Meet Our Therapists

  • Paula Paine, LCSW

  • Nicole Galvan, LCSW

  • John J. O’Neill, EdD, LCSW-S, LCDC, CAS

  • David Aron, LCSW, LCDC

Paula Paine, LCSW

Paula R. Paine is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker serving individuals, couples, and families. Paula has extensive experience helping clients with trauma resolution, interpersonal issues, life transitions, grief, anxiety, and depression. She believes in the importance of identifying the underlying causes of symptoms to bring about lasting change. Paula draws upon numerous therapeutic techniques including Trauma Informed Care, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Experiential Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy. 

Paula has a passion for the healing power of therapeutic treatment and considers it an honor to accompany her clients as they walk through their individual journeys of healing and wholeness. It is Paula’s mission to create a safe environment in which her clients can experience non-judgmental care, compassion, and connection. It is also her greatest hope and privilege to watch her clients as they undertake the process of finding meaning and purpose in their lives and relationships. Paula received her undergraduate degree from Southern Methodist University, and her master’s degree from the University of Houston. She and her husband have been married for 32 years and have raised three children together.

About Paula

Nicole Galvan, LCSW

Nicole Galvan is a bilingual and bicultural Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience in the areas of trauma, anxiety, depression, addictions, mental illness, sports performance, women’s issues such as developing a sense of self, and life transitions. These services have been provided in various settings and include individuals, couples, groups, and family therapy.

Nicole completed her undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of Houston. She received her Master of Social Work with a clinical concentration in Health and Behavioral Health Specializations. In addition, Nicole is part of the Phi Alpha Honor Society and the Graduate College of Social Work’s Clinical Leadership Society. Moreover, Nicole is a Certified Trauma Professional. She has much experience living abroad, while teaching in English and Spanish. Furthermore, she has traveled domestically and internationally as a Women’s Youth National Team soccer player and collegiate athlete.

Nicole’s therapeutic approach is to develop and promote an environment of trust and emotional safety. Nicole uses a variety of treatment modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP), psychodynamic, trauma-Informed, and mindfulness approaches. 

Ultimately, the goal is to develop a sense of well-being and a coming to terms with unresolved struggles. Nicole is welcoming and looks forward to helping others feel better. Nicole provides services in both English and Spanish.

About Nicole

John J. O’Neill, EdD, LCSW-S, LCDC, CAS

Dr. O’Neill’s journey into the world of behavioral health is marked by a deep commitment to understanding the human mind and heart. With a doctoral degree emphasizing behavioral health and a master’s in social work from Arizona State University, he has dedicated his life to helping others find pathways to healing and happiness. His 16 years at The Menninger Clinic allowed him to hone his expertise in mental health treatment, working with a diverse range of individuals and challenges.

Beyond clinical work, he brought his passion for mental wellness into the world of sports, directing mental health and sport performance programs for the Houston Astros and Major League Baseball’s Umpire Development Program for over a decade. These experiences not only shaped his understanding of high-pressure environments but also underscored his belief in the importance of mental resilience and balance.

Dr. O’Neill’s voice has resonated across multiple media platforms—appearing on ESPN Outside the Lines, The Deborah Duncan Show, Fox News, NPR, Sirius XM, and KTRH Radio—spreading messages of hope, recovery, and the power of understanding trauma and addiction. Over the course of three decades, he has crafted and delivered more than a hundred programs that explore complex family dynamics, attachment issues, trauma, and efforts to prevent suicide, offering insights and tools to countless individuals seeking change.

His work isn’t confined to the office or the airwaves; he also lends his expertise as a training consultant for the Harris County Sheriff’s Department, helping shape strategies for mental health and community safety.

Away from his professional pursuits, Dr. O’Neill is a man who finds joy in the simple pleasures of life. He cherishes time spent with his wife, Wendy, their three grown children, and two grandchildren. His love for music—especially Guns N’ Roses—and his admiration for the uplifting spirit of Ted Lasso reflect his optimistic outlook. Whether he’s attending concerts, cooking up a storm in the kitchen, exploring the outdoors, or getting lost in a good book, he believes life’s joys are vital to the healing process.

Ultimately, Dr. O’Neill’s personal mission is rooted in a heartfelt desire to help his clients rediscover joy in their recovery. He encourages them to embrace laughter and fun along their healing journey, believing that recovery isn’t just about overcoming challenges but also about rediscovering the happiness that makes life worth living.

About John

David Aron, LCSW, LCDC

About David - David Aron is an LCSW and LCDC in Houston, TX, with expertise in blending clinical insights with knowledge acquired from his experience as a business executive. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Business from Southern Methodist University and a Master’s degree in Social Work from Baylor University. David is a specialist in OCD, Anxiety, and Addiction, merging clinical expertise with real-world understanding. He uses evidence-based and practical approaches to support individuals, couples and families on their journey to wellness. 

A core area of David’s clinical expertise is in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders, and addiction. He has extensive expertise in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy, widely regarded as the gold standard for OCD treatment. Additionally, David utilizes evidence-based approaches to effectively address anxiety and addiction, ensuring comprehensive care for his clients.

About David

In-person & virtual visits

Our private practice therapists offer in-person and virtual visits using a variety of therapeutic modalities designed to help restore your mental health, heal trauma, and gain the tools you need to thrive.