Vara Psychotherapy

The Vara Psychotherapy Group, PLLC, is a family and marriage therapy private practice that is partnered with other mental health service providers to provide a wide selection of locations and specialties. Depending on client needs, we offer therapy solutions or refer them to mental health professionals in our network that best fit their needs such as insurance, location, available hours, in person or tele-therapy options. Our goal is to connect those in need with the most appropriate mental health services.

Felix Vara, LMFT-Associate

Supervised by S. McCarty LMFT-S

Felix, a native Houstonian and retired law enforcement officer, had a distinguished career with the METRO Transit Police, where he rose to the rank of Assistant Chief of Police. Upon retiring, Felix pursued and received a master’s degree in psychology from Our Lady of the Lake University, Houston Campus, and became a licensed marriage and family therapist. He also earned a master’s degree in criminal justice and security management from the University of Houston-Downtown.

With over thirty years of experience in law enforcement, Felix has witnessed the profound impact of being a first responder on personal relationships. His extensive life experience has enabled him to apply best practices in the field of marriage and family therapy. Additionally, Felix has helped executives manage tough business decisions and relationships, providing him with a unique perspective in therapy.

Felix is passionate about supporting men’s mental health and works with both male and female veterans and first responders. He has also worked with veterans at the Houston Veterans Hospital, a cause close to his heart as both of his sons have served in the military, with one still actively serving. He regularly speaks and offers speaking services on mental health issues, traumatic incidents, anxiety, PTSD, and infidelity. Felix is open to accepting individual and couple clients.

As an avid Houston sports fan, particularly of the Astros, Felix enjoys attending games whenever he can. He seldom misses a televised game and often enjoys a good cigar while watching.

What I do

Felix's therapeutic approach is centered on solution-focused strategies, emphasizing the discussion of potential solutions instead of dwelling extensively on problems. After acknowledging and understanding the problem to develop solutions, the therapy primarily focuses on proactive steps and how to address the issue constructively. Felix has also received training in narrative, collaborative, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as EMDR, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing.

Who do I help?

Mental health not only impacts the individual but also their relationships. Felix collaborates closely with those facing high-stress circumstances, which often include veterans, first responders, athletes and corporate leaders. His clients often grapple with traumatic incidents, anxiety, PTSD, infidelity, and stresses that come with high impact decision making such as workforce reduction. He is dedicated to supporting individuals and couples in their quest for assistance to achieve better mental health and be the best version of themselves.

Why

Over an extensive thirty-plus years in law enforcement, Felix experienced firsthand the impact of first responder life on marital and family relationships. His work with veterans at the Houston Veterans Hospital is inspired by his family's military involvement, particularly with two sons serving. This unique experience equips him with valuable insights to understand and provide specific pertinent therapy.

Where

Both in-person and tele-therapy options are available to accommodate the diverse needs and preferences of his clients. Face-to-face sessions in a traditional office setting can be scheduled in his office in The Woodlands, Texas or the convenience and accessibility of therapy from the comfort of your own space, he strives to make the therapeutic experience as flexible and comfortable as possible for you. To schedule a 15-minute consultation to discuss your specific needs and explore how you can work together effectively, call 402-237-8272 or email at [email protected].