Holding Space for the Unheld — Counseling in McKinney, TX

You don't have to have it all figured out to start. Wherever you are, we'll meet you there. Providing in-person therapy in McKinney, TX, and convenient virtual therapy throughout TX, CO, and FL.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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Who We Are

A Counseling Practice Built on Being Truly Seen

The Desired Journey is a group counseling practice in McKinney, TX, where therapy feels human — not clinical. We work with children, teens, adults, couples, and families navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, neurodivergence, relationship struggles, and the big and small transitions life throws at you.

Our team believes healing starts when you finally feel seen, heard, and supported exactly as you are. That means no therapy voice, no pressure to perform, and no one-size-fits-all approach — just real, grounded support that meets you where you are and moves at your pace.
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Our Story

How The Desired Journey Began

Historic Downtown McKinney Cultural District sign on a street with trees and parked cars.
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Approximately 125 clients served each month across our practice.

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The Desired Journey exists to help you keep moving toward the person you want to become.

Founded in 2018 by Dr. Desiree Stephens, The Desired Journey was inspired by heartfelt conversations around the kitchen table with her father and grandfather. Her father often shared that he had dreamed of becoming a therapist, a dream that helped inspire her own calling. After his cancer diagnosis in 2018, Dr. Stephens made the life-changing decision to leave the nonprofit world and launch her private practice, determined to build something meaningful while he could witness it. Following his passing in 2023, she found the strength to step into solo practice and, just months later, fulfilled an even greater vision by growing The Desired Journey into a group practice. Today, every child, family, and individual served reflects the compassion, hope, and legacy that began around her family's kitchen table.

Our Values

What We Believe About Healing

Everyone Deserves to Feel Seen

Real change starts when you feel safe enough to be fully yourself. No filtering, no performing. That's the space we work to create.

Therapy Should Feel Human

We keep it honest and down-to-earth. No clinical jargon to hide behind, no pretending things are easier than they are, just genuine connection and real conversation.

You Set the Pace

We don't rush your process or push you to open up before you're ready. You lead; we walk alongside you.

Care That Meets You Where You Are

No two people are the same, so therapy shouldn't be one-size-fits-all. We tailor our approach to you — your needs, your goals, your life.

How Therapy Works at The Desired Journey

Therapy with us usually starts with something simple: getting to know you. From there, we draw on evidence-based approaches — chosen for you, not applied by formula — to help you understand what's really going on and build tools that hold up in real life. Some sessions are reflective, some are practical, and most are a mix of both.

Depending on what you need, our clinicians work with approaches like:

CBT

DBT

EMDR

Gottman Method

Sandtray

Child-Centered Play Therapy

Trauma-Informed Care

REBT

Positive Psychology

Person Centered

Solution-Focused

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Our Services

Support for Every Stage of the Journey

Child-Centered Play Therapy

Teen Therapy

Individual Therapy

Couples Counseling

Adult Counseling

LPC-Associate Clinical Supervision

Our Specialties

Areas We Specialize In

Not sure where you fit? That's okay — we'll help you figure it out together.

Neurodiversity Therapy (ADHD / Autism Support)

Support that works with your brain
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A 3D model of a human brain painted in vibrant, multicolored hues set against an artistic, paint-splattered background, symbolizing neurodivergent wiring. Specialized ADHD, ADD, and Autism therapy support for children, teens, and adults at The Desired Journey Counseling in Texas.

Anxiety & Stress Therapy

Get your life out of survival mode
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A woman looking downward with a stressed expression, holding his hand to his head in emotional exhaustion, symbolizing chronic nervous system overwhelm and anxiety. Anxiety and stress therapy services by local licensed counselors at The Desired Journey Counseling near McKinney Square.

Depression Therapy

Feel like yourself again, slowly is fine
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Side view of a young Asian woman sitting on the bedroom floor in dim lighting, holding her head in her hands to convey emotional burnout and exhaustion. Compassionate depression therapy and mental health support at The Desired Journey Counseling in McKinney, TX.

Grief & Loss Therapy

Grief is heavy; we help carry it
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Close-up of a woman and man looking down in sadness embracing one another, representing the emotional weight and exhaustion of moving through the non-linear waves of mourning. Grief and loss therapy at The Desired Journey Counseling in Downtown McKinney, Texas.

Addiction & Recovery Therapy

Recovery support without the shame spiral
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A scatter of white round pills and red, yellow, and blue medicine capsules on a neutral background, illustrating a sticky coping cycle. Shame-free addiction and recovery therapy support from evidence-based mental health professionals at The Desired Journey Counseling.

Relationship Issues Therapy

Stop getting stuck in the same cycle
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A couple sitting back-to-back on a bed in dim lighting, looking away in silence, showing the emotional disconnection and communication breakdown of repetitive arguments. Couples counseling and relationship issues therapy at The Desired Journey Counseling in Downtown McKinney.
Team

Meet the Therapists Behind The Desired Journey

Our team brings together a range of training, styles, and lived experience — but we share one thing: We want you to feel understood. Get to know the people you'd be working with.
Dr. Desiree Stephens, PhD, LPC-S, founder and therapist at The Desired Journey

Dr. Desiree’ L. Stephens, LPC-S, NCC, TLHL LMHC, Certified-CCPT, ACS

Trauma, Anxiety & Depression • Neurodivergent Kids (ASD/ADHD) • Grief & Cancer Support • Child-Centered Play Therapy • Caregivers & Burnout
Barbra Moore, LPC-Associate, therapist at The Desired Journey in McKinney, TX

Barbra Moore, LPC-Associate, NCC

Trauma & Betrayal • Anxiety & Self-Doubt • Women's Self-Discovery • Child-Centered Play Therapy • Children & Life Changes
Sarah Garza, LPC-Associate, therapist at The Desired Journey in McKinney, TX

Sarah Garza, LPC-Associate

Anxiety & Stress • Life Transitions • Relationship Challenges • Young Adults & Professionals • Personal Growth
Katherine Washington, LMSW, women's therapist at The Desired Journey, serving Texas online

Katherine Washington, LMSW

Perinatal & Postpartum • Anxiety & Overwhelm • Life Transitions & Identity • Burnout & Self-Compassion • Women's Mental Health
Mallori Thompson, LPC-Associate, women's therapist at The Desired Journey, serving Texas online

Mallori Thompson, LPC-Associate

Women's Mental Health • Perinatal & Postpartum • Parenting Support • Anxiety • Life Transitions
Collin Brower, LPC-Associate, men's therapist at The Desired Journey in McKinney, TX

Collin Brower, LPC-Associate

Men's Mental Health • Addiction & Recovery • Life Transitions • Purpose & Meaning
Lupe Lopez, MS, LPC-Associate, therapist at The Desired Journey in McKinney, TX

Lupe Lopez, LPC-Associate

First-Gen & Cultural Identity • Life Transitions • Self-Esteem & Self-Discovery • Anxiety & Overwhelm • Teens & Young Adults
Swipe To See All Clinicians

In McKinney & Online Across TX, CO, & FL.

We see clients in person at our office in downtown McKinney and online throughout Texas, with evening and weekend appointments to fit real life. We're proud to support families across Collin County — including Allen, Frisco, Plano, Prosper, Melissa, and the surrounding North DFW communities.
info@thedesiredjourney.com
469-667-2681
206 S Kentucky St Ste 103, McKinney, TX 75069
FAQS

Questions You Might Be Carrying

A few things people often wonder before reaching out.
How do I book a therapy session in McKinney, TX, or start online counseling in Texas?
You can schedule your session immediately by using our online booking portal to select your clinician and preferred time, or by submitting a quick message through our contact form. We offer in-person counseling at our downtown McKinney office (206 S Kentucky St, Suite 103), serving Allen, Frisco, Plano, and Prosper. For clients across Texas, Florida, and Colorado, we provide HIPAA-compliant virtual therapy (telehealth) with flexible evening and weekend openings.
What is the difference between an LPC-S and an LPC-Associate, and how does it affect session cost?
At our practice, services are provided by Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisors (LPC-S), Licensed Master Social Workers (LMSW), and LPC-Associates. An LPC-Associate is a fully master’s-level clinician completing advanced clinical hours under direct board-approved supervision. Choosing an LPC-Associate allows you to receive high-quality, specialized care at accessible self-pay rates. We accept select insurance plans (such as Aetna, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare) and provide Good Faith Estimates for out-of-network/private pay clients under the No Surprises Act.
What should parents expect when booking Child-Centered Play Therapy for ADHD or Autism in McKinney?
Our Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) provides a developmentally supportive space for children, including neurodivergent kids (ADHD/Autism), to process emotions through natural play. Led by trained specialists like Dr. Desiree Stephens, PhD, LPC-S, therapy begins with an adult-only parent intake session to review history and goals. Parents receive regular progress updates, actionable home strategies, and collaborative support tailored to their child’s emotional growth.
Which evidence-based therapy modality—like EMDR, CBT, or Gottman Couples Counseling—is right for me?
We do not use a one-size-fits-all approach. During your initial clinical intake session, your counselor tailors a personalized treatment plan drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for anxiety/depression, EMDR for trauma resolution, Sandtray Therapy, or the Gottman Method for couples and marriage counseling. Your therapist will walk you through each method to ensure you feel comfortable and empowered in your care.
What actually happens during my first session at The Desired Journey Counseling?
Your initial 45-to-60 minute intake session is designed to feel like a comfortable, grounded human conversation, not a clinical interrogation. You and your therapist will discuss what brought you to counseling, outline your personal or relationship goals, and discuss initial coping strategies at your own pace. There is no pressure to share more than you are ready to; our goal is simply to establish a secure foundation for your mental health journey.

Still have questions?

We're here to help you on your desired journey.
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Testimonials

See What People Are Saying

Tricia B.
Clinicians are excellent!
"Dr. Stephens at The Desired Journey is a fantastic clinician! I’ve referred both kids and adult clients to this practice. All of the clinicians are excellent!"
Anna
The Desired Journey has truly been a place of healing for my family.
"Whether it be myself or little ones, Dr. Stephens and her colleagues have always been warm, welcoming, and considerate. I faithfully encourage anyone reading these reviews-- let this practice be the path that helps guide you on your journey of a deeper self-understanding!"
Edward G.
Wow, I cant say enough great things about this place.
"The professionalism these folks demonstrate, whether it be 1:1 or a group they make you feel safe and free to speak your mind. I would recommend to anyone even just thinking about therapy."
T. Minter
She transforms lives!
"Dr. Stephens doesn’t just counsel—she transforms lives. Her commitment to supporting the whole person creates profound, lasting change, and she is truly amazing!"
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Ready to Begin Your Desired Journey?

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Smiling German Shepherd dog lying down with tongue out against a light background.
Plush doll in hoodie sitting next to a stack of therapy books on a wooden table.
Street view of historic downtown McKinney with signage, trees, parked cars, and a clear sky.
Three women standing smiling with a German shepherd dog in a bright room with wooden table.