Feeling overwhelmed or stuck? You’re not alone.
Life is always in motion. Career shifts, relationship changes, or facing major life decisions can bring anxiety, identity confusion, or burn‑out. I specialize in helping Houston professionals, expats, and adult TCKs reconnect with their inner compass and take practical steps toward stability and growth.
Let’s work together to leverage your strengths in an accepting and culturally aware space.
Common Challenges I Help With
Emotion Regulation & Stress Management: stress, anxiety/panic, depression, burnout
Cross-Cultural Transitions & Identity: expat/repat issues, adult third‑culture kid identities (ATCK)
Life Transitions: job and relationship changes, grief and loss
Relationships & Boundaries: intimacy, dating, conflict resolution, boundary setting, self‑advocacy
Healing & Personal Growth: self‑compassion and mindfulness skills
Why Work With Me?
Licensed Houston-based psychologist with 25+ years and deep international expertise (bi-cultural background, fluency in German and English). I offer both in-person and Telehealth sessions to fit your lifestyle.
Dr. Gortner Featured in the News
NPR Houston Matters: Counselor Helps Expats Adjust to Houston (Radio interview)
New York Times: Writing Your Way to Happiness (click on first reference link in article)
How to Sit with Someone Else's Pain
Benefits and Risks of an International Childhood
The Third Culture Kid Advantage
Dr. Gortner's Blog
Ask and Listen: Parts We Wish We Would Have Known
The Art of Self-Nurturing
Post Harvey: Coping, Resilience and Self-Care
How To Be Alone
Winterize Your Heart for the Holidays
Help! I Have Intense Emotions!
This Holiday Season, Return To Simplicity
Simple Tools for Stress Management
Stop Being Taken Advantage Of: Know Your Rights
Coping With Culture Shock
Coping With Reverse Culture Shock (Re-Entry Shock)
Relationships: When Cultures Clash
Understanding Depression
You and Your Shadow
Third Culture Kids
What To Expect in Psychotherapy and Counseling
Simple Ways to Boost Your Mood and Confidence
Are You Feeling Taken Advantage Of?
Improving Relationships Through Vulnerability
How About a Little Self-Compassion?
The Art of Secret Keeping
Job Burnout
Negativity: Talking Back To Your Internal Chatterbox
Is Therapy For Me?
Building Self-Worth and Self-Esteem
What To Do About This Pesky Anger...
Finding Yourself High and Dry? Navigating Stress During a Financial Crisis
Need a Good Night's Sleep? Some Thoughts on Insomnia