Down and Out?

Do you find yourself struggling with a sense of brokenness? Have you lost hope, joy, and trust in the possibility that things will improve? Do you feel disconnected from the world? Is depression stealing your ability to move forward? Is your inner critic screaming “YOU ARE A FAILURE!”?

Freaking Out?

Is anxiety tightening its grip on you? Sleepless nights, cold sweats, and endless worries. You know life could be better without these feelings. Your body betrays you with a racing heart, headaches, and stomachaches. Anxiety has you stuck, and you just want to break free.

How we help

While there is no one-size-fits-all solution to healing, there is a brain-based, science-based therapy that is proven to work. This model views all symptoms and behaviors as survival strategies that once made sense but may no longer be helpful. Yes, every symptom and behavior make sense within the context of your life experiences. Your story makes sense. It’s not your fault. Conditions like depression, anxiety, stress, chronic pain, grief/loss, PTSD, addiction, and interpersonal difficulties often result from nervous system dysregulation. We’ll work together to make sense of your unique situation through this perspective.

Stressed out?

When the stress response is left incomplete, or overwhelms us, our nervous system becomes “stuck” in a dysregulated state, manifesting as anxiety or depression. These symptoms are the body’s way of signaling for help, much like a “check engine” light in a car. Our approach is integrative, focusing on the nervous system’s role in our well-being. Both childhood and adulthood experiences can trigger the stress cycle in our nervous system. Like digesting food, we must process these stressful encounters; otherwise, they remain trapped in our bodies, resulting in ongoing symptoms. Our society often encourages us to ignore these bodily signals. Through learning to complete the stress response and process past traumas, your moods, behaviors, and unhelpful thought patterns will positively transform.

How Trauma keeps us stuck

PTSD doesn’t naturally fade away; it keeps you in a perpetual state of fear, even when you’re safe. Sleep becomes elusive, plagued by nightmares and a pervasive sense of unease. Trusting others, even those closest to you, feels like an insurmountable challenge. Your own behavior can confuse you at times, as you battle irritability and anger over seemingly trivial things. The cycle of shame may even lead you to believe the world is better off without you, and the slightest trigger throws you back into painful memories.

Tools that help

You will gain practical tools to work with your nervous system in real time, ultimately feeling empowered, more resilient, and better regulated. Mind-body techniques will help you move beyond protective stances and reconnect with your loved ones.

Unlike other therapies that use a bandaid approach to manage symptoms,my goal is to heal the deeper wounds that are causing your symptoms.

In person and online therapy for clients throughout Texas. 
Don’t settle on a quick symptom fix. I’d like to invite you on this road less traveled that leads to something new, evolved, and the way you imagined it would be!

Linda Barnard of Houston center for counseling in Bellaire

I’m Linda, a Licensed Professional Counselor.

Addressing both the psychological and physiological aspects of trauma, depression, and anxiety is my expertise.

I’m Linda, a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Nurse, uniquely qualified to integrate medical knowledge into the understanding of mental well-being, particularly focusing on the physical and nervous system components.

“No matter how hard the past, you can always begin again.”

– The Buddha

EVIDENCE BASED THERAPY FOR ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, AND TRAUMA

Our Philosophy

LESS NODDING AND SMILING

Our Mission

NO TIME WASTING

Our Approach

PRACTICAL, SCIENCE BASED, RESULTS DRIVEN

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Everyone is welcome here.

Offering

EMDR Therapy, a powerful tool that has liberated many from the grip of trauma, anxiety, and depression.

Intuitive and Relational

At Houston Center for Counseling, my goal is to allow my clients to heal and regain their passion for life in as little time as possible. I use a relational approach that utilizes what we know about ego states, attachment, and even neurobiology to tackle issues brought about by anxiety, depression, and especially trauma.

Schedule An Appointment Today.

Are you ready to take your first steps toward complete recovery and healing?