David Butler
I earned my Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Master of Science in Clinical Counseling from Texas A&M University. I've been a Licensed Professional Counselor and Approved Supervisor in Texas for more than 26 years (License #14952). I've always thought of life as a story. Some chapters bring happiness and fulfillment, while others leave us feeling lost, overwhelmed, or wondering what comes next. Maybe you're struggling with anxiety, depression, loneliness, or a difficult relationship. Sometimes it's hard to explain exactly what's wrong. You just know something doesn't feel right.
Together, we will work to replace survival strategies with healthier patterns—so you can move toward relationships that foster respect, trust, and growth.
After 26 years as a counselor, I've learned that life is complicated, relationships can be messy, and none of us have all the answers, including therapists. My own experiences have taught me that some of life's most valuable lessons don't come from textbooks. I'm particularly interested in relationships and how our experiences, especially during childhood, shape the way we connect with others. Sometimes the patterns we developed to protect ourselves growing up become the very things that keep us from finding happiness and connection as adults. Understanding those patterns can be the first step toward changing them. My approach to counseling is straightforward. I want you to feel comfortable being yourself, without judgment or pressure to have everything figured out. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), but I also believe counseling should feel like a genuine conversation. I'll listen, ask questions, offer perspective, and sometimes challenge you to look at things differently. I don't believe my job is to tell you how to live your life. It's to help you better understand yourself and find your own way forward. You may not get to choose every chapter of your story, but you still have a say in how the next one is written.
First session
In our first session together, you can expect a warm, welcoming environment where your comfort and confidentiality are my top priorities. I begin with a gentle icebreaker to help ease any initial nerves and start building rapport. We’ll also review practical matters such as scheduling, fees, and paperwork, while giving you the opportunity to share your expectations, concerns, and hopes for therapy. Once we’re settled, our conversation shifts toward exploring the reasons that brought you to therapy and the goals you’d like to achieve. I encourage open dialogue and active participation, creating a collaborative space where you feel empowered to share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences without fear of judgment. Together, we begin looking at your personal history—important life events, relationships, and recurring patterns—that may be shaping your current challenges. My approach is person-centered, meaning I tailor each session to your unique needs and preferences. Drawing from a variety of evidence-based modalities—including cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic approaches, and mindfulness-based techniques—I work alongside you to develop insight, strengthen self-awareness, and explore new possibilities for growth and healing. A central focus of this first meeting is establishing a strong therapeutic alliance. Trust, empathy, and mutual respect form the foundation of our work together, allowing you to reflect, process, and move forward at a pace that feels right for you. Ultimately, this initial session sets the stage for our therapeutic journey. It is a time to voice your concerns, set intentions, and begin the process of self-discovery and personal transformation. My commitment is to walk alongside you with compassion, encouragement, and steady support every step of the way.
Strengths
Relationships are a big part of our lives, whether they're with a spouse, partner, family member, friend, or coworker. The quality of those relationships can have a tremendous impact on how we feel about ourselves. Healthy relationships should allow us to feel respected, valued, and comfortable being who we are. Learning to establish boundaries is an important part of that, but for many people, setting boundaries doesn't come easily. Sometimes the way we approach relationships has a lot to do with how we grew up. If you were raised in a family where conflict, criticism, emotional distance, or unhealthy behaviors were common, you may have learned to put other people's needs ahead of your own, avoid difficult conversations, or seek approval just to feel accepted. Those behaviors may have helped you get through childhood, but they can create problems in adult relationships. For some, the hurt goes even deeper, especially when the people who were supposed to provide love, safety, and support were the ones who caused the most pain. I believe understanding where these patterns come from is an important part of changing them. My goal is to provide a comfortable, judgment-free space where we can talk openly about your relationships, the experiences that have shaped you, and what you would like to be different. Together, we can work on establishing healthier boundaries, recognizing patterns that may be holding you back, and building relationships where you feel heard, respected, and genuinely connected.
Ideal clients
As a licensed professional counselor, I bring both expertise and compassion to supporting clients through life’s most complex challenges. My work is grounded in years of experience helping individuals navigate psychological and emotional struggles with clarity, resilience, and hope. I specialize in working with survivors of abandonment, abuse, and trauma, offering a safe and supportive environment where healing and growth can take root. Whether it’s processing painful experiences, developing healthier coping strategies, or building inner strength, I am deeply committed to walking alongside clients as they reclaim their sense of empowerment and peace. Beyond trauma-focused care, I work with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, addiction, compulsive behaviors, life transitions, and relationship issues. My integrative approach blends evidence-based techniques with genuine empathy, fostering a collaborative partnership designed to create lasting and meaningful change. I also provide affirming, culturally sensitive support to clients navigating chronic illness, disability, identity exploration, and matters related to sexuality and gender. Every individual’s story is unique, and I honor that by creating a therapeutic space rooted in respect, inclusivity, and compassion. Whether you’re seeking support for yourself, your child, your relationship, or your family, my goal is to help you uncover strength, deepen self-compassion, and move toward a more fulfilling and authentic future. Together, we can embark on a journey of discovery, healing, and transformation.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
As a seasoned licensed professional counselor with over 26 years of experience, I've specialized in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) across diverse professional settings. My expertise spans private practice, a private psychiatric hospital, the criminal justice system, and community mental health centers. In private practice, I've adeptly applied CBT techniques to assist clients in reframing negative thought patterns, developing effective coping strategies, and achieving personalized therapeutic goals. Within these settings, I've provided intensive CBT interventions to individuals facing acute psychiatric challenges, including depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and relationship issues. In the criminal justice system, I've utilized CBT to help inmates manage anger, address maladaptive behaviors, and foster personal accountability, contributing to their rehabilitation and reintegration. At community mental health centers, I've tailored CBT interventions to address a wide range of mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and relationship issues, fostering resilience and promoting well-being among clients. Additionally, my experience includes providing relationship counseling, where I've assisted couples in improving communication, resolving conflicts, and strengthening their emotional bonds. Throughout my extensive career, I've remained committed to empowering individuals to navigate life's challenges, cultivate resilience, and embark on journeys of personal growth and healing.
Location
Virtual sessions