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Dr. Philip Townsend

Therapist profile

Dr. Philip Townsend, TX Psychologist 21868

Texas

Texas clinical psychologist - relationships and codependency

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Where Philip stands

Credentials
TX Psychologist 21868
License
Psychologist, Texas / 21868
NPI
1427001882
Experience
45 years
Languages
English
Location
Texas

About

  • CBT techniques
  • DBT skills
  • Mindfulness practice

About Philip

Dr. Philip Townsend is a Texas clinical psychologist (TX Psychologist 21868) with 45 years of experience. He has worked in private practice and earlier provided psychological services in military and public systems. He sees adults for concerns that include anxiety, depression, relationship and intimacy issues, addiction, grief, trauma and codependency-related patterns.

He uses straightforward, skill-focused work to help people notice what is getting in the way and build practical responses. Sessions often focus on identifying strengths and creating action plans to reach personal goals. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy inform the behavioral tools he teaches, while Client-Centered and Existential ideas shape how conversations are held.

His background includes a doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Houston and early clinical work in the U.S. Army. He also developed adolescent psychological services for a state rehabilitation agency and consulted with public school districts on special-needs programming.

In session he aims to pair theoretical ideas with real skills people can use day to day. He emphasizes honest communication and direct feedback rather than reassurance for its own sake. The work often covers boundary-setting, coping with life changes, and improving self-esteem through practical steps.

People who keep putting others first or who struggle with saying no will find a clinician who focuses on clear strategies. Language of sessions is English and practice is based in Texas. Confirm current session options before booking so you know how sessions are arranged.

How sessions work

How his approaches translate to online sessions

Client-Centered Therapy is about listening carefully and following what matters to the person. It helps people talk through values, make clearer choices, and feel heard while exploring relationship patterns. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on the link between thoughts, feelings, and actions. It teaches concrete tools to reduce anxiety, manage mood, and change unhelpful routines. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) offers skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and clearer boundaries, which can be useful for people who struggle with intense reactions or impulsivity.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will discuss goals, try methods that fit those goals, and adjust the plan based on what helps. That collaborative process is framed by practical skill-building rather than abstract theory.

Confirm current session options before booking so you know how sessions are arranged. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. Speak with the practice about the formats they offer and how sessions can be scheduled to match daily life and obligations.

Areas of focus

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesDepression

Also works with

AddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseGriefEating disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesBlended family issuesCodependencyCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)Family problemsForgivenessGuilt and shameImpulsivityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisMood disordersMulticultural concernsObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPhobiasPost-traumatic stressSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSex addictionSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Existential TherapyMindfulness TherapyNarrative TherapySolution-Focused Therapy

Experience

45+ years

Listed in

Texas

Languages

English

Questions

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does he address?

He works with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and intimacy issues, addictions, grief, trauma, and codependency-related patterns among other concerns.

What is his therapeutic style like?

He combines Client-Centered, Cognitive Behavioral, and Dialectical Behavior approaches to teach practical skills and develop action plans toward personal goals.

How much clinical experience does he have?

He has 45 years of clinical experience, including private practice, military psychological services, and consulting for public schools.

What are his credentials and where is he located?

He is a Texas Psychologist, listed as TX Psychologist 21868, and his practice is based in Texas.

Which languages are supported in sessions?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can people outside the United States work with him?

He does not accept international clients at this time.

How much do sessions cost?

Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with him?

Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.

Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.

Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are not safe at home, use the crisis and helpline numbers.

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Dr. Philip Townsend

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