COUNSELING CENTER TEAM
LPC
Adam Mason, MAMFC, LPC
I am an ordained minister of Christian counseling in the Southern Baptist church and a licensed professional counselor in the state of Texas. I have a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Counseling from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. I also have a Master of Arts in Religious Education with an emphasis in administration from Southwestern and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Service from Howard Payne University. I regularly attend continuing education related to my field, and have specialized training in the area of Spiritual Direction. I have a passion to guide men and couples toward Spiritual formation. My formal education has prepared me to work with individuals, marriages, families, and groups. I approach counseling from a biblical perspective, utilizing techniques from two distinct methodologies: the cognitive-behavioral approach, and Spiritual Direction. These techniques include, but are not limited to, active listening, assessments, homework, psycho-educational discussions, reading assignments, prayer, and therapeutic confrontation. The cognitive-behavioral approach focuses on thoughts and behaviors, and sees emotions as the result or consequences of our thoughts. The purpose of counseling is to reach specific goals for individual and relational growth, which are mutually agreed upon by both the client and the counselor. Goals should be consistent with biblical truth. Spiritual Direction focuses on experiencing an authentic encounter with the Trinitarian God embracing both His mystery and His personhood. The goal of Spiritual Direction is the intentional shift from self-obsession to God-obsession.
713.335.6460
adam.mason@HoustonsFirst.org
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Greg Curnutte, MAMFC, LPC-S
Greg is the Associate Minister of Counseling Services at Houston's First Baptist Church. He has a Masters in Family and Marital Counseling and a Masters in Christian Education. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor. Greg's interest is in working with individuals: teens, singles, college, men, and women. Greg works with couples in marriage and premarital counseling, as well as with families. He is certified in the Prepare/Enrich marriage program (for premarital counseling). Part of his focus is counseling men who struggle with sexual addictions. Greg counsels from a biblical foundation, primarily using cognitive/behavioral techniques. Greg oversees various support groups, family team, and the pre-marital program.
713.335.6465
greg.curnutte@HoustonsFirst.org
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C. Huston McComb, Jr., MA, LPC-S, Counseling Ministry Associate
Huston has been counseling since 1995. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor and is certified as a National Certified Counselor. He was ordained to the gospel ministry in 2003. Huston has a Masters of Arts Degree in Professional Counseling from Lindenwood University. He is currently working on a second Masters Degree in Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Huston works with both men and women and specializes in the areas of sexual addiction and abuse. He also has an extensive background in marital counseling and enjoys helping couples see God's plan for their relationship. Huston has a passion for evangelism and he prays for opportunities to share the message of Christ through his counseling. His counseling philosophy is built upon Biblical principles, and based upon prayer, integrated with sound psychological principles. Huston and his wife, Debbie, have been married for 25+ years and have two teenage children.
713.335.6462
Huston.McComb@houstonsfirst.org
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Mary Ring, MAMFC, LPC-S, LMFT-S, RPT-S
Mary has a Masters in Marriage and Family Counseling and in Religious Education. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with supervisory status. She also has certification as Registered Play Therapist Supervisor and is certified as a TheraPlay Therapist. She works with people of all ages from birth through adults. Her desire is to empower individuals and families with the spiritual truths God has given them and to teach them how to integrate those truths into every aspect of their lives. Having fulfilling relationships is one of God’s most precious blessings.
713.335.6466
mary.ring@HoustonsFirst.org
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Cheryl Rogers, MS, LMFT-S, LPC-S
Cheryl specializes in working with married couples and other relational dynamics. She is also certified through the Prepare/Enrich program for pre-marital counseling. Her experience includes working extensively with women’s issues such as depression, anxiety, and relationship concerns. Her belief is that clients have the capacity to resolve their own problems and make their own decisions; however, from time to time, everyone needs assistance and direction. Cheryl counsels from a Biblical perspective and believes that God desires for us to live through His power in restoring relationships. Cheryl is married and has 3 children.
713.335.6467
cheryl.rogers@HoustonsFirst.org
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Dr. Milton S. Magness, LPC, CART, CSAT
Dr. Magness is in private practice (www.HopeAndFreedom.com) but serves as a consultant to the counseling center for men and couples where compulsive sexual behavior is a factor. He is a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist and is the president of The Society for the Advancement of Sexual Health (SASH), formerly known as the National Council on Sex Addiction and Compulsivity. Dr. Magness was a pastor for twenty years prior to becoming a therapist. He holds two master’s degrees including a Master of Arts in Psychology and also has a Doctor of Ministry. In addition to his work as a psychotherapist, he is the author of Hope & Freedom for Sexual Addicts and Their Partners, published by Gentle Path Press. He is also the author of numerous audio books that are found at www.RecoveryOnTheGo.com
713.335.6474
milton.magness@HoustonsFirst.org
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Steven Crain, MA, LPC
Steve is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Masters of Arts from Houston Baptist University in Professional Counseling. His primary focus, at this time, is on pre-marital counseling. He reviews somewhat exhaustive client profiles and discusses such issues as conflict resolution, communication, finances, family issues, parenting, leisure activities and couple closeness. Steve is interested in helping young singles to process life strategies from a biblical perspective. He is currently working with his wife Holly in the Summit, Single Parent Ministry. Steve, also volunteers his time to meet with professional ministers in a safe environment to discuss confidential needs or issues. He is available to teach or lead a small group on an as needed basis.
713.335.6462
Steve.Crain@HoustonsFirst.org
Lara McFeely, MA, LPC
Lara is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Masters of Arts in Professional Counseling. She is interested in helping individuals identify and work through barriers to living a full and abundant life in the Spirit. She counsels from a Biblical perspective and desires to walk along side others through their struggle of faith. Lara is a certified PREPARE/ENRICH engaged couple’s counselor. She enjoys working with adults and teens dealing with issues such as identity, self-confidence, grief, addiction, co-dependency and past abuse. She desires to instill hope in the power of God to change patterns and heal lives. Lara leads a monthly support meeting for family members of patients with dementia. She believes in the value of each individual as a unique expression of Almighty God.
713.335.6476
lara.mcfeely@HoustonsFirst.org
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Pat Johnson, MAMFT, LPC, LMFT, RPT
Pat has a Master's of Art in Marriage and Family Therapy Liberty University and is a Licensed Professional Intern, a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, and a Registered Play Therapist. She counsels from a faith perspective that views situations with hope and sees each individual as having significant worth and potential, while relying upon biblical principles and truths, the Holy Spirit, proven psychological methods, and prayer. She counsels using a systems/family approach that emphasizes God’s grace, solutions to problems, experience, and insight. She believes that individuals, couples, and families have strengths and resources that can be accessed to assist change. Pat is called to help clients find healing/transformation, fulfill their purposes, increase their intimacy with God and others, and enhance their joy in living, reaching their God-given potentials. She works with children, adolescents, couples, and adults and has been trained to conduct Theraplay and is certified to facilitate Prepare/Enrich for engaged and married couples.
713.335.6462
pat.johnson@HoustonsFirst.org
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Karen Hull, MA, LPC
Karen holds a Master of Arts degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Liberty University. She is also a published author whose book, The Mommy Book: Advice for New Mothers from Women Who've Been There, was featured in the Focus on the Family broadcast and magazine. Karen and her husband Jon have been married for thirty-two years and have two daughters, a son-in-law, and three grandchildren. Karen counsels from a foundation of biblical truth. Her theoretical orientation is eclectic, combining spiritual direction, cognitive-behavioral, and narrative interventions in her work with individuals. When working with couples and families she also uses family systems and emotionally focused approaches. Karen is a member of our family team and has been trained in Theraplay techniques. She is also a certified PREPARE/ENRICH engaged couples counselor. Karen is currently available to counsel individuals (including adolescents), couples, and families.
713.335.6462
karen.hull@HoustonsFirst.org
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Cynthia Barkley, MA, LPC
Cynthia is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas with a Master of Arts degree in Counseling. She is currently completing a Doctorate of Philosophy degree in Psychology. Cynthia has a passion to assist others through life’s journey as they strive for healthy relationships. She has experience in a variety of venues with children, adolescents, and families and counsels from an eclectic orientation utilizing a cognitive-behavioral approach from a biblical perspective. Cynthia has been married for 26 years and has two children. She has extensive cross-cultural experience which includes living and working in Central Asia and Europe for 13 years.
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LCSW
Maya Graves, LCSW-CTRT
Maya has a Masters level degree from the Catholic University in Ecuador, S.A. She is a licensed clinical social worker and a certified trauma resolution therapist. She is a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors. Maya speaks English, Spanish, and is able to communicate well in Portuguese. Maya is in private practice, provides Christ-centered counseling. She also works at Houston's First on a part-time basis. Maya’s formal training and personal life experiences have equipped her to work with young adults, marriages, families and groups. The core principles that guide Maya’s counseling approach have been drawn from her personal journey with the Lord. She believes that Knowledge and skill are important, however, the power to help people change from the inside out comes from the Holy Spirit as truth first penetrates and produces consistent fruit in her own life. Maya believes in the sufficiency and authority of the Bible. She helps people discern what the Lord might be doing in their soul through relational struggles they face so they can begin to connect Biblical beliefs they profess to life’s trials and conflicts. Maya relies on the Holy Spirit and God’s grace to point people to deeper issues of the heart so they can replace self-centered strategies with Christ-centered ones to resolve conflicts and enter in a journey of genuine dependence on the Lord. Maya uses cognitive-behavioral method/techniques consistent with Biblical truths to accomplish mutually agreed goals during the counseling process.
713.335.6462
maya.graves@houstonsfirst.org
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LMSW
Janet Nosrat, LMSW
Janet holds a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Houston Graduate School of Social Work. She has worked with children, adolescents and families in a variety of settings. Janet seeks to understand family dynamics and to educate and promote healthy family structures. She counsels through a biblical perspective, as well as utilizing other approaches, such as cognitive behavioral therapy. Janet believes that each person holds the answers they need to problem-solving within a connected relationship to God and others. She enjoys helping individuals gain therapeutic insights and the necessary tools for growth through the counseling relationship.
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LPC-Interns
Betsy Contreras, MA, LPC-intern, Bilingual Counselor
Betsy is a Spanish Bilingual, Licensed Professional Counselor Intern with a Masters of Arts in Psychology. She is also in the process of working towards her certification as a Registered Play Therapist. Her great aspiration of being a Christian Counselor is to help the person to become the treasure God has created in him/her. Her work with children, individuals, married couples and family units is through a biblically base and holistic therapy in order to help them fulfill their purpose in Christ and walk closer with Him.
Betsy es una consejera bilingüe que cuenta con Maestría en Psicología. Actualmente está haciendo su internado para obtener su Licencia Profesional en Consejería. Así mismo se encuentra en el proceso de obtener su certificación como Terapeuta en Terapia de Juego. Su mayor aspiración al ser una Consejera Cristiana es apoyar a las personas a poder ser el tesoro que Dios ha creado en cada uno de nosotros. Su trabajo con menores, adolescentes, individuos, parejas y familias es a través de una base bíblica y enfoque terapéutico holístico con el propósito de ayudar a la persona a alcanzar su propósito en Cristo y caminar cerca de Él.
713.335.6470
713.554.8811
Betsy.Contreras@HoustonsFirst.org
Download English Informed Consent Form here
Download Spanish Informed Consent Form here
Dr. Bradley Smith, MA, LPC-Intern
Bradley holds the following degrees: a Masters in Ministry, a Masters in Divinity, Masters in Counseling and a Doctorate of Ministry. He is an LPC-Intern. His areas of interest include spiritual formation, cross-cultural issues, grief counseling, addictions, and brief solution focused therapy for individuals and couples. He has written on cross-cultural marriage and evangelism among Asian Americans. Bradley served in the U.S. Army Reserve for 2 years. He is an ordained pastor and has served churches in Missouri, Hawaii and Texas. He has served as a missionary in Japan, a church planter in Hawaii, and a bereavement chaplain and counselor for the largest private owned funeral service in the state of Hawaii. He has also worked with adolescents in family settings, and in an inpatient drug rehab program. He holds membership in the Evangelical Church Alliance (ECA), American Counseling Association (ACA), and serves as a Southern Baptist Disaster Relief Chaplain. Bradley and his wife Narumi have been married 15 years. He enjoys sports, playing guitar, and studying history.
713.335.6462
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April Vandagriff, MAMFC, LPC-INTERN
April Vandagriff has a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Counseling from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Intern. April is a member of the Family Team and is passionate about working with children and adolescents. She has experience serving this population through counseling, teaching and volunteering. April also enjoys counseling young women and helping them with the various struggles they face. April counsels within a biblical framework with an eclectic approach utilizing Cognitive-Behavioral, Family Systems and Play Therapy techniques to best meet the needs of her clients. April believes that God is the ultimate healer and her desire is to help clients of any age find healing and restoration in their relationship with God and with others. April is also a certified PREPARE/ENRICH engaged and married couples counselor.
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Jennifer M. Hall, LPC-INTERN
I received an undergraduate degree from The University of St. Thomas in 2005 and graduate degree in Marriage & Family Therapy from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2009. During my internship I primarily facilitated group therapy for teens who struggle with peer pressure, abuse, self-worth and stress. Prior going to seminary I was the associate Middle School youth director at First Presbyterian Church of Houston which taught me how to nurture, help develop and encourage adolescents in their character and spiritual formation.
My areas of special interest and my passion is working with adolescents struggling with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, low self-worth, lack of assertiveness, body image issues, anger, and family communication problems. I also have a heart for couples. My approach in all areas is to meet my clients where they are, help them to make sense of what they are going through, and provide practical and tangible guidance in helping them to develop solutions for their struggles.
I believe that God is our ultimate healer and that He uses the people around us to display his compassion and comfort. I understand that change is a process and takes time. It is my desire to be a support and guide in that process for my clients. I am holistic in my approach, recognizing that the mind, body and spirit are connected. Therefore, I believe it is important to discuss the importance of nutrition, stress-management skills and exercise along with thoughts, feelings and behaviors.
I have lived in Houston most of my life and my husband and I are happily married and have a beautiful baby boy. My hobbies include reading, running and organizing social events.
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Rebecca Hixson, MA, LPC-Intern
I am a LPC-Intern in the state of Texas. I also hold a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Development and Family Relations from Baylor University. Additionally, I am a certified Prepare/Enrich counselor. I completed an internship at Texas Children’s Hospital in child life therapy. I was a preschool teacher for six years. I was a flight attendant for Delta Airlines for 14 years. The flexibility in my schedule allowed me to pursue my love of volunteering in the community. I have worked at homeless shelters in Los Angeles, Big Brothers and Sisters, Child Advocates, and Camp Hug for Children affected by HIV/AIDS. I have facilitated both adult women and young children’s bible study classes. Most recently, I have volunteered at the Salvation Army counseling young women. I counsel from a faith based biblical perspective utilizing an eclectic approach that includes but is not limited to; family systems, cognitive –behavioral, solution- focused, and person -centered theories. I believe every individual is unique and requires a different approach. My goal is to work with the client on a mutually agreed upon plan for growth and healing.
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Cyndi Cummings, MEd, LPC-Intern
Cyndi has a Masters of Education in Counseling from the University of Houston – Victoria. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor Intern. Cyndi is also a full-time school counselor for Pearland ISD. Cyndi counsels from a Biblical Christ-centered perspective using solution focused and cognitive behavioral modes of therapy. She believes that an individual has the capacity to identify and find Christ-centered goals and solutions to their specific problems. Cyndi also believes that an individual has the ability to make decisions that can change the course of their current circumstances. Through Scripture, prayer, and sound psychological principles Cyndi collaborates with individuals believing the Holy Spirit can lead them through to true freedom in Christ. It is through this freedom individuals have the ability to live in a way that is authentic and nurtures their growth into becoming more in the likeness of the person God created them to be.
Cyndi enjoys working with adolescents, families, women, and young adults. She has a wide range of volunteer and work experiences which have equipped her to work with various issues that adolescent and college age students face along with men and women who are dealing with an unplanned pregnancy.
Cyndi has been happily married for 5 years and has a beautiful 2-year-old daughter. In her spare time, she loves to spend time with her family and enjoys running, a good cup of coffee, and finding quiet moments to read.
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Steve Long, LPC-Intern
Steve Holds a Masters of Arts degree in Behavioral Science and a Masters of Science degree in Counseling from the University of Houston - Clear Lake. He has been a high school counselor for the past five years. Steve enjoys counseling teens, families and groups using a biblical framework during counseling. Steve employs a variety of approaches including the following theories: Cognitive behavioral approach, person centered, and family systems.
Steve and his wife have been married for 25 years, have three children and have been members of a local church for the past 24 years. Steve has served in a variety of ministry positions including teaching Sunday school, VBS, and serving in AWANA clubs. His hobbies include running, outdoor activities and the study of extreme weather events.
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Practicum Counselor
Aaron Bunker, Practicum Counselor
Aaron is a Marriage and Family Therapist practicum student. He has a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Houston and is in the process of finishing his Master’s Degree from Liberty University. Aaron is trained in Prepare/Enrich counseling for engaged and marital couples and is going to continue on and become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) as well as a certified sex therapist. He loves people and believes God has a purpose for their life. He especially has a heart for couple’s and wants to help every couple thrive in Jesus Christ and in their relationship with each other. He believes Jesus Christ is the ultimate healer and counselor and is honored and blessed to be a part of what God is doing in the lives of others.
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