I am a Licensed Professional Counselor offering individual therapy in English and Portuguese for adolescents and adults.

I specialize in eating disorders, trauma, substance use, behavioral addictions, and the self-esteem and body image concerns that often accompany them. I also lead the Coping Resource Center’s Eating Disorders Family Support Group and incorporate family work as part of individual treatment when clinically appropriate.

If you are struggling with your relationship with food, processing trauma, navigating addiction, or managing a major life transition, I bring extensive experience across residential, intensive outpatient, and private practice settings to help you heal and reconnect with yourself.

Tweens, Teens & Family Support

The middle school and high school years can be some of the most emotionally turbulent of a young person’s life. I specialize in helping tweens and teens navigate the anxiety, friendship challenges, and difficult emotions that often surface during these years. When working with younger clients, I also involve parents as needed, helping them understand what their child is experiencing and how to best support them at home.

Eating Disorders

I have extensive experience treating the full range of eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, ARFID, orthorexia, body dysmorphia, and over-exercising, developed through my years working at Monte Nido & Affiliates across residential, PHP, and IOP levels of care. My goal is to help you restore your relationship with food and your body so you can enjoy life again. I also lead the Eating Disorders Family Support Group at the Coping Resource Center, recognizing that recovery is most powerful when families are supported alongside their loved ones.

Trauma & PTSD

I provide a safe, supportive space to process traumatic experiences and build strategies that foster emotional resilience and recovery. I am trained in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), an evidence-based treatment that helps clients reconcile traumatic experiences with deeply held beliefs about themselves and the world.

Substance Use & Behavioral Addictions

My clinical experience in intensive treatment settings, including The Meadows IOP, has equipped me with evidence-based approaches including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help clients navigate substance use and behavioral addictions and build healthier, more sustainable coping strategies.

Life Transitions & Anxiety

From my early work as a school counseling intern at Strake Jesuit College Preparatory to my ongoing private practice, I have helped adolescents and adults manage anxiety, depression, and the challenges that come with major life changes. Using cognitive behavioral and mindfulness-based strategies, I help clients regain a sense of control and direction.

Bilingual Therapy in English and Portuguese

I provide culturally sensitive therapy in both English and Portuguese, drawing on my own experience as someone originally from Brazil to connect meaningfully with clients from diverse backgrounds.

Therapy Modalities

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

Training & Experience

Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, University of St. Thomas B.S. in Psychology, University of Houston Downtown Primary Therapist, Monte Nido and Affiliates (Residential, PHP, and IOP) Clinician, The Meadows IOP Clinician, Luna and Center for Teens School Counseling Intern, Strake Jesuit College Preparatory

More About Mylene

Originally from Brazil, Mylene is one of the co-founders of Cabelegria, a non-profit that began in her own apartment and has grown into one of the largest non-profits in Brazil. Cabelegria collects hair donations from across the country to create wigs for patients experiencing hair loss due to cancer, alopecia, and other conditions, at no cost to recipients. Through this work, Mylene developed a deep understanding of the emotional and relational toll of serious illness on individuals and families. She also brings professional experience from roles in HR and marketing at organizations including PricewaterhouseCoopers and Grupo Abril in Brazil.

Life Outside of Work

Outside of work, you will find me tending to my dozens of plants or visiting plant stores to add more to my collection. I also enjoy crocheting while rewatching my favorite TV shows for the tenth time. I am a devoted book lover and always have one within reach. I love spending time with friends and family over board games and afternoon tea.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor offering individual therapy in English and Portuguese for ... Read More

I am a Licensed Master Social Worker offering individual therapy for teens and adults, as well as couples and family therapy. I specialize in anxiety, self-esteem, life transitions, and relational patterns. I also lead the Coping Resource Center’s Anxiety and Coping Skills Group for Adolescents.

Whether you are navigating a major life change, feeling stuck in cycles of overthinking and self-doubt, or looking to strengthen your relationships, I bring a warm, practical, and collaborative approach to helping you move forward.

Anxiety & Self-Esteem

Many of my clients come to therapy feeling anxious, trapped in unhelpful thought cycles, or caught in patterns of self-criticism and people-pleasing. They may recognize that their thoughts are getting in the way but feel uncertain about how to shift them. I help clients reduce anxiety and emotional reactivity, build self-trust and confidence, and develop coping skills they can use in daily life. I especially love those moments when clients realize they can challenge old narratives and step into a more grounded, confident version of themselves.

Life Transitions

I work with teens and young adults navigating some of life’s most challenging turning points, including starting college, entering adulthood, managing academic and social pressure, and healing from difficult experiences. My background working with diverse populations, including survivors of human trafficking, individuals experiencing homelessness, and older adults in public housing, has shaped my ability to meet clients where they are with compassion and without judgment.

Couples & Family Therapy

I work with couples and family systems, including mother-daughter relationships, using a blend of CBT, DBT-informed strategies, and an attachment-based lens. My focus is on helping clients identify attachment styles, recognize and interrupt negative interaction cycles, improve communication, and build stronger emotional regulation and conflict management skills. By helping clients slow down reactivity and respond more intentionally, I support couples and families in building more connected, supportive relationships.

Therapy Modalities

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Somatic Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Skills Motivational Interviewing (MI) Narrative Therapy

Training & Experience

Master of Social Work, Baylor University Bachelor of Social Work, Baylor University Private Practice Counselor, Human To The Fullest Clinical Case Manager, SEARCH Homeless Services Case Manager, Unbound Children and Family Counselor, STARRY Counseling Research Assistant, Baylor University School of Social Work

Life Outside of Work

Outside of work, I am happily married and living in Houston. I love people and care deeply about building community, spending most of my time with friends and family. I find joy in quilting, knitting, painting, and reading, and prioritize staying active through yoga and long walks.

I am a Licensed Master Social Worker offering individual therapy for teens and adults, as well as... Read More

Dr. Nathan Barclay is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who offers individual and couples therapy, psychological assessments, and leads our adult DBT group. He specializes in grief, trauma, men’s issues, anxiety, depression, and interpersonal concerns, working primarily from an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) framework.

BIO

I provide therapy for people who have suffered loss, trauma, or other hardships that make living life difficult. By working together to explore your internal experiences, we will develop greater clarity about what matters most to you, what gets in the way of connecting with it, and what you can do to change that. Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) from a person-centered perspective, my goals are to help you embrace your thoughts and feelings, unburden yourself from the past and the future, and begin the process of reinvesting in your life. My specialties include:

Grief

Grief is a painful, natural, and necessary part of life. However, there are countless factors that can derail this process, which leads us to get stuck in our grief, struggle within ourselves, and miss out on finding life beyond the death. My approach focuses on overcoming those distractions and reacquainting you with the grieving process—making room to gradually and fully experience the loss—allowing you to move into a life that connects you with what matters to you while honoring the connection with the deceased. Grief is not something to “get over,” but rather something to journey through. The path of grief is different for everyone, and the cultural, social, and personal factors that shape how we grieve can make the process even more complicated. Many people find themselves stuck in grief because they feel pressured to “move on” before they are ready, because the pain feels too heavy to share, or even because the pain feels too heavy to bear alone. We will navigate this often difficult terrain by embracing the full range of your emotions without rushing the process, finding a way to honor the journey as deeply as we honor the deceased.

Trauma

Trauma treatment can be complicated, and it often requires a flexible, personalized approach to getting you back in touch with your life. I navigate this using Trauma-Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (TFACT), which prioritizes how we establish a new relationship with the trauma in the present moment. We do not resign ourselves to the trauma, but instead, we find a way to regain control over how you respond to these past wounds. I also draw from other evidence-based modalities when appropriate, ensuring that your care is tailored to fit your unique goals, centered around the primary idea of reclaiming your sense of agency and direction. Together, we will work on fostering resilience, self-compassion, and the ability to move forward with a sense of purpose and connection.

Men’s Issues

Men experience a host of issues that are often overlooked and misunderstood, and as a result, they often do not receive the help or support they need when they would need it most. Men across a wide range of backgrounds find themselves carrying this suffering in silence, unsure of how to navigate their feelings or find others who can relate. I am passionate about ensuring that men can have the space to connect fully with what really matters to them, allowing you to define what it means to be your best self. By approaching our internal experiences curiously and confidently, we can come to terms with every aspect of our identity and reengage with our lives. This can give us the ability to create freedom from roles and expectations that may otherwise keep us stuck in old patterns and harmful cycles, with the purpose of finding new ways of thinking, being, and relating that support your most genuine self.

Anxiety and Depression

Life is stressful. This stress is usually manageable and maybe even helpful, but when it is neither, we can experience significant and impairing symptoms of anxiety and/or depression. These challenges can feel isolating, overwhelming, and all-consuming, making it hard to see beyond the internal fog. Whether you’re feeling hopeless, stuck, or caught in a loop of worry, I’m here to help you break free from these patterns. In our work together, we’ll explore how these emotions show up in your life, and what they’re protecting you from. Both depression and anxiety can be understood as natural responses to unprocessed pain, unmet needs, and unhelpful thought patterns. We will approach these challenges with a desire to understand, helping you accept the presence of difficult emotions without letting them control who you are and how you show up.

Interpersonal Issues & Identity Struggles

Many people find themselves struggling with deeply rooted patterns of behavior that make relationships difficult, whether with family, friends, or even within themselves. These struggles can often feel confusing and isolating, leaving you questioning who you really are, what actually matters to you, and why this seems like a never ending problem. Our work together will center on helping you better understand the deeper layers of these patterns. From a relational framework, we’ll use evidence-based approaches, such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), to help you build greater emotional resilience and self-compassion, allowing you to cultivate healthier relationships, both with others and with yourself. All of these specialty areas can (and usually do) overlap, and I look forward to embracing the complexity that makes your individual story so unique to you. We will work together to overcome the obstacles you face and promote meaningful change. If you’re ready to begin your journey, I offer a free 15-minute consultation to ensure we’re a good fit. I look forward to helping you achieve greater well-being.

Therapy Modalities:

Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Prolonged Exposure (PE) Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

Training & Experience:

Post-doctoral Fellowship - Houston Methodist Hospital, Emotional Health and Well-Being Clinic Pre-doctoral Internship - Baylor College of Medicine, Mood and Trauma-Related Disorders Track Doctorate in Clinical Psychology - Mississippi State University Bachelor’s in Psychology - Mississippi State University

Life Outside of Work:

Outside of work, I enjoy cooking, weightlifting, and playing tabletop games with friends. I can usually be found in the company of my partner and our cats. I also love the food scene in Houston, so please don’t be shy with any restaurant recommendations.

More About Nathan:

Dr. Nathan Barclay is a licensed clinical psychologist with a passion for helping people thrive at every point in their lives. Over the course of his career, he has worked in a variety of settings, including the University of Mississippi Medical Center, Houston Methodist’s Behavioral Health Clinic, and Baylor College of Medicine, with a focus on mood and trauma-related disorders. His current specialties include grief, men’s issues, and personality concerns. He received his Bachelor of Science and completed his Ph.D. at Mississippi State University under the mentorship of experts in the treatment of depression, suicide, and sleep issues. Throughout his career, he has worked extensively with people from all walks of life who suffer deeply and profoundly, and he has developed a deep understanding of both the challenges that they face and the love that they deserve.

Dr. Barclay worked extensively with Mississippi State University’s Student Counseling Services, where he operated for several years providing both therapy and assessment services for depression, anxiety, OCD, personality disorders, ADHD, and trauma-related disorders. He regularly served as a first-line clinician for crisis intervention, led group workshops for students, and helped develop assessment and treatment protocols for a variety of student related concerns.

He found his passion for grief work during his postdoctoral fellowship at Houston Methodist. He provided services for healthcare providers who suffered very unique stories of grief, in both their personal and professional lives. The unspoken impact of these deaths highlighted the importance of providing quality grief therapy, particularly in contexts where grieving adequately is deprioritized or even impossible.

Dr. Barclay’s research experience began in exploring the nature of suicide trends in college students and eventually developed into understanding how men relate to others, social and psychological factors that may be involved, and how self-compassion interventions could change these relationships. He continues to collaborate with other researchers on projects across a variety of subject areas, which continues to refine his approach to treatment and ultimately helps his clients thrive.

Dr. Nathan Barclay is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who offers individual and couples therapy,... Read More

Connor Cook is a pre-licensed counselor supervised by Dr. Abby Candelari, Licensed Psychologist, offering individual therapy for children (ages 10+), adolescents, and adults. He specializes in anxiety, academic stress, life transitions, and the social and emotional challenges of growing up. With over 20 years of experience working in independent schools and a doctorate in educational leadership, Connor brings a perspective to therapy that is rare: he understands the world your child navigates every day from the inside out.

Anxiety, Academic Stress & School-Related Concerns

Connor has spent his career at the intersection of education and well-being, working closely with students and families navigating test anxiety, social anxiety, performance pressure, peer relationships, and the emotional demands of school. In therapy, he helps children and adolescents develop practical coping strategies while building on their existing strengths. When appropriate, he is comfortable coordinating with teachers, school counselors, and learning specialists so that students receive consistent support across home, school, and therapy settings.

Working with Families

Connor understands that what happens at school doesn’t stay at school. He works collaboratively with parents to help them better understand what their child is experiencing and how to support them effectively. His background in school leadership gives him an unusual ability to bridge the gap between what families see at home and what children experience in the classroom.

Life Transitions & Adults

Connor also works with adults navigating life transitions, career changes, and identity-related concerns. His integrative approach draws on an understanding of how development, relationships, and environment shape who we are and how we cope.

Therapy Modalities

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Person-Centered Therapy Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)

Training & Experience

M.Ed., Clinical Mental Health Counseling (In Progress), Lamar University Ed.D., K–12 Professional Leadership, University of Houston M.A., Literature, Texas State University B.A., Political Science, Texas State University Head of Middle School, River Oaks Baptist School Head of Middle School, St. Francis Episcopal School English Teacher, Episcopal High School American Counseling Association Member Texas Counseling Association Member

More About Connor

Connor’s path to counseling grew directly out of his work in schools. Over more than two decades supporting students and families through academic and social-emotional challenges, he came to see how profoundly mental health shapes learning, relationships, and well-being. That insight led him to pursue graduate training in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Lamar University, where he is currently completing his practicum and internship under the supervision of Dr. Candelari.

His doctoral research at the University of Houston focused on evaluating and improving middle school academic programs, and he has completed extensive professional development in Mind, Brain, and Education research through partnerships with St. Andrew’s Episcopal School and Neuroteach Global. These experiences continue to inform his understanding of how emotional well-being, brain development, and learning interact.

Life Outside of Work

Outside of work, Connor enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading and writing, running and hiking, and playing with his dog, Nell.

Connor Cook is a pre-licensed counselor supervised by Dr. Abby Candelari, Licensed Psychologist, ... Read More

I provide therapy for adolescents and adults coping with anxiety, depression, life transitions, health-related challenges, and complex mental health challenges. Many of the people I work with are navigating moments when life feels uncertain — a medical diagnosis, a major career change, or a season when the path forward is unclear. My goal is to help you reconnect with your own strengths, find clarity, and move toward a life that feels meaningful and fulfilling.

I am a third-year doctoral student in the Counseling Psychology PhD program at the University of Houston. My clinical training includes providing psychotherapy at the Coping Resource Center and The Mendcenter, as well as conducting psychological assessment at Applied Psychological Services. I have worked with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, psychosis, adjustment difficulties, and health-related concerns. Before pursuing psychology, I spent several years working in a corporate setting. Following my own career transition after a medical condition, I gained a deep, personal understanding of the uncertainty and self-doubt that can accompany major life changes — an experience that continues to shape how I show up for clients navigating questions of identity, purpose, and growth.

At the Coping Resource Center, I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and psychodynamic therapy to create a treatment approach tailored to each person’s unique needs and goals. I believe lasting change happens when clients both understand themselves more deeply and develop concrete, practical tools for navigating life’s challenges. I am committed to offering a warm, collaborative, and nonjudgmental space where you feel genuinely heard and supported.

In addition to individual therapy, I facilitate two of our specialty programs:

CBT for Chronic Pain Program: A structured, evidence-based program helping clients reduce the impact of chronic pain on daily life, improve functioning, and reconnect with the activities and relationships that matter most.

CBT-I Program for Insomnia: Delivering gold-standard, non-medication treatment for insomnia — helping clients restore healthy, restorative sleep and improve overall well-being.

My background working with individuals facing medical conditions and major life transitions makes me especially well-suited to support clients who feel like they are starting over, or who are trying to find their footing after life has taken an unexpected turn.

In our first session, we will take time to get to know each other, explore what brought you to therapy, and begin identifying your goals. Sessions typically begin weekly and may gradually become less frequent as you build confidence and skills — with the ultimate aim being that you feel equipped to handle life’s challenges independently.

If you are ready to take that first step, I offer a free 15-minute consultation to see if we are a good fit. I would love to support you.

Therapy Modalities

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Psychodynamic Therapy

Training and Experience

• Counseling Psychology PhD Student — University of Houston
• Psychotherapy Practicum — The Coping Resource Center
• Psychotherapy Practicum — The Mendcenter
• Psychological Assessment Practicum — Applied - Psychological Services

Life Outside of Work

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, as well as my dog, Bear. I also love traveling and experiencing new places, cultures, and food whenever I have the opportunity.

I provide therapy for adolescents and adults coping with anxiety, depression, life transitions, h... Read More

I am a doctoral clinician in Clinical Psychology at the University of Houston, where I am specializing in Clinical Neuropsychology. I work with adolescents, and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), chronic health concerns, substance use concerns, and major life transitions.

I take a collaborative, client-centered approach to therapy and believe that meaningful change begins with understanding how our thoughts, behaviors, emotions, and physical health interact. My goal is to help clients better understand these patterns while developing practical skills that can be applied in everyday life.

I have a particular interest in helping individuals overcome OCD and anxiety-related concerns through Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), the gold-standard treatment for OCD. I also work with individuals coping with chronic health conditions, life adjustments, and challenges that impact emotional well-being.

I work with teens and adults who are:

• Living with chronic health conditions
• Experiencing anxiety or depression
• Struggling with OCD
• Navigating life transitions
• Experiencing substance use concerns

I believe therapy should be both supportive and practical. My goal is to help clients better understand the relationship between their thoughts, behaviors, emotions, and physical health while developing skills they can use in their everyday lives.

My approach is individualized to each client’s unique goals, values, and strengths. Together, we identify patterns that may be keeping them stuck and develop practical strategies to help them move toward the life they want to live.

If you’re curious about therapy, I offer a free, 15-minute consultation to ensure we are a good fit. I look forward to supporting you throughout your journey.

Therapy Modalities

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Motivational Interviewing (MI)
• Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

Training & Experience

• Doctoral Student in Clinical Psychology (Clinical Neuropsychology Specialization), University of Houston
• Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology, University of Houston
• Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience Specialization, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
• Behavioral Health Extern, University of Houston Health Family Care Center
• Behavioral Health Extern, Southern Smoke Foundation
• Behavioral Health Extern, Federal Bureau of Prisons – Federal Detention Center Houston
• Neuropsychology Extern, MD Anderson Cancer Center Department of Neuro-Oncology
• Neuropsychology Extern, Houston Methodist Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery
• Neuropsychology Assessment Experience, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center

Life Outside of Work

Originally from Chicago, I moved to Houston to pursue my doctorate at the University of Houston. In my free time, I enjoy exploring local coffee shops, tending to his house plants, and running at Houston’s many parks and trails.

More About Christopher

Christopher is currently completing his doctoral training in Clinical Psychology at the University of Houston with a specialization in Clinical Neuropsychology. Christopher has extensive experience providing behavioral health services in medical, community, and correctional settings. He has worked with individuals coping with chronic illness, anxiety, depression, substance use concerns, and major life stressors. These experiences have strengthened his interest in helping clients develop practical skills that improve both emotional and physical well-being.

Christopher serves as the lead clinician for The Coping Resource Center’s Freedom from OCD Program. Through this structured program, he utilizes Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), the gold-standard treatment for OCD, to help individuals reduce compulsions, face feared situations, and reclaim time and energy from OCD. He is passionate about helping clients break free from the cycle of obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors so they can spend less time managing fear and more time living according to their values.

I am a doctoral clinician in Clinical Psychology at the University of Houston, where I am special... Read More