Annette Mirabal, LCSW, LADAC, CMHIMP
“The boat is safer anchored to the port; but that’s not the aim of boats.”-Paulo Coelho
Therapy and life are closely related. Both are about taking risks and discovery. My goal is to lead you in this journey. I strive to constantly learn and develop myself so that I can bring that knowledge and experience into my professional practice and personal life. Balance, community, health, family, and growth are important to me and I strive to make those a priority. I am dedicated to utilizing traditional, along with holistic health approaches to help you lead your best life. -Annette
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Annette, a lifelong resident of Las Cruces, New Mexico, is a graduate of NMSU, a mother, a proud social worker, and small business owner. She is an avid reader and loves audio books. She constantly seeks to learn about how we can become our best selves so that she can deliver the information and provide guidance to others. Her hobbies are reading about personal development and health, exercising, and learning about therapy techniques.
Annette is a member of the National Association of Social Workers and has been a practicing social worker for
more than 10 years in the Las Cruces area beginning as a coordinator for treatment foster care. She has experience working in inpatient psychiatric setting, along with outpatient settings. She has directed a successful outpatient substance abuse and mental health program, along with an inpatient clinical department at a psychiatric hospital.
Annette’s training has been in Rational Living Therapy (RLT), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), and Mental Health Integrative Medicine (CMHIMP). RLT is a form of cognitive behavior therapy with approaches from rational behavior therapy, rational emotive behavior therapy, and cognitive therapy. It is a motivational therapy that helps lead individuals toward positive change. She has training and is certified to use Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) which is a popular and effective treatment for trauma. Through Annette's work with trauma and the body, she was drawn to somatic work and is on the journey to become a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner as a second-year intermediate student. She is passionate about holistic healing and the whole self being brought into the therapeutic journey. As a life-long resident of New Mexico, the culture and healing that is offered by the land is of great importance and a key in treatment offered at 4 Directions Integrative Mental Health, which was founded by Annette Mirabal and Laura Bruggemann in 2020. As a CMHIMP, Annette is trained to use nutrition, culinary, and herbal remedies to assist in the treatment of mental health conditions. In addition, she has a License in Alcohol and Drug Counseling and several years of experience working with individuals and families struggling with addiction. Annette is also certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy.
As people grow, their needs change. Annette has the experience to meet you where you are. “Overall, I believe in starting where you are. I will walk with you in your journey through recovery to become the best version of yourself.”
Laura Pàez-Bruggemann, LCSW, CMHIMP
“I now see how owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we will ever do."- Brene Brown.
It is my honor to guide you on the journey of working through the barriers to meaningful and lasting healing. I have seen the power of discovering one’s dignity and self-worth, how painful that process can be, and how helpful it is to have a facilitator on that ride with you. Whether you seek to work through old traumas, discover hidden parts of yourself, or you come in with a specific goal, I will join you in this journey of bravery and growth.
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Laura is a Hispanic native New Mexican, a graduate of NMSU, a mother, a proud social worker, and small business owner. She is caring, insightful, and attentive. She strives to be a safe space for her clients as they embark on their personal journey of healing.
Laura is passionate about helping people discover their dignity and self-worth. She has a genuine desire to help others on their path of personal development. Her goal is to guide the therapeutic process of healing
so that each client is able to lead a life of purpose, love, and inner peace. Laura appreciates the connected nature of the mind, body, and spirit and its complexities. And finally, she values traditional wisdom and nutrition as means of supporting balanced mental health and actively integrates these values into her practice.
Laura received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work and has been practicing in the field since 2006. Laura spends much of her time investing in relationships with family and friends. She enjoys traveling, cooking, getting out into nature, and is in constant search of wisdom and spiritual connectedness.
Laura has served as the co-chair for the Southern Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. She has experience working in advocacy, crises management, and supervisory positions. She has provided mental health services in the Las Cruces Public Schools, Treatment Foster Care, and Traditional Therapy settings utilizing group, individual, and family treatment modalities. Laura is a Certified Mental Health Integrative Medicine Provider and can use nutrition and herbal remedies to support mental health. In addition, Laura is certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy.
Overall, Laura’s ability to find hope and light is one of her greatest strengths.
“I can help you find hope and light when you can’t find it on your own.”
Megan Garcia, LCSW, CMHIMP
“Don’t spend all of your time trying to FIND yourself. Spend your time CREATING yourself into a person that you’ll be proud of.” -Sonya Parker
"Making changes in your life can seem impossible. I am here to help you through your challenges, and I will be there with you to celebrate your
In order to make the most sustainable changes, it is important to look at your whole self- body, mind and spirit. Positive changes can not only be focused on the mind, it is just as vital to consider how we nourish our bodies and feed our soul. Megan will help you find your whole self- through nourishment, education, and encouragement.
Megan is a Hispanic Native New Mexican, a social worker, a mother, an active member of the Las Cruces
Community. Megan relocated to Las Cruces to pursue a college degree from New Mexico State University earning a Bachelor's of Social Work in 2012 and Masters of Social worker in 2015. Since Megan has focused on providing trauma informed care to adolescents, adults, and families in Dona Ana County and throughout the state. By using their natural support systems and their strengths, Megan has worked to help others develop lasting and sustainable changes.
Megan's approach in working with clients is warm and client centered, most often implementing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) while focusing on strengths of the individual, situations, or the family. This combination of the services allows a practical and realistic approach to addressing concerns. Through experience Megan has found identifying negative or nonproductive patterns in the thought process or in behaviors, then attempting to understand the behaviors, and finally then developing and implementing new skills to be the most helpful in real life situations. In addition, Megan is certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy.
“I realize reaching out for help is difficult. But it is the first step to making real and lasting changes. I can assure you I will take a non-
judgmental approach, be in the moment with you, and work with you to discover your best self.”
Elizabeth Royer, LCSW, CMHIMP
I have been in the mental health field for over 20 years and am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, with a Bachelors and Masters in Social Work. I have worked with a number of various groups of people. This includes community mental health, as well as with adolescents in a residential treatment facility, and with inmates in the prison system. I also work with first responders on their path back to wellness. I also work well and have an understanding of the obstacles that members of the LGBTQ+ community have had to navigate and that have affected their mental health.
It is important to me that you understand that this is your journey, your road, not mine. You are the expert in your life. I utilize active listening skills and feel establishing rapport is a very important first step. I employ techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). I also pull from many other treatments including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) techniques and Mindfulness. I am also certified in Integrated Mental Health and enjoy a holistic approach. I work to stay up to date on new treatment options in order to integrate new techniques into our sessions.
Sometimes it helps to have someone listen, sometimes to help work on challenging negative thoughts, and at times, come to a place of insight and self-awareness and to go from where you are to where you want to be. Our shared space whether by video or in-person is a sacred space with no judgements.
I truly enjoy working with people on all spectrums and areas of their growth. Watching a person move through their growth and have that moment of epiphany, that moment of insight, that moment when everything comes together are the reasons I went into this profession. Allow me to take that road with you, at least for a few steps.
Nichole Rivera, LMSW
“When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.” — Paulo Coelho
Nichole graduated from New Mexico State University with a bachelor's in psychology and a master's degree in social work and continuing her
education in the medical field associated with mental health. She was born in Texas and raised most of her life in New Mexico. She has worked with children, families, couples, adults, children and the LGBTQ+ community in the Las Cruces and surrounding areas. She has worked with individuals with severe mental illness and children with severe behavioral problems.
Nichole’s approach to working with clients is client centered where the client is in control of their treatment and goals and the therapist provides the client with tools to support their success. Nichole has training in Mental Health Integrative Medicine to incorporate mind and body into practice. She practices a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approach to identify patterns of thoughts and behaviors and understanding how to implement techniques to alter negative processes.
Nichole strives to provide clients with a space to express, explore, learn and feel supported and motivated. She embraces and works to understand diversity on a cultural, regional and personal level continuing her training in areas that impact her practice and community.
Stephanie Johnson, LMHC
“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” -Maya Angelou
One of my greatest abilities and goals is to help others build up their self-esteem and strengthen their boundaries. It is something that I am confident in helping my clients to do. Will you start your journey of healing today? -Stephanie
Stephanie has been in practice for 4 years. She is currently licensed and available to see clients in Texas and New Mexico.
Stephanie has experience working with children, adolescents, adults and couples. Her specialties include working with clients who have been diagnosed with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and ADHD. She has completed training for integrative mental health certification and is continuing to train in other integrative approaches such as applying polyvagal theory to practice. She is excellent working with people of all ages and especially loves assisting her clients with issues related self-esteem and boundaries. Stephanie works hard to ensure that the people she works with leave knowing their worth and their ability to heal.
Megan Hurst, LMSW
“In the garden of life, self-growth is the ultimate bloom. So, water yourself with care and trust the seeds you are planting”
The idea of going to therapy can feel very intimidating, you might not have had the best experience in the past, you might feel overwhelmed with where to start or feel completely ready to start therapy. Overall, it can be hard to be vulnerable with feelings and emotions. If you are already looking into therapy, that means part of yourself believes that you are capable of feeling more empowered in yourself and also deserve a place to feel listened too. These feelings are all normal and welcome, and I will meet you where you are at.
It is an act of bravery to feel your feelings. I believe that therapy is a space where a person gets to be accepted exactly where they are at, with being unconditionally supported in who they are. As a therapist I will strive to give you room to access your own wisdom, recognize that you are the expert of your life, provide a safe space to support you in your journey, and collaborate with you on your own self growth.
I have a bachelor's and master's degree in social work. I have spent a majority of this career focusing on children, adolescents, families and the LGBTQ+ community.
Through this work have seen that the clients that I have had the opportunity to work with have been my greatest teachers, and sources of inspiration.
In my therapy practice, I have a client centered, individualized approach based off of the client's needs and goals. I like to pull from techniques of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
I find value in not just using one modality, but using several to have more sessions tailored to you while also incorporating a integrative approach to addressing your overall mental health. Most of all, I will listen to what your needs and goals are and work with you from there.
Danielle Guerrero, LCSW
“The greatest gift you can give someone is the space to be their authentic self.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson
I firmly believe in the power of resilience, and love helping people tap into their inner potential and power. A therapeutic relationship based in trust and acceptance is the cornerstone of change. Although the path ahead seems daunting, you do not have to walk alone.
I am a New Mexico native and have a passion for serving New Mexicans. I received my Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Social Work from New Mexico State University. I have spent a majority of my career serving individuals and families who have experienced trauma. I have worked extensively with individuals involved in the child welfare system, navigating the challenges of domestic violence, navigating challenging life changes, and individuals who have experienced attachment disruptions and struggles. I enjoy working with adolescents, adults, and family systems. I love working with the LGBTQIA+ community. I specialize in religious trauma, and am a member of the Religious Trauma Institute.
I am a proponent of the power of the therapeutic relationship, and aim to help clients tap into their inner strength as they gain skills to navigate daily challenges. I have an eclectic and personalized approach to therapy that focuses on the needs of the individual. I utilize components of Attachment-Based Therapy, Solution- Focused Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I believe in a holistic approach, and am a certified Integrative Mental Health provider. "The whole is greater than the sum of its parts". All treatments and approaches come from a trauma informed approach, with focus on the way that trauma and traumatic experiences change our brains and nervous systems.