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.
Meet Our Clinical Staff
In-Person & Virtual
(Not Accepting New Clients)
Bilingual (Spanish)
Jirzia Blackman, LCSW-S, CEO
Virtual Only
Weekday Availability
Regi Abraham, LCSW
(Supervised by Jirzia Blackman)
In-Person & Virtual
Live Oak Location
Weekday & Weekend Availability
Ashley Blackmore, LMSW
Supervisor/In-Person Only
Live Oak Location
Weekday Availability
R. Leah Carter, LCSW-S
(Supervised by Jirzia Blackman)
In-Person & Virtual
Live Oak Location
Weekend & Evening Availability
Chloe Gullien, LMSW
In-Person & Virtual
Live Oak Location
Weekday Availability
Nadja Hines, LPC
In-Person & Virtual
Live Oak Location
Evening Availability
Manuel Lozano, LPC
(Supervised by Jirzia Blackman)
Virtual Only
Weekday & Weekend Availability
Bilingual (Spanish)
Perla Marroquin, LMSW
Virtual Only Weekday and Evening Availability
Melisa D. Martinez, LCSW-S
(Supervised by Jirzia Blackman)
In-Person & Virtual
Live Oak Location
Bilingual (Swahili)
Joyce Njoroge, LMSW
(Supervised by R. Leah Carter)
In-Person & Virtual at Live Oak Location Weekend and Evenings Availability Bilingual (Spanish)
Laura Regalado, LMSW
In-Person & Virtual at Helotes
Weekday & Weekend Availability
Bilingual (Spanish)
Sofia Santillan, LPC
Virtual Only
Weekday and Evenings Availability
Jackelyn Silber, LPC
In-Person & Virtual
Live Oak Location
Evening & Weekend Availability
Syrita Simmons, LCSW
In-Person & Virtual at Live Oak
Weekday & Weekend Availability
Bilingual (Spanish)
Stephanie Solis, LCSW
(Supervised by R. Leah Carter)
In-Person & Virtual at Live Oak Location
Weekend & Evenings Availability
Maria Rivas, LMSW
Meet Our Administrative Staff
Amber Rodriguez – Office Manager
Darla Arcilla – Administrative Assistant
Regi Abraham, LCSW
Regi Abraham is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with more than 30 years of work experience. She comes with a wealth of knowledge and skill set from various settings such as psychiatric hospitals, group homes, foster care/adoption, military installations, VA and in a group practice. She received her Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from the George Warren Brown School of Social Work at Washington University, St. Louis with an emphasis in family therapy. Her compassion and sensitivity to individuals of various cultural backgrounds enhances her practice. She uses Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy (SFT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Couples Therapy, and Family Therapy in her practice. A combination of various therapy techniques can often be used according to client’s needs. She
also provides Christian counseling when requested. Her interests as a therapist are in addressing depression, anxiety, adjustment issues, work-related stress, relationship stressors, anger management, domestic violence, parental issues, family of origin, grief and loss, and life transitions. She provides virtual counseling to adults, couples, and families.
Stephanie Solis, LCSW
I am a Licensed Master’s Social Worker with 6 years of experience working with youth mental health, such as anxiety, stress management, anger management, self-esteem, depression, life-skills, and grief. I have worked with youth and their families in school settings for 9 years to provide support and encourage youth to reach their potential. In my years of practice, I have aimed to continuously provide a safe space as counseling is a vulnerable journey that I am fortunate to be a part of. I utilize a variety of therapeutic approaches to best fit the need of said journey and look forward to working together as a team.
Sofia Santillan, LPC
Ashley Blackmore, LCSW
Nadja Hines, LPC
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. 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 19 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 needs.
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. 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 Certified Accelerated Resolution Therapist (ART) , Certified EMDR Therapist and a Certified Imago Relationship Therapist. She is also a Level III Gottman Method Couples Therapist 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. 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
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.
Laura Regalado, LMSW
Hi, my name is Laura Regalado, and I am a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) dedicated to providing psychotherapy services. My approach emphasizes on creating a supportive, non-judgmental, and confidential environment for counseling. Over the past two decades, I’ve assisted individuals from diverse backgrounds and age groups in achieving clarity amidst life’s challenges. As a bilingual practitioner (Spanish and English), I tailor counseling sessions to accommodate clients’ preferred language. Empathy and compassion guide my approach. By integrating strength-based therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy, I help clients navigate various personal struggles with a positive outlook. Benefits of these therapies may include but not limited to: increased self-esteem and confidence, improved coping skills, enhanced resilience, reduced anxiety and depression, and improved well-being and life satisfaction. I hold a bachelor’s degree in social work from Texas A&M International University and a master’s degree from The University of Texas at San Antonio.
Chloe Gullien, LMSW
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.
Perla Marroquin, LMSW
(Supervised by Jirzia Blackman) 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.
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
Joyce Njoroge, LMSW
(Supervised by Jirzia Blackman) 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.
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.
Maria Rivas, LMSW
Maria is supervised by Leah Carter, LCSW-S. Maria is a dedicated Licensed Master Social Worker with extensive experience supporting underserved and diverse populations across medical, mental health, and child welfare settings. With a Master of Social Work from Our Lady of the Lake University and over a decade of professional experience, she has developed expertise in crisis intervention, psychosocial assessment, care coordination, and trauma-informed care. Maria has served in various roles at child and family welfare agencies, hospitals, and on various crisis intervention teams, consistently advocating for client well-being and access to essential resources. She is known for her critical thinking, compassionate approach, and commitment to client-centered care.
