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
D. Amber Freeze,
MS, LCDC
Business Manager and Resident Therapist
(She/Her/Hers)
Amber recently completed the Clinical Neuropsychology program at the University of Texas at Tyler. She completed her Bachelor of Applied Art and Science in Psychology at The University of Texas at Tyler after completing a certificate of proficiency in addictions counseling while completing her Associates at Tyler Junior College.
She is a nontraditional student, having worked as a missionary for 8 years where she realized her deep passion for helping others. In 2016 she made the decision to take her love for helping others in a professional direction and began the pursuit of a higher education. She hopes to help those who deal with trauma and substance abuse through the use of positive psychology, mindfulness, and cognitive reframing. Her research interests include the developing, innovative psycho-biological treatments of entheogenic-assisted psychotherapy in conjunction with transpersonal psychology, and trauma processing through the separation of memories from emotions.
Amber has gained experience training as a chemical dependency counselor at Lila Lane Recovery Center and is a certified SMART recovery facilitator, and is currently training to be a Licensed Psychological Associate. She is well-versed in a blend of Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI).
About 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.
About Karlie James
Practicum Intern
(She/Her/Hers)
Karlie is currently pursuing her Master's degree in the Clinical Psychology Program at the University of Texas at Tyler. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Texas Woman’s University, where she established a strong foundation in child development and psychology, fostering her deep passion for helping others.
Karlie’s interest in psychology began at a young age and has continued throughout her life, particularly in her current role as a Teacher’s Assistant at a preschool. During this time, she has witnessed firsthand how simple interactions, such as talking with and playing alongside children, can significantly enhance their emotional well-being and lay a solid foundation for their development. This experience has fueled her desire to help individuals build resilience and achieve happiness.
Karlie is particularly drawn to supporting individuals facing challenges such as depression and anxiety. She is well-versed in evidence-based therapeutic techniques, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), both of which she uses to empower her clients to overcome obstacles and create lasting, positive changes in their lives.
Known for her outgoing personality and empathetic approach, Karlie is committed to creating a person-centered, non-judgmental therapeutic environment where clients feel safe to express themselves. Her goal is to establish strong, trusting therapeutic alliances, providing care and respect to everyone she works with. She is dedicated to helping her clients develop the skills they need to lead fulfilling and resilient lives.
Ultimately, Karlie aspires to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and work with underserved populations. She is determined to make a meaningful difference by using her knowledge, compassion, and expertise to help people navigate life’s challenges and improve their mental health.
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.