Luis Raul Velazquez | CYPRESSCOUNSELORS

Luis Raul Velazquez
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate

Get to know Luis
by watching the video below

Luis Raul Velazquez

Licensed Professional Counselor Associate

Saint John Paul II once said that peace must be conquered. While this may seem contradictory, it is a profound truth in today’s world. The mental health crisis following the COVID-19 pandemic has revealed a fragmented society struggling with depression, anxiety, and addiction. Many people seek refuge in alcohol, pornography, and other destructive behaviors to escape pain, anger, or past trauma.

If this resonates with you, I invite you to walk with me on what I call the path of the hero and heroine. My therapeutic approach focuses on empowering individuals—warriors and poets—who are fighting for themselves and discovering their true identity. I guide my clients toward inner freedom, helping them understand that emotions like anger and fear are not enemies but powerful tools when integrated in a healthy way.

Together, we will work to overcome addictions, heal from past wounds, and build a life filled with purpose and joy. As your emotional trainer—not just a therapist—I will provide a safe, supportive space where you can reclaim your strength. My goal is to help you discover the talents that already exist within you.

As a Christian, I believe in mercy and understanding the deeper layers behind human behavior. While the past cannot be changed, together we can build a new future.

My Story:

My journey into psychology began at age 14. Though my family was middle class, I grew up in a poor neighborhood. My parents worked tirelessly to provide me with the best education, sending me to top private schools in Puerto Rico. This contrast between wealth and poverty exposed me to different worlds—I spent school days with affluent classmates and afternoons playing basketball with friends from underprivileged backgrounds.

During this time, I encountered drugs. Though I never succumbed, I witnessed firsthand how addiction destroyed both rich and poor alike. The loss of many friends, including Willy, left a deep impact on me. I came to realize that behind every addiction lies pain, emptiness, and unresolved trauma. This personal experience ignited a lifelong mission: to help others break free from the grip of addiction and reclaim their lives.

Today, I am a husband, and a father of eight wonderful children (five boys and three girls), with two in heaven. Outside of my work, I enjoy photography, poetry, carpentry, sports, and cars.

My Approach & Experience:

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPC-A) License # 96784, supervised by Robin S. Exum, LPC-S, License # 60711. With over 20 years of experience in psychotherapy, I moved from Puerto Rico to Texas to expand my practice and obtain state licensure.

My therapeutic approach is eclectic, blending multiple models to best fit each client's needs. These include:

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – for restructuring negative thought patterns.
Humanistic-Spiritual Therapy – integrating faith and personal meaning.
Family Systems Therapy – addressing relational dynamics and healing from within.

I specialize in helping individuals overcome:

Trauma & PTSD
Depression & Anxiety
Anger Management
Addictions (drugs, pornography, compulsive behaviors)
Marital & Relationship Issues
Phobias & Decision-Making Difficulties

Who I Work With:

Adults
Adolescents
Couples

Credentials & Certifications:

Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPC-A)
Certified Sexual Addiction Recovery Specialist
Certified Anger Resolution Therapist
Certified Conflict Resolution Therapist
Licensed Chemical Addiction Counselor
Certified Dialectical Therapy Therapist

Education & Training:

🎓 Master’s in Counseling, Education, and Developmental Psychology – Lamar University, Texas
🎓 PsyD Program (Three Years Completed) – Ponce School of Medicine
🎓 Bachelor’s in Psychology – University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez

I have worked in private mental health hospitals, outpatient clinics, and residential treatment centers. Additionally, I have led workshops and seminars across the U.S. and Latin America, gaining extensive experience with clients facing severe mental health challenges, trauma, mood disorders, self-esteem issues, and adjustment difficulties.