Gary Russell

I believe our deepest purpose in life is to love and support one another. When we align ourselves with that calling, life takes on more joy, peace, and meaning. But too often, unresolved pain from the past—whether from trauma, shame, or emotional wounds—shows up as self-defeating patterns that keep us stuck. My mission as a counselor is to help people face those hidden struggles, heal from them, and step into a life of authentic freedom, strength, and fulfillment.

My work centers strongly on men’s issues, because I’ve seen how many men wrestle silently with shame, self-esteem, addiction, trauma, and the struggle to live with authenticity in their relationships, families, and careers. I also work with women, couples, and clergy—particularly those navigating stress and burnout in the context of their Christian vocation. Whether it’s depression, anxiety, spiritual questions, parenting, or recovering from divorce, my focus is on helping clients find clarity, healing, and a path forward that feels true to who they are.

Before I became a counselor, I spent 30 years in the energy industry in leadership, engineering, finance, and consulting roles. That experience gave me a firsthand understanding of the pressures of success, identity, and responsibility that so many people—especially men—face. In 2019, I felt called to step into counseling, training under the supervision of Roxy Riefkohl, Ph.D., LPC-S. Today, I’m licensed in Texas as both a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC), and I’m also a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT). I am EMDR trained, Gottman Method Level 1 trained, and actively involved in men’s leadership and spiritual formation programs, including The Mankind Project and That Man Is You.

My approach to therapy is both practical and deeply relational. I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), EMDR, and Choice Theory, all rooted in self-compassion, mindfulness, and spiritual integration. My Christian faith informs my worldview and guides my practice, but I welcome and respect clients from every faith tradition—or none at all. Each client’s journey is unique, and together we create a personalized plan that reflects their values, goals, and strengths.

I grew up in the New Orleans area and have called Houston home for most of my life. Outside of counseling, I find joy in time with my son, especially when we’re outdoors or watching sports. I prioritize my own mental, physical, and spiritual health through regular exercise, reflection, and community—because I believe the best way to guide others toward wholeness is to live it out myself.

I hold a Master of Arts in Counseling from Houston Christian University, an MBA in Finance from the University of Houston, and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Tulane University. I am a member of ACA, TCA, AACC, and the Catholic Psychotherapy Association.

Areas of Specialty
Men’s Issues | Couples | Trauma | Addiction (substance & behavioral) | Shame | Depression & Anxiety | Parenting | Divorce & Recovery | Faith & Spirituality | Clergy Stress & Vocation | Authentic Masculinity

Insurances Accepted:
Aetna, Optum, United