Dr. Jinnelle Veronique Powell, PhD, LPC-S, EMDR Trainer & Consultant

09/03/2025

🌟 Re-Introducing Jessica Blakeslee, MS, LPC-Associate, EMDR Trained 🌟

We are thrilled to re-introduce Jessica Blakeslee, a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate currently under the supervision of Ms. Julie Thigpen, MA, LPC-S, RPT-S, EMDR Trained and Dr. Jinnelle V. Powell, PhD, LPC-S, EMDR Trainer & Consultant.

Jessica is passionate about making a real difference in the lives of others, especially vulnerable children and youth in the Coastal Bend community. After earning her Master of Science in Professional Counseling from Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, she returned to the Island University to pursue her doctoral degree in Counselor Education.

💙 Jessica believes counseling should be a safe, judgment-free space where people can be their truest selves, no masks, no pretending, and absolutely no shame. With a background in child welfare, she advocates fiercely for children and families, bringing an evidence-based, heart-centered approach to her work.

Her clinical interests include:
✨ Trauma-informed counseling
✨ Play therapy & child/adolescent mental health
✨ Compassion fatigue & neurodivergence
✨ Supporting young adults navigating life’s curveballs

Jessica provides a warm, supportive space for young children, adolescents, and adults alike.

Outside the therapy room, you’ll likely find her with a good book, wrangling her dogs, experimenting with sourdough, planning travel adventures, or soaking up the outdoors, because balance (and a little fun!) matters. 🌿📚🐾

We are so grateful to have Jessica on our team as she continues to grow and serve our community with dedication and heart. Join us in giving her a warm welcome back! 🎉

She is ready to begin working with clients in our Corpus office offering play therapy, EMDR therapy, and individual counseling tailored to the unique needs of our Distinctive Clients!

Reach out to schedule today

Jessica Blakeslee, MS, LPC-Associate, EMDR Trained Jessica Blakeslee is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, currently under the supervision of Ms. Julie Thigpen, MA, LPC-S, RPT-S, EMDR Trained and Dr. Jinnelle V. Powell, PhD, LPC-S. She’s passionate about making a real difference in the ...

08/25/2025

What a powerful session at TCCAC! 💛

Trauma-Informed Villagers: Mental Health in Focus

Jennifer Kremer-Oliva, the Heart Galleries of South Texas Director, and I centered our presentation on building a village of care around children and youth toward post-traumatic growth and resiliency. Jennifer bravely shared her story as an adoptive mother, resonating with our audience's lived experiences in the foster care system throughout Texas.

The takeaways:
🧠 Neurodevelopmental impact of trauma on the brain
🌱 Post-Traumatic Growth + resiliency as pathways to healing
🤝 Case-study strategies to maximize resources and collaboration
📚 Evidence-based approaches that work for kids and teens

We are so grateful to the attendees for showing up with heart and action. Want the handout or to bring this training to your team? Message me.

08/21/2025

🌟 Exciting News 🌟

I’m thrilled to share that I have accepted a position as a Tenure-Track Assistant Professor of Counselor Education, Emphasis in Rural Mental Health at Texas A&M University–Kingsville, an Opportunity University, R2 Research Institution per Carnegie's classifications, and a proud Hispanic-Serving Institution. 🎓💙💛

This was a difficult choice because of my deep commitment to my Walden University colleagues and students. However, I am grateful to continue as a Contributing Faculty member at Walden, supporting the incredible students I’ve had the privilege of teaching. 💜📚

A heartfelt thank you to TAMUK's Dr. Kelly Hall, our Department Chair and hiring manager, for her unwavering support as I make this transition, and to my colleagues whose wisdom and encouragement guided me through this decision. 🙏✨

In my new role, I look forward to advancing research and grant initiatives focused on expanding mental health care access in rural and underserved communities, work that is both my passion and my purpose. 🌱 Time to get to work!

#2025-2026AcademicYear

08/18/2025

🎉✨ Big Congratulations to Our 2024-2025 Distinctive Student Counselor, Jessica Blakeslee, MS, EMDR Trained! ✨🎉

We are so proud to celebrate Jessica’s incredible achievement, she has officially completed her Master’s Degree in Professional Counseling with an emphasis in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi! 🎓💙

The icing on the cake? 🍰 Jessica is already EMDR Trained through CompassionWorks as part of our Heart Galleries Grant! This Fall, she’ll step into her role as an LPC Associate, under the supervision of Julie Thigpen, MA, LPC-S, RPT-S and Dr. Jinnelle V. Powell, PhD, LPC-S, where she will continue to sharpen her EMDR skills and pursue her Registered Play Therapy certificate, and begin her PhD program at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi to further expand her knowledge and expertise.🤓

Jessica’s passion shines through in everything she does. With a heart for vulnerable children and youth in the Coastal Bend, she is dedicated to creating spaces where people can be their most authentic selves, free of shame and judgment. Her background in child welfare fuels her advocacy and her commitment to making a difference in our community.

When she’s not in session, you can find Jessica at her local CrossFit gym, baking sourdough bread, spending time outdoors, enjoying a good book, or hanging out with her beloved dogs. 🐾🍞☀️

Join us in celebrating this next exciting chapter for Jessica! 🥳💛

📣 Shoutout to Distinctive Collective, Inc. for supporting free supervision and free counseling services at our Corpus Christi location!

08/15/2025

🌟 Distinctive Counselor Spotlight: Heather Garcia, LPC, EMDR Trained Clinician 🌟

If you’re looking for a counselor who brings clinical excellence and a healthy dose of sass, style, and humor, look no further than Heather Garcia!

Heather is one of our tenured counselors at Distinctive Counseling & Consulting, and she’s currently accepting new clients. With a compassionate heart and a confident voice, Heather supports individuals, couples, and families in navigating life’s challenges with strength and clarity.

✨ Credentials & Approach
Heather is an EMDR-trained clinician through CompassionWorks, a proud Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi alum (twice over!), and is dually licensed as a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor Intern. Her academic background also includes an Associate of Applied Science in Human Services with a focus on Addiction Studies from Del Mar College.

Heather’s clinical style is bold and deeply human-centered. While her foundation lies in Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT), she believes in meeting clients exactly where they are. She blends techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Humanistic Therapy, tailoring each session to the unique needs of her clients. With couples and families, she draws from Family Systems, Structural, Strategic, and Transgenerational Therapy, and she holds a Gottman Level I certification.

🧠💬 Whether you're exploring trauma, communication issues, relationship stress, or personal growth, Heather brings skill, authenticity, and a great sense of humor into the room. Clients appreciate her real-talk approach, cultural humility, and fierce advocacy for healing and growth.

💥 Did we mention she’s got impeccable fashion sense and a laugh that fills the whole office? Heather makes therapy both transformative and real.

📞 Now accepting new clients! If you’re ready for growth with a therapist who keeps it real, reach out today to schedule with Heather Garcia.

08/08/2025

Every step forward is a win, whether it ends in the title you hoped for or in lessons that shape your next chapter. This week gave me both, and I’m carrying them into the future with gratitude.

I didn’t get elected to serve on the EMDRIA Board of Directors, and although the outcome wasn’t what I had hoped for, I’m walking away with a wealth of perspective.

We miss 100% of the shots we don’t take. And while I am disappointed, I’m also feeling empowered, because I’ve learned that I can put myself out there, not be chosen, and still know that my value and self-worth are not defined by the outcome. In fact, it’s the opposite. Winners aren’t made overnight. They’re shaped through disappointments, challenges, and moments where things didn’t go as planned.

To Dr. Amanda Martin, Dr. Jose Carbajal, Dr. Amber Quaranta-Leech, and Jordan Shafer, the founder of CompassionWorks, thank you deeply for believing in me enough to support me. Your encouragement helped me find the courage to step into this process with heart and vulnerability.

The truth is, I didn’t even think I’d make it past the interview round. But I did. And that felt like a huge win.

In the past few years, I’ve experienced incredible growth, both personally and professionally. And this moment? It’s a reflection of that growth. It’s a sign that I’m taking risks, believing in myself, and starting to reach higher.

I had an affirming conversation this week with Wendy Byrd, President of EMDRIA, and I left that call feeling seen, encouraged, and inspired to try again in the future.

In the meantime, I’m celebrating what is unfolding: two EMDR trainings this fall. One at Delta State University, where I had the honor of serving as an Assistant Professor last year, and another in my own backyard in Corpus Christi, marking my second training locally this year. And while I can’t share all the details yet, I do have some exciting career news that I look forward to announcing soon.

These are the kinds of full-circle moments that remind me I’m on the right path.

Thank you to everyone who supported me, voted, reached out, or simply believed in the vision I carry. I’m still just getting started. 💛

08/01/2025

🗳️ FINAL HOURS TO VOTE! 🕖
Voting for the EMDRIA Board closes TODAY at 7PM!

I would be honored to earn your vote to serve on the EMDRIA Board of Directors.

As an EMDR Trainer, Consultant, and clinician committed to access, equity, and ethical excellence, I bring not only deep clinical experience but also a heart for mentorship, advocacy, and innovation in trauma care. My leadership reflects a dedication to supporting under-resourced clinicians, amplifying diverse voices, and fostering sustainable growth within our EMDR community.

✨ Let’s continue building a future where EMDR is accessible, ethical, and empowered across all communities.

If you haven’t voted yet—please make your voice heard before 7PM CST today!

Look in your email for the subject line: Vote Now: EMDR International Association - Board of Directors 2025 Election

Thank you for the support and for believing in the power of our collective work through EMDRIA's mission.

07/31/2025

🌟 Distinctive Counselor Spotlight: Victoria Cadena, MA, LPC-Associate, EMDR Trained 🌟

We are excited to highlight Victoria Cadena, a compassionate counselor dedicated to supporting individuals and children on their journey toward growth and emotional well-being.

Victoria is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in Texas, supervised by Dr. Jinnelle V. Powell, PhD, LPC-S, and Julie Thigpen, MA, LPC-S, RPT-S. She receives specialized play therapy supervision from Ms. Julie, an award-winning Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor. Victoria is EMDR Trained through CompassionWorks, working toward EMDR certification under Dr. Powell’s guidance.

With a Bachelor’s in Psychology and Master’s in Counseling Psychology from Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Victoria brings experience in supporting children with learning differences, fostering coping skills, resilience, and emotional expression through the power of play therapy.

Victoria believes in creating a safe, welcoming space where every individual can process, heal, and thrive at their own pace. 💛

07/30/2025

I am so grateful for Play Therapy with Julie Thigpen and her advocacy for all things play!! Today I got to walk alongside her in educating school counselors in our community on all things play therapy. We had FUN! 🤩🥳

✨ Today our team had the honor of presenting "Unlocking Healing Through Play: The Importance of Play in Child Development" at the Casting Hope Symposium sponsored by the Education Service Center, Region 2!

We explored how play therapy empowers children to express emotions, build coping skills, and navigate life’s challenges in a safe, supportive space. 🧸💛 By using play as a therapeutic tool, we can foster resilience, emotional growth, and deeper connections with the children we serve.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for this important conversation! 💬 Your passion for supporting children’s mental health and well-being inspires us.

👩‍🏫 Presented by:
🔹 Julie Thigpen, LPC-S, Registered Play Therapist-S, Distinctive Counseling & Consulting, PLLC
🔹 Dr. Jinnelle Powell, CEO/Founder, LPC-S, Clinician, Distinctive Counseling & Consulting, PLLC

07/30/2025

🎉 Milestone Moment at Distinctive Counseling & Consulting, PLLC! 🎉

We are proud to share that 100% of our fully licensed counselors are now EMDR Trained through EMDRIA-Approved Trainings, and 4 of them have achieved EMDRIA-Approved Certification! 🙌 In addition, 4 of our Associate-level counselors are EMDR Trained, expanding access to this powerful trauma-informed approach across our team.

This accomplishment was made possible through:
✨ Dr. Powell’s ongoing investment in the growth of our clinicians
✨ The Nikki Claudette EMDR Scholarship funded by the Distinctive Collective, Inc.
✨ Grant funding from the Heart Galleries of Texas
✨ The amazing CompassionWorks team of EMDRIA-Approved Trainers who we have entrusted to guide us in the ethical use of EMDR

These investments in our team allow us to continue serving as a premier location for trauma care across all ages, equipping our counselors with the expertise to guide healing and hope for every client we serve from age 3 to 100! 💙

07/30/2025

Lupita Almaraz😍

✨ Save the Date for the Book Release & Signing of Someone is You by author Lupita Almaraz! ✨

📖 This heartfelt poetry collection will be celebrated at the event, Poems by my mother, hosted by Dr. Powell, the founder of Distinctive Collective, Inc.

This event honors the author’s journey and legacy while supporting mental health initiatives in Texas through Distinctive Collective, Inc., a cause close to Lupita Almaraz’s heart.

All book sales and proceeds from this event will directly support the mission of Distinctive Collective, Inc. in advancing mental health efforts in Texas. Learn more about our work here: www.distinctivecollective.com

🗓 Date: September 6th
🕒 Time: 3 PM
📍 Location: First National Bank of Hebbronville
305 N Smith Ave, Hebbronville, TX 78361
🎟 Free Entry

💫 This event is made possible thanks to our amazing sponsors:

Judge Juan Carlos Guerra, JHC
First National Bank of Hebbronville
Jim Hogg County Historical Commission
Museum Foundation of Hebbronville

Join us for a beautiful afternoon of poetry, connection, and purpose as we honor the words of Lupita Almaraz and come together to support mental wellness. 🌱

Book Publishing

07/29/2025

So excited for Distinctive Counseling and Consulting, PLLC in East, Texas

Thanks to your generous support of our Back To School Resource Fair RECESS sponsors, our students and families will start the school year ready for success!

Thank you, Whataburger of Mesquite, Distinctive Counseling and Consulting, PLLC, GEUS, Super 1 Foods Greenville, The Tarpley Agencies/Tarpley, Realtors, ORBIS Corporation, Labatt Food Service, and Golden Kiwanis Greenville TX for your commitment to Greenville ISD, Greenville Educational Enrichment Foundation, and education.

𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗧𝗼 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲 𝗙𝗮𝗶𝗿
📆 Tuesday, July 29, 2025
⏰ 4:00pm - 7:00pm
📍 Greenville High School