We occasionally spotlight therapists on Mental Health Match. Elaine Hess is a Houston therapist who specializes in Insomnia and Sleep Problems, Stress Management, Anxiety, Depression, Life Transitions, Chronic Disease, Cancer Diagnosis, and Caregiver Stress. View Elaine’s profile here.Where do you go to find peace in Houston?
I enjoy cycling and feel quite peaceful on a long bike ride out to the end of the White Oak Bayou Greenway trail. You feel as if you’ve left the city limits, and there are birds and beautiful nature all around you.
What is one mental health resource in Houston that you wish more people knew about?
Mental Health Match! This Houston-based therapist directory can help to connect you to the right therapist for you.
There are many approaches to therapy. What is something interesting about your approach?
I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Insomnia. Many people have heard of CBT, but CBT for Insomnia has specific elements that help people retrain their circadian rhythm so they can get their sleep back on track. What’s interesting is that it’s one of the most effective CBT therapies out there–80% of people improve their sleep after completing a course of treatment. It has worked wonders for my clients and for me!
What is one piece of advice you have for people trying to find a therapist?
Sometimes the first or second therapist you meet with is not a match for you, so don’t give up on therapy if you feel like you don’t gel with your therapist right away. It may just take a bit of persistence to find the person who is the right fit.
How can people know if they’ve found a therapist who is right for them?
I think the best way to know is if you feel comfortable and safe with them. A good sign that you’ve found the right therapist is if you feel comfortable telling them things you aren’t likely to tell others. After all, if you can’t tell your therapist, who can you tell?
Elaine Hess is a Houston therapist who specializes in Insomnia and Sleep Problems, Stress Management, Anxiety, Depression, Life Transitions, Chronic Disease, Cancer Diagnosis, and Caregiver Stress. View Elaine’s profile here.