What inspired you to become a counselor?
I’ve always been deeply attuned to my emotions. In my early adolescent years, this often felt like a flaw. I believed I was “too sensitive” or easily affected by others and my environment. Over time, and through the influence of books and podcasts by Brené Brown, I began to understand this sensitivity differently. I started to see it not as a weakness, but as a superpower, a kind of emotional awareness that not everyone carries, and one that can be used in service of others.
As I grew into this understanding, I also noticed how naturally I was drawn to people’s lives. My sensitivity became closely tied to a deep curiosity about what shapes people beneath the surface: their stories, experiences, and the patterns that influence who they are today. I’ve come to realize that this blend of emotional attunement and curiosity is something many counselors share, and it continues to guide my practice.
What is something you would like new clients to know about beginning the counseling process?
It’s completely normal to feel nervous when starting therapy. It’s also normal if you don’t immediately feel connected to or convinced by the process. Counseling is a process. It takes time, and it’s rarely linear. Some sessions may feel slow, while others may bring up a wide range of emotions.
I often encourage clients to think of therapy as exploring a house with rooms you’ve never entered before. Some rooms may feel familiar and comfortable, while others may be locked, dusty, or not yet ready to be opened. Therapy moves at your pace, helping you understand what’s been stored in those rooms and why. What matters most is openness and intentionality. We often get out of the work what we are willing to put into it, and growth unfolds when we allow ourselves to stay present with the process.
How would you describe your style or approach when counseling?
My approach is rooted in compassion, curiosity, and depth. I primarily work from a psychodynamic lens, helping clients explore patterns, experiences, and emotions that may not yet be fully conscious, but continue to shape how they relate to themselves and others. I integrate DBT and attachment-based approaches to support emotional regulation, self-understanding, and relational healing. I strive to model compassion with my clients with the hope that clients can begin to practice that same compassion toward themselves.
What self-care practices do you enjoy doing the most?
I love rock climbing. Surprisingly, it’s one of the ways I practice coping with anxiety the most. Rock climbing is both my favorite recreational activity and a form of mental practice because it requires mindfulness, grounding, and staying present in your body. I also love movement in general, and I find it to be an important way to reconnect with myself and reset.
How do I schedule an appointment with Antoinette?
You can email me directly at apanganiban@springtreecounseling.com. I see clients both in Evanson and virtually. If you would like to learn more about Antoinette, you can also check out her biography here.