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Meet the Therapists: Q&A with Kelly Bires, MA, LPC-A

by | Nov 8, 2023 | Anxiety, Meet the Therapists

Kelly Bires Houston therapist

Here at Houston Center for Valued Living we have a dedicated team of skilled therapists who want to see you through to your best life yet. We offer comprehensive counseling services for adults, teens, and children in the greater Houston area or via Telehealth. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, sleep problems, or depression, we have interventions that work. We are starting a series of blog posts for you to get to know our therapists better. We will start today with a Q&A with Kelly Bires!

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background?

My name is Kelly Bires and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPC-A). Being an LPC-A basically means I am within the first 3,000 hours of my career and am under supervision from Christen Sistrunk LPC-S. I grew up in the Houston area and went to college at Texas A&M University. After completing my Bachelors of Science in Allied Health in 2018, I continued my education at Dallas Theological Seminary, earning my Masters of Arts in Biblical Counseling in 2021. After working at a private practice in Dallas for 2 years and having my daughter, our family has moved back to my hometown of Houston. I am so excited to be here and be practicing with HCFVL! 

How long have you been practicing as a therapist?

I began seeing clients while completing my Masters degree, where I worked with college students through a small college in Dallas. After completing my degree, I began working in the private practice setting in the Summer of 2021. Since then I have been working with clients ranging in age from adolescents to adults.

What types of clients and issues do you specialize in?

I have worked with a variety of clients, but I treat mostly young adults to adults who struggle with anxiety disorders, OCD, church hurt, disordered eating or insomnia. My education is in Biblical Counseling, therefore I have experience with those who have experienced church hurt, are struggling spiritually, or have scrupulosity OCD. Although this is my background, I do not exclusively treat those who are Christian or religious. Discussing religion or religious topics is solely up to the client and if that is something they desire to work through. I also have experience working with young adults going through life changes such as starting or graduating college, entering the workforce, getting married, having children, moving and more. Your twenties are an exciting time but are often filled with an excess of change that can certainly be a challenge on your mental health! As a therapist, I have developed a deep passion for assisting individuals who are grappling with life changes. Having gone through similar experiences myself, I have gained firsthand knowledge and understanding of the challenges that come with these transitions.

I also enjoy working with men and women who struggle with their relationship to food and exercise. Everywhere we turn, we see external pressure to maintain a certain image. Working through the stigmas and deep rooted beliefs that influence someone’s relationship with food, exercise, and their bodies is an area of passion for me. Eating disorders and disordered eating are incredibly prevalent but not widely understood or discussed. Many individuals feel ashamed and guilty when discussing this topic. That’s why I find it so rewarding to assist clients through these tough conversations and help them overcome negative beliefs about food and body image.

Do you have any particular therapeutic approaches or techniques that you prefer?

My therapy style is heavily influenced by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy which looks at the relationship between thoughts, feelings and behaviors, but I often will use techniques from other theories as well. I find that ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy) can be incredibly helpful for some clients as well as ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention), particularly for anxiety and OCD. I try my best to tailor my approach to the client’s needs while also utilizing evidence-based protocols and remaining true to who I am as a therapist and an individual.

What can a client expect during a typical therapy session with you?

My goal is to create a safe and welcoming environment for each and every client. I understand that every client is different and has their own unique story to be told. My desire is to give each client the empathy and space they require to learn, grow and heal. My hope is to meet each client where they are in their journey and provide the support and guidance necessary to help them achieve their objectives.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time or as a form of self-care?

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family and friends! I also am a very creative person and enjoy painting, sewing, calligraphy and interior design. Most weekends you can find our family at a park, coffee shop or watching movies. We also love exploring new restaurants and museums! 

Where are you located, and what are your hours of operation?

I see clients via Telehealth or in person at our Post Oak location! My availability varies, but I am in the office every Tuesday and Thursday!

How can potential clients get in touch with you to schedule an appointment?

You can reach me via email at kelly@hcfvl.com or over the phone 713-331-5538 ext 701

What advice do you have for someone who is considering therapy for the first time?

Don’t be afraid to reach out! It is a big, sometimes daunting step, but we are here to help you in any way we can. The therapeutic relationship can be so valuable for growth and healing. I also think everyone could benefit from therapy because we all have struggles and areas we desire growth. If you have questions, please reach out!

At the Houston Center for Valued Living, we offer therapy in Houston for a variety of life’s challenges. Our team of compassionate therapists offer a variety of therapeutic specialties including: