Rhapsody Counseling Therapists in San Antonio
About Us
In the year 2018, Rhapsody Counseling and Wellness Center emerged into existence, brought to life by the visionary Jirzia Blackman, a distinguished Licensed Clinical Social Worker-Supervisor. Mrs. Blackman exhibited a deliberate and inspired choice in the nomenclature of her practice, Rhapsody, a word laden with profound significance. Rhapsody, in its essence, encapsulates an exuberantly enthusiastic or ecstatic expression of feeling, antithetical to emotions such as depression, despondency, and suffering. With a pledge and fervent commitment, she envisioned Rhapsody as a sanctuary of transformation, a place where beauty would rise from ashes, and joy would dispel despondency.
Jirzia’s vision for Rhapsody transcends the boundaries of just a counseling center; it aspires to be a beacon of hope, offering solace, direction, answers, and a sense of completeness to all who become part of its orbit. Within its nurturing embrace, individuals are encouraged to embark on a journey of learning, personal growth, transformation, and to find acceptance that fosters profound healing. Indeed, Rhapsody’s resounding motto, “Making Lives Whole One Step At A Time,” serves as a beacon of understanding, illuminating the fact that the path to wellness is an evolving process that unfolds over time, and no one should ever feel compelled to traverse it in isolation. It underscores the center’s commitment to accompanying and supporting individuals along every step of their wellness journey, ensuring that no one is left to walk this path alone.
Our Team
In-Person & Virtual
(Not Accepting New Clients)
Bilingual (Spanish)
Jirzia Blackman, LCSW-S, CEO
In-Person Only
Live Oak Location
Weekday Availability
R. Leah Carter, LCSW
In-Person & Virtual
Medical Center Location
Weekday & Weekend Availability
Tyler Fishbein, LCSW
In-Person & Virtual
Medical Center Location Weekend &
Weekday Availability
Jessica Gomez-Pool, LPC
In Person & Virtual
Medical Center Location Evening &
Weekend Availability
Krystal Griffin, LMSW
Virtual Only
Evening Availability
Yesenia Guerra, LPC
Virtual Only
Weekend Availability
Jennifer Hesser, LPC
In-Person & Virtual
Medical Center Location
Evening Availability
Manuel Lozano, LPC
In-Person & Virtual – Medical Center Location,
Weekday Availability
Bilingual (Spanish)
Marco Mar, LPC
Virtual Only
Weekday & Weekend Availability
Bilingual (Spanish)
Perla Marroquin, LMSW
De Zavala Location
Weekday & Evening Availability
Weekday & Evening Availability
Melisa D. Martinez, LCSW
In-Person & Virtual
Medical Center Location
Weekdays, Bilingual (Spanish)
Lorena Mendoza-Gibson LPC-S
In-Person & Virtual
Medical Center & Live Oak Offices Location
Bilingual (Swahili)
Virtual Only
Evening Availability
In-Person & Virtual
Live Oak Location
Weekday Availability
Jackelyn Silber, LPC
In-Person & Virtual
Live Oak Location
Evening & Weekend Availability
Syrita Simmons, LCSW
Virtual Only
Weekend Availability
Kendalle Wexler, LMFT
Meet Our Administrative Staff
Mrs. Vidales – Director Of Operations
Scarlett Martinez – Scheduling Coordinator
Cheyenne Munoz – Scheduling Coordinator
Amy Gonzalez – Scheduling Coordinator
Destiny Griffin – Scheduling Coordinator
Makhayla Pean – Credentialing Specialist
Erica Rocha – Scheduling Coordinator
Jirzia Blackman, LCSW-S, CEO
Click To View: Psychology Today Profile
Jirzia Blackman, the visionary behind Rhapsody Counseling and Wellness Center, assumed the roles of founder and CEO in 2018, though this enterprise had been her cherished aspiration for many years preceding its establishment. Mrs. Blackman’s expertise encompasses individual, couples, and family therapy, and she finds great joy in imparting her knowledge and mentoring the next generation of social workers. As a gatekeeper of her profession, she is committed to giving back.
With a wealth of experience spanning over 17 years, Jirzia is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker-Supervisor. She earned her Master of Social Work from the Silver School of Social Work at New York University, complemented by a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Brooklyn College. Currently, she is actively pursuing a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at California Southern University. Her commitment lies in serving diverse populations by employing holistic approaches meticulously tailored to her clients’ unique requirements.
Mrs. Blackman’s background encompasses a broad spectrum of practice settings, including non-profits where she worked with at-risk children and families, offering individual, play, and family therapy. She has also rendered support to adults living with HIV/AIDS in a hospital setting, and led a Spanish-speaking support group. Her experience extends to working with survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, providing crucial crisis intervention and short-term therapy. Additionally, she has lent her expertise to the geriatric population afflicted by dementirboth patients and their families. She has extensive experience with individuals dealing with chronic mental illness, as well as those grappling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and ADHD, assisting them on their paths to mental well-being.
Mrs. Blackman holds several certifications, including being a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), EMDR trained (in the process of certification), and Gottman Method Couples Therapy – Level III trained. She is also certified in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) and serves as a certified expert leader of the Gottman Institute’s 7 Principles of Making Marriage Work workshop. Her approach employs a variety of modalities tailored to meet her clients at their unique points of need while she serves as a catalyst for change. Her unswerving dedication to her clients, her profession, and Rhapsody Counseling is deeply rooted in her own transformative journey from adversity to triumph: Her Isaiah 61:3 story of beauty from ashes.
R. Leah Carter, LCSW
Robin Leah Carter is an LCSW with experience working with diverse populations that are dealing with depression, anxiety, ADHD, trauma, and other issues. Ms. Carter is trauma trained and specializes in issues with the foster care system as well as supporting foster/adoptive and biological parents.
She also has experience working with adults in crisis. Working in many different community settings from psychiatric hospitals, families dealing with CPS, incarcerated, and people dealing with medical issues and trauma. She is able to provide faith-based counseling upon request.
Tyler Fishbein, LCSW
Tyler is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. He graduated with his Masters of Social Work in 2021 from the University of Southern California. His focus is helping clients cope with depression, anxiety, grief, and loss. He has worked with adults struggling with a variety of issues including family dynamics, parenting issues, trauma, transition, losses, and stress management. He works largely from a cognitive behavioral and solutions focused therapy standpoint. His style is warm but direct, creating a comfortable environment of mutual respect.
He recognizes that everyone is at a different comfort level with therapy, and strives to provide a space where clients feel comfortable to be open and share. He strongly believes in the value of having that safe space where thoughts and feelings can be openly shared and validated that may not exist elsewhere. In this space, He will work with you to establish meaningful goals and develop the tools necessary to accomplish those goals and better cope with life’s challenges.
Jessica Gomez-Pool , LPC
Great to meet you! I am a counselor who has worked with several populations: from children to seniors, however I have found my passion lays in helping preteens and teens. I have helped my clients learn to cope with anxiety, gain self-esteem, manage depressive symptoms, learn new parenting skills, and navigate phase of life issues. I understand you are the expert in your life but sometimes an outside perspective is needed to move forward.
A bit about my approach to therapy.
I enjoy helping clients navigate the issues they are struggling with in their daily lives by using several different therapeutic techniques such as brief solution focused, cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavioral, EMDR and reality therapy. I believe, in therapy there is not a one fits all approach. I like to tailor my approach to what would work best for my client.
What you can expect from our first session
As your counselor I will provide a non-judgmental, encouraging, (sometimes) humorous and empathetic space for you to grow. I recognize everyone is different and will respond differently to different therapy approaches.
SPECIALIZES IN: ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family Issues, PTSD, Relationship Issues, Life Transitions, Parenting, and Trauma
Krystal Griffin, LMSW
Krystal is Licensed Master Social Worker. She graduated from Texas State with her Bachelors in Social Work in 2013 and then her Masters in Social Work from Our lady of the Lake University in 2022. Krystal has worked with adolescents and adults in a variety of settings including colleges, mental health hospitals, and juvenile detention centers. She has worked with a variety of people struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, grief, and different struggles with family dynamics. Krystal works within different modalities including CBT, DBT, ACT, and solutions focused therapy. She has a passion for meeting the client where they are and working within their value system. She believes in validating a client and giving them a safe place to unwind. Krystal works from a strengths-based perspective because she truly believes that everyone has the strengths to succeed in whatever their goals are. She understands that people will walk into therapy at different times of their lives and for different reason and she works hard to build that rapport and to understand what the goals the client has and works to help them reach those goals.
Yesenia Guerra, LPC
As a Licensed Professional Counselor since 2009, Yesenia has worked extensively with individuals challenged by trauma, homelessness, grief, anxiety, codependency, and self-esteem issues. In addition, while she was working with the homeless population, she organized and facilitated process-oriented and psych-educational groups, and created and led yoga-based mindfulness groups for men and women recovering from addiction and/or struggling with anxiety and trauma-based problems. Regarding her educational background, Yesenia earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology, with a minor in sociology, in 2004 (from the University of the Incarnate Word), and her master’s degree in community counseling, in 2008 (from the University of Texas at San Antonio). Yesenia enjoys working with adults, and has a special place in her heart for empowering others to love themselves and to recognize their self-worth. During her free-time, she delights in connecting with nature, spending time with her mother and husband, and loves reading, learning, laughing, listening to music, and engaging in many forms of physical fitness. Yesenia is passionate about her role as a mental health counselor, and strives for excellence in bringing out the best in others. She currently provides virtual counseling (available evenings), and typically utilizes a variety of therapeutic modalities and techniques (such as psycho-educational, cognitive behavior, solution-focused, holistic, and/or client- centered therapies) to meet each person’s unique needs and/or preferences. She looks forward to meeting you, and supporting you through your self- discovery, healing, growth, and/or self-improvement journey.
Jennifer Hesser, LPC
Jennifer Hesser is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Louisiana and Texas and a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Louisiana as well as a Board Certified Professional Christian Counselor with over 17 years of experience. Ms. Hesser specializes in individual, couples and family therapy. She obtained her Masters of Arts in Counseling & Guidance at Louisiana Tech University.
Ms. Hesser has experience working with children/adolescents, adults, couples, groups, and families; in a wide range of settings. From non-profits; working with children, adults and families who were at-risk of out of home placement providing individual and family therapy and to hospital settings.
Manuel Lozano, LPC
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 20 years of experience. I completed my undergraduate work at St. Edward’s University and completed my graduate work at Baylor University. After graduation I have had to opportunity to work with children and their families, individuals, and couples with different agencies. I have also been a treatment director for a substance abuse residential facility. I have had to opportunity to also work with insurance agencies, CPS, the Juvenile Justice System, and TDCJ.
I prefer to implement a trust-based approach and work towards implementing Cognitive Behavioral Strategies, as well as Sanctuary Trauma Strategies to achieve therapeutic goals. I believe in working with my clients in a safe and comfortable environment, and work towards helping them implement strategies that will help them be safe and successful.
Marco Mar, LPC
Marco graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 2014 with Master’s degree in Counseling. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor and has worked in a variety of settings which include, an emergency shelter for survivors of family and intimate partner violence, in a collaborative-primary care model serving families with children and adolescents experiencing behavioral and academic concerns, such as Oppositional Defiance Disorder and ADHD, and has also worked with young adults in a college setting where he treated a variety of mental health concerns such as major life adjustments, academic problems, anger management, anxiety, depression, and performed crisis interventions.
Most recently, Marco worked in a community counseling center focused on treating adults who have experienced trauma and is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). EMDR is a psychotherapy that enables people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress associated with traumatic memories, by facilitating the access and processing of traumatic events and other adverse life experiences.
Marco has completed training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Level 1 and Level 2. His work with couples includes educating couples about behaviors that erode positive feelings within the relationship, helping couples work on their communication by focusing on expressing emotions and needs, assisting couples with conflict resolution, and helping them implementing behavioral strategies that focus on increasing trust and commitment. Marco uses a variety of Gottman Method interventions to renew the friendship element in their relationship, process past hurts and betrayals, and help couples build their shared meaning together.
Marco is also a graduate of the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) Behavioral Therapy Training Institute’s (BTTI) intensive training course in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). ERP is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy for treating individuals with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and related disorders.
Marco uses a variety of counseling techniques, such as Motivational Interviewing to help clients gain insights into their presenting concerns and initiate positive behavior change, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to reconstruct maladaptive thoughts and behavioral patterns. He is passionate in working with clients experiencing thoughts of suicide where he explores client’s history of suicide thoughts and works towards establishing a treatment plan that includes safety and an engaged social support system. Marco is a registered trainer in Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training and has educated over 50 individuals on how to recognize the signs that someone in experiencing thoughts of suicide and how to adequately support them in turning to safety, and finding ongoing treatment and support.
Marco believes in walking alongside his clients throughout their counseling journey by establishing trust and providing a safe-space to foster vulnerability. He aims to help clients identify viable solutions, establish healthy coping techniques, gain new insights, and find relief from their presenting concerns. Marco is bilingual and provides counseling services in Spanish.
Perla Marroquin, LMSW
Perla is a Licensed Master Social Worker. She graduated with her Masters in Social Work in 2020 from Texas State University. Perla has experience working with both youths and adults and specializes in individual therapy. She has over three years of experience working in the field of mental health and makes it her priority to place client’s needs first in her work.
Perla utilizes a strength based and person-in-environment approach to help clients meet their personalized needs and goals. She focuses on Cognitive and Behavioral Therapy to assist clients in understanding several aspects of themselves and identify areas of growth. Perla recognizes many of the difficulties in seeking assistance and it is her goal to support and empower clients in their journey.
Magdelina Martinez, LPC
I am a licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Texas. I graduated with my master’s in clinical psychology from Roosvelt University in Chicago in 2015, IL. I also am a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) in IL and recently relocated to Texas from Chicago in the summer of 2023. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with a diverse range of clients, including adults, teens, children, and their families within the community. My extensive experience spans a wide spectrum of emotional challenges and populations, encompassing areas such as domestic violence, sexual trauma, and substance abuse. My areas of expertise center around addressing issues related to anxiety, depression, stress management, substance abuse, self-esteem challenges, self-harm, and suicidal ideation. Additionally, I am dedicated to assisting individuals in developing their social and emotional skills to lead more fulfilling lives. I have adopted an integrative approach to therapy, tailoring my methods to suit the unique needs of each client. These approaches include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Person-Centered therapy (PCT).
As a first generation born Latina, I believe culture is also an important aspect in therapy. The idea of therapy is commonly frowned upon in many cultures and can be difficult for clients to bypass those generational beliefs. I am passionate about approaching clients with cultural humility and providing psychoeducation when needed. I am constantly growing and would like to help you grow as an individual as well.
I approach each client’s journey with the utmost respect for their individuality and a commitment to providing a safe and supportive environment that fosters the exploration of their emotions and facilitates personal growth. Your well-being is my top priority, and I look forward to assisting you on your path to healing and self-discovery.
Melisa D. Martinez, LCSW
Melisa D. Martinez is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Her professional life embraces service to individuals and families dealing with all ranges of mental health issues by providing education, therapy, and healthy coping skills. She received her master’s degree in Social Work at West Texas A&M University with an emphasis on clinical social work. She provides therapy and assessment services for children, young adults, individuals, and families using an integrated approach tailored to the unique needs of each client.
Melisa employs a multidimensional approach in therapy to evaluate each person within their environment, provide support, and give practical feedback. She integrates complementary methodologies and techniques to offer highly personalized methods tailored to each client. Through compassion and understanding, she works closely with everyone to help them build on their strengths, attain personal growth, and accomplish their goals towards a healthier future.
During every session, she will always do her best to understand your reasons for seeking therapy. She will always ask questions, listen attentively, and follow up to make sure she completely understands the full details of any issues being discussed. This approach allows her to come up with treatment goals that can be worked towards together in later sessions. It is also important to her that she receive feedback on treatment in order to continually improve and adapt to each client. Honesty is key to a successful treatment plan.
Melisa believes in caring for the body, mind, and soul by incorporating her adventurous spirit in creative ways towards healing. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and her beloved golden retrievers. She loves the outdoors, camping, hiking, riding bikes, paddle boarding, traveling, gardening, and reading.
“Part of the healing process is sharing with other people who care.”― Jerry Cantrell
Lorena Mendoza-Gibson, LPC-S
Lorena believes that every individual can heal, gain inner peace and overcome challenges. She values her relationships with each patient and is passionate about seeing them succeed. Lorena specializes in children, adolescents, and adults and their families utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy. She offers family therapy and LGBTQ+ care and assists with adoption and foster care issues. Lorena can complete bariatric surgery evaluations and gender confirmation surgery evaluations. She is fluent in Spanish.
Education & Certifications
Master of Education in Guidance and Counseling (M.Ed.) University of Texas at El Paso Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice (B.A.) University of Texas at El Paso Associate of Applied Science in Legal Assistant El Paso Community College
Conditions Treated
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Anxiety / Panic Disorders
Phobias
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Technique
Depressive Disorders
Adjustment Disorder (major life change, grief, divorce)
Bipolar Disorders
Issues with Parent / Child
Family Therapy
LGBTQI+ Related Needs
Gender Confirmation Surgery Evaluations
Interpersonal Violence
Developmental Trauma/Complex PTSD
PTSD / Trauma and Stress Related Disorders
Joyce Njoroge, LMSW
Joyce is a Licensed Master of Social Work. She graduated with a Master’s degree in Social Work from Wheelock College, Boston in 2009.Joyce has worked with women, children, families, and young adults dealing with trauma, depression, anxiety, marriage issues, divorce, grief, relationships conflicts, and life-skill challenges. She uses the strength-based model to help clients re-discover their resiliency from within and thrive in the face of adversity. Joyce likes to focus on client’s self-determination and strengths, utilizing these resources to help them find hope and healing leading to more meaningful lives. She seeks to offer a warm environment where clients feel safe, seen, and heard as they process and overcome the obstacles of life. As a military spouse for twenty-five years, Joyce has a special passion for helping service members, military families, and veterans, as she understands the unique challenges and needs that military life presents. Joyce is also able to provide Christian counseling to those seeking faith-based services.
Tara Ryan, LPC
Tara Ryan is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S) licensed in Texas and Colorado. She graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 2014 with a Master of Arts degree in Counseling. Tara has experience working in a variety of clinical environments including community mental health agencies, hospitals, and military installations. She has worked with adult men and women dealing with anxiety and depression, grief and loss, anger management, life transitions, divorce, menopause, relationship and marriage concerns, intimate partner violence, trauma, work-related stress and career transitions.
Tara utilizes a variety of counseling modalities to meet each client where they are presently while providing a safe and supportive space to find healing, hope and resilience while enabling the opportunity for positive change.
Jackelyn Silber, LPC
Jackie is a Licensed Professional Counselor. who graduated with her Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from Texas A&M San Antonio in 2018. She provides a warm and welcoming environment in order for you to feel safe, open and vulnerable throughout the counseling process.
She will work alongside you to navigate the presenting issues together and find solutions that are authentic to you. Jackie employs a person-centered and solution-focused approach that focuses on building upon your strengths and recognizing the challenges along the way as speed bumps in your journey.
Syrita Simmons, LCSW
Syrita is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She graduated with her Masters of Social Work from University of Texas at San Antonio in December of 2015. Syrita brings a diverse knowledge base from working in mental health, medical social work, and incarcerated populations. She brings experience working with adults, adolescents, and groups. She has worked with individuals battling depression, anxiety, grief, and major life adjustments.
Syrita is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing, allowing for a person-centered approach throughout the therapeutic process. She also incorporates the whole person, in order to help clients identify how their past experiences shape their thought process and behavioral patterns.
Kendalle Wexler, LMFT
Kendalle is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 5 years of counseling experience working with couples, families, and individuals navigating anxiety, depression, suicidal ideations, disordered eating, relational conflict, and more. She is currently working towards her doctorate in Counseling Psychology (PsyD) at Our Lady of the Lake University.
Kendalle is passionate about working with clients struggling with their identity, particularly in regard to their ethnicity (multicultural) and or to their self-image. One’s self image is shaped at both a personal level (impacted by their individual beliefs), as well as in relation to others (family, romantic relationships, work, etc.). It is her sincere hope to assist her clients in tapping deeper into their inner strengths and feeling empowered to live the truest version of themselves. Her therapeutic approach is based off of Narrative Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy models, which both consider how the client’s entire system is affecting their presenting concern. Furthermore, she values the importance of the whole person- their experiences, relationships, and all factors impacting their lives. She works collaboratively with her clients to identify problematic patterns and identify possible solutions.
Ready to Get Started?
Free Discovery Call to Talk with a Counselor
Take the first step in your wellness journey and book a free 10-20 minute discovery call with a Counselor. The Counselor will start off the call with a few questions to get to know you better, so they can make sure they’re qualified to meet your needs. This includes questions about why you’re considering counseling, how you’ve been feeling over the past few weeks, and your goals for counseling.
If possible, take a few minutes before the call to reflect on these topics, so you can have a clearer sense of your goals for counseling. But don’t worry, if you can’t verbalize the answer to any questions, our counselors know how to guide your thinking so you can figure out what to say and the Counselor will welcome you to ask questions about counseling and Rhapsody.