Dr. Laura Knowles
Therapist, PhD, LPC
Owner of
The Barefoot Therapists
Meet Dr. Laura
(She/Her)
Laura is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice in both Plano and Corinth, Texas. She completed her Bachelors of Business Administration at Texas A & M University before a short career in Advertising. She quickly realized her desire to help others was too great to be relegated to weekend volunteer activity. Thus, she returned to school and sought her Masters of Arts in Counseling Psychology from the University of Houston – Victoria. Laura completed her Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) in Experimental psychology from the University of North Texas, where she gained specialized training in Couples Counseling, Developmental Psychology, Scientific Research, and Women’s Issues. Her dissertation investigated cognitive symptoms of PTSD and sexualized views of self in female survivors of sexual abuse.
Dr. Laura is currently an Associate Professor at the NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development. She teaches a graduate course in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to future professional mental health clinicians and school counselors. In addition to her teaching experience at University of North Texas, North Central Texas College, and Collin College, she has worked and/or trained in the various testing, counseling and student advising settings listed.
Mind for Life: Brain Center
UNT Psychology Department Degree Plan Counselor
UNT Psychology Clinic
UNT Counseling & Testing Center
Denton County Friends of the Family – Survivor’s Advocacy Team
Denton County Juvenile Detention Center
UNT Substance Abuse Resource Center - Graduate Educator
Carswell Women’s Federal Medical Prison
UNT Ally - LGBT Advocate
Dallas Metrocare Services (formerly Dallas County MHMR)
Cook Children’s Hospital – Life After Cancer Program
UH-Victoria School of Business Degree Plan Counselor
Meet Our Team
Clients have described Amber as nonjudgmental and easy to talk to. She offers a safe, affirming space for neurodivergent individuals, including those with ADHD and autism, and for people who may have felt judged or misunderstood in previous therapy, whether due to identity, relationship structure, or lived experience.
Before entering the field professionally, Amber spent eight years offering lay counseling and support through international service work. That experience not only deepened her commitment to helping others, but also gave her firsthand insight into living as a cultural minority. This understanding continues to shape her empathy and approach today. Additionally, she gained experience in a neuropsychology research lab conducting assessments for neurodegenerative conditions, and in a men’s residential halfway house supporting individuals in substance use recovery.
Her work is grounded in a strengths-based, client-centered philosophy that integrates elements of positive psychology, mindfulness, and cognitive reframing. She uses CBT, REBT, and Motivational Interviewing, and is trained in EMDR. Amber also incorporates Polyvagal Theory and somatic practices to support nervous system regulation and trauma healing, and offers integration support for clients engaging in entheogenic-assisted psychotherapy, including ketamine.
Amber believes therapy should be a space where people feel safe, understood, and supported. She brings clinical expertise to the process while working collaboratively with clients to explore what gives their lives meaning and make changes that align with who they want to become. She approaches each session with curiosity and respect for the unique goals each client brings into the room.
When she’s not seeing clients, Amber enjoys being outdoors, dancing, drumming, and hula hooping as ways to stay grounded and present. She shares life with her two rescue huskies, Simba and Mika, who bring a lot of love and personality to her downtime. She values quiet moments, creativity, and staying active in ways that help her feel present.
D. Amber Freeze,
MS, LPC-Associate, LCDC
Business Manager & Resident Therapist
Supervised by Laura Knowles, PhD, LPC-S
(She/Her/Hers)
Amber Freeze is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor. She began her training in addictions counseling at Tyler Junior College and went on to complete both her undergraduate studies in Psychology and a Master of Science in Neuropsychology at The University of Texas at Tyler. She specializes in supporting adults who are working through emotional challenges, trauma, and behavior patterns they’re looking to better understand or shift. Her style is collaborative and compassionate, creating space for real, meaningful progress.
Ruta Dighe
Practicum Intern
(She/Her/Hers)
Ruta Dighe is a dedicated and compassionate clinical psychology professional with a strong focus on trauma-informed care and culturally adaptive therapeutic approaches. She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Clinical Psychology (Neuropsychology subplan) at the University of Texas at Tyler. With years of hands-on experience, Ruta is committed to empowering individuals to overcome challenges and embrace their resilience.
Throughout her career, Ruta has worked with diverse populations, including children, adolescents, and marginalized communities, providing evidence-based treatments such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Her extensive research background enhances her therapeutic practice, having contributed to studies on psychological flexibility, self-compassion, and stigma among underserved populations. Ruta is passionate about bridging research and practice, ensuring that the care she provides is grounded in the latest evidence-based methods.
Ruta believes in creating a safe, empathetic space where clients can explore their emotions, build resilience, and achieve personal growth. She is dedicated to helping individuals work toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Judy Ma
Technology Specialist
(She/Her/Hers)
With a love for programming, education, and animals, Judy’s passion for technology stems from her experience as a hardware and software facilitator educating users to discover, own, and love their tech products on a deeper level.
Judy specializes in data collection programming for various healthcare companies that provide patient experience management solutions. Her programming background incorporates software development with a focus on Java, JavaScript, Python, and C#.
Join Us
Are you looking to start your own journey by helping others?
The Barefoot Therapist is always looking for qualified, compassionate and open-minded individuals to join our team.
We are currently accepting prospective interns, LPC Associates, Masters and Doctoral level practicum students.
Let’s Chat
Contact us to schedule a free phone consultation
to find out if counseling with the The Barefoot Therapists is the right fit for you.