WHO WE ARE

 “I feel like I should be in a different place in my life, and I’m here and I don’t like where I am.”

It’s tough to find the path toward change when you’re feeling stuck. Central to our approach is motivation, and using the structure and tools we’re able to provide to get you where you want to be, and past the barriers that keep us from effective, life-enhancing, long-lasting change. We know that our work often requires a little flexibility, mutual respect, and we’re committed to evidence-based practice.

OUR UNIQUE PROCESS

Working together, we’ll uncover new ways to engage in behaviors that promote emotional and physical health, build secure and supportive intimate partnerships, and do what matters to you.

DR. KELLI L. WRIGHT

Doctor of Psychology

I’m Dr. Kelli Wright and I have worked as a clinical psychologist in my own private practice since 2003.  My doctoral training in both the research and practice of psychology was completed at the University of Houston, Loma Linda Veterans Administration Medical Center in California, and MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.  I see people facing a variety of challenges, but substance use issues, anxiety, and depression are my areas of specialization.  My approach to therapy stems from acceptance and mindfulness strategies which generally means I help people to identify who and what is most important to them and then to move in a positive way in those directions, despite the unpleasant internal distress that often seems to keep us stuck.  I also have specialized training in the harm reduction approach for people struggling with the use of substances, including Integrative Harm Reduction Psychotherapy, Moderation Management, and The Sinclair Method for excessive drinking.

On a personal note, I live in Houston with my husband and two spoiled rotten dogs, Abbey and Stanley.  As a native Californian, I enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, cycling and walking on the beach.  On most weekends, I can be seen at spin class, listening to live music, or trying out the latest Houston eatery.

Dr. Cristina Gamez

PhD, Clinical Psychologist

I have been a licensed psychologist since 2003. Much of my career has focused on helping people of all ages who have experienced trauma and serving those who struggle with their substance use.

I’ve spent several years in Colorado working in a residential facility developing programming and offering therapy to Native Americans who had mental health and substance use concerns. Since the early 2000s, I have been working with Veterans and their family members with trauma, substance use, depression, and relationship concerns.

I provide individual, family, and group therapy assisting individuals to create the lives they want to live.

On the personal side, I was widowed when my husband of 20 years lost his battle with cancer.  Loving him and bearing witness as he said goodbye to all the people and things he loved was the hardest thing I have done. That experience has helped me to be fully present with others, especially when it is painful. My appreciation of the life I have motivates me to practice engaging fully in whatever I am doing. Connection with my kids, my partner, my parents, my friends, and my clients is what matters most to me.

DR. Cristina Gamez

PhD, Clinical Psychologist

I have been a licensed psychologist since 2003. Much of my career has focused on helping people of all ages who have experienced trauma and serving those who struggle with their substance use.

I’ve spent several years in Colorado working in a residential facility developing programming and offering therapy to Native Americans who had mental health and substance use concerns. Since the early 2000s, I have been working with Veterans and their family members with trauma, substance use, depression, and relationship concerns.

I provide individual, family, and group therapy assisting individuals to create the lives they want to live.

On the personal side, I was widowed when my husband of 20 years lost his battle with cancer.  Loving him and bearing witness as he said goodbye to all the people and things he loved was the hardest thing I have done. That experience has helped me to be fully present with others, especially when it is painful. My appreciation of the life I have motivates me to practice engaging fully in whatever I am doing. Connection with my kids, my partner, my parents, my friends, and my clients is what matters most to me.

MARY KATHRYN LEMASTER

Mindfulness Consultant

I am Mary Kathryn LeMaster, a mindfulness consultant, Restorative Yoga, and meditation teacher. My passion is teaching students and clients practical tools based in neuroscience to help them navigate high stress and anxiety.  Studies have shown when the brain and body are on board at the same time resilience has more of an opportunity to grow. My private practice includes one on one consulting, classes, programs and retreats here in Houston and at my family’s ranch retreat center in Edna,Texas.

Trained as a iRest Yoga Nidra Meditation Teacher, I tailor my one on one sessions to care for  clients who are dealing with high anxiety, PTSD, insomnia, addiction and grief.

Slow is the antidote to our fast paced over scheduled environment as well as the basis of the being practice of Restorative Yoga. Supported by props, the body is allowed to deeply relax and breathe fully. Restorative Yoga is the most gentle form of the practice and wildly needed to help our culture find balance.

I live in Houston with my husband, son, our two dogs and two cats.When not teaching or with clients, you can find us walking or camping on the Lavaca River at the Ranch.

KATHRYN LEMASTER

Mindfulness Consultant

I am Mary Kathryn LeMaster, a mindfulness consultant, Restorative Yoga, and meditation teacher. My passion is teaching students and clients practical tools based in neuroscience to help them navigate high stress and anxiety.  Studies have shown when the brain and body are on board at the same time resilience has more of an opportunity to grow. My private practice includes one on one consulting, classes, programs and retreats here in Houston and at my family’s ranch retreat center in Edna,Texas.

Trained as a iRest Yoga Nidra Meditation Teacher, I tailor my one on one sessions to care for  clients who are dealing with high anxiety, PTSD, insomnia, addiction and grief.

Slow is the antidote to our fast paced over scheduled environment as well as the basis of the being practice of Restorative Yoga. Supported by props, the body is allowed to deeply relax and breathe fully. Restorative Yoga is the most gentle form of the practice and wildly needed to help our culture find balance.

I live in Houston with my husband, son, our two dogs and two cats.When not teaching or with clients, you can find us walking or camping on the Lavaca River at the Ranch.

SHANA TATUM, RD, LD

Registered Dietition

I am a registered dietitian nutritionist that follows a functional medicine model. Using food as medicine – balanced with good sleep, daily movement, stress reduction and meaningful relationships, I firmly believe optimal wellness and vitality can be realized. Through this whole health centered approach, my hope is to empower clients to step into and find their own healthy balance.

As a member of the Dietitians in Integrative and Functional Medicine Practice Group with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and a member of the Institute of Functional Medicine, particular attention is given to individualized and patient centered care. I am especially interested in the relationship between mental health and dietary and lifestyle influences. Awareness of triggers and mediators combined with modifiable lifestyle factors can restore balance and prevent further cognitive decline.

When not counseling clients toward their peak health and well-being, I can be found with friends and family enjoying community. Gardening, reading and meditating are some of my top favorite activities. I find seasonal cooking a form of creative expression. As a mother to three boys, most weekends include soccer games and stinky socks. My husband of 28 years has been a steadfast partner in my life and expert taste tester of new recipes flowing from our kitchen!