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Which therapist do I need?
GOODNESS OF FIT
While experience matters a great deal, research shows that the right fit is just as important in successful outcomes. Unlike other professions where the delivery of a service can be very standardized, therapists bring personality, temperament and personal life experience into the session. We understand you may want to get to know your therapist a little before deciding who you are going to see so we offer free phone or Zoom consultations. Please take us up on that!
REVIEWS: OVER 50 FIVE-STAR REVIEWS
Over the last several years consumers have come to expect honest reviews from clients or customers of professionals we are seeking to hire. Unlike other professions, we deal with vulnerable people in a confidential relationship and therefore must only accept reviews that are completely anonymous to ensure no client ever feels obligated to leave a good review. The reviews you read on this site were not solicited by the therapist but were voluntarily and anonymously submitted through a third party website such as Google, FullSlate or Healthgrades.
Hunaina Akbar, Couples Therapist
Infidelity/Betrayal Trauma Specialist
Disconnection (emotional or physical)
Feeling Stuck
Unhealed Resentment
Conflict Cycles
Discernment
My training is in relational science whether that be a romantic relationship or familial relationship. I have been working with couples at HRI almost exclusively for the last three years. I am assertive and I am a truth teller. I believe couples need guidance, structure and tools. If you are looking for someone to vent to, that’s not me. I’m committed to results. Every week I collaborate with Gina and other therapists to make sure I am challenging myself and challenging you. This collaboration gives us an edge.
It’s true that growth and healing is not a straight or easy path. It can get uncomfortable and messy, but that is the cost of relational happiness. Anything worth having will cost you something. It has been said that the quality of your relationships determines the quality of your life, so why wouldn’t you work on the most significant contributor to a life well lived?
My goal as a therapist is to provide a safe and encouraging space to help you find more satisfaction in your relationships. I’ve been known to ask tough questions and push just a little. I find my clients appreciate my direct, but warm approach. Helping people grow and heal is my passion. My experience in helping couples navigate infidelity has taught me that relationships can heal, even in the toughest situations. Everyone deserves a life they love, filled with people they love. I am licensed to work with individuals, couples and families.
“Hunaina is great! She brings a certain comfort to the sessions that makes me feel like I have known her forever. We have been tapping into emotions and past trauma that I didn’t realize was there. I have already implemented some of the coping tools we have discussed and have seen great improvement within myself with just the few sessions I’ve had. She has also helped me focus on holding myself more accountable for doing the work to get better. I look forward to our sessions.”
I easily connect with individuals from multicultural backgrounds having been raised in a minority/immigrant household. Together, we will make sure you receive the help you are wanting as well as the peace of mind you need. I charge $165 for a one-hour appointment. Please use the form below to reach out with questions or to schedule a free intake call where you can get all of your questions answered.
Your Thoughts, Your Habits, Your Choices: Building a Stronger Relationship
By Hunaina Akbar, Couples Therapist
Have you ever noticed how much power your thoughts hold? The truth is simple: you really do become what you think. If you’re constantly feeding your mind with negativity, criticism of your partner, or fear, you’ll start to feel the weight of that. It’s like carrying around a backpack full of trash you never meant to pack.
But here’s the good news: your mind is also your greatest tool for change. Therapy can show you how.
Emotions Aren’t Problems, They’re Messages
We often see emotions as things we need to “get rid of” or “fix,” but emotions are actually signals pointing us toward what matters.
- Fear highlights what’s deeply important to you.
- Anger shows you a boundary that’s been crossed.
- Anxiety usually means your mind is living in the future, and it’s your cue to return to the present.
When you learn to listen to emotions rather than fight them, you begin to move through life and relationships with more clarity.
Why Motivation Isn’t Enough
Motivation comes and goes. That’s why so many of us start fresh on Monday and give up by Wednesday. The real game-changer? Habits.
Your daily habits, even the small ones, are what create real transformation. Whether it’s taking a mindful pause before responding in an argument, journaling your thoughts, or practicing gratitude, these consistent choices build the life (and relationships) you want.
Your Past Is a Chapter, Not the Whole Story
It’s easy to replay mistakes, regrets, or painful experiences like a movie stuck on repeat. But your past doesn’t define you—it’s just one chapter. You can learn from it, but you don’t have to live in it. Every new day gives you the chance to write a different page.
When You’re Triggered, Look in the Mirror
Have you ever felt instantly set off by something your partner, friend, or coworker did? Triggers aren’t just about the other person. They often reflect what’s unhealed inside of us. Pausing in those moments creates space to ask: What’s this really about for me? Look deeper. That’s where growth begins.
Control Is an Illusion, Choices Are Real
We can’t control people, outcomes, or the past. What we can control is our choices. And those choices, day by day, shape who we are, how we feel, and how we show up in our relationships.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day:
- Your thoughts shape you.
- Your habits build you.
- Your choices define you.
Whether you’re healing individually or working to strengthen your relationship, the path forward begins with these three. If you feel yourself getting triggered and then stuck in your feelings and maybe even lashing out, I can help you develop the tools to get out of this negative cycle.
I’m happy to offer a free consultation to answer any questions. Just shoot me an email: hunaina@houstonrelationshipinstitute.com
Angelica Aghili, Licensed Professional Counselor – Associate
“Angelica showed concern in all areas spoken of. I felt comfortable to be myself and I feel encouraged by her wisdom going forward in my wife and I pursuing a stronger and better marriage, deepening our connection through the tools, and words she will provide. I’m looking forward to really great things! Thanks Angelica!”
As humans, we seek to be understood, seen and connected to others. Angelica provides a safe and compassionate space that allows clients to work on understanding their story and initiating growth to create meaningful change in self and relationships. Compassion is a key component to owning our present story. It allows us to courageously go inside, sit with all of our emotions and empowers us to make the necessary changes. This therapeutic process leads to a fulfilling life and meaningful, healthy relationships.
Angelica received a Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health from the University of Houston in 2024 and a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Texas Tech University in 2008. Prior to working as a therapist, Angelica worked as a Process Engineer for many years.
Angelica is supervised by Felicia Powell-Williams Ed.D, LPC-S, RPT-S, FAPB, Psychologist and Child & Adolescent and Adult Psychoanalyst. Her hourly rate is $165 and she provides therapy in English and Spanish.
Gina Wilkerson Watson, Licensed MFT-Supervisor, Clinical Director
For many years I have been helping couples have healthier relationships, explore the goals they each have for their marriage and make painful decisions about whether to stay or go. There is no one-size-fits-all methodology (Gottman, EFT, etc.) when it comes to couples therapy and be skeptical of anyone who says there is.
In the initial stages of working with couples, I speak to each of you, one-on-one, to get an unfiltered story of what you’ve been experiencing in your relationship. I stay open minded, knowing that this is your point of view, therefore, your reality. Hearing from each of you separately helps me to quickly formulate a picture of why you may be stuck or struggling. When we all meet together in a joint session, I will give you frank feedback and some recommendations for how best to proceed.
When one partner has a foot out the door, we may begin with exploring this ambivalence. I often find that ambivalence is a product of years of trying to be happy and finally becoming resigned when nothing ever changes. This doesn’t mean things can’t change or can’t get better. It simply means that there are forces working against you in the form of triggers, reactivity, blind spots, resentment or complacency. We will dive deep into the forces that are preventing you from getting the relationship you want. But be prepared that you will have to take an honest look at yourself and make needed changes before you can expect your partner to do the same. I don’t agree with the statement that “marriage is hard work” but I do believe it requires significant effort, just like parenting, education, sports, your career and friendships. You will only get out of it what you put into it.
I have limited availability to take on new couples which is why I have trained and supervise the talented therapists you will read about on this page. I consult on all of their cases and make sure they are following the same treatment plan that I use with my existing clients. I charge $220 for a one-hour session. If you would like to work with me or get on my waiting list, please message me below.