I am a Master’s level clinician who works with adults and adolescents in individual, couple, and group settings. My passion is to serve others, and I strongly believe in the therapy process. Built upon the foundation of a caring and trusting relationship, therapy provides the insight, perspective, and self-awareness that leads to lasting change. I hope to collaborate with you through creative avenues to find the best path to your personal growth. As an attuned and empathic listener, I will not only assist you in navigating life’s struggles, but collaborate in solutions that will continue to support your long-term growth. I have come to trust in every individual's capacity to heal and find meaning- as we are inherently resilient beings!  

Change can be challenging, even scary.  However, the therapist-client dynamic provides a uniquely special relationship that is both similar and very different from interaction with family and friends. In the words of Carl Rogers, “when the therapist does understand how it truly feels to be in another person's world, without wanting or trying to analyze or judge it, then . . . the client can truly blossom and grow in that climate.”

I earned my master’s degree in counseling from Houston Baptist University, and I obtained my bachelor’s degree at Texas A&M University. For nearly ten years, I worked in the fashion retail industry instilling self-esteem and empowerment to men and women before embarking upon this new career.  In my free time I enjoy spending time with family and friends, adventure traveling, and finding new binge-worthy TV shows.

Riikka Clifford, MS, LPC Associate

Supervised by Victoria Jones, MEd, MA, LPC-S

I believe that the alliance between therapist and client creates the foundation for successful therapy.  My work with clients includes depth- and solution-focused psychotherapy for increasing relational capacity and insight.  

My work with patients in-hospital at the behavioral health unit at St Joseph’s expanded my understanding of the biological and behavioral contributors to dual-diagnosis disorders.  My current work with adults in individual, couples, and group therapy is supported by unconditional positive regard and acceptance.   

I have a personal understanding of how cultural differences can impact identity, relationships, and life experience.  I was born and raised in Finland, and have lived internationally. We are usually not prepared for major life transitions (which are often paired with unavoidable loss—after we have left our country/city. . . a relationship. . . a job. . .  a career path).  At times that feel overwhelming, therapy can ensure that we don’t miss the many opportunities for growth inherent in the process of change by providing a nurturing space for healing and self-discovery.   

My first career in human resources and career coaching led me to become a Psychotherapist.  While I enjoyed my first career, I was increasingly pulled to work with people at a deeper level for more sustaining change, and impacting all aspects of life.   This eventually led me to pursue a master’s degree in clinical counseling from the University of St. Thomas.  I find that combining psychodynamic therapy with coaching techniques empowers clients, while increasing awareness and insight.  

When I am not seeing clients, I love to spend time with my family and my dog, and enjoy art, nature, and the diverse array of coffee shops Houston has to offer. 

My practice specializes in the development of self-esteem and insight, life transitions, becoming more authentic and creating heartwarming and meaningful relationships. Working with all ages from childhood through adulthood, my approach facilitates the conversations and adaptive behaviors that ultimately allow your own sense of healing and flourishing.

 Working together, we dive into the world of self-exploration in a safe, nurturing and attuned way. The life decisions we make, who we are, and how we define our narrative, all inform and create our point of view. Exploring our perspective, developing clear understanding of self and becoming more mindful and intentional about how we relate to others are natural aspects of growth within the supportive structure of the therapeutic relationship.

After attaining a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling, my post-graduate work involved training in autonomic nervous system regulation, becoming a published and award-winning author in the field of clinical hypnosis, participating in the creation of research and program development, as well as providing therapeutic care for hospice patients and their loved ones amidst the death and dying process.

In addition to psychotherapy, my life path involves my own personal practice of yoga and meditation, as well as pursuing creativity through painting, drawing, poetry, sculpture, and other forms of self-expression.

Over the past 15 years, I have worked in medical settings and in private practice with individuals, groups, couples, and families.  I have advanced training in Ericksonian clinical hypnosis as well as EMDR.  

I have continued extensive trauma training, beginning with a fellowship at the Houston-Galveston Trauma Institute. I have taught courses to Master’s level students at the University of Houston, and am an author, speaker, and coach. 

I am committed to the growth and transformation of my clients and am inspired by the courage adults, children, couples, and families bring to this work of reclaiming their lives.  

First Career: For 20+ years I have been an artisan metal-worker and visual artist.   

For Fun: I love and enjoy my family and dogs, and the great outdoors - especially wilderness backpacking and camping.  

I am intrigued by the full spectrum of life challenges.  On the one hand, we struggle with manageable, though sometimes erosive daily issues, and on the other hand, we work to survive intensive trauma.  A guiding force in all the work?  Good and True Ideas: they are relentless, they domino and, thankfully, cannot be quieted. 

My past work with physicians in a medical clinic helped me better understand the intricate connection between healing the mind and the body.  I am trained in EMDR and Somatic Integration, and pull from eclectic approaches including:  psychodynamic relational work; cognitive-behavioral tools; Freud's defenses; and Jung's archetypes, to name a few.

I lead groups and workshops, write articles, and present on a range of topics, locally, and sometimes far flung.  I continue to learn from amazing thinkers everywhere, including my clients.  

First Career: I founded and directed Writers In The Schools after receiving a master's degree in Creative Writing and Literature from the University of Houston. 

For Fun: I enjoy time with my grown children; writing fiction and poetry; theater; singing, dancing.