Dr. Philip Townsend

I am a clinical psychologist with over 40 years of experience in private practice, providing individual and family psychotherapy. Clients with whom I have worked have presented with a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, relationship problems, concerns about major life changes, parenting styles, academic direction, and personality disorders. The population I serve range from 10 years old to senior citizens.

My treatment style is mainly based upon identifying an individual’s strengths, and developing the tools that will best provide actualization of personal goals. The method employed to develop these action plans is drawn from cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, client centered therapy, and relationship therapy. I have learned that the most effective psychotherapy is provided by matching theoretical constructs with personal skills.

I received my doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Houston. My clinical experience began when I was in the U.S. Army. During my first year of service, I was commissioned to provide psychological services to all military personal at West Point Military Academy. My next assignment was in Viet Nam, where I became the noncommissioned officer in charge of the Mental Hygiene Clinic within the stockade at Long Bin, where I worked with American soldiers detained for problems of misconduct. Following my military service, I was hired by Texas Rehabilitation Commission to develop psychological service for the first program that was designed to work with adolescents. My next position was to establish a private practice, where I primarily focused on the delivery of psychotherapy. For over 20 years, I also was a consultant for three public school districts. Within that capacity I consulted with teachers, counselors and administrators in the development of programs designed for special need populations.

I look forward to joining you in your quest toward personal development. I believe that all concerns, questions and attitudes deserve to be respectfully addressed. And I extend the promise to all with whom I work, that I will never say something nice just to make you feel good. Our objective will be to enhance self-esteem through honest communication and unconditional positive regard.