Grief counselors and therapists in Houston, TX

John Gillespie is a dedicated Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) providing individual and group counseling in Houston, TX. He earned his Master’s degree from the Warden School of Social Work at Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, and though he trained across Texas, he proudly calls Houston home.

Have you been feeling lost and overwhelmed? You are probably here because you struggle with anxiety, trouble sleeping, feeling down and hopeless, maybe having nightmares and flashbacks of stressful events or you lost someone important and are struggling to cope with grief. All that sounds like a lot to deal with alone so It is good that you are here. This a great step towards your mental health and healing process.

One of my priorities is to be open-minded. Everyone struggles with a combination of problems that are specific to them. In the same essence, every person's needs are unique and deserve specialized treatment that is best suited to them. My main areas of experience are with ADHD, Anxiety and Depression; however, I have experience in many different areas. I am committed to your journey and will help you reach your goals!

If you are carrying grief, trauma, or navigating a major life transition, you may feel overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to move forward. Experiences such as loss, divorce, infertility, or other unexpected changes can deeply impact your sense of stability and alters your identity.

I bring over two decades of experience working in a variety of clinical settings. My background includes serving as a probation officer, directing three partial hospitalization programs, working in an inpatient psychiatric facility, and building a private practice. These experiences have given me a broad and practical understanding of how people struggle—and more importantly, how they heal.

I hold a Master of Education in Counseling and Guidance and have been a Licensed Professional Counselor since 2001. I specialize in trauma and grief, using EMDR as my primary modality, along with CBT and other evidence-based approaches. I also value and incorporate principles from 12-step recovery when working with clients or loved ones living with addiction.

I work with adults facing trauma, grief, and life transitions, including those who are high-functioning but internally struggling. Regardless of what brought you here, therapy can be a place to gain clarity, build resilience, and reconnect with yourself.

I have plenty of life experience dealing with most issues and over 30 years of experience in pastoral and faith based counseling. I am a state licensed therapist with a doctorate in clinical psychology. I have been happily married for 35 years, I have raised 4 children, and I’ve owned various small businesses.