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October/
November 2025
Waiting for Fall
Although we’re technically in the middle of Fall many of us are still wearing shorts and running our AC. Pumpkins, candy corn, and even firewood abound around us, but here in Houston we’re in this in-between-place as we wait for cooler temps and the true feeling that the season is changing.
Fall is all about transition and as we turn our clocks back and adjust our wardrobes. And we may also consider other transitions too. Here at The Barnabas Center we see lots of new faces this season as many of us consider starting counseling to improve relationships and make changes in our circumstances. Maybe you find yourself in a season of transition and looking for support and change in your life–reach out to us and start your journey of healing today.
This Fall’s Toolkit will focus on trauma–what it is, how it impacts us, and how we can address traumatic experiences in our lives, big or small. Many of us were impacted by the floods this summer in the hill country; others of us have family history and experiences that seem to keep us stuck; and some of us have experienced a traumatic death, health crisis, or relationship ending. Whatever the case, our challenging life experiences stay with us and create negative impacts in our lives. Hope and healing is possible and this toolkit will introduce you to concepts, tools, and a path forward in your story.
Additionally in November The Barnabas Center will host a seminar on Understanding Addiction on November 9 from 5:30-7:00PM at Christ the King. Check out the information below and we hope you will join us for this important event.
We’re also continuing our Book Club and excited to read The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins this Fall. I listened to the audio version of the book and then read the book–I recommend either version! This book really hit home with me months ago, and I appreciated Mel’s direct approach to managing our out- of-control emotions, people-pleasing tendencies, and need for approval and appreciation. I’ve continued to tell myself to “let them” when I get frustrated or discouraged. It’s a great read and I’m excited for our book discussion later this Fall.
As always, we are here for you at The Barnabas Center. Please reach out to us at connect@barnabascenterhou.com if you have any interest in counseling or want to learn more about our counseling services.
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Leslie Peacock, MAC, LPC, Director of Counseling
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Counseling Toolkit
What is Trauma and How do we Heal from it?
Trauma is a state of fright that we experience when we encounter a sudden, unexpected, and even life-threatening event over which we don’t have control and we’re not able to respond effectively in the moment. This can be a sudden death, car accident, or natural disaster.
Trauma can also include adverse life events that seem less significant at first glance, like divorce, bullying, or getting news about a terminal illness. Psychotherapist Resmaa Menakem summarizes trauma this way: “Trauma can be anything that happens too much, too soon, or too long coupled with not enough of what should have happened.”
Click here to read the full article.
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Enjoying our New Offices!
The Barnabas Center is enjoying the new space and continuing to work to make it a comfortable and relaxing environment.
We currently are working on several small projects to better serve our clients, and we appreciate your patience while we enjoy all the bells and whistles.
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Meet the Counselor:
Catherine Taylor
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Meet Catherine
Hi! I’m Catherine—a current grad student at Colorado Christian University, where I’m earning my Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. My training so far has included everything from counseling theories and trauma-informed care to neuroscience and multicultural ethics—all rooted in a biblical worldview. Before this, I earned my BA in Psychology from Baylor University with a focus on poverty and social justice—two themes that continue to shape the way I see people and the world.
Before stepping into the counseling field, I worked in the non-profit world, where I had the privilege of walking alongside individuals from all walks of life. Those experiences deepened my passion for supporting people through seasons of pain, change, and growth. But honestly? One of the biggest reasons I chose this path is because of my own journey through counseling. I know firsthand how life-changing it can be to have someone in your corner, and I count it a joy to be that person for others.
My approach is warm, compassionate, person-centered, and trauma-informed. I believe everyone has a story worth telling—and that healing often starts with being seen, heard, and known.
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When I’m not studying or counseling, you can usually find me curled up with a good book, baking something sweet, walking around the neighborhood with my husband, Graham, or exploring new restaurants with friends.
Who I Work With & What I’m Passionate About
I work with both adolescents and adults, creating a safe, supportive space for people who are wrestling with things like anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, life transitions, or relationship struggles. Whether you're navigating a tough season, working through past wounds, or just trying to make sense of life’s messiness, I’m here to walk alongside you.
I deeply believe that every person carries a story that matters—one filled with both beauty and brokenness. As your counselor, my goal is to help you engage with all parts of that story, offering tools, support, and empathy along the way. My hope is to help you discover growth and healing, even in the midst of life’s hardest moments.
Supervision
I currently practice under the supervision of Caroline McKee, LPC (#80486), and Dr. Crystal Brashear, LPC (#75709).
Email Catherine
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Understanding Addiction Seminar
Understanding addiction, caring for loved ones, and exploring the journey of recovery
This November, The Barnabas Center will host a seminar on Understanding Addiction on Sunday, November 9, from 5:30-7:00 PM at Christ the King. Check out the information below, and we hope you will join us for this important event.
Join us in Room A300 for Understanding Addiction, a seminar to help you explore the nature of chemical and behavioral addiction, impact on individuals and families, tools to walk alongside loved ones, and resources for recovery. Following the presentation, we will have an opportunity for discussion as well as anonymous question and answer.
Seminar will be taught by certified trauma/recovery coach and counselor Jeff Penner.
Details and Registration
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September 1- November 1
The Let Them Theory
By: Mel Robbins
As we head into the holidays and navigate time with family, The Barnabas Center is excited to dive into our Fall Book Club selection: The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins. We will begin 9/1/2025
If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or frustrated, this book offers a powerful shift. With two simple words—Let Them—Robbins invites us to release what we can’t control and refocus on what truly matters: our peace, purpose, and growth.
This book is a timely read as we prepare our hearts and homes for the holiday season.
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” — Proverbs 4:23
| Stay tuned for a special lecture and discussion on Boundaries at the Holidays and The Let Them Theory in November. | | | |
A Note on Books...
We often recommend books to clients as a resource to dig deeper into topics that come up during sessions and to further personal insight into our current struggles, behaviors, and relationships.
Books can help expand what’s happening in the counseling session and widen our understanding of ourselves and our experiences. And sometimes reading about real-life people or characters and their experiences can provide an emotional release and a sense of connection–we aren’t alone in our experiences!
Plus, reading can be a mindful activity that reduces stress and offers a great escape from our daily stressors. We’ll continue to offer book recommendations through our Book Club as well as books that supplement our Counseling Toolkit!
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