Gary Russell

Gary Russell, LPC, LCDC

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC)

My Mission: I believe the singular reason we all exist is simply to love and support one another. The more we can align with that core purpose, the happier and more joy-filled our life can be. Unprocessed emotions from past distress and trauma often drive compulsive, self-defeating, dysfunctional behaviors that tend to impede our personal fulfillment. I hope to help people heal from past traumas, resolve distressing emotions, connect with their true purpose, and ultimately experience genuine, consistent peace, joy, and happiness in their lives.

My Focus: I primarily focus on men’s issues including self-esteem, shame, trauma, emotional abuse, authentic masculinity, substance and behavioral addictions, depression, anxiety, relationships, parenting, spirituality, and divorce distress and recovery. I also work regularly with women, couples, and adolescents.

My Experience: I began counseling under the supervision of Roxy Riefkohl, Ph.D., LPC-S in January 2019. I am now registered in Texas as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)  and as a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC).

I have several years of experience in various mentoring and leadership roles with several organizations including The Mankind Project and That Man Is You men’s spiritual leadership program, and I serve on the Advisory Board at the Holy Name Passionist Retreat Center.

Prior to feeling called to a counseling career, I enjoyed a successful 30-year career in the energy industry in various engineering, finance, public communications, and business consulting roles.

My Counseling Approach: My counseling approach incorporates principles of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Psychoanalytic Therapy, and Choice Theory / Reality Therapy (CT/RT) --- all with a strong foundation in self-compassion, mindfulness, and spirituality. My counseling approach and worldview are informed by and influenced by Christian principles, yet I welcome, respect, and support clients of all faith perspectives.

I believe that integration of these approaches and concepts provides an opportunity to create a specific treatment plan for each client. I seek to work collaboratively with the client to help him or her achieve overall well-being.

About Me: I am originally from the New Orleans area and have lived most of my adult life in Houston. I cherish time with my son, especially watching and playing sports and other outdoor activities. I also enjoy swimming, biking, running, and socializing with friends. And I am committed to living a healthy life of mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being.

I am a member of the American Counseling Association (ACA), the Texas Counseling Association (TCA), the American Association of Christian Counseling (AACC), and the Catholic Psychotherapy Association (CPA).

Education and Training: I hold a Master of Arts degree in Counseling from Houston Baptist University; a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree in Finance from the University of Houston; and a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Tulane University. I have completed Gottman Couples Therapy Level I training.

Areas of Specialty: Men’s issues, individuals, couples, relationships, parenting, divorce, divorce recovery, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, shame, trauma, emotional abuse, authentic masculinity, spirituality and faith challenges, alcoholism, drug addiction, substance addiction, behavioral addictions, gaming addiction, social media addiction.