Are you unhappy about where you are in life and fear others won’t accept you for who you are? Do you feel as though you have to hide facets of yourself? Do you feel stuck and want to change?

If so, you may find it helpful to connect with someone who has been through these feelings and understands the challenge of managing feelings of anxiety, stress, isolation, insecurity, and even depression. I understand the struggles with exploring one’s identity and finding the confidence to love and value your unique self.

I am a therapist with over 10 years of professional counseling experience in working with LGBTQ+ concerns, career exploration, career development concerns, stress, anxiety, eating disorders, perfectionism, social skills, procrastination/motivation and ADHD. I utilize an eclectic approach incorporating elements of evidenced-based therapies, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), as well as Existential, Feminist, and Queer-Affirming Therapy tailored to each client’s unique needs. I am licensed in California, Colorado, Texas, and Washington.

As a queer therapist, I am familiar with the nuances of queer culture and identity and can provide insight and support for clients who are navigating these issues. My approach focuses on exploring what makes each individual thrive, providing empathy and understanding, free from judgment and societal expectations. I am also a certified Queer & Trans Affirming Professional (QTAP), meeting educational and experiential qualifications in providing ethical and culturally competent services to the queer and trans community.

Previous to opening my own practice, Andrew Tessmer Counseling, PLLC, I worked as a Senior Therapist, LGBTQ+ Specialist, and Professional Development Coordinator at a leading counseling group in Houston for several years. Additionally, I previously worked as an Assistant Director of Career Development at Rice University and as a Career Counselor at the University of Houston.

I am also an active community leader and advocate, having served in a variety of leadership roles and volunteering in various capacities in nonprofits and community organizations. I was voted as a Finalist for Best Male Mental Health Therapist in Houston in 2022 by community votes in OutSmart’s Gayest and Greatest Readers Choice Awards. I have previously served as an LGBTQ Advisory Board Member for the City of Houston, as a Senator for the Texas Counseling Association, as Chair of the Private Practice Committee for the Texas Career Development Association, and in various leadership roles at the Houston Area Consortium of Career Centers. Currently, I volunteer with the Point Foundation to empower promising lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer students to achieve their full academic and leadership potential.