About Dr. Christine Henry
Licensed Psychologist | Online Therapy for Adults in Texas & PSYPACT States
I specialize in working with ADHD, autistic, and AuDHD adults, highly sensitive people, and those navigating trauma, grief, and complicated family relationships.
Many of the adults I work with have spent years trying to understand why certain things seem harder for them than for other people. Some are just beginning to explore ADHD, autism, or AuDHD, while others have known they're neurodivergent for years. I also work with highly sensitive people and adults navigating complex childhood trauma, religious trauma, grief, and difficult family relationships.
In addition to my clinical training and experience, I bring lived experience as someone who identified as ADHD later in life, with dyslexia, dysgraphia, and autistic traits. I'm also raising two twice-exceptional children who are PDA (pathological demand avoidance/persistent drive for autonomy) and share my life with a partner who is ADHD and autistic. With so many different neurotypes under one roof, life is rarely boring.
You'll often find us on the couch watching the latest Marvel series or Star Wars show. I also love 80s/90s comedies, baking shows, documentaries, and, as much as I hate to admit it, I've been known to get sucked into an episode (or five) of 90 Day Fiancé.
As an avid animal lover, I understand how meaningful our relationships with pets can be. They're more than companions. They're family, often providing comfort, connection, and support through life's challenges.
What It's Like to Sit With Me
Therapy with me is a conversation, not just you talking while I sit there and nod. If I'm having a thought, I'll probably share it with you, especially since it's likely to show up on my face anyway. I tell it like it is, but always with kindness. I'll ask questions, share observations, and help you connect dots you might not have noticed. I also appreciate a good sense of humor, even when we're talking about difficult things.
You don't need to come to sessions with an agenda, organized thoughts, or a clear idea of where to start. Some of my clients bring notes or a list of things they want to discuss, and that's welcome, too. Bring your tangents, half-formed thoughts, and whatever else is on your mind.
Feel free to fidget, move around, adjust the lighting, eat something, or look away instead of maintaining eye contact. I usually have a cup of coffee, a glass of water, and at least one other mystery cup on my desk, so you'll be in good company.
And since we meet virtually, you'll probably see one or more of my dogs sleeping on the couch behind me. Occasionally, you'll even hear some quiet snoring. Your pets are always welcome to join us, too.
My Values
I believe people deserve to be understood and respected for who they are, not who others think they should be. You shouldn't have to hide parts of yourself, fit someone else's expectations, or become a different version of yourself to be accepted.
I also believe that what's happening around us matters. Family dynamics, cultural expectations, discrimination, political and social issues, and the environments we live and work in can all affect our mental health. This can be especially significant for women, people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, neurodivergent people, and others whose experiences or identities haven't always been understood or respected. I don't believe we can understand someone's struggles without considering the context of their life.
I welcome clients of different backgrounds, identities, beliefs, and experiences, including those whose perspectives differ from my own. My role isn't to tell you who you should be or what decisions you should make. It's to help you better understand yourself, explore what matters to you, and figure out what works for your life.
My Training
-
I earned my master's degree in Mental Health Counseling in 2002 and my Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology in 2008, both from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana.
My doctoral research focused on the relationship between pet attachment and grief following the death of a companion animal. I was also a member of Purdue University's Grief and Loss Research Team and completed my doctoral internship at Miami University's Student Counseling Service.
-
I am a licensed psychologist in the state of Texas(#35103)
However, because of the PSYPACT Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT) #5648 I am able to see clients in multiple states.
I am also a National Certified Counselor (77114)
-
I began my career as a therapist in 2002, working in a domestic violence shelter, a substance abuse treatment center, and in community mental health. This is where I got my start working with grief, trauma, and undiagnosed adhd/autism.
I then worked as a psychologist in college counseling centers for 10 years. Colleges I have worked at include: Purdue University, Miami University Ohio, Ball State University, University of Houston, University of Houston Clear Lake.
I left the college counselor world for private practice in 2018 and have been loving it ever since.
-
My approach is relational and neurodivergent-affirming, with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as a primary foundation of my work. I also draw from attachment theory, family systems, and interpersonal process theory to explore how early childhood experiences, family dynamics, and relationships shape how we understand ourselves and navigate the world. I incorporate an understanding of the nervous system, including polyvagal theory, along with elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) when helpful.
I recognize that growing up neurodivergent, especially when your differences weren't understood or supported, can have a lasting impact on your sense of self, relationships, and the ways you've learned to adapt to others' expectations.
Above all, I believe the therapeutic relationship is central to meaningful change. My goal isn't to change who you are or teach you to fit into a neurotypical world, but to help you better understand yourself, recognize patterns that may no longer serve you, and find ways of living that honor your needs, values, and neurotype.
Meet the Inspiration Behind Therapy for Pet People
Dogtor Murphy was more than my beloved dog. He was my therapy sidekick, colleague, and the inspiration behind Therapy for Pet People.
Murphy began his formal training at just one year old, eventually passing his Canine Good Citizen test and Therapy Dogs International evaluation.
When Hurricane Harvey hit Houston in August 2017, I knew Murphy could help bring some comfort to people during an incredibly difficult time. He joined the counseling staff at the University of Houston–Clear Lake, where he spent his days seeing clients and enjoying his role as "big man on campus."
When I transitioned to telehealth, Murphy came along, too. He would get excited when it was time to head into our home office, where he continued helping clients, often with a little assistance from their own pets, whom I liked to think of as his undercover therapy animals.
Murphy passed away in January 2026. Before he left us, he spent years showing Max and Benji the ropes, preparing them to take over some of his office duties. They've officially inherited the role of office interns, although neither has quite earned the title of Dogtor. For now, their responsibilities include supervising sessions from the couch, occasionally making an appearance on camera, and providing background snoring when needed.
Murphy will always be the original Dogtor, and I'm grateful for all the years we spent working together.
Featured In The Media
Podcasts
Episode from “Pod Help Us”
Dr. Henry and Misha Abarbanel delve into the advantages of pet therapy, coping with the loss of a pet, and distinguishing between psychiatric service dogs and emotional support animals.
Episode from “Your Therapist Needs Therapy”
Dr. Henry joins Jeremy Schumacher to discuss being identified as neurodivergent later in life and how that experience has shaped both their personal and professional lives..
Videos
Dr. Henry teamed up with Anthony Terrazas (dog trainer and owner of "What a Canine) to Interview author Bill Sullivan who wrote the book "Pleased to Meet Me: Genes, Germs, and the Curious Forces That Make Us Who We Are."
We explore the research examining the intricate interplay between genetics and the environment in shaping who we are. The main idea of the book is to know ourselves better and figure out how to make our world suit who we really are, instead of trying to be something we're not naturally.
Articles
Community Highlights: Meet Christine Henry of Therapy For Pet People
Learn how Dr. Henry developed her brand “Therapy for Pet People.” Benefits of pets to our mental health and doing virtual pet therapy.
PsychCentral Article: Robotic Pets: As Good for Mental Health as the Real Thing?
Med Shadow Foundation: Can A Service Dog Make Me Healthier?