Pamela VanPelt-Tess, Ph.D.
Licensed Professional Counselor
"Peace comes from within; do not seek it without." -Buddha
Welcome to the web presence of Pamela VanPelt-Tess Counseling Services, a Dallas-based psychotherapy practice dedicated to a holistic approach to counseling and mental health treatment.
Anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, and the endless stress of our fast paced society contribute to suffering and interfere with our ability to enjoy life. Working with couples and individuals holistically to promote compassion, patience, and kindness toward themselves and others is my primary goal and the approach I take in therapy. When we learn to be true to ourselves, we are better able to give to others and appreciate the abundance in our lives. My intention is to support clients in learning to honor and accept themselves.
My approach to therapy is mindfulness-based, in which I facilitate a more intimate understanding and appreciation of oneself. Paying attention to our emotional experience, without running, judging, or denying allows us to fully embrace whatever arises within us. This in turn provides the opportunity to begin a conscious process of accepting ourselves.
Change takes time, but even small changes in the way we perceive ourselves and others can make a significant difference. I would appreciate the opportunity to work with you to effect positive changes and increase happiness in your life.
"If we learn to open our hearts, anyone, including the people who drive us crazy, can be our teacher."
-Pema Chödrön
Services Offered
I work with individuals and couples, ages 18 and up, and have extensive experience with:
anger management | couples therapy | depressive disorders | social anxiety | LGBTQ+ issues | generalized anxiety | grief | obsessive-compulsive disorders | narcissistic/histrionic personality | panic disorder | parenting concerns | career transitions
I currently accept Aetna insurance and private pay clients. My private pay fee is $150 per session.
"The tighter you squeeze, the less you have."-Ma-Tsu
About
My educational background includes a bachelor's degree in Psychology and a master's degree in Counseling from the University of South Florida in Tampa, and a doctorate in Counseling from the University of North Texas in Denton. I am a licensed professional counselor in the state of Texas and have worked in private practice since 1999. I have served as adjunct faculty in the Counselor Education department at the University of North Texas, and have taught psychology and human development courses in the Dallas County Community College District.
My approach to psychotherapy is informed by the integration of Western psychological principles and practices and Eastern wisdom traditions. Historically influenced by philosophical perspectives of humanism and systems theory, my professional interests have evolved toward a mindfulness-based practice, which involves cultivating a moment-to-moment awareness of inner experience without judgment. I have had the good fortune to study with renowned Buddhist teacher Jack Kornfield as well as with John Welwood, a central figure in the field of transpersonal psychology. My work with couples is strongly influenced by Welwood's groundbreaking view of relationship as spiritual path.
