Today we’d like to introduce you to Christine Hards.
Christine, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My journey to becoming a counselor started at the age of 11 when my family tragically lost my older brother in a car accident. One very special teacher was caring enough to take me out for ice cream as my family was planning the funeral arrangements. Her small act of kindness inspired me to become a middle school teacher. Therefore, I graduated from Texas A&M University in 2009 with a degree in education and started teaching 6th grade reading, language arts, and social studies. During my first year of teaching, I quickly realized that I was more concerned with my student’s wellness than their academic success. This insight prompted me to shift my career focus to counseling. After obtaining a Master’s of Education in School Counseling from Sam Houston State University in 2012, I started working as a middle school counselor in Cypress-Fairbanks ISD. I was simultaneously completing the required coursework, testing, and internship hours to become a Licensed Professional Counselor. My four years as a middle school counselor were rewarding and insightful. I gained invaluable exposure to the many issues plaguing today’s adolescents, including low self-esteem, bullying, self-harm, and other risk-taking behaviors. I was responsible for the academic, personal, and social success, as well as college and career readiness, of approximately 500 students. Although working in the schools gave me the opportunity to influence a large number of students, I was unable to dedicate my time solely to counseling. This limitation inspired me to start a private counseling practice in 2016. My hope is to meet the mental health needs of my community. My mission is to partner with individuals, couples, and families as they navigate challenges of all shapes and sizes.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
My journey to becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor has been filled with victories and struggles.
Some of the challenges I have encountered include the common issues that many small business owners face, such as learning how to create a website, where to market, and how to best manage my time.
Another universal task that all counselors must complete includes an 18-month, 3,000 hour, supervised internship. Typically, the intern must pay their supervisor and meet with them weekly, which put a strain on my time and finances.
On a more personal note, I sought out counseling for myself to help heal from past hurts and better prepare to be a counselor. This experience helped me better understand the anxiety and stigma that my clients face when making their initial counseling appointment.
The most considerable test of my practice occurred in 2017 when I was working 50+ hours as a middle school counselor, pregnant with my son, and counseling clients in my private practice at night and on weekends. I endured this challenge in order to build my business, which afforded me the opportunity to resign from the school district. Owning and running my own private practice allows me to prioritize my role as a new mother and still pursue my passion – counseling and helping people who are going through a difficult time.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
All Things Counseling is a private counseling practice in Northwest Houston owned and operated by Christine Hards, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Christine counsels individuals, couples, and families.
Through individual counseling, I work with adolescents and adults struggling with anger, anxiety, depression, grief, divorce, obesity, identity, self-esteem, and faith.
I partner with couples to improve communication, financial peace, intimacy, and develop a stronger relationship.
I join with families to build a safe, positive environment for all members to be healthy and feel successful.
I am able to help parents and guardians navigate a school district’s policies and procedures in order to create a realistic and relevant plan that will hopefully help their student be successful academically, behaviorally, and emotionally.
I schedule evening and weekend appointments to accommodate school and work schedules.
I also accept most Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, and Cigna insurance plans in order to help make counseling more affordable for my clients.
What were you like growing up?
I have always been a people person – bubbly, outgoing, and extroverted. Growing up, I enjoyed horseback riding, dancing with my high school drill team and studio competition team, spending time with my friends, and attending youth group events. Unfortunately, I lost multiple family members to illness and accidents during my middle and high school years. These tragedies created an empathy in me for others who have experienced trials of many kinds. I also have an uncanny ability to help people feel comfortable, which gives them the opportunity to share their experiences, thoughts, and feelings, even if we have just met.
Pricing:
- $85 per session for individual counseling for private pay clients.
- $100 per session for couples and family counseling for private pay clients.
Contact Info:
- Address: 17920 Huffmeister Road
Suite 230
Cypress, Texas 77429 - Website: www.allthingscounseling.net
- Phone: 832-674-1936
- Email: ChristineMHards@gmail.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AllThingsCounseling
- Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/all-things-counseling-pllc-cypress-tx/294770?sid=1516043718.2407_32556&search=all+things+counseling&name=all+things+counseling&ref=1&tr=ResultsName
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