalism from my stay in various cities and abroad. From my experiences combined with my training and education has helped me become very effective when helping those in need of intervention. I specialize in problems with children, adolescents, adults, marraige, relationships, and family problems, depression, dissociative, and behavioral disorders.
![Photo of Kyung Hee Kim - Pediatric Psychotherapy Associates, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c2e18df-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Pediatric Psychotherapy Associates
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78750
At Pediatric Psychotherapy Associates, we believe in providing a safe, nurturing and effective psychotherapy to children, adolescents and their families-clients who are in crisis or major life transitions. We work very closely with other specialists out in the community to provide the best continuity of care for our clients, such as pediatricians, child psychiatrists, school counselors, OT/PT's and therapeutic tutors at Smiles-Tutoring (cl314516.wixsite.com/smilestutoring). If we can be of help to you or someone you care about, please call or email us today for more information or to make an appointment with one of our counselors.
At Pediatric Psychotherapy Associates, we believe in providing a safe, nurturing and effective psychotherapy to children, adolescents and their families-clients who are in crisis or major life transitions. We work very closely with other specialists out in the community to provide the best continuity of care for our clients, such as pediatricians, child psychiatrists, school counselors, OT/PT's and therapeutic tutors at Smiles-Tutoring (cl314516.wixsite.com/smilestutoring). If we can be of help to you or someone you care about, please call or email us today for more information or to make an appointment with one of our counselors.
![Photo of Jerimiah Woods, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7469f0df-da4b-4515-ab22-1fd473aaf3ca/2/320x400.jpeg)
Your life is unique and has a special set of circumstances. We often run into roadblocks on our journey that we need help managing. My goal would be to help you to grow into an individual who can navigate their life with confidence, happiness, and success. I am very passionate about helping my clients. Working together is important. You are the expert of your life and I am the expert in counseling. Your thoughts, values and goals are essential to the process. We will tackle your life challenges together in an effort to ease your stress, calm your fears and help you grow as a person. I look forward to working with you.
Your life is unique and has a special set of circumstances. We often run into roadblocks on our journey that we need help managing. My goal would be to help you to grow into an individual who can navigate their life with confidence, happiness, and success. I am very passionate about helping my clients. Working together is important. You are the expert of your life and I am the expert in counseling. Your thoughts, values and goals are essential to the process. We will tackle your life challenges together in an effort to ease your stress, calm your fears and help you grow as a person. I look forward to working with you.
![Photo of Andrea Stover - Red Apple Therapy , LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bc0cdde0-29fb-4f75-aaee-c95d15348fec/2/320x400.jpeg)
Red Apple Therapy
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brownsville, TX 78521
We believe that mind, body, and spirit are interconnected; we will help you take inventory of your mental health, physical health, and emotional health to find what works for you. When working towards a goal, people struggle with balance; they stop drinking, but start binge eating; end a toxic relationship, begin isolation; gain financial independence, lose family time.
We believe that mind, body, and spirit are interconnected; we will help you take inventory of your mental health, physical health, and emotional health to find what works for you. When working towards a goal, people struggle with balance; they stop drinking, but start binge eating; end a toxic relationship, begin isolation; gain financial independence, lose family time.
![Photo of Jeanette Nicole Lira - Auravia Holistic Therapy, PLLC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1011df77-d382-4c73-8539-e0f8209c3018/1/320x400.png)
Auravia Holistic Therapy, PLLC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Helotes, TX 78023
Challenges are a common occurrence in our day-to-day lives, more times than not, they seem overwhelming and discouraging but, navigating through them is possible and attainable. At Auravia Holistic Therapy, we believe when each person is viewed, treated, and nurtured as an entire entity they are able to heal, thrive, and live a more fulfilling life. We aim to provide a guiding light on your path to healing, change and wellness. Our hope is that positive energy, thoughts and actions combined with our holistic and therapeutic techniques will promote mental wellness and wholeness.
Challenges are a common occurrence in our day-to-day lives, more times than not, they seem overwhelming and discouraging but, navigating through them is possible and attainable. At Auravia Holistic Therapy, we believe when each person is viewed, treated, and nurtured as an entire entity they are able to heal, thrive, and live a more fulfilling life. We aim to provide a guiding light on your path to healing, change and wellness. Our hope is that positive energy, thoughts and actions combined with our holistic and therapeutic techniques will promote mental wellness and wholeness.
See more therapy options for Texas
Sexual Abuse Therapists
How do therapists treat sexual abuse?
A good therapist will be nonjudgmental and possibly demonstrate active listening, repeating back what the client says to show that they have understood. These skills allow people to feel comfortable discussing their traumatic experiences openly. Some important treatment goals are to restore a sense of safety and to rebuild confidence. In addition to working one-on-one with the patient, a therapist might bring in supportive family members to assist the client.
Do you have to talk extensively about sexual abuse in therapy?
Survivors frequently find it difficult to describe what happened to them out loud. They can even still be in a state of denial if the sexual abuse occurred recently. It is important for survivors to acknowledge that what happened isn’t their fault and to challenge and reappraise any unhealthy feelings or thoughts as they arise. Art therapy and play therapy are useful non-verbal means of communication for some survivors.
How long does treatment for sexual abuse take?
Recovery from sexual abuse can be a long and difficult process. Some survivors are able to move on naturally on their own, given time, while others require the guidance of a trained therapist. Therapy needs vary and can range from a few sessions to months or even years. Healing from sexual abuse takes time, and everyone’s journey will look a little different.
Can trauma symptoms caused by sexual abuse come back after treatment?
As occurs in many cases of trauma, survivors of sexual abuse may experience PTSD-like symptoms long after the abuse has ceased or after an initial round of treatment has occurred. In such a case, there is evidence that prolonged exposure therapy is a useful treatment for survivors, and may be more efficacious than supportive counseling alone. While triggers may continue to cause distress, the idea is that, with time and repeated exposure, their power will fade, allowing survivors to move on with their lives.