Dr. Laura Knowles
Therapist, PhD, LPC-S
Owner of
The Barefoot Therapists
Meet Dr. Laura
(She/Her/Hers)
Laura is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice in both Plano and Corinth, Texas. She completed her Bachelor 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 Master 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
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.
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.
Juyeon Noel Criswell
(She/Her)
Juyeon Noel Criswell is a graduate student in the Marriage and Family Therapy program at The King’s University, currently completing her clinical training as a practicum intern. She brings a background in architectural design, including experience with complex projects and systems, followed by many years of family leadership, volunteer service, and faith-based community involvement.
Juyeon approaches counseling with a steady, grounded presence shaped by both professional experience and lived experience. Her perspective is informed by systems thinking, with close attention to how emotional, relational, and spiritual factors interact over time. She is particularly attentive to what sits beneath the surface and does not rush the process of understanding.
Her clinical interests include individuals navigating anxiety, life transitions, and relational strain. She draws from person-centered and existential approaches, while integrating practical tools when helpful. She values honesty in the counseling space, including the willingness to examine patterns that may be difficult but necessary for meaningful change.
As a bilingual speaker in Korean and English, she works with clients across cultural contexts with sensitivity and clarity.
Outside of her clinical work, Juyeon remains actively involved in her faith community and values a life oriented toward responsibility, service, and continued personal growth.
Join Us
Are you looking to start your own journey by helping others?
The Barefoot Therapists 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 Barefoot Therapists is the right fit for you.