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Immigration Evaluations VAWA Evaluation By Rick Baker 0 Comments

When Do I Need an Evaluation for VAWA?

When Do I Need an Evaluation for VAWA?


If you’re applying for immigration protection under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), you may have heard that a psychological evaluation can strengthen your petition. But what exactly is this evaluation? Who needs one? And when should you get it?

This post explains when and why a VAWA psychological evaluation may be needed, what it involves, and how it can support your immigration journey.


What Is VAWA?

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) allows certain immigrants—regardless of gender—to apply for lawful status in the U.S. if they have experienced abuse by a:

  • U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse
  • Parent
  • Or adult child

VAWA allows you to self-petition for lawful status and includes work authorization, protection from deportation, and eventually, permanent residency.


What Is a VAWA Psychological Evaluation?

A VAWA psychological evaluation is a clinical report prepared by a licensed mental health professional. It documents:

  • The abuse you experienced
  • How it has affected your mental health
  • The emotional, psychological, and functional impact of the relationship

When Should You Get a VAWA Evaluation?

1. When Your Immigration Attorney Recommends It

Many VAWA cases benefit from expert documentation of abuse—especially when there is:

  • Little or no police documentation
  • Emotional or psychological abuse (vs. physical only)
  • Difficulty proving the relationship was abusive

2. When You Have No Restraining Order or Police Report

If you didn’t report the abuse or obtain a protective order, your psychological evaluation can:

  • Explain why you didn’t report (e.g., fear, dependency)
  • Describe the trauma and control patterns
  • Show the emotional toll

3. When the Abuse Was Emotional, Verbal, or Psychological

VAWA covers more than just physical abuse. Psychological evaluations highlight the severity of:

  • Verbal threats
  • Emotional manipulation
  • Isolation or intimidation

4. Before Submitting Your I-360 Petition

Having your evaluation ready when you file allows attorneys to incorporate it into your legal brief and can prevent delays.

5. When You Are Struggling Emotionally

Even if not legally required, get an evaluation if you’re experiencing:

  • Depression, anxiety, or trauma
  • Sleep or concentration problems
  • Panic attacks or nightmares

What Does the Evaluation Involve?

Typically includes:

  • 1–2 clinical interviews
  • Assessment questionnaires
  • Discussion of abuse and symptoms
  • 10–20 page written report with diagnosis and professional opinion

How Long Does It Take?

  • Standard: 5–7 business days
  • Expedited: 48–72 hours (additional fee)

What Does It Cost?

  • $650–$850 per evaluation
  • $150 for interpreter services (if needed)
  • $200–$300 for expedited report

Do Immigration Officers Use These Reports?

Yes. Officers are trained to review psychological evaluations as supportive evidence. A strong evaluation can fill in gaps and increase approval odds.


Final Thoughts

A VAWA psychological evaluation helps tell your story with clarity and clinical credibility. It supports both your legal case and emotional healing.


Need Help with a VAWA Evaluation?

Motivations Counseling offers:

  • Fast, trauma-informed VAWA evaluations
  • Licensed bilingual clinicians
  • 48-hour expedited options
  • In-person or telehealth across Texas

Call today to schedule an appointment with one of our therapists offering Sugar Land or Katy counseling services or ask for a free 10-minute consultation.


How to reach us...

   (281) 858-3001
     admin@motivationscounseling.com
     Contact Us

Katy Office Therapy By Rick Baker 0 Comments

Therapy and Support Groups in Katy, Texas | Mental Health Blog

Finding Strength in Community: How Therapy and Support Groups Are Changing Lives in Katy, Texas


Katy, Texas, is more than just a fast-growing suburb west of Houston — it’s a tight-knit community with strong family values, diverse cultural roots, and a growing awareness of the importance of mental health. As life becomes increasingly hectic, more Katy residents are turning to therapy and support groups to find balance and healing.

1. Why Therapy Matters in Katy

Many people in Katy come from hardworking families and close communities. But the pressure to “have it all together” can be overwhelming — especially for parents juggling work and family, teens facing academic and social pressures, and professionals under high stress.

Therapy provides a safe space to:

  • Address anxiety, depression, or burnout
  • Work through relationship or family issues
  • Develop healthy coping strategies
  • Heal from trauma or major life changes

2. The Rise of Support Groups in Katy

Community-based support groups are gaining traction in Katy. These groups offer connection and empathy for people facing similar struggles — a powerful reminder that you’re not alone. Mental health support in Katy matters!

Popular types of support groups include:

  • Grief and loss support
  • Postpartum depression and anxiety support
  • Parenting and family support circles
  • Teen self-esteem and anxiety groups
  • Faith-based support communities

3. A Unique Blend: Therapy with a Local Touch

Local therapists in Katy offer culturally competent care that reflects the community’s diversity — whether serving multi-generational families, bilingual households, or newcomers to Texas. This local insight helps people feel seen and supported.

4. How to Get Started

If you're considering therapy or a support group in Katy, here’s how to take the first step:

  • Look for local counseling centers offering free consultations
  • Check availability for in-person or virtual sessions
  • Search for Spanish-speaking or culturally matched therapists
  • Explore Facebook groups, churches, or community centers for support group info

Conclusion

Mental health isn’t just a trend — it’s essential to personal and community well-being. In Katy, Texas, therapy and support groups are helping individuals and families build resilience, find hope, and grow stronger together.

Call today to schedule an appointment with one of our therapists offering Katy counseling services or ask for a free 10-minute consultation.

How to reach us...

   (281) 858-3001
     admin@motivationscounseling.com
     Contact Us

EMDR Fingers
EMDR Therapy By Rick Baker 0 Comments

EMDR Therapy at Motivations Counseling | Mental Health Blog

Heal from the Past. Find Peace in the Present.

If you’ve been carrying the weight of trauma, anxiety, or painful memories, EMDR therapy may offer the relief you’ve been searching for.

At Motivations Counseling, we specialize in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), a powerful, evidence-based approach that helps people process and heal from emotional wounds—without needing to relive every detail of the experience.

What Is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR is a structured therapy method that uses bilateral stimulation (like guided eye movements) to help the brain reprocess distressing memories. It’s most commonly used for trauma and PTSD, but it’s also highly effective for:

  • Anxiety and panic attacks
  • Depression
  • Childhood trauma and abuse
  • Grief and loss
  • Phobias
  • Relationship issues
  • Performance anxiety

During an EMDR session, you’ll focus briefly on a difficult memory while your therapist guides you through sets of bilateral stimulation. This process helps the brain “unstick” from the emotional charge of past experiences and file them away as neutral memories—reducing their power to impact your present life.

Why Choose EMDR?

EMDR works differently from traditional talk therapy. You don’t have to explain every detail of your trauma or rehash painful stories. Instead, EMDR helps your brain do the work of healing, often more quickly than other methods.

Benefits of EMDR therapy can include:

  • A sense of relief and closure from past trauma
  • Reduced anxiety, depression, and emotional reactivity
  • Improved self-esteem and personal insight
  • Greater emotional regulation and resilience

Many clients begin to feel a noticeable shift after just a few sessions.

EMDR at Motivations Counseling

At Motivations Counseling, we take EMDR seriously—because we’ve seen how life-changing it can be.

When you choose us for EMDR therapy, you’re working with licensed professionals who are specially trained in EMDR protocols. We combine clinical expertise with compassion, helping you feel supported every step of the way.

What you can expect:

  • Trained EMDR Therapists – Our team includes EMDR-trained clinicians who use this approach regularly with great success.
  • Individualized Care – EMDR is tailored to your unique experiences and goals.
  • Safe, Supportive Environment – We foster a space where you can feel calm, heard, and empowered.
  • In-Person and Virtual Sessions – Access EMDR therapy from the comfort of your home or at our welcoming office.

Is EMDR Right for You?

Whether you’re dealing with long-standing trauma or recent emotional distress, EMDR could be the key to moving forward.

We're here to help you:

  • Reclaim your sense of safety
  • Reduce emotional triggers
  • Build a stronger, more grounded self

Ready to Get Started?

You don’t have to keep reliving the past. EMDR therapy can help you heal and move forward—and we’d be honored to guide you on that journey.

Call today to schedule an appointment or a free 10-minute consultation.

How to reach us...

   (281) 858-3001
     admin@motivationscounseling.com
     Contact Us

Immigration Evaluations By Site Admin 0 Comments

Hardship Waiver Psychological Evaluation

What is a hardship waiver psychological evaluation?

A psychological evaluation for a hardship waiver (I-601 or I-601A) is a formal mental health assessment used to support immigration petitions where a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident would suffer extreme hardship if their relative is denied entry or removed from the U.S.

These evaluations are conducted by licensed mental health professionals and are often submitted with immigration applications to strengthen the evidence of emotional, psychological, financial, and medical hardship.

Why does USCIS require this kind of evaluation?

USCIS wants to see documented evidence that the U.S. citizen or green card holder would experience “extreme hardship” — beyond the normal emotional distress of being separated from a loved one.

A licensed therapist or psychologist can provide clinical insight into the depth of suffering a qualifying relative would face.

Who needs the evaluation — the applicant or their relative?

The psychological evaluation is typically conducted with the qualifying relative — the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident — not the immigrant seeking the waiver.

That relative is often:

  • spouse
  • A parent
  • A child (if over a certain age)

What does the evaluation include?

Our evaluations typically cover:

  • Clinical interview with the qualifying relative
  • Assessment of emotional, psychological, and physical health
  • Impact of separation or relocation
  • Review of medical, academic, and legal records (if applicable)
  • Diagnosis (if warranted)
  • Professional opinion on the likelihood and severity of hardship

The final report is compliant with USCIS standards and usually ready within 7 busines days. We can have one ready within 48-hours for an added fee.

How much does a hardship waiver evaluation cost?

An evaluation conducted in English or with a Spanish-speaking therapist costs $850. If you need support for a language other than Spanish or a Spanish-speaking therapist is unavailable then we will provide an interpreter. The cost for a session with interpretation is $1,000. Reports are delivered within 7 business days; however, we offer expedited report delivery for an added fee of $300.

Can you do the evaluation online?

Yes! We offer secure telehealth evaluations across Texas and other eligible states. All sessions are HIPAA-compliant, private, and effective — just like in-person assessments.

How do I schedule an evaluation?

You can request an appointment through our Contact Us form or call us directly at (281) 858-3001. We'll guide you through the process and answer any questions.

Conclusion

A psychological evaluation can play a critical role in the success of your I-601 or I-601A hardship waiver. It gives USCIS professional evidence that your family would suffer beyond what’s typical if you're denied relief.

If you're facing immigration challenges and need support, we’re here to help.

Motivations Counseling provides compassionate, trauma-informed psychological evaluations for immigration cases across Texas. Our licensed therapists specialize in detailed, USCIS-compliant reports for a wide range of petitions, including:

  • VAWA (Violence Against Women Act)
  • U-Visa & T-Visa
  • I-601/I-601A Hardship Waivers
  • Cancellation of Removal
  • Adjustment of Status and other humanitarian relief

We offer secure telehealth appointments, fast turnaround times, and bilingual services to ensure every client receives the support and documentation they need. While we do not conduct asylum evaluations, we are committed to delivering professional, evidence-based reports for attorneys and families navigating the immigration process.

Whether you're working with an attorney or seeking help on your own, we're here to help you move forward with strength and clarity.

Call today to schedule an appointment or a free 10-minute consultation.

How to reach us...

   (281) 858-3001
     admin@motivationscounseling.com
     Contact Us

Marriage Counseling By susan@motivationscounseling.com 0 Comments

8 Signs You Need Marriage Counseling

Has your marriage changed? Do you feel like there is something missing? Perhaps you find yourself sometimes longing for the days when you were both happy and in love.

We often think of marriage counseling as a last resort--when things are so bad that divorce is the next best solution. Many people also associate divorce with major life issues and changes: infidelity, abandonment, abuse, or addictions.

What if I told you that you need to consider the possibility of counseling well before any of those things were to happen?

Here are 8 prominent signs that indicate you need marriage counseling:

1. You hardly speak to one another. Many relationship challenges center around communications: things left said or unsaid without resolution. A trained therapist can help facilitate new ways for you to communicate effectively.

2. You bicker and argue constantly, especially about trivial matters, leaving everything completely unresolved. Negative communication is just as bad as no communication at all. When your partner leaves you feeling judged or disregarded, things can escalate into emotional abuse.

3. There is a lack of candor in your relationship: you hide things from one another. We all need some privacy in our lives but when you and your partner find yourselves keeping secrets from one another, it is a clear sign that something is wrong.

4. You no longer feel an emotional or physical connection. A healthy marriage means sharing personal feelings, understanding, affirmation, and caring. When these things go, the relationship is in serious trouble.

5. You go to someone else to have your emotional needs met. It is not uncommon to turn to friends and family occasionally for emotional support, but when you find that your spouse is unable or unwilling to provide support, or you avoid going to them for support, then it is time to consider getting some professional help.

6. There is no physical or sexual intimacy in your relationship. Intimacy is paramount to maintain a healthy marriage. A therapist can help you to explore and rekindle the physical chemistry and rediscovery the love and friendship that was once there in the relationship.

7. You find yourself sexually attracted to other people, or you worry that your spouse may be. Relationships where a spouse has had an affair are very difficult (but not impossible) to repair. Trust is a foundation in the relationship that, when lost, takes time to rebuild. Fantasizing about having an affair is a sign that you desire something different. It's also a sign that there is a major problem in your marriage that you need to resolve now to avoid being unfaithful.

8. You have experienced a life-changing event, grief, or trauma which has left you feeling stuck. Trauma and grief are conditions that do not simply pass with time--you need to address them together with a trained therapist who can help you deal with the emotional scars the tragedy has left behind.

Marriage counseling can help you to gain insight into your relationship, resolve conflicts, and improve your relationship satisfaction. It can help you resolve relationship roadblocks before they become impasses.

According to renowned marriage expert, Dr. John Gottman, less than 5% of divorcing couples seek marriage counseling. It's way better to address problems in the marriage early before divorce becomes your final destination.

Source: 8 Signs You Need Marriage Counseling – Motivations Counseling – Medium

Motivations Counseling offers marriage and couples counseling services to clients in Sugar Land, Katy, Richmond, Missouri City and Houston, Texas. Our therapists use various therapy modalities for couples counseling, including the Gottman Method and Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT).

Call today to schedule a free consultation with a marriage and family therapist.

How to reach us...

   (281) 858-3001
     admin@motivationscounseling.com
     Contact Us

Boundaries Relationships By susan@motivationscounseling.com 0 Comments

5 Healthy Relationship Boundaries To Establish Now

Creating and maintaining boundaries is important to for building healthy relationships and developing your own confidence and self-worth. There are lots of personal boundaries you might set, but here are a few that I think can help you right away — whether it’s with a friend or your significant other.

Don’t wait

You have that person you want to get closer to, but they aren’t that into you right now, or perhaps they seem to be waiting for something, someone, maybe just a better offer.

Don’t put your life on hold hoping that they will eventually come around and eventually decide to reciprocate the feelings. Live your life in the present and treat yourself fairly in the process, too.

And remember, a little self-compassion goes a long way, too.

Avoid fakery

We’ve all seen this on social media. There are people who live to “show” everyone how important they are, how many friends they have, or even how glamorous their daily life is.

Don’t get caught up in all that.

In fact, learn to see through the hype and move beyond it. True friendships aren’t based on what you wear, where you eat, or how many shiny new objects you’ve purchased. It’s all about being real, human, and sharing life experiences together.

The memories you make together are what make life worth living.

Don’t accept lying

Some people can’t help themselves. They talk themselves up in the beginning and even believe their own hype, making promises they cannot keep and have no intention to.

Their personality changes quickly or they end up disappearing once they’re expected to deliver. When that person is unable to discuss the future with you, then maybe they don’t want you to think you’re going to be a part of theirs.

Trust, without control

Healthy relationships don’t revolve around one person’s desire to be in control.

Whether it’s you or your partner exhibiting this behavior, seek out equality in the relationship rather having one of you dominate the other. In loving relationships, it’s best to fully understand one another.

Take some time to figure the other person out — if it’s your significant other, take the love languages quiz and find out exactly who your partner is and what they really need from the relationship.

No lazy communication

Communication is the bedrock of any solid relationship.

Smart phones have become a ubiquitous part our lives. We text, email, instant message, and send pictures and emojis around the world like there’s no tomorrow. But, somewhere along the way, we’ve stopped communicating directly.

Don’t fall into that trap.

Every text message is open to interpretation: i.e. what is he/she trying to tell me, but not saying? Texting is lazy communication and creates distance. It’s perfect for people who are emotionally unavailable and is not a good substitute for talking interactively.

Avoid relationships that are built around texting. Better yet, use the phone for what it was originally intended: calling someone.

There are lots of other boundaries you can set that will make your life simpler. These are just a few that you can adopt now to make your relationships stronger.

Think about other boundaries that will make your life less complicated and, hopefully, help you build a stronger connection.

Source: 5 Healthy Relationship Boundaries To Establish Now – Motivations Counseling – Medium

At Motivations Counseling, we want to help you to resolve emotional issues of the past and the present. Together, we can open the door to you finding a brighter and more confident future.

Call us today for a free 10-minute consultation to see if our approach and experience are right for you.

How to reach us...

Phone: (281) 858-3001
Email: susan@motivationscounseling.com
Form: Contact Us

Self-compassion By susan@motivationscounseling.com 0 Comments

Self-Compassion: Compassion Is A Two-way Street

“All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players: they have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts, his acts being seven ages.”
-William Shakespeare

The human condition is something that has been written about many times over. Major religions have definitive beliefs about it. Even Shakespeare tried to sum it up with his “All the world’s a stage” monologue.

When it comes to compassion, as humans we instinctively apply it to our fellow man when we observe suffering. It’s a natural reaction to want to help others who are in pain. But, so often we overlook the need for compassion when applying it to ourselves.

We all deal with difficulties in our lives. When you experience failure or feelings of inadequacy, do you find yourself self-criticizing or telling yourself to simply ignore the feelings hoping that they will just go away?

Self-compassion is about extending compassion to yourself whenever you experience failure, inadequacy, or general suffering. It is similar to the notion of “unconditional positive regard”, a concept developed by psychologist Carl Rogers.

Within the context of client-centered therapy, unconditional positive regard is about accepting and supporting a person regardless of what they say or do. With self-compassion, this unconditional positive regard is applied to your own experiences and actions.

Research consistently shows there is a positive correlation between self-compassion and psychological well-being. People with self-compassion have greater life satisfaction. They tend to have social connectedness, emotional intelligence and, in general, are happy. Self-compassion has also been shown to reduce anxiety, depression, shame, and fear of failure.

Kristin Neff, an associate professor at the University of Texas who is credited with conducting early academic studies into self-compassion, used her research to develop the Self-compassion Scales.

There are two measurements for Self-Compassion:

These scales were developed for researchers doing studies on self-compassion.

Dr. Neff defined self-compassion as being made up of three primary components: self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness.

  • Self-kindness is about accepting our own flaws and weaknesses and avoiding self-criticism and judgement. The goal is to find greater emotional equanimity.

  • Common humanity is about avoiding isolation. When you accept that all humans suffer, including ourselves, we can avoid feelings of isolation and that we are the only ones who make mistakes.

  • Mindfulness is about not suppressing or denying feelings, or over-exaggerating them due to the negative emotions we feel.

If you have some time and want to work on developing your own self-compassion please check out the Self-compassion guided meditation and exercises developed by Dr. Neff at the following link: Self-Compassion Exercises by Dr. Kristin Neffself-compassion.org


Source: Compassion Is A Two-way Street – Motivations Counseling – Medium

At Motivations Counseling, we want to help you to resolve emotional issues of the past and the present. Together, we can open the door to you finding a brighter and more confident future.

Call us today for a free 10-minute consultation to see if our approach and experience are right for you.

How to reach us...

Phone: (281) 858-3001
Email: susan@motivationscounseling.com
Form: Contact Us

Therapists By susan@motivationscounseling.com 0 Comments

Meet Carolina Román

Motivations Counseling Welcomes A New Therapist !


Carolina Román is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in couples counseling. She is trained and fully experienced in the use of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).

EFT is a research-driven, structured approach to couples therapy that was created based on known science regarding adult attachment and bonding. It has been validated by over twenty years of empirical research and has been applied to many different kinds of problems and populations.

Having previously worked at a Houston-based counseling agency, and closely trained with U.S. Army Family Life Chaplains, Carolina brings to the team a wealth of experience in counseling couples and individuals. She is now accepting new clients at our Sugar Land Office located at 14090 Southwest Fwy, Suite 300.

Please join us in welcoming Carolina to the Motivations Counseling family and wishing her success in her new practice here in Sugar Land.

How to reach Carolina...

Phone: (832) 521-1919
Email: carolina@motivationscounseling.com

Click here for more information about Carolina's therapeutic experiences and her overall approach to counseling.