Hello, I’m Ralph Porter

Everyone has a healthy relationship with themselves and the people around them. Sometimes we get in our way.

My wife and I live in beautiful Boerne, Texas. My counseling approach is grounded in Gestalt therapy, which I have formal training in.

Gestalt therapy is one of the best ways to deepen one’s experience of self and become more aware of how one experiences the world in the present moment. This awareness allows us to make choices and create something in our lives that we never thought possible.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor, and a National Certified Counselor.

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In the Here and Now Counseling
Ralph Porter

About Me

As a licensed Gestalt therapist, my approach to therapy centers on fostering present-moment awareness, self-discovery, and authentic self-expression to promote holistic healing. I work collaboratively with clients to explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors as they arise, emphasizing the “here and now” to deepen self-understanding and personal growth. My practice is grounded in creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients can engage in experiential processes to address unresolved issues, enhance self-awareness, and build healthier relationships with themselves and others.

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My Journey

I was drawn to a career as a therapist by a deep fascination with human growth and the transformative power of authentic connection, inspired by my own experiences of self-discovery through Gestalt therapy. The ability to walk alongside clients as they uncover their strengths, navigate challenges, and live more fully in the present moment profoundly motivates me. I’m driven by the privilege of witnessing clients’ resilience and the belief that fostering self-awareness and genuine expression can create meaningful, lasting change.

My Focus

I typically work with adults navigating anxiety, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, and life transitions, such as career changes or grief. My Gestalt therapy approach is well-suited for clients seeking to deepen self-awareness and address emotional blocks through experiential, present-focused techniques. I’m most comfortable treating conditions like generalized anxiety, interpersonal conflicts, mild depression, and identity-related concerns, helping clients foster authentic self-expression and resilience.

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My Communication Style

In my sessions, I cultivate a warm, nonjudgmental, and collaborative environment that feels safe, inviting, and grounded in the present moment. As a Gestalt therapist, I create a space where clients feel empowered to explore their emotions, thoughts, and sensations with curiosity and authenticity, fostering a sense of trust and openness. Working with me feels like a dynamic, supportive partnership—clients often describe it as both gently challenging and deeply affirming, emphasizing self-discovery through experiential engagement and genuine connection.

My Goal For You

I approach goal setting with clients collaboratively, using a present-centered, flexible framework rooted in Gestalt therapy principles. At the outset, I engage clients in open dialogue to explore their current experiences, needs, and aspirations, helping them articulate goals that feel meaningful and authentic to their unique context. Rather than imposing rigid objectives, I encourage clients to identify intentions, such as increasing self-awareness, improving relationships, or managing anxiety, while remaining open to evolving insights that emerge through the therapeutic process.

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Counselor and client in a positive therapy session in a well-lit room.

Our First Session

In the first session, clients can expect a warm, welcoming environment where we begin building a trusting therapeutic relationship. I’ll invite you to share your reasons for seeking therapy and explore your current experiences, challenges, and aspirations in a conversational, present-focused way. Using Gestalt principles, I may gently guide you to notice your emotions or sensations as we talk, setting the stage for self-awareness and collaboration while discussing your goals and what to expect from our work together.

In the Here and Now Counseling