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HGICOunselingHOUSTON-GALVESTONINSTITUTE EST. 1978Created byAnnaliese TranJudelande Coris2116 Thompson Rd.Suite 107Richmond, Texas 77469United Stateshttp://www.hgicounselingtx.org/2025-2026The leader in Collaborative-Dialogic Practices Message

Throughout our externship, we had the chance to speakwith some of the therapists who make up the heart ofHGI Counseling. These conversations gave us a reallook into what working in this field is like—thechallenges, the rewarding moments, and the paths thatled them here. Along the way, they shared pieces of lifeadvice, reflections on their journeys, and a glimpse intowhat it means to do this kind of work every day.WelcomeTO HGI CounselingA Note from the Editors:

Overview of HGI Counseling’s founders and an introduction toCollaborative-Dialogic Practices (CDP).Get to know the creators behind the scenes. This section also features theinterview questions guiding our conversations with the therapists. Hear what inspired our therapists, the challenges they overcame, and whatfuels their passion—plus a fun personal or professional highlight.Final thoughts and reflections from the editorial team on this journey. IntroductionMeet the EditorsThe Therapists’ Journey Closing RemarksTABLEcontentsof

Meet TheFoundersEstablished 1978Harold Goolishian (1924–1991) A pioneering family psychologist and co-founder of HGICounseling. In the 1950s, he helped develop Multiple ImpactTherapy, one of the first federally funded family therapy projects.He was a leader in the social constructionist movement and helpedshape the Collaborative Language Systems Approach. Hiswarmth, curiosity, and storytelling left a lasting impact on therapyand those he worked with.Paul F. DellCo-founder of HGI Counseling with a background in academia andprivate practice. Originally a family therapist, he shifted focus totrauma and dissociation, developing the MultidimensionalInventory of Dissociation. He co-edited Dissociation and theDissociative Disorders: DSM-V and Beyond and has been active inthe International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation.He also advised the American Psychiatric Association on PTSD andcontinues exploring complex issues in trauma and human nature.Harlene AndersonCo-founder of HGI Counseling and a leading voice in collaborative-dialogic practice. Internationally recognized for her work in postmoderntherapy, she has applied her ideas across education, research, andconsultation. She has authored and co-edited several influential books,including Collaborative Therapy and Conversations, Language andPossibilities. Her work has earned major awards for contributions tofamily therapy, and her legacy continues through the Taos Institute,Access Success International, and the International Journal ofCollaborative Practices.G.P.George Pulliam (1932-2020)Co‑founder of the Galveston Family Institute, he played a key role inlaunching the institute’s systems‑oriented and collaborative therapyapproach. While specifics about his personal contributions are scarce,his foundational work helped establish HGI Counseling’s lasting legacyin brief and dialogic therapy, responding creatively to community needsand training therapists worldwide.

collaboraTHERAPYtiveCollaborative-Dialogic Therapy is a postmodern approachto therapy where client and therapist engage as equalpartners in conversation. The therapist doesn’t act as theexpert, but as a respectful collaborator, believing the client isthe expert on their own life. Together, they explore concerns,generate new meanings, and co-create possibilities forchange.Core Principles: Mutual respect Not-knowing stanceConversational partnershipTransparencyLiving with uncertaintyEveryday relevanceMutual transformationDeveloped by Harlene Anderson and her colleagues,Collaborative-Dialogic Practice invites therapists to enterconversations without assumptions, hierarchy, or pre-setagendas. It’s a philosophy grounded in humility, where thetherapist listens with openness and joins the client in ashared exploration of meaning.At its core is the belief that language shapesour realities. The words we use—how we nameproblems, describe ourselves, or envision thefuture—can limit or liberate us. In this work,dialogue becomes a space for discovery, notcorrection. Power is shared, not imposed.Rather than aiming to “treat” a person, thisapproach fosters a genuine relationship inwhich therapist and client co-create newpossibilities. Every interaction is shaped byrespect, responsiveness, and a belief in theclient’s capacity to define what matters most.

My name is Judelande Coris, and I’m an incoming freshmanat UTSA. I plan to major in biology with a minor inpsychology, following the pre-med track with the goal ofbecoming a psychiatrist. I was drawn to this externshipbecause of its focus on behavioral health—an area I’mdeeply passionate about. During my time at HGICounseling, I learned about collaborative practices,interviewed therapists, and had the chance to askmeaningful questions about the field. One of the mostmemorable parts of this experience was meeting others whoshare my goal of reducing the stigma around mental health.Editorial StaffAnnaliese TranAnnaliese and Judelande joined HGI Counseling in thesummer of 2025 through the WREDI Program, a workforcedevelopment initiative by the Network of Behavioral HealthProviders (NBHP) that connects high school and college students with hands-on learning in behavioral health settings. As externs, we had the opportunity to interview therapists and explore the principlesof collaborative care. Annaliese Tran is a rising senior at Kempner High Schoolwith a growing interest in clinical psychology. She joinedHGI Counseling through the NBHP WREDI externship,inspired by her passion for psychology and an early love forbiopsychology sparked in AP Psych. During her time atHGI, she interviewed therapists, attended support groups,and designed this magazine. One of her favorite parts of theexperience was hearing how each therapist found their pathto the field, and learning how therapy can change lives. As aVietnamese American, she hopes to reduce the stigmaaround mental health in her community and beyond.Judelande CorisMeet the Editors

what’s THEIRjSuccess Stories Interview QuestionsThese questions guided our conversations withtherapists to explore their personal journeys,challenges, and motivations behind their work.1. What personal experiences or moments in yourlife first sparked your interest in mental health,and how did they shape your path towardbecoming a therapist?To understand the roots of their passion andmotivation.2. Can you share a challenge you faced on yourjourney to becoming a therapist and how itinfluenced your growth, personally or professionally?To highlight resilience and growth through obstacles 3. What gives you the most meaning or purpose inyour work as a therapist today, and how has thatevolved over time?To explore how their sense of purpose continues todevelop.ourney?

Featuring: Juhee Shamsi & KristalJacksonROOTSofKristal Jackson LPCKristal Jackson is a Licensed ProfessionalCounselor from Houston with abachelor’s degree from Texas StateUniversity and a master’s degree fromthe University of Houston–Clear Lake.Initially, she planned to pursue a medicalcareer and took pre-med courses, but apsychology class and the challenge oforganic chemistry led her to reconsiderher path. This redirection sparked herpassion for mental health andcounseling. While working as asubstitute teacher and later as a schoolcounselor, Kristal balanced the demandsToday, she finds fulfillment in helping families communicate more effectivelyand reduce stress. Having seen the benefits of therapy in her own family, shevalues the small shifts she helps create in her clients’ lives. She’s especiallyproud of the strong personal relationships she’s been able to maintainthrough life’s many challenges.Juhee Shamsi LMFT-AJuhee Shamsi discovered her interestin mental health in high school,inspired by her grandfather’s work as apsychiatrist and her role as the oldestof four siblings, often offering advice tofriends and family. Though she initiallypursued pre-optometry and spent asemester in optometry school, sherealized it wasn’t the right fit. Culturaland familial expectations made thedecision difficult, but a conversationwith a family friend in the field oftherapy opened a new path. Juhee laterearned her master’s degree at ArizonaState University and completed et Texas licensure requirements. additional coursework at UHCL to meof her professional life with personal challenges, including supporting heryoung son through significant health struggles. These experiences deeplyshaped her resilience, patience, and ability to listen beyond words,developing a keen sensitivity to body language and the unspoken emotionsclients bring into therapy. Early in her career, Kristal found herself focusedon meeting quotas and balancing financial pressures, but over time, shelearned to embrace the unique rhythm of each client’s journey. She findsprofound fulfillment in the simple yet powerful act of clients showing up andtrusting her to hold space for their stories and healing. Outside of hertherapy practice, Kristal teaches fitness classes, a passion that reflects herbelief in the integral connection between mind and body—an approach shebrings to both her personal life and her work with clients.

Kate Bevel LMFT-InternKate Bevel, originally from Houston,served in the Marine Corps for four yearsbefore continuing her academic journey.She first earned an associate degree inASL Interpretation and Deaf Studies,sparked by an initial languagerequirement that grew into a deeperinterest. Afterward, she pursued abachelor’s degree in Psychology and isnow a student at Our Lady of the LakeUniversity. Her passion for mental healthstems from personal experiencesgrowing up around people who struggledemotionally. Even as a child, she Featuring: Kate Bevel & Brianne MoralesCHANGEfBrianne Morales LMFT-ABrianne Morales is a Licensed Marriageand Family Therapist Associate. Sheearned her degree from the Universityof Houston–Clear Lake in 2023 andjoined HGI Counseling Center afterinterning there during graduate school.She began in the school-based therapyprogram and now works with a widerange of clients through HGICounseling’s open community anddomestic relations programs. Briannealso serves as a Mental WellnessConsultant for Avance-Houston, whereshe supports students and staff at EarlyHead Start and Head Start centers. Herjourney into mental health is rooted in aexpressed a desire to support others, once saying she wanted to be a“professional best friend.” Returning to school after military service waschallenging, but it gave her discipline and a renewed sense of purpose. Now,as an intern therapist, she finds meaning in offering clients a space wherethey feel seen and valued. Despite the demands of the work, her ability toconnect with others on a deep level continues to inspire and motivate her. Asignificant accomplishment she’s proud of is passing her state licensingexam on the first attempt.her middle name, “Hope,” was chosen by her mother after a family loss, andthat sense of purpose has guided her path. While public speaking once feltdaunting, Brianne has grown through every challenge, including her firstprofessional panel, which helped affirm her place in the field. Today, the mostmeaningful part of her work comes not from credentials, but from witnessingclients grow and hearing how therapy has impacted their lives. For her, that iswhat truly defines being a therapist.deep personal connection— her

Roxanne De La Garza LPC-A & LMFT-ARoxanne De La Garza’s path to becoming a therapist began after asuccessful but unfulfilling career in engineering. Although she wasthriving professionally, she found herself deeply unhappy. Seekingsupport, she turned to therapy—an experience that not only helpedher heal but also inspired her to pursue counseling as a career.Now an associate therapist working toward full licensure, Roxannespecializes in supporting children ages 3 to 13 at HGI Counseling.One of the biggest challenges she faced was juggling a part-time joband a stressful internship. environment during graduate school,which mirrored the burnout she had once experienced. This taughther the importance of working in environments that nurture ratherthan drain. Early in her counseling journey, Roxanne struggled tofind her footing while exploring different therapeutic styles, oftenfeeling pulled in too many directions. Eventually, she found clarityby choosing an approach that felt right for her and her clients—leading to greater confidence and noticeable progress in her work.A fun fact about Roxanne: she loved boxing as a child and is nowrediscovering that passion as an adult.Alexa Gomez LMFTAlexa Gomez is a licensed marriage and family therapist whoearned her master’s degree in psychology from Our Lady ofthe Lake University and has been licensed since 2021. Herinterest in mental health began in high school through anintroductory psychology class, though she initially pursuedengineering for its financial stability. A shift in majors topsychology and sociology allowed her to follow her passionfor helping others, especially teens navigating transitions sheonce struggled with herself. One challenge she faced wasfinding a path to becoming a therapist that aligned with herstrengths and avoided overly research-heavy routes. Today,she finds purpose in watching clients connect with insightsfrom their sessions, especially when those “aha” momentshelp them grow. She particularly enjoys working withyounger clients, meeting them at their level through play andshared interests to build trust and meaningful therapeuticrelationships.Roxanne De La GarzaAlexa Gomez

Juni Shrestha LPC, LCDC-IJuni Shrestha brings a multi-cultural lens to her work as a therapist,shaped by her early life in Nepal, a decade spent in Dubai, and her currentpractice in Houston. Originally pursuing a degree in ComputerInformation Systems, she discovered her true passion for mental healthwhile completing a master’s in Juvenile Forensic Psychology and interningat Harris County Juvenile Justice Center. Her path included unexpecteddetours—such as teaching abroad due to licensing barriers—whichultimately deepened her passion and clarified her purpose.Upon returning to the U.S. later in life, Juni embraced counseling withrenewed dedication. She views therapy as a ripple effect: helping oneperson can positively transform an entire family. At HGI Counseling, she isdedicated to creating a safe, nonjudgmental, and collaborative space whereclients feel supported, seen, and empowered.Fluent in English, Nepali, Newari, Hindi, and Urdu, Juni gently walksalongside her clients, honoring their cultural identities, lived experiences,and life stories. Vanessa Degollado LPCVanessa Degollado is a Licensed Professional Counselor whoearned her bachelor’s in Psychology and Sociology from Texas StateUniversity and completed her master’s in Clinical HealthCounseling at the University of Houston. Her passion for mentalhealth began in childhood, when a friend confided in her abouttraumatic abuse, and she realized how unprepared she felt to help.Encouraged by peers who often turned to her for support, shepursued counseling professionally. While she initially wanted towork with adults, an internship with children in foster care shiftedher path, and she now primarily works with teens. Vanessa findspurpose in seeing clients grow, even in brief sessions, believing eachone leaves with something valuable. As the daughter of Mexicanimmigrants, she is proud to represent Hispanic voices in a fieldwhere they are underrepresented.Juni ShresthaVanessa Degollado

Alex PiperEllen Van Wart T O C O U N S E L I N GEllen Van Wart is a licensed professional counselor associate.Before becoming a therapist, she spent 14 years as an elementaryschool teacher abroad. Over time, she saw how emotional strugglesaffected her students’ ability to learn—an observation that led herto shift paths and support children more directly. Now, Ellenspecializes in working with children ages 3 to 10, particularly thosemanaging anxiety. She approaches behavior as communication,helping families better understand emotional needs and strengthenrelationships. As her career evolves, Ellen continues to grow insetting boundaries and balancing her role as a caregiver andclinician. One of her proudest accomplishments is using her livedexperience to meet families with empathy and presence duringdifficult moments.Alex Piper began his professional journey in the classroom,first as a high school teacher and then in elementaryeducation, before realizing he wanted a career that betteraligned with his values. A transformative experience in amen’s support group in 2016 sparked his interest in mentalhealth and solidified his desire to help others on a deeperlevel. Encouraged by a mentor to explore marriage andfamily therapy, Alex applied to a graduate program duringthe COVID-19 pandemic while living in Hong Kong.Today, as a school-based therapist, he finds fulfillment inbeing a consistent, caring presence for students—someonewho listens without judgment and collaborates rather than"fixes." Though building a new career in the nonprofitworld brings financial and licensure-related challenges, Alexfeels grounded in his work and proud of his ability toconnect with young people in a way that feels natural andsincere.L P C - AL M F T - AF R O M C L A S S R O O M S

F R O M C L A S S R O O M SKeilen Yun is a therapist at HGI Counseling Center, where she supportssurvivors of domestic violence and human trafficking, court-orderedparenting clients, and adolescents from underserved Title I schools. Herjourney into mental health began after 16 years as an educator in SouthKorea, where she often encountered students whose emotional paincouldn’t be addressed through academics alone. Moving to the UnitedStates brought its own set of challenges—new language, culture, andclinical systems—but these experiences deepened her empathy andcommitment to cultural sensitivity in therapy. Recognizing the complexityof court-involved parenting cases, she completed over 100 hours ofspecialized training to better serve families navigating conflict, custody,and co-parenting. Keilen believes therapy is not about fixing people butabout walking alongside them with steady compassion. She finds purposein creating safe, respectful spaces where clients—especially adolescents—can begin to reclaim their worth. A fun fact: as an immigrant and non-native English speaker, she is proud to now serve in a field and languagethat once felt out of reach, showing clients that growth and healing arealways possible.Melike immigrated to the United States in 2016 and began working asan elementary school teacher, where she realized many children neededemotional support beyond academics. This insight led her to pursuetherapy, earning degrees from UCLA and Our Lady of the LakeUniversity. Now an intern at HGI Counseling, she works with clientsranging from age eight to sixty in school-based settings. While herfamily—especially her mother—had doubts about her practicingtherapy in a second language, Melike stayed committed to her goal.Today, she provides therapy to the Turkish community with empathy,openness, and a drive to keep learning. One of her most impactfulexperiences was supporting a client through deep emotional pain andwatching them grow, heal, and rediscover a sense of direction.Melike EmeksizLMFT-InternT O C O U N S E L I N GKeilen YunLPC-Intern

Samantha Coy-PhamF R E S HS T A R T SSamantha Coy-Pham’s journey to becoming a therapist was shaped bydeep personal loss and family challenges. During her master’s program, sheexperienced the gradual loss of her mother to cancer, along with thepassing of grandparents and other loved ones, yet she persevered andgraduated with honors. Initially uncertain about pursuing therapy—partlydue to her mother’s early skepticism and the example set by her siblings inthe medical field—Samantha ultimately received her mother’sencouragement to follow this path before her passing. Her ownexperiences with grief and emotional hardship deepened her empathy andstrengthened her commitment to supporting others. Over the past 12years, she has worked in hospitals, private practices, and leadership roles,offering compassionate care to clients during some of the most difficultseasons of their lives. She views her work as a calling, believing that fate—or a higher power—connects her with those who need her support. Today,she serves as the clinical director at HGI Counseling, and beyond herprofessional accomplishments, she considers becoming a mother herproudest and most meaningful achievement.L P C - SCarmen Simon is a licensed marriage and family therapist whose path intothe field began during her undergraduate years in California, where sheworked at a counseling nonprofit. That early exposure to the power ofemotional support inspired her to pursue therapy professionally. Carmenlater completed her graduate training and earned her license in Houston,demonstrating both adaptability and dedication. One of the greatestchallenges she faced was the demanding process of completing 3,000supervised clinical hours—a journey that often spans several years. Despitethe hurdles, she remains deeply committed to her clients, valuing theprivilege of being a trusted presence in their most vulnerable moments.Carmen finds purpose in learning from each experience, continuallystrengthening her ability to guide others through healing and growth.Carmen SimonL M F T

IN GOOD FAITHSTEVEN LOREDO & LISTON RICESteven Loredo, a Texas native and Hightower High School alumnus,originally planned to become a band director. However, his path took adifferent turn, leading him to explore the field of psychology. He wenton to earn a degree in psychology with a minor in criminal justice fromTexas State University. While working at a trade school with individualsfacing challenges such as addiction, gang involvement, and mentalhealth issues, Steven realized he wanted to provide deeper support,which motivated him to become a licensed therapist in 2020. He nowworks in areas such as men’s mental health, OCD, infidelity, identity,and marriage counseling, offering both Christian and secular therapy.One challenge he faced was reconciling his Catholic faith with his roleas a therapist, but over time, he found a way to integrate the two andmeet clients where they were. Today, he finds meaning in being asteady and supportive presence in his clients’ lives, similar to how aband director supports each musician. One accomplishment he’s proudof is being a published therapist with three articles and presentingprofessionally on topics such as OCD and men’s mental health.Liston Rice is a Licensed Professional Counselor whose journey into therapywas shaped by a long-standing interest in how people relate to one another,form communities, and make sense of the world around them. Initially drawnto psychology over two decades ago, he earned his undergraduate degree fromthe University of Edinburgh in 2006 before stepping away from the field forover a decade to work in oil and gas. In 2020, he returned to his passion,completing his graduate studies at Houston Christian University and becomingfully licensed in 2025. Along the way, he navigated personal and professionalchallenges—including the loss of his father during graduate school and theunique pressures of being a student during COVID-19—which deepened hisempathy and patience. Liston often reflects on how his nontraditionaleducational path, including studying among Presbyterian ministries, shaped hisopen and exploratory approach to therapy. He finds meaning in helping peopleexplore new ways of being and considers it a privilege to listen—especially toyoung clients in schools who may not have many adults truly hearing them.Outside of counseling, Liston is a dedicated birdwatcher who has spotted over1,000 species, with Costa Rica being a personal favorite destinationSteven Loredo LMFT-AListon Rice LPC

HGICOUNSELING’STEAMM E E T M O R E O FSarah Richardson LMFTPrincess Agbobock (LMFT-A), Flo Bhatia (LPC-A),Taylor Faraldo (LPC), Melissa Jones (LMFT-A),Elizabeth Silva (LMFT-A), and Jacqueline Smith (LMFT,LPC, LCDC) are valued members of HGI Counseling’sincredible clinical team. While we didn’t have theopportunity to interview them for this issue, eachtherapist plays an essential role in deliveringcompassionate, high-quality care. Together, theybring a wealth of experience, specialized training, andheartfelt dedication that help individuals and familiesheal, grow, and thrive every day.Meet the Rest of the TeamSarah Richardson is a fully licensed Marriage and Family Therapist whoearned her master’s degree from the University of Houston–Clear Lakein 2022 and completed her licensure in just two years. Her interest inmental health began with her own early struggles, which inspired herto better understand herself and help others do the same. As a newtherapist, Sarah navigated financial challenges and juggled multipleroles before building a steady caseload. Today, she finds purpose intrauma work, particularly using Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART),a technique that helps clients reprocess painful memories through eyemovement. She has witnessed powerful transformations, especiallyamong veterans and college-aged clients, sometimes in a singlesession. While digital therapy can be difficult—especially with childrenor in complex family dynamics—Sarah stays grounded in hercommitment to growth and healing. One of her proudestaccomplishments is building a life across different states, adjusting tonew environments, and embracing the opportunities and relationshipsthat came with each transition.

17Working on this project taught me just how passionateHGI Counseling therapists are about their work. Eachperson I interviewed had their own journey, and it wasmeaningful to see how deeply they care about helpingothers through therapy. Their commitment to thiscareer path was inspiring.This experience has completely changed the way I viewmental health. I realized that people have very differentapproaches to managing it, and that there's no one-size-fits-all method. Seeing how each therapist bringstheir own personality and perspective to their workmade me appreciate how unique and valuable each pathcan be.These interviews have made a positive impact on myfuture. As someone planning to pursue a career inbehavioral health, this project has made me even moreexcited and open to what lies ahead. I hope readerswalk away with a better understanding of the heartbehind therapy—and the people who make it possible.Annaliese Tran, High School SeniorJudelande Coris, College Freshman Working on this project has been an eye-opening andmeaningful experience. I was surprised by the genuine passionevery HGI Counseling therapist brings to their work. Theirjourneys into therapy are so varied — some started right afterhigh school, while others found their path later in life. Hearingtheir stories and seeing how therapy transformed their livesgave me a deeper appreciation for the profession.This experience also helped me overcome my own fears andmisunderstandings about therapy. Before this project, I didn’tknow much about the different specialties or approaches in thefield. Now I understand how important it is to break downbarriers to accessing therapy and to appreciate the humanitytherapists bring to their work.I hope readers see therapists as people who face struggles andquestions just like everyone else. That shared humanity allowstherapists to connect with real empathy, making HGICounseling’s mission even more important. On a personal note,I loved getting to know each therapist and feel honored toshare their stories and talents with you.Annaliese TranJudelande CorisClosing Remarks