Gary Russell

Gary Russell, LPC, LCDC

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC)

Certified Sex Addiction Therapist Candidate (CSAT Candidate)

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 seek to help people heal from past traumas, resolve distressing emotions, connect with their true purpose, and ultimately experience genuine, consistent, reliable 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 and couples, and I support Catholic clergy and others struggling in the context of their Christian vocation.

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). As of January 2024, I am a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist Candidate (CSAT Candidate).

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, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), 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 and non-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 --- consistent with the principles that undergird my approach to counseling.

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 and EMDR training. 

As a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist Candidate, I am currently undergoing the extensive training required to become a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT) through the International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals (IITAP).

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, alcohol addiction, drug addiction, substance addiction, behavioral addictions including gaming addiction, pornography addiction, sex addiction, love addiction, sexual anorexia, and issues regarding celibacy,