Compassionate Care for Mind & Spirit
Empowering Your Mind and Spirit
Compassionate individual and couples counseling for adults in Texas and Washington. Specializing in anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, and life transitions.
About Me
Brian McCormack, Ph.D., LPC-Associate, LMHCA
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPC-Associate) in Texas, practicing under the supervision of Michelle Burkott, LPC-S, and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate (LMHCA) in Washington, practicing under the supervision of Javen Taafe.
I hold a Ph.D. in History from the University of California, San Diego, and a Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lamar University. My professional background spans more than 30 years in higher education, historical scholarship, and work with individuals navigating personal, academic, and emotional challenges.
My academic training as a historian provided me with a deep appreciation for the richness and complexity of human experience. The study of history taught me to recognize how our lives are shaped by relationships, culture, circumstances, and the broader world in which we live. It also fostered an enduring respect for the diversity of human experiences and the many ways people find meaning, confront adversity, and pursue lives of purpose. These perspectives continue to inform my work as a counselor, particularly my belief in approaching each person with openness, humility, empathy, and respect for their unique experiences.
Throughout my years in higher education, I had the opportunity to work with students facing academic pressures, personal difficulties, and important life transitions. These experiences deepened my interest in emotional well-being and the challenges individuals encounter as they seek to understand themselves and find their way forward. They ultimately contributed to my decision to pursue graduate training in clinical mental health counseling.
Today, I bring these experiences together in my work with individuals and couples navigating anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, and significant life transitions. My approach emphasizes a genuine therapeutic relationship grounded in trust, compassion, and collaboration, drawing upon evidence-based counseling practices while recognizing the individuality of each client's circumstances and goals.
I believe counseling offers more than an opportunity to address immediate difficulties. It can also provide space for personal growth, greater self-understanding, stronger relationships, and a renewed sense of direction. My goal is to help clients recognize their strengths, develop practical strategies for navigating life's challenges, and move forward with greater confidence, resilience, and purpose.
My Goal
To provide a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. I am committed to helping each person build on their strengths and work toward meaningful, lasting change.
My Therapeutic Approach
I draw upon a range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches, tailoring my methods to the unique needs and goals of each client. My practice integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based techniques.
I believe that the therapeutic relationship itself is a powerful vehicle for healing and growth. By fostering a genuine connection built on trust, empathy, and mutual respect, I aim to create an environment where clients feel truly heard and understood.
Whether you are navigating a specific challenge or seeking broader personal growth, I will work collaboratively with you to develop strategies that are practical, meaningful, and aligned with your values and goals.
I work with clients from diverse cultural, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds, and I strive to integrate cultural humility and sensitivity into every aspect of my practice. I believe that effective therapy requires understanding and respecting each client's unique cultural context and lived experience.
The best way to predict your future is to create it.
— Peter Drucker
Types of Services
Individual Therapy
One-on-one sessions focused on your personal goals, challenges, and growth. A confidential space to explore your thoughts and feelings at your own pace.
Couples Counseling
Support for partners navigating communication difficulties, conflict, life transitions, or a desire to strengthen their relationship and deepen connection.
Anxiety & Depression
Evidence-based strategies to help you understand and manage anxiety, depression, and related challenges so you can live a fuller, more meaningful life.
Life Transitions
Guidance through major life changes — career shifts, relationship changes, loss, retirement, or other transitions that call for reflection and new direction.
Trauma-Informed Care
A compassionate, trauma-sensitive approach that recognizes the impact of past experiences and supports healing at a pace that feels safe and right for you.
Academic & Professional Stress
Support for students, academics, and professionals managing performance pressure, burnout, imposter syndrome, and the demands of high-achievement environments.
Online Counseling
Secure, convenient telehealth sessions available to clients throughout Texas and Washington. Online counseling offers the same quality of care as in-person sessions, with the flexibility to meet from wherever you are most comfortable.
Group Therapy
A supportive group environment where individuals can share experiences, build connection, and develop new perspectives alongside others facing similar challenges. Group therapy offers a unique opportunity for growth through shared understanding.
Coaching & Career Counseling
Goal-focused support for individuals navigating career decisions, professional development, or personal direction. Drawing on my background in higher education, I help clients clarify their values, identify strengths, and move forward with confidence.
Education & Performance
Specialized support for students, educators, and high-achieving individuals seeking to improve focus, manage performance anxiety, and develop the resilience needed to thrive in demanding academic and professional settings.
Stress Management & Burnout
Support for individuals experiencing chronic stress, emotional exhaustion, competing responsibilities, and difficulties maintaining balance in their personal and professional lives.
Personal Growth & Self-Development
Collaborative counseling focused on strengthening self-awareness, building confidence, clarifying personal values, and developing a greater sense of purpose and direction.
Services are available upon request and are tailored to individual needs, clinical appropriateness, and scheduling availability. Please contact Connemara Counseling to discuss your goals and available options.
Interactive Resource
Steady Forward
Explore Steady Forward, an interactive resource designed to support reflection, personal growth, and meaningful progress toward your goals.
Explore Steady ForwardSchedule an Appointment
Choose the location that works best for you.
To request a counseling appointment in Texas, please contact Connemara Counseling directly. We will help you with the next steps for scheduling through New Leaf Mental Health, PLLC.
Please do not include sensitive personal or medical information in your initial email.
Contact Information
Connemara Counseling
Washington — Insurances Accepted
Washington counseling services are provided through Mindful Therapy Group. The following insurance plans and programs are accepted, subject to eligibility, coverage, and provider participation.
Insurance coverage and eligibility vary by plan. Please contact Mindful Therapy Group to verify your insurance benefits, confirm eligibility, and discuss available appointment options.
Texas — Insurance Plans Accepted
Texas counseling services are provided through New Leaf Mental Health, PLLC. The following insurance plans and programs are accepted, subject to eligibility, coverage, and provider participation:
Insurance coverage varies by plan. Please contact New Leaf Mental Health, PLLC to verify benefits, eligibility, and available appointment options.
Online Bill Pay
Online Bill Pay — Coming Soon