Jacob Hicks

Jacob Hicks

Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate
MS, LPC-A
Specialties
  • Trauma and Crisis Counselor
  • Experienced in Military Culture
  • SYMBIS Certified Facilitator (Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts)

Viewing the world as former Green Beret and Army Aviator gives Jake a unique perspective as he works alongside clients to help them launch on their own and soar to their highest capacity.

Jake’s unstoppable drive to help people develop their fullest potential propelled his focus as a Trauma and Crisis Counselor with a specialty in Military Culture. Before receiving his Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Walden University in Minneapolis, MD,  Jake served as a Volunteer Crisis Chaplain for the Harris County Sheriff’s Office providing services to the deputies and their families. In addition,  Jake’s work with inmates advanced his abilities to support individuals and couples as they learn new tactics to grow from their life experiences.

As a Board Certified counselor licensed to practice in Texas under the supervision of Shaun Burrow, PhD, LPC-Supervision (#63973),  Jake devotes his skills to assisting individuals and their families as they maneuver through concerns such as anger management, sexuality, relationship building, spiritual issues, and conflict resolution in a comforting and trusting atmosphere. By learning new strategies, each person is empowered to heal and grow from the challenges they may be facing.

Counselors & Staff

Meet our team

Our team of dedicated therapists and staff is here to support you.

Lindsey Hawkins
Lindsey Hawkins
Clinical Director

With every individual taking the helm in her/his journey, Lindsey helps each one plot their course to advance over obstacles such as trauma, abuse, high stress, women’s issues, adolescent issues, anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts.

Focusing on helping individuals, couples, and families navigate some of life’s most difficult setbacks, Lindsey journeys alongside each client to find a place of hope and healing. Lindsey’s extensive experience in play therapy and trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, specifically for sexual abuse, allow her to stand by each client to allow space for growth and resilience in the face of trying circumstances.

Lindsey received her PhD in Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy from Texas Tech University and her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Abilene Christian University. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Texas A&M University. Lindsey is licensed in the State of Texas as a Marriage and Family Therapist.

Michael Kouba
Michael Kouba
Licensed Professional Counselor

Life is messy. Believing that “You can’t heal what’s hidden”, Kouba is not afraid to deal with the messy things life brings our way. Kouba loves working with teens, individuals, couples, and families, helping them find a place of change and healing in their journey through life, one step at a time. As a two-time Ironman finisher, Kouba strongly believes in the process of the journey, recognizing it’s more about direction than perfection, while enhancing a growth mindset along the way.

Kouba received his Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Houston – Clear Lake. He is Board Certified and licensed to practice in the state of Texas.

Kouba is an outdoor enthusiast, enjoying cycling, running, and climbing 14ers. He enjoys working in his yard, taking walks with his dog, and spending time with friends and family.

Brooke Johnson
Brooke Johnson
Licensed Professional Counselor

Brooke is committed to walk alongside each client in the journey through self-discovery and healing. Brooke works to create a safe space that fosters trust, open communication, and understanding so that her clients can discover what a life worth living looks like for each unique individual.  

Brooke works with female adolescents (12+) through adults for a variety of concerns. Her focus is on women specific issues such as post-partum depression, sexual trauma, post abortion healing, grief and loss, and PTSD. Brooke is also comfortable working with couples, relationship issues, anxiety, depression, parenting, and mental illnesses.  

Brooke received her Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Houston Christian University after obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Texas A&M University. She am licensed in the State of Texas as a Licensed Professional Counselor.

When not working, Brooke can be found spending meaningful time with her husband, chasing around, and giggling with my toddler, or watching reality TV. She loves to catch up with friends over Tex-Mex or coffee and will never miss her afternoon Dr. Pepper! She loves all things lime green, doing her nails, and keeping up with the latest fashion trends.

Marley Hayman
Marley Hayman
Licensed Professional Counselor- Associate

Eager to walk alongside others as they take steps towards living in the joy and peace that their heart longs for, regardless of their situation or their past, Marley truly believes there is always hope. Marley focuses on her client’s individual needs as they work together to find healing. A wise professor once told her that “It is not our situations that make us unhappy, it is how we perceive them and how we choose to respond that matters”.

Marley received her Master’s in Counseling Degree from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City. She is Board Certified and licensed to practice in Texas under the supervision of Nicole Ponce, LPC-Supervision (#70868).

Marley has worked with clients of all ages, including many years of experience with children, teens, and young adults. She has experience working with individuals walking through anxiety, depression, and trauma. Outside of the office setting Marley enjoys spending quality time with her husband and kids. She loves the outdoors, coffee shops, and investing in the community the Lord has led her to.

Cynthia Wellman
Cynthia Wellman
Marriage and Family Therapy Practicum Student Intern

Cynthia believes that everyone can benefit from therapy, and that mental health should be given the same attention that we give our physical health. Cynthia believes that being a therapist is an honor, and she is eager to work with individuals, couples, and families to grow her experience and to assist those that are wanting to improve themselves and their relationships.  

A native Houstonian, Cynthia moved from coast to coast after receiving her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. She took graduate courses in forensic psychology, and eventually discovered she wanted to focus on the issues faced by people in everyday life. Cynthia is currently a student, in her second year of the Marriage and Family Therapy master’s program at Abilene Christian University.

In her free time, Cynthia enjoys creating abstract art and attending art shows and galleries. She enjoys all types of movies but has a love for old black and white classics and indie films. Traveling and meeting new people is one of her favorite things, and you might also call her a foodie.  

Peejayé Robins
Peejayé Robins
Clinical Mental Health Practicum Student

People are complicated, and life can be hard, but the human spirit, as Peejayé puts it, is remarkably resilient! Currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Colorado Christian University, Peejayé combines comprehensive training in counseling skills, ethics, and theoretical orientations with a profound empathy for those in emotional or mental distress.

With a Biblical worldview guided by the belief that each individual is uniquely valuable and shaped in the image of God, Peejayé employs various therapeutic techniques including Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Person-Centered Therapy (PCT) to support clients, ranging from young adult to seniors, in navigating issues like trauma and crisis, suicide, depression, anxiety, relationship conflicts, and spiritual issues. Through active listening, trustworthiness, and genuine respect for every life’s story, Peejayé believes it is an honor to accompany clients on their courageous path to healing and self-discovery.

Peejayé loves writing poetry, making art, and creating things with technology.  When asked why she chose to be a counselor, Peejayé said, “Stepping into another person’s life story is such a privileged Blessing, and not everyone has that calling, I believe God has given that grace to me.”

Stacey Kouba
Stacey Kouba
Office Manager

With a passion to serve and meet people where they are, our office manager Stacey comes to us with over a decade of customer service experience and a lifetime of organizational and interpersonal skills. She wants people to feel comfortable entering our doors. Stacey schedules new client appointments and assists with coordinating outreach activities among her other administrative duties to support the center.

Make your appointment today

Find support and guidance at the Memorial Christian Counseling Center.

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How can therapy help me?

Our Christian therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues and creative blocks. Many people also find therapy beneficial to managing personal growth, improving interpersonal relationships, and addressing family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. Our therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution.

While the benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn, some of the benefits available from therapy include:

  • Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals, and your values
  • Developing skills for improving your relationships
  • Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
  • Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
  • Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures
  • Improving communications and listening skills
  • Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones
  • Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage
  • Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence
Do I need therapy? I can usually handle my problems.

Everyone goes through challenging situations in life. Even though you may have successfully navigated through previous difficulties you many now find you need extra support. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness; in fact, therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand. This is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting your position in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome the challenges you face.

Why do people get therapy?

Each person’s therapy experience will be slightly different based on the presenting issue and goals you have for therapy. Generally, you can expect your therapist to ask questions about the current events occurring in your life that has led you to seek therapy and any personal history relevant to the presenting problem. Depending on your specific needs, the therapy process may be short with 6 to 8 sessions, or longer with 12 to 16 sessions as you work toward reaching your therapeutic goals. Typically, we see progress occur at a faster pace when clients schedule weekly sessions with their therapist. Additionally, you can expect your therapist to ask you to do things outside the weekly session that may involve reading a pertinent book, journaling about specific topics, reflecting on certain behaviors, and taking specific steps to reach your goals.

What is therapy like?

Because people have different issues and goals for their therapy, each person's therapy will differ depending on the individual. Generally, you can expect to discuss the events currently happening in your life, your personal history relevant to your issue, and report progress (or new insights gained) from the previous therapy session. Depending on your specific needs, therapy can be short-term for a specific issue, or longer-term to address more difficult patterns or your desire for more personal development. Either way, it is most common to schedule regular sessions (usually weekly) with your therapist.

You will get better results from therapy when you actively participate in the process. The ultimate purpose of therapy is to help you bring what you learn in therapy back into your life. Therefore, beyond the work you do in therapy sessions, your therapist may suggest things you can do outside of therapy to support your process, such as reading a pertinent book, journaling on specific topics, noting particular behaviors or taking action on your goals.

Do I have to be a Christian/member of the church to receive care?

We meet every individual, couple, & family where they are and connect them with a Christian-based, professionally trained therapist to begin the healing journey. While we provide professional counseling within a Christ-centered framework, there is no requirement for clients to be associated with any faith based organization, and clients direct how much, if any, spiritual integration is part of their therapy process.

What about medication versus psychotherapy?

It is well established that the long-term solution to mental and emotional problems and the pain they cause cannot be solved solely by medication. Instead of simply treating the symptom, therapy addresses the cause of our distress and the behavior patterns that curb our progress. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness. Working with your medical doctor, you can determine what is best for you. In some cases, a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action.

Do you take insurance?

The Memorial Christian Counseling Center is a self-pay clinic.

None of the therapists in our center participate as members of any insurance panels.

Our fees are based on a sliding scale according to household yearly income.

See pricing info

What about confidentiality?

Confidentiality is one of the most important components of the client/psychotherapist relationship. Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust with highly sensitive subject matter, usually not discussed anywhere but the therapist's office. Every therapist should provide a written copy of his or her confidential disclosure agreement (called "Informed Consent"), and you can expect what you discuss in session will not be shared with anyone.

Sometimes, however, you may want your therapist to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team (your physician, naturopath, attorney). By law, your therapist cannot release this information without obtaining your written permission.

State law and professional ethics require therapists to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations: Suspected past or present abuse or neglect of children, adults, and elders requires therapists to report to the authorities, including Child Protection and law enforcement, based on information provided by the client or collateral sources, or if the therapist has reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming him/herself or has threatened to harm another person.

What is the privacy policy?

The law protects the relationship between a client and a psychotherapist, and information cannot be disclosed without written permission.

Exceptions to this are noted below.

  • If child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse is suspected, the therapist is required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
  • If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person/s, the therapist must notify the police and inform the intended victim.
  • If a client intends to harm himself or herself, the therapist will make every effort to enlist the client's cooperation to ensure his/her safety. If they do not cooperate, the therapist will take further measures, provided by law and not requiring the client's permission, to ensure the client's safety.
FAQS

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Find answers to commonly asked questions about our services and counseling approach. Reach out if you can’t find an answer, we’d love to talk!

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