Dr. Ari is a doctorate level clinician trained in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR), Play Therapy/Sand Tray, and psychological assessment. 

EMDR trained by Dr. Robbie Adler-Tapia (an original student of founder, Dr. Francine Shapiro). CBT professional training included submitted video case demonstrations to the Beck Institute of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

She is also a Certified Wellness Counselor (CWC) specialized in supporting improvement in whole-body emotional & physical well-being through sustainable lifestyle changes & mindset practices. 

Awarded Wellness Counselor of the Year 2026

Strong science background; previously worked as a public health epidemiologist.

AREAS OF SPECIALTY

Anxiety, stress, depression, hormonal mood changes, fatigue, ADHD, OCD, toxic work environments, burn out, relationship conflict, personal growth, wellness, life changes/transitions, confidence/self-esteem, perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and childhood trauma.

Previous clinical experience included conducting relaxation groups through guided visual imagery & grounding, implementing behavioral management strategies to reduce rumination & stress, addressing women's issues in a triadic medical clinic, processing childhood trauma, and improving management of children's behavior using home-based parent management training (PMT).

A FEW MORE NICHES...

College students, professionals, oil/gas, business owners/entrepreneurs, healthcare providers, government employees & contractors, academia, religious trauma/high control groups/cults, coaching/wellness, natural disasters, foster care/adoption, and veterans.

EDUCATION

B.A. (psychology) - Wayne State University (Detroit)

MPH (public health/epidemiology) - American Military University

M.Ed. (counseling) - University of Houston-Victoria

PhD (counseling) - Sam Houston State University.

Licensed in Florida, Texas, Colorado, and Washington. 

Board approved counseling supervisor for the State of Texas.

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

American Counseling Association (ACA)

International Association of Wellness Counseling (IAWC)

DISSERTATION

Carrier, A. (2020). The Coping Experiences of Police Officers Exposed to Daily Trauma as a Course of Their Employment: A Phenomenological Study.

FROM DR. ARI:

"When I work with someone, I like to focus on building healthier relationships, developing coping skills, and their personal growth. Whether they're navigating difficult challenges right now or just seeking to heal from past experiences, I want to provide a compassionate space to support them."

"Many people come to me during pivotal moments in their life like a career shift, having a panic attack, a toxic work situation, break-up, college adjustment, medical illness, or life transition. But sometimes it's just a desire for a meaningful “reset" on something that has been bothering them for a long time."

"I have a healthy sense of humor and positive outlook. I like helping people find balance & make changes to feel better. It makes me happy hearing from people who say therapy helped them overcome their problems. I love my work."

about the "real" me...

I'm not a "typical" therapist! 

I'm pretty down-to-earth!

I'm married with 2 rescue dogs. I'm an animal lover! I enjoy a sense of accomplishment with do-it-yourself home improvement projects. I love making things visually attractive when I’m entertaining and making experiences feel special by personalizing them. Outside of the office, I’m usually traveling and attempting new experiences. I love architecture, archaeology, art, aviation/military, history, culinary restaurant weeks/cooking, shopping, walks on the beach, and swimming in the mornings.

My favorite sports are from snow-capped cabins in the North (skiing, ice skating, snow shoeing, and hockey). I'm a Detroit Red Wings fan! I'm curious; I stay current with continuing education attending conferences to learn new things. I'm an avid reader. The latest trends in research, health/wellness, managing stress, genetics/genealogy, finance/investment, and cultural or historical accounts are some of my favorites. Magazine subscriptions: National Geographic magazine, Texas Monthly, Wall Street Journal.

People I admire:

people who challenge status quo when needed

people for whom early adversity built character 

people who value independent thinking

people who show persistence in the face of doubt

people willing to take calculated risks

people with personal accountability, curiosity, or  dedication to pursue their ideas.

MEMBERSHIP ORGANIZATIONS

The Museum of Fine Arts Houston (MFAH)

Houston Museum of Natural Science

Galveston Historical Foundation

enough about me. 

tell me ABOUT YOU!