Speaker 1 (00:04):
All right. Good afternoon. This is Rhonda Veder, and I am with Illuminated Pathways Family Therapy. Um, since 2015, my team has offered comprehensive mental health, um, services to individuals from all walks of life in the Clear Lake Houston area, and now in Conroe, Texas and in Missouri City, Texas. Our group practice uses evidence-based treatments such as talk therapy, play therapy for children, and other proven methods. While these remain central to our care, recent personal experiences have led me to reevaluate traditional approaches to mental health. I have come, I have come to value a holistic whole body and spirit approach that helps us better address your unique needs. This perspective gives clients access to a wider variety of therapeutic options before considering medication, empowering them to make informed choices about their treatment. So as we, as we begin to grow our practice, and we, we talk about the various things that we can do, you know, there’s different types of, uh, nutraceuticals that we’ll use to help people make better choices for their nutrition.
Speaker 1 (01:20):
And we talk about exercise. And so the beautiful part about being where we are in NASA Bay is that we are in a neighborhood. And so if we tell people or we encourage people to go for a walk, we actually can go for a walk with them. And so it kind of makes it nice. So we get to share with them what we want them to do, and then we get to actually like do it with them so they’re not doing it on their own. And so sometimes in mental health, like we get to a place where we feel stuck. And so, um, this allows us to kind of help them feel unstuck in those areas when they just wanna kind of curl up with a blanket and just not go anywhere or sit out in the garage and just hang out with, uh, whatever is out in the garage. So it doesn’t matter who we are, we all tend to do this. So, uh, the idea of being holistic in, in nature is super helpful for us. So I am excited today because, um, I get to sit with one of my favorite front desk people, Brianna <laugh>. And so, and, uh, and she’s been with us now, um, I guess middle of April. And so, um, or March. March or April.
Speaker 2 (02:24):
April, I think April.
Speaker 1 (02:26):
We started in April. Wow. Yes. Oh, that’s, oh, no, she started when we went to convention when we went to the conference up in, um, Oklahoma. So she actually started the 8th of April. And so that’s our first day. Yeah. So actually, uh, so, uh, we were trying to figure all that out. So here we are. Um, but Brianna, thank you so much for, um, being able to sit with me today and, and do this podcast and kind of, um, you know, just discuss a little bit about what it’s like to work here. Yes. And so, um, what are, uh, what are some things that you like to do in your personal life?
Speaker 2 (03:03):
In my personal life, I like going to the gym, <laugh>. Um, I love cleaning. Um, I love being with my family, my little siblings. I do have little siblings. Um, um,
Speaker 1 (03:20):
What, so you’re going, you’re, you’re studying, so let, let, okay, I’m gonna brag on her a little bit. Right. And so, um, I, I believe that there’s like people who are average, you know, and then there’s above average and then there’s high achievers. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. And I probably would put you as a high achiever. Right. And so, and what that means is like she’s got some things that she’s done just to even get graduated outta high school. That most, I mean, people might do dual credits and stuff, but I haven’t really met very many people who’ve done what she’s done. So up to this point, since your graduation from high school, and I don’t even know what year that was. Right? What year did you graduate?
Speaker 2 (04:00):
Uh, 2025.
Speaker 1 (04:01):
So 2025 you graduated.
Speaker 2 (04:03):
Yes.
Speaker 1 (04:03):
And when you graduated with your high school diploma, you also graduated with a
Speaker 2 (04:07):
Associates.
Speaker 1 (04:08):
An associates like, right. So that’s a pretty intense student, right? So like, I’m like, wow. So what do you wanna do with your life?
Speaker 2 (04:17):
I wanna be a nurse.
Speaker 1 (04:18):
You wanna be a nurse? Do you have an idea what kind of nurse you wanna be?
Speaker 2 (04:21):
Um, I’m maybe going towards like postpartum or labor and delivery, but I still have my options open.
Speaker 1 (04:27):
Yes. Yeah. Keep those options open. That’s right. You know, God will lead you definitely to those right spots. Right. So, um, I know that recently I was very excited for you, but recently you passed what kind of a test?
Speaker 2 (04:40):
I took, uh, my teach exam to get, uh, to apply into nursing school. So I applied to nursing school and the LVM program.
Speaker 1 (04:47):
Very good. And so, um, you passed, right?
Speaker 2 (04:51):
Yes. Mm-hmm <affirmative>.
Speaker 1 (04:52):
Ah, so that’s, that’s in its biggest feat also. Right? So not only did she graduate with a diploma for high school, she got an associate’s degree and then she’s passed the test to get into to apply for nursing school. So that’s pretty impressive. Yes. So I’m pretty excited for you. That’s awesome. Thank you. So, um, how did you learn about Illuminated Pathways?
Speaker 2 (05:12):
Um, actually my mom’s friend, um, she knew that I was going into nursing school and they were, my mom told her that, um, getting into like a field of helping others and meeting other people would help me get into like the program more easier. And my mom’s friend told my mom, and my mom told me, and then I applied <laugh> <laugh>
Speaker 1 (05:36):
And then voila, she’s here. Yes. And she’s probably, she’s in a wonderful addition to what we have here, so I’m really excited about that. Thank you. So what are some enjoyable aspects of Illuminated Pathways?
Speaker 2 (05:47):
Um, the group, like, just the, like, who I’m working with, um, they’re just very nice. They make me feel so welcome. They make me feel like, like that I’m not like young <laugh>. They make me just feel like that I am doing everything correctly. And yes, I do have mistakes that, because I’m still learning. I just feel like I am still, um, getting treated like just really nice and just makes me feel like that I’m doing a good job and that I’m doing my job correctly. Um, and also like, just meeting all the new, the clients that we have, it’s just a pleasure just to, like, even with the parents that are waiting for the child, I’m having conversations with them about anything and I’m just enjoying it, just getting to know them and then getting to know me. And that just makes me feel nice because obviously I’m the first person that they see when they walk in. So for them to feel welcome just makes me feel happy that they’re welcome. And it just feels nice that they’re feeling that way. ’cause I would wanna feel the same way when I get walked into a, like an appointment.
Speaker 1 (06:55):
Sure. Absolutely. And so, um, I really love that too because one, one of the, one of the things that’s really ma I think, okay, let me start this again. One of the most important aspects that I feel that makes Illuminated Pathway stand apart from any other practice out there is our customer care from the moment they walk in the door. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. We have Christian music playing. Mm-hmm
Speaker 2 (07:19):
<affirmative>.
Speaker 1 (07:19):
We have animal therapy, so dogs will greet them. So, and, um, and we offer like coffee and water and snacks and sometimes fruit and sometimes desserts kind of like cookies or whatever else we have. And so, and we meet them in not, they don’t have to make it all the way to the desk. We meet them like as they walk into the place, right. So they are feeling greeted and welcomed, and that has been really a key component to what we do here in our practice. And so, and she delivers that. And that’s something like, I’ve told her, I’m like, oh my gosh, thank you so much. That makes my heart so happy because it makes me feel like those people who could be coming in with a heavy heart and, and then they get greeted like that and it’s just, um, it’s a beautiful, beautiful thing. And it helps set them into the room where they’re sitting in the waiting area and they’re waiting for their appointment and they just feel so comfortable and welcomed. And I think just that greeting really does that. So thank you. Truly. I mean that. Thank you. Um, the next thing is, okay, so we have, uh, a myriad of counselors, right? So we have, I don’t know, uh, there’s quite a few of us, right? So tell us what your experience is working with our counselors.
Speaker 2 (08:37):
Um, I see them as just good listeners. Um, even me working in the front desk, they listen to me <laugh>. Um, but they’re all just very nice. They all feel welcome. They’re all very understanding. They love hearing everybody’s issues or just anything that they have going on with their day. And it feels nice just getting listed. Like just even when I’m sitting in the front desk and they ask me about how my day was or just things like that, it just makes me feel nice because I work in the front desk. Imagine whenever they’re sitting in with a, a client. I can just imagine that <laugh>.
Speaker 1 (09:12):
Yeah, I know too that like, you, you also are the, the relayer, right? So the front desk is pretty critical because not only you do you deal with just the phone calls that are coming in or the person walking in the door, but you’re dealing with the client and you’re dealing with the counselor. Yes. So that role of, of just that role. And, and then we’ll transition into the client piece in a second, but what’s that like, to know how important your role is to know that they also are relying on you. So not only do they make you feel valued and wanted and warm and welcomed, right? I’m so glad you have that experience. Um, but they, you are also that integral part for them to feel like they got everything that they need. What’s that like for you to know that you’re helping set them up for success?
Speaker 2 (10:02):
Um, it makes me feel happy that I have all the paperwork ready, all the folders. So whenever they come out getting the folders or the files, um, it’s all ready for them. Even the papers inside. It just makes me feel happy that I am a part of them. Um, having a good, um, good. What is it?
Speaker 1 (10:20):
Therapy session. Therapy
Speaker 2 (10:21):
Session.
Speaker 1 (10:22):
That’s okay. Yeah.
Speaker 2 (10:22):
Uhhuh. Yeah. So it makes me happy that I am helping them so they can have a good one and they can have all the paperwork they need so they won’t have to come in and out of the appointment.
Speaker 1 (10:32):
Right. So if you’re listening to this, right? And you’re re or you’re reading our content and you’re reading like, what’s going on here? Like, literally she started April 8th and she’s already fit right in, like super, super amazing. So this is, this is not an, an easy job, like, I’m sure, right? I mean, there’s different types of things that can happen and you can kind of get, ooh, that’s something I haven’t dealt with yet. Or like, you know, but she just takes it with ease and, and, and, and there’s the high, high density times where there’s that too. But just making sure she knows that we appreciate everything she’s doing and what she does for everyone coming through the door or coming through the phone call and, um, through a phone call. So just know that, like even for us, there’s times where I can tell you just even, uh, like last December or November, like there was a, a real arduous situation that I had to deal with and those that was in my first time experience too.
Speaker 1 (11:35):
So while you’re still learning and you’re having those first time experiences, I’m pretty skilled at this. And there’s sometimes those ones that go, woo, like that was a tough one to deal with. And so, so kind of just know that we, we all are a work in progress and God’s not finished with us yet. And so until that day comes, when he comes back home to get us, or it’s time for us to go to heaven, like he’s, he’s, we’re gonna have those moments. And so I just wanna put you at ease for that because there was Yeah, there’s sometimes they’re really doozies, right? Yeah. Tough situations. Right. Okay. So now, now we talked about like that integral part from them walking in the door and you with the clinicians. Now, what’s it like with you and the clients, right? So what’s that like knowing that you’re, that again, you mentioned it earlier, like you’re the first person they see or maybe the first person they’re talking to. Yeah. What’s that like for you to know that you’re an integral part for their treatment?
Speaker 2 (12:31):
Um, it just makes me feel happy. Um, like recently there was a new client and the parents were in the waiting room and they were just talking like, it was so nice to have like actual house practice, just, it makes them feel more welcome. And for me, just to have a conversation with them, like I made them feel comfortable and feel welcome on their first appointment. And now they have scheduled way, way more appointments. ’cause they felt welcome. They felt like they just felt that kindness and that, um, comfortable like just to be there and, you know, to have conversations and not to feel like, oh, like I don’t wanna be here. You know, like things like that. But no, like, they actually enjoyed it and they actually enjoyed the moments of just there waiting for their child or anybody to be out. And it just makes me feel nice.
Speaker 2 (13:19):
It makes me feel nice that I’m the person that is helping them schedule appointments or to figure out anything that they need. I’m glad that I’m the one and I know that my heart, you can just feel it or you can just feel like, oh yeah, she’s a nice one that I’m talking to. Like, I can trust her. I can, you know, all my emotions, I can tell her, even though she’s not a therapist, she’s still there and a good listener. And I, you could just feel by how the person sounds through the phone or even through person, because if a person’s upset or mad, you can just feel it. So for me, being like the one that they can feel the emotions of me being, having a good heart just makes me feel nice that they’re getting welcomed the way that they’re supposed to be getting welcomed.
Speaker 1 (14:00):
Yes. You know, you absolutely. Everything you just said. I love that. Right. Um, we are, one of the things you mentioned, like the, the client was like, she, they loved that. It was our, our practice is inside of a house, right? Um, so every room, every room here is pretty much business, like
Speaker 2 (14:20):
Every
Speaker 1 (14:20):
Room. Um, and so, uh, and then the actual location in Conroe is actually a house. It was an Airbnb. We turned into co uh, counseling. And so it sits on three acres in Conroe. Um, and so, um, you know, uh, we, we are the best Christian counselor, um, that, uh, Houston, Texas has to offer. And, and I know that for us, we want to let everybody know as they walk in, we are very much faith-based and we really run with that rhetoric. And so, um, yes, I, I think that it’s great because we are in the neighborhood, like I mentioned earlier, that that, that that comradery that they were able to have from the desk to the couch mm-hmm <affirmative>. Then when they get into the counselor session, then they have that counseling session with the counselor with that, you know, in that room. And then if they decide to go for a walk, it goes and extends into the neighborhood mm-hmm <affirmative>. And so that allows for the best Christian counseling, Houston, Texas has to offer to take place and, and, and allow for people to have an opportunity to do those things. So now, um,
Speaker 1 (15:34):
With the clients, uh, that was pretty ex pretty happy moment when you’re able to make those connections with the clients, right? Mm-hmm <affirmative>. Yes. Um, very good. So when you are dealing with phone calls, okay, so they’re the ones that walk in here in NASA Bay, that’s where we are located right now. Yes. But there are times when you don’t get to see the people that go into Conroe. Right? So what’s it like to work with the clinicians? Um, that is our best, you know, out there, right? Uh, in those locations. Right. What’s it like working with the clinicians in those locations? Um, kind of touch on that a little bit because you don’t necessarily get to see them.
Speaker 2 (16:15):
Um, I believe that it’s all, um, it’s all good. Like I just feel like whenever I’m like communicating or something, that’s just how, um, like even when I’m answering the phone, it’s for like a con location. Like I don’t need to see a person’s face to show how they’re feeling because they just express it to me. And then like, even talking to people from like the Missouri City office or, um, the con office, it just feels nice that we all communicate with each other about like if there’s a canceling an appointment or a new client, I like to reach out to them just so they can have a heads up, like, oh, have a new client. Or, um, my cancel my appointment has been canceled. Or things like that. I like to head a Mel, have a head up, heads up about, um, just because, so they can know since they are going throughout their day to make it to the, um, the appointment is what I like to give ’em a heads up just so they can have a heads up, like get themselves prepared or just to have their times, um, valid, valuable time. <laugh>.
Speaker 1 (17:17):
Yeah. Right, right. And so, because you know, when they’re working as the best counsel Christian counseling that Houston, Texas has to offer that idea of knowing that their time is valuable. And so when that client does cancel, we get them rescheduled on the calendar because something comes up. It could be a meeting or a school or somebody got sick. Those happen. But our retention rate for, um, k keeping people on the schedule is pretty high. I would, I would like to kind of say 85 to 90% of all of our clients are continual, which says a lot about who we are too. Would you agree?
Speaker 2 (17:53):
Yes. So like, there’s a lot of calls that they’re canceled, but they wanna reschedule another day or they just wanna reschedule, just call me and be like, oh, I wanna reschedule an appointment. And then we just reschedule it and then I just let the people from NA Bay or from Conroe or from Missouri City to like, let them know about their appointment being rescheduled.
Speaker 1 (18:12):
Sure. Absolutely. So, um, what is, uh, what are some things that you would like or you do, like something you would like or you do like, um, that would represent about the best Christian counseling Houston, Texas has to offer?
Speaker 2 (18:31):
I just love that they, uh, has, uh, Christian music. I am such a believer in God. I do pray to God all the time for any, like, uh, accomplishments I have. Or, um, if I have a family member that’s sick, um, we always leave it to God’s hands on, things like that. So I just love that, um, this place is surrounded by God and about like, praying and all of that. ’cause um, I am such a believer in God and it just makes me feel so nice and feel so comfort, like just being around people that are about God and I love about praying and things like that. <laugh>.
Speaker 1 (19:07):
Yes. Okay. So now we are kind of different, right? Mm-hmm
Speaker 2 (19:10):
<affirmative>.
Speaker 1 (19:10):
We do have Dwight.
Speaker 2 (19:12):
Yes, we do.
Speaker 1 (19:13):
And we have Bella.
Speaker 2 (19:14):
Yes, we do.
Speaker 1 (19:14):
Right? What’s that like to be around the dogs?
Speaker 2 (19:16):
Um, I’m not, I, before I started working here, I have never, I have never had a dog in my house. Um, but just being around dogs and being around here, they’re just so nice. They’re just so friendly and it’s not like a, they’re like, oh my God, going crazy or barking at you. They just make you feel so welcome. And they, they can even sense you whenever you feel upset about things and they come and comfort you and it just feels nice because, you know, just some things that you’re like, oh, it just makes you feel nice. <laugh>.
Speaker 1 (19:42):
Oh, that’s good. Yes. So, so Bella, she’s new. We rescued her, so she’s our golden retriever. And so essentially our dogs are the best Christian counselors that Houston, Texas has to offer. Right? Thanks. But I believe that, I really do believe that. And, and they just really do. They, they, I don’t know. God created these animals to be so kind, but they can sense when you’re sad. Mm-hmm. Something’s wrong. And like Dwight in a session, like he’ll either get up on the couch and lay his head on your lap, or he’ll lay at your feet, or Bella will come in and lay her head on your lap. And these aren’t things that we just tell them to do. They just do it. So this is a wonderful way to kind of experience, um, animal therapy. Uh, and I’m an animal assisted therapist and I got my training at, uh, university of North Texas in Denton, Texas.
Speaker 1 (20:39):
And so, um, I believe in animal therapy. I, I am so thankful that we have them. The other locations, Conroe and Missouri City does not have that. But I believe that I’d be able to take Dwight to those locations on days that, you know, that, that he might be requested. So there is opportunity for that. Right. Bella’s gonna be trained soon. Um, we rescued her August 1st, 2025. So it takes a little bit to kind of get her acclimated into the house and around everybody. And then once we get her trained, she’ll be ready, ready to go. I believe the end of July. So I know that her training will be coming up pretty soon, so that’ll be exciting. Um, and so now, uh, I know that like you’ve had great times of like learning and um, kind of like the idea of like the hospitality. You are really gifted at hospitality, by the way, and I just wanted to kind of point that out. And so that helps the rest of us be the best Christian counseling that Houston, Texas has to offer that really does help with that. So if you’re looking at hospitality, did you realize that you’re really good at that or was this like something that you knew that you’re kind of got that gift that the Lord gave you? I
Speaker 2 (21:58):
Really do think I have that gift. I just feel like I’m not a very rude person. I never have like, attitudes with anybody. I don’t like getting in trouble. I just feel like I have such a good heart and I’m so thankful that God gave me that heart. And especially to let other people see that kindness of me makes me happy. <laugh>,
Speaker 1 (22:16):
Right? Yeah. Very good. Well, I, um, I just wanted to kind of like, um, say to you that I’m really thankful for this opportunity to spend time with you.
Speaker 2 (22:28):
Thank you.
Speaker 1 (22:28):
Thank you for saying yes, thank you. Thank you for joining Illuminated Pathways. We are really excited and about your future. Like, and I believe that this job will be, that you are assigned to, will help you also fit into like your college curriculum. ’cause you’re gonna make, excuse me, you’re gonna make it into nursing school. Um, you’re a high achiever, you’re very personable. You’re lovely. And so, and I believe that we, we are blessed to have you. And so I just want you to know that at least as the owner of Illuminated Pathways, like I was gone most of the day today. And just to let you know, I felt very confident
Speaker 2 (23:06):
Being
Speaker 1 (23:07):
Able to be gone.
Speaker 1 (23:08):
And so that means a lot, right? That means a lot to me because that, that says to me that that training that you’ve gotten, that where you’ve gotten to this place, like I feel very confident that you’re gonna take care of things. And if there was a problem, you would’ve reached out. And so I’m really thankful for knowing that I can be away and I can feel confident knowing that you’re going to be good at the job and I’m not gonna have to worry about anything. So, and I mean that my heart is warm with that. And so I knew that I could go do what I needed to do today for our business and, and be comfortable with you being here by yourself. Thank you. So thank you so much. Yeah. That, and it means a lot to me. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. Like seriously. I mean, seriously.
Speaker 1 (23:49):
So, um, and then I think, um, salutations, right? So as we say goodbye, and thank you so much for your time, um, for, for those of you that are reading or listening to our podcast, uh, but we are the best Christian counseling Houston, Texas has to offer. In fact, with the business rate, Google business rate, we are rated in the top three of Harris County. And so, uh, for 2025. So I, I don’t, I don’t just say that just to say that, I say that because we are rated well. Yes. And so, um, and so we want you to know that, um, we are gonna give you the best white glove effect, which means we care so much about you. And we want you to feel that when you walk in the doors of illuminated pathway, whether that be in Conroe, whether that be in Missouri City or right here in NASA Bay, Texas, that we care about you, we want you here, we want you to feel welcome and we know that there’s hope and healing on the way just for you. Thank you so much for taking time to be with us today. Um, God bless you and we will be praying for you to walk through our door. Um, thank you so much. God bless.
Speaker 2 (25:02):
Thank you. Bye.