Achieve Fulfillment Houston Counseling Center
Children, Adolescents, Adults, Couples & Families
KATHY GRAY MA, NCC, LPC, LMFT, OTA EMDR Certified, HEDS, Imago Trained Sensory Process Specialist
About
My areas of specialties are in Sensory Processing/Self-regulation, Highly Sensitive People, Houston Eating Disorder Specialist, IMAGO relationship/couples therapy, EMDR Certified Therapist.
I have been working in Occupational Therapy for the past 27 years specializing in Sensory Processing Disorder. I have helped many individuals and families manage symptoms that come with sensory processing issues; such as: autism, ADHD ,ADD, cutting, bipolar, behavior and emotional difficulties disrupting daily life. I have paired the sensory work with my counseling skills, as an LPC and LMFT, as a Certified EMDR Therapist. EMDR and sensory work are effective counseling techniques in managing difficult behaviors, emotions and labels that may accompany these challenging situations. I have developed an effective expertise with Eating Disorder s, Addiction, Trauma, ADHD, OCD, and other diagnoses that have been difficult to treat and master. I used IMAGO relationship/couples Therapy along with these modalities to help rekindle or help develop the bond, trust and connection with others.
Achieve Fulfillment Northeast Houston Counseling Center
Individuals , Couples & Families
Specializing in EMDR & Sensory Processing/Self-regulation: Trauma, Disassociation, Eating Disorders, ADD/ADHD, Autism, Learning & Emotional Disturbances, PTSD, PDD, OCD, Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, and many other difficult diagnoses. Houston Eating Disorder Specialist, IMAGO relationship and couples therapy
Contact
- 1525 Lakeville Dr, Kingwood, Texas, 77339
- 535 W. 20th St. #225 Houston, Texas 77008
- 281-223-3421 - Achieve Fulfillment Houston Counseling Center
- kdgray8@gmail.com
- Kingwood Office Houston Office Sun-Tues. 9-6 Wed 9-4 Fri 9-6 Thurs. 10- 6
Services
Certified EMDR Therapist
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy treatment that was originally designed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories (Shapiro, 1989a, 1989b).
Learn MoreSensoryProcessing Disorder Work/Self-Regulating
SPD is recognized as a major cause of impairment of self-regulation in Highly Sensitive People: children, teens, & adults. It presents as a behavioral or emotional conditions such as Anxiety Disorder, PTSD, ADHD/ADD, anger /tantrum outburst, Learning Disabilities, Autism, Attachment Disorders, and many other conditions that have been treated solely as behavioral problems. SPD is now considered by many to be the cause of many misdiagnoses.
Learn MoreCBT
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a short-term, goal-oriented psychotherapy treatment that takes a hands-on, practical approach to problem-solving. Its goal is to change patterns of thinking or behavior that are behind people's difficulties, and so change the way they feel.
Learn MoreFamilyTherapy/Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Family therapy is a type of psychological counseling (psychotherapy) that helps family members improve communication and resolve conflicts. Family therapy is usually provided by a psychologist, clinical social worker or licensed therapist
Learn MoreCouples & Relationship Imago Therapy
Marriage counseling, also called couples therapy, is a type of psychotherapy. Marriage counseling helps couples of all types recognize and resolve conflicts and improve their relationships. Through marriage counseling, you can make thoughtful decisions about rebuilding your relationship or going your separate ways.
Learn MoreADD/ADHD, Learning &emotional disturbances, Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Autism, PDD,
Many students are diagnosed with learning disorders with no appropriate remedy. ... Learning issues that we address include: ADD; ADHD; Dyslexia; Dysgraphia; Dysgraphia, lack of focus in school; poor spelling, handwriting, oral and reading skills; and perceptual/auditory deficiencies.
Learn MoreMindfulness
Mindfulness means maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment. Mindfulness also involves acceptance, meaning that we pay attention to our thoughts and feelings without judging them—without believing, for instance, that there’s a “right” or “wrong” way to think or feel in a given moment. When we practice mindfulness, our thoughts tune into what we’re sensing in the present moment rather than rehashing the past or imagining the future. Meditation begins and ends in the body. It involves taking the time to pay attention to where we are and what’s going on, and that starts with being aware of our body.
Learn MoreHighly Sensitive People
The scientific term is “sensory-processing sensitivity" (SPS). People who are highly sensitive are born that way; it is not something they learned. As children they might be described by teachers as shy or inhibited, especially in Western countries. As adults, they might be described as introverts. It is important to note that not all sensitive people are shy or introverts. In fact, 30% of HSP are thought to be extroverts. Your trait is normal. It is found in 15 to 20% of the population–too many to be a disorder, but not enough to be well understood by the majority of those around you.
Learn MoreEating Disorders/ Disordered Eating
Eating disorders are a group of conditions marked by an unhealthy relationship with food.Disordered eating refers to a wide range of abnormal eating behaviours, many of which are shared with diagnosed eating disorders. The main thing differentiating disordered eating from an eating disorder is the level of severity and frequency of behaviours.An eating disorder is a serious mental illness, characterised by eating, exercise and body weight or shape becoming an unhealthy preoccupation of someone's life. It’s estimated that one million Australians have an eating disorder, and this number is increasing. Eating disorders are not a lifestyle choice, a diet gone wrong or a cry for attention. Eating disorders can take many different forms and interfere with a person’s day to day life. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) recognises four eating disorders: Anorexia Nervosa Bulimia Nervosa Binge Eating Disorder Other Eating Disorders
FORMS
EMDR Certified
Specialist in Sensory Processing/Self-regulation
HEDS
Trained in IMAGO Relationship and Couples Therapy
*1525 Lakeville Drive, Suite 217
Kingwood, Texas 77339
*535 W. 20th St. #225
Houston, Texas 77008
Phone: 281-223-3421
Email: kdgray8@gmail.com
kathygrayachievefulfillment.com
Informed Consent and Practice Policies for Office and Online Therapy
Welcome! I am pleased that you have chosen me to be your mental health professional. This document answers many questions clients often ask about counseling both in the office and with the new technology of online therapy, and explains procedures, financial policy and the privacy policy used in the practice of Kathy Gray, M.A., LPC, LMFT, OTA. After reading the agreements and practices, we will discuss your questions and clarify any concerns before you sign our working agreement to begin services. Please ask about any part of the agreements and practices that you do not understand.
Counseling Process and Relationship – I believe that counseling is an interactive process between counselor and client and includes active listening, honesty, trust and mutual respect and completing outside assignments when appropriate. It also includes openly discussing concerns about the counseling process. An effective counseling relationship involves developing a healthy relationship with clear boundaries. I believe that my job as counselor is to help the client find his or her way through what may be difficult times or situations. And although ultimately only the client can direct his or her path, I am supportive, understanding and caring through the counseling process and treat each client as an individual with individual needs. Please know that I am a professional that is committed to your well-being.
It is important to understand that we have a professional relationship. If I see you in public, I will protect your confidentiality by not acknowledging or approaching you. I will wait for you to speak to me before I acknowledge you. I will not discuss your case in any public place. Contacts, other than chance meetings will be limited to scheduled appointments.
If you are coming to therapy appointments in my office, the first session we will discuss your presenting concern, your history and will discuss the goals you want to accomplish. If I am meeting with a minor, I will ask to first meet with the parent or guardian to discuss the above-mentioned items and the unique issues of confidentiality with a minor. Initially, counseling often results in the client experiencing uncomfortable feelings or thoughts. Sometimes things get harder before they get better. This experience may affect the client’s relationship with family members, spouse, or other significant relationships. When you bring your child for counseling, it is imperative that you stay in the building during the session. I must be able to find you in case of emergency. If one parent has custody of the minor then documentation identifying the managing conservator will be required before treatment begins. If you qualify for counseling via online therapy, it is preferable that you come into the office for the first session, then the following sessions may be scheduled online.
The number of sessions needed will depend upon the circumstances that are taking place in each person’s life. Each person’s journey and struggles are unique, and each person moves at a different pace. Some clients may require only a few sessions in order to reach their goals while others may take several months or possibly even longer. You, the client, are in complete control. You may choose to end our professional relationship at any time. When you are ready to terminate therapy, please allow at least one session so we can have closure. If you find that my particular style of therapy does not meet your needs, please feel free to come to me first with your thoughts, and you may ask for referrals to other therapists.
LITIGATION POLICY AND FEES FOR COURT-RELATED SERVICES
Due to the nature of the therapeutic process and the fact that it often involves making a full disclosure with regard to many matters which may be of a confidential nature, it is agreed that should there be legal proceedings (including but not limited to divorce and custody disputes, injuries, lawsuits, etc.), you agree that neither you, your attorneys or anyone acting on your behalf will subpoena records from my office, or subpoena me to testify in court or in any legal proceeding. By your signature below, you agree to abide by this agreement.
Initial ______
If I am subpoenaed to provide records or testimony in violation of this agreement, you acknowledge and agree that you will pay for all of my professional time, including preparation and transportation charges, regardless of which party issues the subpoena or requires me to testify.
If I am required to testify in court or give a deposition, the hourly fee is $300 per hour for a minimum of 4 hours and this includes preparation time, travel time and attendance at any legal proceeding. If the testimony or deposition exceeds 4 hours there will be an additional charge of $300.00 per hour for every hour or portion of an hour spent in court or deposition.
When I go to court or give a deposition, I have to clear my schedule and not see other clients, so there is a 48-hour cancellation policy for court and depositions. For example, if the court appearance or deposition is scheduled for Monday, this office must be notified of any cancellation no later than Noon on the Thursday before. Any cancellations that occur within the 48-hour time frame of the court appearance or deposition are NON-REFUNDABLE.
I will accept cash, money order, cashier’s check, MasterCard, Visa or Discover for payment of time related to court appearances or deposition. NO PERSONAL CHECKS WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR THESE SERVICES. All payments are due 48 hours prior to the scheduled court appearance or deposition, and no later than 12:00 Noon on Thursday if the court hearing/deposition is scheduled for a Monday.
If I am subpoenaed by one party to provide records or testimony in violation of this agreement, I also reserve the right to terminate our professional, therapeutic relationship immediately and refer you to other mental health providers.
I will NOT provide custody evaluations or recommendations regarding access to or visitation with minor children. I will NOT provide medication or prescription recommendations. I will NOT provide legal advice. None of these activities are within scope of my practice.
Court Appearances - My focus in providing counseling and psychotherapy is on treatment and healing. It is NOT my intention to become involved in cases that require evaluation (either written or otherwise) or my testifying in court. You should hire a different/neutral mental health professional for any evaluation or testimony you require. If you choose to involve the legal system in our work together by issuing a subpoena for my treatment records or my testimony in court, this will represent a conflict of interest for me, and I will terminate our therapeutic relationship and provide referrals to other providers. This position is based on two main reasons: 1) My statements may be seen as biased in your favor because we have a therapeutic relationship, and 2) The evaluation/testimony may affect the therapeutic relationship and that relationship must come first. This applies to clients of all ages. If I am required to appear in court or conference via telephone, the CLIENT/GUARDIAN will be REQUIRED to pay my fees listed above.
Cancellation and Missed Appointments - Since scheduling an appointment involves reserving a time specifically for you, a 24-hour advance notice is required for cancellations. If you cancel less than 24 hours before your appointment, you will be considered a NO SHOW for that visit and you will be charged the FULL FEE for that session. Once you have two NO SHOW appointments, you will be required to secure any subsequent appointments with a credit card. Subsequent NO SHOW appointments will be charged the FULL FEE for the missed session. By initialing, you agree to these terms.
Initial ______
In-Office Therapy Fees –
All individuals, family/couples sessions $140.00 +
Groups- $90.
Teens 2nd and 4th Tues of month 2 hours begins Oct 23rd closed
Safe Conversation workshop 8 hours $65. per person includes workbooks
Disordered Eating Group Mon. for Parents 6-7 and Wed. 6-7
Parenting Workshop TBA 2019
Cancellation and Missed Appointments -
Since scheduling an appointment involves reserving a time specifically for you, a 24-hour advance notice is required for cancellations. If you cancel less than 24 hours before your appointment, you will be considered a NO SHOW for that visit and you will be charged the FULL FEE for that session. Once you have two NO SHOW appointments, you will be required to secure any subsequent appointments with a credit card. Subsequent NO SHOW appointments will be charged the FULL FEE for the missed session. By initialing, you agree to these terms.
Initial ______
Emergency Care - If you are experiencing an emergency and need to talk to someone immediately, call 911, a telephone crisis line, or go to the nearest emergency room. I must emphasize that I am not a crisis counselor. If you would like to communicate your emergency to me, that is fine but we will discuss it during our next scheduled appointment. If I am out of town, I will provide you with a therapist name and number of whom you may call in the case that you need to speak with a therapist. By initialing here, you agree to consent your information to this therapist as a temporary means of coping with an emergency.
Initial ______
RELEASE OF INFORMATION
Client name ___________________________________
I understand that my records may be protected by law. If so,
I authorize _____________________________________________________________
(person, school, agency, physician, etc.)
at ____________________________________________________________________
(address, email, or phone number)
and Kathy Dickinson Gray, M.A., LPC, LMFT, OTA to exchange information for the purpose of enhancement of treatment. This information is to include medications, behavioral information and impressions, and any other pertinent information. I understand that exchanges may include and are not limited to information pertaining to risk of harm to self or others, history of abuse, mental health diagnoses, medical diagnoses, and substance use or abuse history. I also understand that this consent is revocable at any time with written notice. This signed record of consent is valid in both paper and electronic form (i.e., PDF, scanned, emailed, photo).
__________________________________________ _____________________
Client Signature (parent or guardian if applicable) Date
Signature Card-MC/VISA/AMEX/DISCOVER
If your card information changes you are responsible for updating the information with your therapist
Name on card ___________________________________
Billing address___________________________________
_______________________________________________
Card #__________________________________________
Expiration Date_______________ Security Code________
Authorized Signature______________________________
Today’s Date_____________________________________
Complaints – If you have concerns or complaints regarding your treatment, please talk with me first. If there is no resolution there, you may contact:
Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors:
Complaints Management and Investigative Section
P.O. Box 141369
Austin, Texas 78714-1369
Or call 1-800-942-5540 to request the appropriate form or to obtain more information.
By signing these polices,
(1) I acknowledge receipt of the Policies and Practices to Protect the Privacy of Your Health Information,
(2) I understand that the persons conducting business at 2316 Timber Shadows, Suite 202, are all sole practitioners and any legal action taken against one of the persons may not include the others.
(3) I understand and agree to the stated practice polices as listed above and
(5) I give full consent for myself or my minor child, ___________________________________,
to participate in psychotherapy. I certify that I have the legal right to seek and authorize treatment for myself or my minor child.
____________________________________________________ _______________
Client Signature (or parent/guardian if client is a minor) Date
____________________________________________________ _______________
Print Name (Client/Guardian) Date
I have discussed these issues with the client, parent, or guardian of the client, or other representative. My observations of this person’s behavior and responses give me no reason to believe that this person is not fully competent to give me informed and willing consent.
____________________________________________________ _______________
Counselor Signature Date
FAQ
How can Therapy Help me?
A number of benefits are available from participating in therapy. Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues and creative blocks. Many people also find that counselors can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:
- Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values
- Developing skills for improving your relationships
- Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
- Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
- Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures
- Improving communications and listening skills
- Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones
- Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage
- Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence
Do I really need therapy? I can usually handle my problems.
Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you've faced, there's nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. In fact, therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you're at in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.
Why do people go to therapy and how do I know if it is right for me?
People have many different motivations for coming to psychotherapy. Some may be going through a major life transition (unemployment, divorce, new job, etc.), or are not handling stressful circumstances well. Some people need assistance managing a range of other issues such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, addictions, relationship problems, spiritual conflicts and creative blocks. Therapy can help provide some much needed encouragement and help with skills to get them through these periods. Others may be at a point where they are ready to learn more about themselves or want to be more effective with their goals in life. In short, people seeking psychotherapy are ready to meet the challenges in their lives and ready to make changes in their lives.
What is Therapy like?
Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, therapy will be different depending on the individual. In general, you can expect to discuss the current events happening in your life, your personal history relevant to your issue, and report progress (or any new insights gained) from the previous therapy session. Depending on your specific needs, therapy can be short-term, for a specific issue, or longer-term, to deal with more difficult patterns or your desire for more personal development. Either way, it is most common to schedule regular sessions with your therapist (usually weekly).
It is important to understand that you will get more results from therapy if you actively participate in the process. The ultimate purpose of therapy is to help you bring what you learn in session back into your life. Therefore, beyond the work you do in therapy sessions, your therapist may suggest some things you can do outside of therapy to support your process - such as reading a pertinent book, journaling on specific topics, noting particular behaviors or taking action on your goals. People seeking psychotherapy are ready to make positive changes in their lives, are open to new perspectives and take responsibility for their lives.
What about medication vs. psychotherapy?
It is well established that the long-term solution to mental and emotional problems and the pain they cause cannot be solved solely by medication. Instead of just treating the symptom, therapy addresses the cause of our distress and the behavior patterns that curb our progress. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness. Working with your medical doctor you can determine what's best for you, and in some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action.
Do you take insurance, and how does that work?
To determine if you have mental health coverage through your insurance carrier, the first thing you should do is call them. Check your coverage carefully and make sure you understand their answers. Some helpful questions you can ask them:
- What are my mental health benefits?
- What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
- How many therapy sessions does my plan cover?
- How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?
- Is approval required from my primary care physician?
Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and psychotherapist. Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust with highly sensitive subject matter that is usually not discussed anywhere but the therapist's office. Every therapist should provide a written copy of their confidential disclosure agreement, and you can expect that what you discuss in session will not be shared with anyone. This is called “Informed Consent”. Sometimes, however, you may want your therapist to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team (your Physician, Naturopath, Attorney), but by law your therapist cannot release this information without obtaining your written permission.
However, state law and professional ethics require therapists to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:
* Suspected past or present abuse or neglect of children, adults, and elders to the authorities, including Child Protection and law enforcement, based on information provided by the client or collateral sources.
* If the therapist has reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming him/herself or has threated to harm another person.
Privacy & Policy
The law protects the relationship between a client and a psychotherapist, and information cannot be disclosed without written permission.
Exceptions include:
- Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse, for which I am required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
- If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person/s, I must notify the police and inform the intended victim.
- If a client intends to harm himself or herself, I will make every effort to enlist their cooperation in ensuring their safety. If they do not cooperate, I will take further measures without their permission that are provided to me by law in order to ensure their safety.
