In-Person in Conroe, TX 77301
Hi! I'm Dr. John VanderKaay. I'm a Texas Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Supervisor and Missouri and Colorado Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and Board Certified in both Professional Christian Counseling and Pastoral Counseling and an AAMFT Approved Supervisor.
I have more than thirty years experience in ministry; Fifteen years in military chaplaincy, in both Active Duty and Reserves, including combat tour of duty in Iraq; Selected as Senior Protestant Chaplain twice as a Captain; Featured in several newspapers, US Air Force website and Department of Defense’s Real Warriors program for work in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Suicide Intervention. I hold a Masters of Arts in Theological Studies, a Masters of Divinity, specializing in Pastoral Counseling, and a Doctor of Ministry in Marriage and Family Counseling. My wife, Terri, have been married 30+ years and have five kids: two married daughters and two sons-in-law, Danielle & Kendall, and Lydia and Blane, and three sons, Timothy, Stephen, and Nate.
Client Focus
Session Format: Couple, Family, Group, Individual sessions.
Age Specialty: Adult, Senior, Teen, Young Adult
Demographic Expertise: Christian, Military / Veterans clients.
Treatment Approach
- Christian Counseling Blends psychological practices with Christian values and scripture. It provides faith-based support for life challenges and spiritual growth.
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Focuses on strengthening emotional bonds in couples or families. It helps people identify negative cycles and create more secure connections.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) A structured therapy that uses guided eye movements to help process traumatic memories. It is widely recognized for treating PTSD and trauma-related conditions.
- Family Systems Therapy Looks at problems within the context of the family as a whole. It aims to improve communication and balance in family relationships.
- Gottman Method Couples Therapy Based on decades of research, this method gives couples tools to improve communication, manage conflict, and strengthen intimacy.
- Integrative Therapy Combines techniques from multiple approaches into a customized plan. It adapts to each client’s unique situation and needs.
- Internal Family Systems (IFS) Helps clients heal by working with different ‘parts’ of themselves, like inner critics or wounded children. It fosters harmony within the self.
- Play Therapy Uses toys, games, and creative play to help children express emotions. It is especially useful when children can’t fully verbalize their feelings.
- Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) Focuses on solutions and future goals rather than past problems. It is practical, short-term, and goal-driven.
Fees & Insurance
Fees
- Average Session Fee 200
- Affordable sliding scale therapy: apply if you may be eligible.
- We have a Scholarship Request process that aims to connect clients' needs with available donated funds.
- Accepts Insurance
- Managed through Headway
Education & Credentials
Restoration Counseling Ministries LMFT-S
- Male
- License # 203148, 2025003594, MFT.0002824
- Licensed in Texas, Missouri, Colorado
- Practicing Since 1995
Education: Masters of Arts in Theology, Masters of Divinity in Pastoral Counseling, Doctor of Ministry in Marriage and Family Counseling
Restoration Counseling Ministries Practice Details
Therapy Sessions
- Available In-Person in Conroe, TX 77301
- Available Online for residents of Colorado, Missouri, Texas
- Online Therapy Details: Secure SimplePractice
“I help committed couples facing the aftermath of infidelity, sex addiction, and other traumas reclaim their love and rebuild their connection. With a blend of transformative therapies such as EMDR, EFT, IFS, Gottman, and G2R, I empower couples to heal from past pain, rebuild trust, and rediscover the intimacy that once brought them together. My approach goes beyond simply resolving conflict; it’s about creating a thriving, deeply connected partnership where communication flows, emotional bonds strengthen, and both partners feel seen, valued, and heard. Together, we move from the brink of despair to a renewed sense of love, understanding, and lasting joy.”
“My ideal client is one that wants to improve their relationship and is willing to take personal responsibility for their part in making it happen, even if they don’t know exactly what that looks like. They don’t come in looking for me to ‘fix’ their spouse, but come in seeking help from a wise partner to help improve themselves and their relationship. The ideal client has a moral base through faith in a personal relationship with God to draw on when facing difficult times.
I have served in combat as a military chaplain and understand the cost of war. Although it is usually a misspelling, many couples have come to believe that marital and martial are the same thing. But it’s not supposed to be that way. Couples aren’t supposed to be enemies in war. I bring my training and experience to bear to help couples win in marriage.
I understand the struggles of relationships, especially marriage. We are supposed to learn how to be married well by watching Dad and Mom demonstrate it to us as we grow up. If they didn’t do a good job, where would you learn how to have a great marriage? That’s where I come in. I help give tools & hope to help couples build incredible relationships.”