Find a therapist in Houston, TX — covered by insurance

What I most want to impress upon you all is that I myself, have over 210 hours on the couch. I have been engaged in my own inner work since 2013. I continue and plan to always dig deeper within to extract every inch of meaning that is possible to obtain on this journey of life to leave this world a little better than I found it.

I specialize in working with adults navigating trauma, chronic pain, and ADHD. These challenges can leave you feeling stuck, disconnected, or unsure of how to move forward. But you don’t have to go through it alone. I bring not only my professional expertise but also my own personal experience of healing. I know firsthand how intimidating and overwhelming the journey can be. That’s why I’m committed to walking alongside you as a compassionate guide offering tools, empathy, and a safe space for you to explore your past, present, and the future you want to create.

If you are inevitably experiencing a life transition and/or any associated grief, loss, anxiety and depression there is no need to continue to suffer. I'm an affirming companion that provides a safe space to help you increase openness to the experience of life, and confront barriers to develop insight-driven movement. We will work to delve into those thoughts and feelings that vex you, identify a diverse understanding and coping skill acquisition that serves you beyond the therapy office.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience working inpatient and outpatient setting with adults and teens. I focus on life transitions we experience at all stages of life, relationship issues, stress, anxiety, depression and all other problems that can be related. My approach is client-centered that puts your unique experience at the center and makes our work very collaborative. I also utilize complimentary tools such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness and many others based on what best suits your own unique experience. I am also Board Certified Grief Counselor (GC-C). This specialization helps me to assist people in working through the 4 tasks of the mourning process as well as helping people navigate the mediators and barriers that lead to complicated mourning. This necessary process works to help alleviate suffering, make meaning in life and to reinvest in life while maintaining connection with who or what you may have lost.

Many symptoms we experience come from our way of perceiving the world and have been learned through any number of good and bad experiences. I believe exploring everyone's unique journey with them has always been one that speaks to my inner sense of purpose. By going down your unique inner world, my role is to be that objective accepting reflection pool that welcomes you to really examine all aspects of yourself and how you exist in your world. To work with someone as they explore any loss of purpose or a sense of isolation from themselves or others and be there to foster their way to meaning making and mastery over their suffering is one of the most uplifting experiences in my personal and professional life.

You've been called too much, or not enough. Maybe both, depending on the room. I work with individuals and couples in affirming, culturally responsive therapy. POC, LGBTQIA+ folks, people in ENM and nontraditional relationships, and anyone who's spent a lifetime translating themselves to be understood. Clients come in carrying grief, people-pleasing patterns, identity questions, the weight of being misread, or a relationship that's drifted, gone quiet, or is trying to find a new shape that actually fits. I'll challenge you and stay warm doing it. I don't ask you to shrink or perform to be met. This is a space to be known in full.

I’m Emily, owner of Alive and Whole Wellness and a Houston-based therapist. I specialize in therapy for lasting change by helping my clients heal at the root of their anxiety and move forward in life alive in purpose, whole in identity, and free from fear.

What to expect through therapy

Imagine a space where...

• You have a safe, trusting relationship where you freely and securely share your story.
• You identify the roots of your struggles and experience healing in mind, body, and spirit.
• You learn to reconnect with your sense of self and step back into life alive, whole, and free.
• Your past no longer keeps you feeling stuck, but becomes a part of your testimony as you move forward.

As a faith-based holistic therapist in Texas, I focus on aiding you navigate life’s challenges and heal from past experiences. I consider the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—to help you discover your strengths and build resilience. Whether you're facing relationship issues, anxiety, or trauma, I’m here to support your growth. If you're open to it, I can incorporate faith into our sessions, but I respect all belief systems. My goal is to create a non-judgmental space for positive change.

I am passionate about creating a safe and non-judgmental space for my clients. I am committed to helping my clients identify and navigate their feelings, learn healthier coping skills, and ultimately find hope and heal. I have worked with adults and adolescence with eating disorders, substance and behavioral addictions, personality disorders, bipolar disorder, co-dependency, trauma, anxiety, and depression.

You might not even be able to imagine happiness because you never learned how to dream. As a collaborative, strengths-based therapist, I can teach you to understand where that comes from, so you can grow into your identity(ies) and start dreaming of your future. This is called thriving.

Hello and welcome—I'm so glad you're here.

My name is Shanna Gardner, LPC-S, and I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor with over 20 years of experience in the mental health field. I'm deeply passionate about helping individuals navigate life’s challenges and discover a sense of peace, purpose, and emotional wellness.

I believe that therapy should be a space where you feel safe, heard, and truly understood. Whether you're dealing with overwhelming stress, navigating a tough life transition, or managing symptoms of anxiety or depression, I’m here to support you every step of the way.

As an LPC with over 21 years of experience I am passionate about working with individuals, families, and adolescents navigate life's inevitable challenges. Navigating those changes creates anxiety, depression, and feeling overwhelmed. We know change is constant and understanding all aspects of ourselves - emotionally, mentally, and physically - is of the utmost importance. It allows us to have a better relationship with ourselves; therefore, deeper and healthier relationships with others.

Providing individual, group, and family therapy across various settings has enabled me to understand the importance of developing healthy communication that will benefit long-term relationship skills.

My approach is centered on listening and nurturing the inherent resilience within each child and family. I aim to create and foster a supportive, healing environment where children and families can explore and understand their emotions and behaviors, empowering them with the necessary tools to navigate and overcome life's challenges. I utilize an eclectic strengths-based approach through child-centered play therapy, person-centered therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy.