Meet your Therapist
Sonia Albin, LPC, PMH-C
I have lived in and outside of Mexico, Houston, Seattle, and Maine and have felt at home in a number of ecosystems. I’ve held many titles; marine biologist, research scientist, environmental educator, elementary school teacher, and health coach. I come from a multi-national, multi-cultural family. I’m a mom, wife, gardener, writer, and Licensed Professional Counselor.
Change can be chaotic and turbulent, but the wilderness has always grounded me. A volcanic eruption is devastating, but when things cool off, the soil is so fertile it supports entire ecosystems.
I dedicated the first part of my career to connecting with nature through science, outdoor adventure education, and horticulture, while doing my own therapeutic work. Since the start of my chapter in mental health, I knew that nature needed to be part of my treatment approach.
My interest in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy connects with the same idea of comfort in wilderness; except, in this case, we explore the wilderness within. Generations of people from different cultures have used psychedelic medicines for healing, and it is promising to now be able to offer it as a counseling professional.
My Approach
You are the artist of your life. I foster a warm, nurturing, and safe environment that allows you to explore your mind and heart with freedom, confidence, and support. My promise is to prioritize your well-being, to be honest, and to listen to your intuition. Your trust is of ultimate value. My practice is affirming of gender, sexual orientation, religion, race, and culture. Your confidentiality is my ethical and legal responsibility, and I will take every measure to protect it.
I use a multidisciplinary treatment approach and collaborate with dietitians, physicians, psychiatrists, and other therapists as appropriate.
I graduated from the University of Washington and earned my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of St. Thomas in Houston. I’m a certified Perinatal Mental Health provider with Postpartum Support International and I have 7 years of combined experience in eating disorder treatment at the residential, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and outpatient levels of care. My 5 years of private practice experience have included work with trauma surrounding immigration and asylum, childhood trauma, victims of systemic violence, and perinatal trauma. I am fully bilingual in Spanish.
Why Kite?
While kites are fun, carefree, and a wonderful metaphor for navigating difficult circumstances peacefully, it’s actually not where the name Kite comes from!
Every summer, Buffalo Bayou gets a visit from a migratory bird, the Mississippi Kite. Kites make their way here all the way from Chile. I am delighted to see and hear them as I work in my spring garden, and to know that our Houston environment is just right for them to thrive. Kites, and other migratory animals, can teach us that finding a place of belonging is key to our survival, growth, and healing from trauma.
