Meet our therapists
Starlain Saldana, PhD, LP
"The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change." ~ Carl Rogers
I am a licensed psychologist who works with adults in individual and couples therapy. I am a generalist in practice in that I have experience working with a broad range of concerns. Particular clinical interests of mine are sexual and gender identity concerns, diversity issues, women’s issues, relationship concerns and couples therapy, and personal growth and life meaning.
The foundation of my therapeutic orientation is an interpersonal, relational approach. I believe we are relational beings meant to make and build meaningful connections with others. I place primary importance on building a collaborative, meaningful therapeutic relationship that offers support, self-acceptance, and challenge. Within this approach, I greatly rely on myself as a tool for change. This requires that I am an active participant who invests in our time together and will provide you with an honest, genuine experience.
As we meet, I listen for themes in your life stories and experiences. I listen for strengths and adaptive coping strategies you currently possess, and work to find ways to capitalize on them. I also listen for coping strategies that may have worked for you at some time in your life, but may now exist in your life as barriers. I have come to believe that many of the qualities we possess are two sides of a same coin - in some ways, these qualities work well for us and in other ways, they may hinder or trip us up at times. Additionally, I place a strong focus on increasing acceptance of oneself while simultaneously identifying areas of change that increase life satisfaction. I hope to help you learn to accept yourself as fully as possible with all of your strengths and all of your flaws.
I received my PhD in Counseling Psychology in 2009 from the University of Oklahoma. This followed my Master's degree in Counseling Psychology (2004). Until opening TCPS, I worked in college counseling centers as a staff psychologist providing individual therapy to young adults and supervision of pre-doctoral psychology interns.
Professional Associations
