Dr. Gary Ward , LMFT, LPC

Dr. Gary Ward is a native Texan who brings a long history of service to families, schools, and individuals. He earned a Master in Professional Counseling in 2008 and later completed a Doctor of Ministry in Pastoral Counseling, training that informs his work with people facing relationship, emotional, and life challenges. He is licensed as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), credentials that reflect advanced clinical training and regulatory oversight.

Across his career he has spent ten years in ministry supporting congregants and families and fifteen years in public education working with high school students who have learning difficulties and the families who support them. Those combined experiences shaped a practical, strengths-based approach that values each person’s unique story while recognizing the influence of relationships and family systems.

Though he identifies as a Christian, Dr. Ward applies an array of therapeutic methods to meet each client where they are. He emphasizes compassion, respect, and collaboration, helping people reconnect with their abilities and find realistic pathways toward the outcomes they seek. He welcomes conversations about stress, anxiety, grief, addiction, trauma, relationship and family concerns, parenting challenges, career issues, and other life transitions, working alongside clients to support meaningful change.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care with Dr. Gary Ward

Dr. Ward often draws on Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in his work. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on empathy and building a strong therapeutic relationship, helping people explore their feelings and identify personal strengths. CBT is a practical, goal-oriented approach that examines the links between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to develop new coping strategies for anxiety, depression, and stress. DBT combines skills training and emotional regulation techniques to help manage intense emotions, improve interpersonal effectiveness, and reduce impulsive behaviors.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Dr. Ward works collaboratively with clients to choose methods that match their needs, goals, and preferences. Together they review what is helping, what needs adjustment, and how to tailor sessions for the best fit.

Online therapy with Dr. Ward is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, providing flexibility for busy schedules or for those who prefer remote care. These options make it easier to maintain consistency, access timely support, and integrate therapy into everyday life while working with a licensed professional.