Today we’d like to introduce you to Angela Waggoner.
Hi Angela, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I always had a desire to help others. I believe it was the way my parents raised me. Due to life interruptions, I ended up on the client side of therapy during college and a few times since. It was at that time that I was exposed to the possibility of helping others through the difficult times that people had helped me navigate. In the late 90s, I began working at a local women’s shelter. As I learned about my job and spoke with many women and children, I decided to return to school to pursue my bachelor’s degree in Human Services at the University of Houston-Clear Lake. I quickly learned that in this field, a master’s is vital. Therefore, I began my studies in Christian Counseling at Liberty University. Shortly after graduating from Liberty, I opened my practice, Safe Haven Counseling Center (August 2014). I kept having clients call me “Dr.” While I would remind my clients that I do not have my doctoral degree, it led me to consider returning to school for my PhD. I graduated in May of 2021 with my PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from Liberty University. This was a proud day, as my son also graduated that day with his high school diploma and a general associate’s degree from Liberty’s Online Academy.
Today, I have the opportunity to supervise students and LPCs as they work towards their goals of helping others through life’s interruptions and difficulties. My supervision occurs in my work at Houston Christian University and at my private practice, Safe Haven Counseling Center.
I have been trained in EMDR (Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). I am a Certified First Responder Counselor. I am also trained in Clinical Hypnotherapy, Chemical Dependency Counseling, and Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy. As I grow in my skills, I have learned that we cannot approach clients with a “one size fits all” approach. Our approach needs to be holistic and look at all aspects of the individual’s life.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
In my opinion, growth is never an easy or smooth road. As we grow, we have bumps in the road. Perhaps the past rears its ugly head and attempts to divert us from our path. Maybe it is our thoughts that can lead us to question if we are making a difference. But those difficulties can be vital in helping us become a better version of ourselves. My road to where I am today was not an easy road. There were many bumps and bruises along the path. However, had I not experienced those hardships, I do not believe that I would be a therapist today. For that, I am grateful for the hardships. Now, I would have much rather learned an easier way, but I would not be who I am today, either personally or professionally.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Safe Haven Counseling Center began in August 2014. There are many excellent private practices in the SE Houston area, but I felt led to start a practice in the Friendswood/Pearland area. We maintained an office in Pearland until COVID-19 began. It was at that point that we decided to move entirely to telehealth services. This was a great option given the climate. However, as COVID came to an end, it became evident that people wanted to connect with people and hold their therapy sessions in person. In April of 2025, Safe Haven Counseling Center opened an office once more, this time in the Friendswood area.
Today, we have sixteen clinicians. We offer services in Texas, Louisiana, Colorado, Virginia, and Florida. We also have a satellite office in Virginia. The services we offer include Life Coaching, Chemical Dependency Counseling, Group Counseling, Individual Counseling, family and couples counseling, EMDR, Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, Hypnotherapy, EFT, and many other specialized services.
What we have found is that a holistic approach is the most effective way to help someone “find light in the journey.” At Safe Haven Counseling Center, we do not have a “one size fits all” approach. Each client is unique, their experience is unique, and therefore our approach is also unique.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
The apps depend on need. For example, my sister has me hooked on the Zen Color app. This app is great for relaxing and unwinding. Each morning, I attempt to complete the daily coloring page. I will usually do a sleep coloring page in the evening before bedtime. I also recommend the Calm or Shut-eye apps for those who need a way to monitor their sleep and/or mentally unwind. These are just a few of the apps; I am sure there are more.
My books are a variety of genres. I love true crime novels. These are by far my favorite. I also try to stay relevant in the field of counseling by reading books that will help me grow as a counselor. One book that I recommend on a fairly regular basis is Boundaries. We all need help and reminders from time to time on how to set appropriate boundaries. I am also a Stephen King fan, especially his books that feature psychologically based storylines.
The best way for me to live my best life is through my music. Music is calming to me. Like my books, I listen to almost all genres, from big bands and old gospel to the most recent song playing on the radio. I have found that when working with adolescents, it is beneficial to connect through shared music tastes. Many of my clients have led to some of the songs I listen to today. I warn those who enter my car that I cannot promise what genre will play next, and I cannot promise that Car Karaoke will not be required.
Pricing:
- Life Coaches/QMHP/LCDC – $90/hour
- Graduate Student Interns – $60/hour
- LPCs and LPC-As – $200/hour
- We do offer sliding scale through OpenPath.
- Assessments and Evaluations rates
Contact Info:
- Website: https://myshcc.org
- Instagram: shcc2014
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558439271255
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/myshcc/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/safe-haven-counseling-center-friendswood?adjust_creative=-yJlvocjPe08xwvAx1kbqw&utm_campaign=yelp_api_v3&utm_medium=api_v3_business_lookup&utm_source=-yJlvocjPe08xwvAx1kbqw
Image Credits
I took all the images. They showcased some of our team on our retreat this past summer, as well as our office space in Friendswood.
