Krystal Lazaro, MS, QMHP (she/hers)
Life Transitions & Identity Affirming
A Little About Me
I am a licensed professional counselor associate and a doctoral student in the Counselor Education and Supervision program at the University of Texas at San Antonio. I grew up in California and earned my Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of California, Santa Barbara, where I experienced dissonance with my culture, heritage, and language.
I struggled to find community and academic belonging as I navigated shifting identities and felt disconnected from my Latine roots and native language. Although challenging, this chapter led to my first counseling experience, transforming the identities I once perceived as sources of shame into powerful assets that continue to shape and inform my counseling identity and approach.
After completing my undergraduate studies, I pursued a career in education and taught 5th, 7th, and 11th-grade English in both Texas and California. Following my time in the classroom, I earned my master’s degree at the University of Texas at San Antonio, where I also completed a bilingual counseling certificate in Spanish. Throughout my academic journey, I’ve remained committed to my own growth and to approaching each client with acceptance, warmth, and curiosity.
My goal as a clinician is to affirm diverse identities and experiences and leverage each individual’s strengths in partnership to move toward change.
Areas of Expertise
Young adults (18-30s), LGBTQ+, BIPOC, Spanish-speakers
Grief & Loss: Providing compassionate support as you process loss while honoring your personal values, beliefs, and cultural background.
Trauma Recovery: Combining evidence-based methods alongside creative interventions to help restore a sense of balance, safety, and empowerment in your life.
Identity Work: Encouraging self-discovery with tools like storytelling and cultural reflection, so you can affirm your sense of self and belonging.
Life Transitions: Collaborating with you to navigate changes in a way that respects and honors your identities, values, and goals in a way that builds resilience.
My Approach
I believe in tailoring my approach to meet the needs of each individual client. While I draw most from Person-Centered, Cognitive Behavioral, and Solution-Focused theories, I also incorporate creative activities to help meet your unique needs.
I believe that effective therapy is collaborative, individualized, and feels safe. I aim to provide these elements for clients by fostering a space that is nonjudgmental, affirming, and growth-oriented. My goal is to help you feel safe enough to explore difficult emotions while developing skills for lasting change.
Education & Credentials
Doctor of Philosophy, Counselor Education and Supervision
University of Texas at San Antonio (CACREP-accredited)
(In progress)
Master of Science, Clinical Mental Health and Counseling
University of Texas at San Antonio (CACREP-accredited)
Graduate Certificate: Bilingual Counseling Certificate
Bachelor of Arts, Sociology
University of California, Santa Barbara
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (Texas) #93775
Supervised by Mónica L. Solís-Hoefl, MS, LPC-S
Bilingual Counseling Certificate: University of Texas at San Antonio
