My Experience and Philosophy
Tamara Atkin
Marriage and Family Therapy Associate
I became a marriage and family therapist because I believe our closest relationships are where we find both our greatest joys and, at times, our hardest struggles. When those bonds feel broken, it can touch every part of our lives. It can leave us feeling disconnected, uncertain, and longing for something better.
If you’re experiencing challenges in your marriage or in your family, there is hope. With the right support and guidance, healing is possible, and relationships can grow stronger than before. My passion is walking alongside couples and families on that journey toward reconnection and lasting change.
My Experience
I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate with a heart for helping couples, veterans, and teens. Before becoming a therapist, I spent years as a high school teacher and counselor, and my experience in that field gave me a deep appreciation for the unique challenges families face.
During my time as a couples therapist at the VA Medical Center in Houston, I walked alongside couples navigating communication struggles, infidelity, betrayal trauma, pornography addiction, and emotional dysregulation. These experiences reinforced my belief that even in the most difficult seasons, healing and reconnection are possible. Most of my work has been with couples, in marriage therapy and pre-marriage counseling. I also work with individuals of all ages, adults, teens, and children.
I earned my undergraduate degree from Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo and my Master’s degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Our Lady of the Lake University in Houston. I continue to deepen my skills through advanced training. I’m certified in Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFCT), Written Exposure Therapy (WET), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). I am also trained in Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, trauma therapy, and grief counseling. I also offer faith-based counseling for clients who prefer that style.
Outside of the therapy room, I enjoy fun and adventure. I’ve been married for 25 years, raised four wonderful kids, and in my spare time, you’ll find me outdoors, enjoying a good comedy show, snowboarding, or curled up with a classic book.
Services
Couples Therapy
Whether your marriage feels distant and disconnected or you’re coming to therapy as a last resort, there is always hope. Lasting change is possible, and while it does take effort, you don’t have to do the work alone. I will walk with you as we rebuild the connection you once dreamed of when you first said “I do.” No matter where you’re starting from, together we can work toward a renewed commitment and a stronger, more fulfilling marriage.
Individual Couple Therapy
Sometimes your partner is not ready for therapy, or perhaps you need some extra sessions before your partner joins, these are some of the reasons that you may tackle couple therapy as an individual. Even if only one person works on the relationship, many times it can be enough. The changes you make to yourself can set off a chain reaction and have a positive effect on the relationship as a whole.
Pre-Marriage Therapy
Whether you’re preparing for your first marriage or beginning a new chapter, premarital therapy is a powerful way to start with intention. It isn’t about questioning if your partner is “the right one”—it’s about learning how the two of you can grow together and support each other’s happiness. By practicing healthy relationship skills early on, you can build a strong foundation of trust, connection, and joy. Marriage can be one of life’s greatest adventures, and with the right tools, it can feel deeply fulfilling and built to last
Teens, Families, and Individual Therapy
Relationships can be challenging at every stage of life. For young people, even friendships can sometimes bring pain, frustration, or hurt. Experiences of isolation, abandonment, or trauma can leave us feeling disconnected and wondering if peace and joy are out of reach. The good news is—you don’t have to face these struggles alone. Together, we can begin to heal, rediscover joy, and create a sense of peace that feels lasting and real.
