About Us

Welcome to the “ABOUT US” page.  Here’s the scoop.  Over 20 years ago, the decision to go back to college and become a licensed professional counselor was the best decision I have ever made.  The mere idea to help people with the various struggles in life definitely became a calling upon my life.  God knew the very plan for my life and through obedience and completion of higher education by obtaining the master’s degree to become licensed in Texas had happened.  With there being so many ways to help people that I found myself wanting to learn all I could so I could provide tools for all ages going through all types of things, like: learning disabilities, depression, anxiety, abuse, couples, and spirituality, to name a few.  The next thing I knew, we knew people were looking for the best marriage counselor Houston, Texas had to offer.  In addition to providing hope and healing for those who experienced traumatic offenses whether from the military or through horrific physical or sexual abuse.

I, Rhonda Kay Velders, am the owner of Illuminated Pathways Family Therapy, LLC.  I am so glad you came by to read more about who we are.  God certainly knew the plans He had for my life – and my family.  I have always had the heart of compassion and the desire to assist others through whatever means to bring them fulfillment in life.  With a listening ear and given the opportunity, tools to help make things easier in their lives.  When I first started my business I worked with children, teenagers, and adults. My sweet dog, Teddy, was our therapy dog.  A few years into my practice I began seeing more and more people who were looking for marriage counseling.  Over time many began learning how the best marriage counselor Houston, Texas had to offer was nearby just waiting for their phone call.  When they reached out, it was a walk in the park to get them scheduled.  Speaking of parks, we often find ourselves going for walks in the park along the lake, having opportunities to feed the ducks and turtles, and space for kids to play on the equipment.  We try to meet people where they are and provide non-traditional opportunities to assist in their personal care through counseling.

Here is a bit of trivia … to name the business was a bit of fun.  It all began when a group of friends gathered around a table listening as I began sharing dreams and aspirations.  There were six of us in all.  Each given the opportunity to help name the private practice.  It all started with a lighthouse and the imaginations began.  Each person was given a piece of paper to jot down their own ideas to name this mental health practice.  Even my own, grown sons, were part of this adventure.  We narrowed it all down and voila, Illuminated Pathways Family Therapy, LLC was penned to paper. The website was built, logo made and shortly later, during the fall of 2014, Illuminated Pathways Family Therapy, LLC became legal in the state of Texas.  January 2, 2015 we debuted and here we are ten years later holding strong and growing.  We did all this so you could find the best marriage counselor Houston, Texas has to offer.

2020 was a year I am sure we all can say, remember when we all were sent home to work online or to do online schooling.  This is when we went from practicing out of office space to working out or my home – where we still practice today.  While there are goals and aspirations to move out one day, we treasure the opportunity to provide a homey environment for those looking for the best marriage counselor Houston, Texas has to offer to play therapy, and everything in-between.  Providing a Christian perspective in the lives of those who grace our doorway, is definitely a huge benefit when laying a biblical foundation in each unique individual.  Many state they feel very comfortable and don’t mind coming to therapy because of the homeyness and seeing our sweet therapy dog, Dwight.  Dwight came into our lives a couple of years ago after Teddy went to doggy heaven.  Dwight is a sweet boy and loves to meet everyone – children to adults.