Fuller Life Family Therapy Institute

Fuller Life Family Therapy Institute Quality Affordable Individual, Marriage & Family Counseling in the Houston Bellaire/Galleria Area.

At Fuller Life Family Therapy Institute, a non-profit in Houston, we train, equip and empower developing therapists who provide professional therapy to individuals and families at affordable rates.

What makes the Fuller Life Training Model different?Our therapists name it clearly:depth over speed, formation over shor...
01/02/2026

What makes the Fuller Life Training Model different?

Our therapists name it clearly:
depth over speed, formation over shortcuts, and supervision that shapes how they think, listen, and show up in the room.

Through intensive supervision, didactic training, clinical specialization, and a bi-annual team valuation process, we invest deeply in the person of the therapist — because how therapists are formed matters for clients and communities.

This year, we grew our training program by 80% and continue working toward our long-term goal of doubling our impact by 2028.

These reflections come directly from our therapists in training — and we’re grateful for the honesty, rigor, and commitment they bring to this work.

12/31/2025

Enjoyable time with people we love supports emotional well-being.

A large meta-analysis of social connection and health found that strong social relationships are associated with lower stress and better long-term health outcomes. Positive, meaningful connection helps the nervous system regulate and reminds us we’re not meant to do life alone.

This Be Well practice comes from a moments of shared joy at the Fuller Life Christmas party — celebrating connection, community, and care.

As we share simple practices that support well-being, we’re also working to expand access to affordable mental health care across Houston.

Learn more or support the HEART Equity Fund:
https://fullerlifefamilytherapy.org/yearend/
or text WELLNESS to 53-555

Research:
Holt-Lunstad, J., Smith, T. B., & Layton, J. B. (2010). Social relationships and mortality risk: A meta-analytic review. PLoS Medicine, 7(7), e1000316.
https://journals.plos.org/plosmedicine/article?id=10.1371/journal.pmed.1000316

12/31/2025

Did you know that taking time to savor the small moments — like a slow cup of coffee or a few quiet minutes in the morning — can increase happiness and reduce stress?

According to researchers Smith and Bryant (2017), savoring is the mindful awareness of positive experiences — noticing the taste, texture, and warmth of something you enjoy, and allowing yourself to feel gratitude in the moment.

Their review of the science of savoring found that this simple act enhances emotional balance, strengthens relationships, and builds resilience against daily stress.

So this season, don’t rush through what’s good.
Pause. Taste. Notice.
Be well, savor.

Join us in closing the year with care and connection: https://fullerlifefamilytherapy.org/yearend/

This wellness tip was created by Fuller Life’s Rising Star Intern Ximena Escobedo.

Smith, J. L., & Bryant, F. B. (2017). Savoring and well-being: Mapping the terrain of the science of positive experience. Handbook of Positive Psychology, Assessment, and Intervention (pp. 165–182). Springer Publishing Company.
🔗 https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Savoring-and-Well-Being%3A-Mapping-the-Terrain-of-the-Smith-Bryant/5ea31c30b036f61050c80eac42f890ff6c3cc1e2

12/30/2025

Widalis Rogue-Rodriguez has completed her graduate program and will graduate with her master's this month! She will be returning to Fuller Life to begin the Residency program and complete the required hours for full LPC licensure in January. We are so excited and thrilled for Widalis! Congratulations!

12/30/2025

Did you know that choosing to give to others can boost your mood and support your well-being?

Research in Science found that people who spent money on others — regardless of the amount — felt happier than those who spent the same on themselves.

Generosity shifts the nervous system toward connection, purpose, and groundedness.

This season, may you notice opportunities to practice generosity in ways that feel meaningful to you.

Be well. Be generous.

We are wrapping up our year end campaign and invite you to consider joining our mission of expanding access to therapy for families across Houston, especially in underserved communities, with a year end gift: https://fullerlifefamilytherapy.org/yearend/ or text WELLNESS to 53-555.

Research:
Dunn, E. W., Aknin, L. B., & Norton, M. I. (2008). Spending money on others promotes happiness. Science, 319(5870), 1687–1688.https://www.hbs.edu/ris/Publication%20Files/Norton_Michael_Spending%20money%20on%20others%20promotes%20happiness_ddd17e6e-fc21-438f-811e-62561cc97a18.pdf

12/29/2025

Spending time with animals supports emotional well-being.

Research on human–animal interaction shows that petting an animal is associated with increased oxytocin and reduced cortisol, helping the nervous system shift toward calm and regulation. These moments of gentle connection are linked to lower stress, improved emotional balance, and a sense of safety and bonding.

This Be Well practice reminds us that even small moments of connection — like petting a furry friend — can support emotional regulation.

As we share simple, research-backed wellness practices this season, we’re also working to expand access to affordable mental health care across Houston.

Learn more or support the HEART Equity Fund:
https://fullerlifefamilytherapy.org/yearend/
or text WELLNESS to 53-555

Research:
Beetz, A., Uvnäs-Moberg, K., Julius, H., & Kotrschal, K. (2012). Psychosocial and psychophysiological effects of human–animal interactions: The possible role of oxytocin. Frontiers in Psychology, 3, 234.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2012.00234/full

12/29/2025

Massage is so much more than relaxation.

Research shows massage therapy is associated with about a 30% reduction in cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone.

Studies also show dopamine and serotonin increase by roughly 28–31%, supporting mood, motivation, and emotional regulation.

Massage has additionally been shown to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, helping the body shift into rest, repair, and recovery.

Be Well, Treat Yourself to a Massage.

This Be Well practice was shared by Nicole Thompson, therapist at Fuller Life Family Therapy Institute.

As part of our year-end campaign, we’re sharing simple, research-backed wellness practices while expanding access to therapy across Houston.

To support wellness and access to care, text WELLNESS to 53-555 to donate or visit: https://fullerlifefamilytherapy.org/yearend/

Field, T. (2014). Massage therapy research review. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 20(4), 224–229.
https://cyberlearn.hes-so.ch/pluginfile.php/1744124/mod_folder/content/0/Field_2014_rewiewmassage.pdf

12/28/2025

Warmth, steady light, and gentle sensory input matter more than we often realize.

Research published in Psychoneuroendocrinology highlights how calming sensory experiences are associated with reduced cortisol and support the body’s natural stress-recovery systems. These physiological shifts help the nervous system move out of urgency and back toward balance.

Taking a few moments to sit by a fire — watching the flames, feeling the warmth, letting your body slow — can be a simple way to support emotional regulation during a busy season.

As we share research-backed wellness practices this season, we’re also working to expand access to affordable mental health care across Houston.
[Wellness Video by: Sania Jamal]

Learn more or support the HEART Equity Fund:
https://fullerlifefamilytherapy.org/yearend/
or text WELLNESS to 53-555

Research:
Beetz, A., Uvnäs-Moberg, K., Julius, H., & Kotrschal, K. (2012). Psychosocial and psychophysiological effects of human–animal interactions. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 37(11), 183–194.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25387270/

12/28/2025

Did you know spending time near water isn’t just calming? It can create measurable improvements in mental health.

Research on “blue space” shows that exposure to water environments like rivers, lakes, or coastlines is associated with lower psychological distress, improved mood, and greater emotional restoration. These benefits don’t require swimming or exercise — simply seeing or being near water can help the nervous system shift out of stress and into recovery.

This Be Well practice was contributed by Giselle Balderas, a therapist at Fuller Life Family Therapy Institute, who shares a moment of noticing the calming effect of water and natural scenery.

As we share simple, research-backed wellness practices this season, we’re also inviting our community to help expand access to affordable mental health care across Houston. Text WELLNESS to 53-555 to donate or learn more at
https://fullerlifefamilytherapy.org/yearend/

White, M. P., Elliott, L. R., Gascon, M., Roberts, B., & Fleming, L. E. (2020). Blue space, health and well-being: A narrative overview and synthesis of potential benefits. Environmental Research, 191, 110169.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2020.110169

Well

12/28/2025

In any moment, on any given day,
I can measure my WELLNESS with one question:
Is my attention on LOVING,
or on who ISN’T LOVING me?
Poem by Andrea Gibson

Wellness grows when our focus shifts from who isn’t loving me to how I can love others. 💛
Andrea Gibson’s words remind us that healing often begins when we move from waiting to be cared for to actively caring—with compassion, generosity, and presence.

As we close the year, Fuller Life continues this mission—extending love through accessible therapy and community care. Join us in our Year-End Campaign and help us keep love in motion.
fullerlifefamilytherapy.org/yearend. or text WELLNESS to 53-555

“I felt so understood. Compassion felt like a precious gift.”That’s what access to therapy can feel like when barriers a...
12/27/2025

“I felt so understood. Compassion felt like a precious gift.”

That’s what access to therapy can feel like when barriers are removed.

This year, the number of HEART clients increased by 76% compared to last year, making HEART-supported family therapy accessible to more families through Fuller Life.

Thank you to our GEMS, donors, and supporters for being part of this story of healing, growth, and hope across Houston this year.

Be well. Give wellness.

Learn more and support the HEART Equity Fund:
🔗 https://fullerlifefamilytherapy.org/yearend/
📱 Text WELLNESS to 53-555

Address

4545 Bissonnet Suite 289
Bellaire, TX
77401

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 8pm
Tuesday 8am - 8pm
Wednesday 8am - 8pm
Thursday 8am - 8pm
Friday 8am - 8pm
Saturday 8am - 1pm

Telephone

+17132346755

Website

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