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Why GK Preserve Group Is Different: South Asian Therapist in Houston Offering Healing, Not Just Coping

Why GK Preserve Group Is Different: South Asian Therapist in Houston Offering Healing, Not Just Coping

By Gilan, South Asian EMDR Therapist in Houston | July 2025

At GK Preserve Group, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all healing. We believe in holding space for the full you — your culture, your story, your struggles, and your strengths.

Whether you’re a South Asian professional in Houston navigating generational expectations, a first-generation adult balancing multiple identities, or someone dealing with trauma, burnout, or anxiety, GK Preserve offers therapy that goes deeper than just symptom relief. Here’s how we’re different — and why that matters.

Rooted in Culture, Not Just Clinical Terms

Many therapy spaces expect clients to “leave their culture at the door.” At GK Preserve, your cultural background isn’t a footnote — it’s central to our work together. As a South Asian therapist in Houston, I know firsthand the impact of unspoken family rules, silence around mental health, and the pressure to achieve without breaking down. Therapy here honors all of that — without requiring you to over-explain or translate.

A Trauma-Informed, Systems-Aware Lens

With a background in law, social work, and business, I bring a multi-dimensional lens to therapy. I understand how broader systems — immigration, racism, gender norms, capitalism — shape our mental health. My training in EMDR and TEAM-CBT therapy offers practical, evidence-based tools for trauma, anxiety, and depression — grounded in compassion and cultural humility.

Virtual Therapy That Feels Personal

GK Preserve offers virtual therapy across Texas, but that doesn’t mean it’s impersonal. I work hard to create a space that feels connected, warm, and collaborative — even over a screen. Whether you’re in Houston, Austin, Dallas, or anywhere in Texas, support is just a click away.

A Place for First-Gen, LGBTQ+, and Burned-Out Professionals

This practice is designed for people who often feel like they’re carrying the weight of two worlds — especially first-generation South Asian adults, LGBTQ+ clients, and young professionals navigating burnout. You don’t need to have it all figured out here. You just need to show up. We’ll take it from there — together.

Therapy That Leads to Real Change

At GK Preserve, therapy isn’t just about talking. It’s about doing. You’ll leave sessions with deeper insight and concrete tools — whether it’s through EMDR trauma processing, CBT role plays, or mindfulness work. We focus on lasting healing, not just short-term coping.

Ready for a Different Kind of Therapy?

If you’ve been looking for a culturally mindful, affirming therapist in Houston or anywhere in Texas, GK Preserve may be the space you’ve been hoping for.

Reach out for a free 30-minute consultation — and take that first step toward healing on your own terms.

Gilan Merwanji, LCSW, EMDR & Level 3 T.E.A.M CBT Therapist
Gilan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and founder of GK Preserve Group, a virtual therapy practice based in Houston, Texas. He offers culturally affirming EMDR and CBT therapy to adults and young professionals across Texas — with a special focus on South Asian, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and first-generation clients navigating trauma, burnout, anxiety, and identity struggles.

Healing with Safety, Compassion, and Intention

Trauma can leave lasting imprints — in the body, mind, and relationships. Whether from a single event, ongoing stress, or intergenerational wounds, therapy offers a safe and structured space to process what happened without reliving it.

How We Work

  • EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): Reprocesses painful memories so they lose emotional intensity.
  • Culturally Grounded Trauma Work: Integrates awareness of identity, culture, and history to honor resilience, not just pain.
  • Somatic and Mind-Body Approaches: Help the body release stored stress and restore calm.

What You’ll Gain

  • Relief from intrusive thoughts, guilt, and emotional triggers.
  • A calmer nervous system and stronger sense of grounding.
  • Tools to rebuild trust, self-worth, and connection.
  • Freedom to move forward without fear or shame.

Building Connection, Understanding, and Trust

Relationships can bring both deep fulfillment and deep frustration. Whether you’re coming in alone or with a partner, therapy helps you understand the patterns beneath conflict, strengthen communication, and rebuild emotional closeness.

How We Work

  • Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT): Strengthens attachment, emotional safety, and trust between partners.
  • Relational Life Therapy (RLT): Helps interrupt rigid patterns and create honest, respectful communication.
  • Culturally Responsive Therapy: Honors the impact of identity, culture, and family systems in shaping how we relate and resolve conflict.

What You’ll Gain

  • Healthier communication and conflict-resolution tools.
  • A deeper understanding of emotional needs and patterns.
  • Greater empathy and flexibility in relationships.
  • Renewed intimacy and respect built on accountability, not blame.

Rediscovering Energy, Hope, and Purpose

Depression can make everything feel heavy — getting out of bed, staying motivated, or finding meaning in things you used to love. Therapy helps you reconnect to yourself, rebuild energy, and uncover what your emotions are trying to tell you. You don’t have to go through it alone.

How We Work

  • Behavioral Activation: Restores energy and motivation through meaningful, manageable steps.
  • Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): Strengthens relationships and reduces isolation by rebuilding support and connection.
  • Compassion-Focused & Cognitive Approaches: Challenge self-criticism and develop a kinder, more realistic inner voice.

What You’ll Gain

  • Clarity around what’s fueling your sadness or numbness.
  • Motivation to re-engage with life and relationships.
  • Tools to manage negative thought cycles.
  • A renewed sense of self-worth and direction.

Finding Calm, Clarity, and Control

Anxiety can make life feel like a constant state of alert — even when nothing’s wrong. You may feel tense, restless, or consumed by “what-ifs.” Together, we’ll help you understand your anxiety’s roots, quiet your mind, and learn practical tools to move through life with more ease and confidence.

How We Work

  • CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy): Identifies and reframes anxious thought loops that fuel worry or self-doubt.
  • ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy): Builds self-compassion and helps you act from values rather than fear.
  • Somatic Techniques & Grounding Skills: Teach your body how to relax and recover from stress.

What You’ll Gain

  • Practical tools to manage worry, rumination, and panic.
  • Better boundaries with your thoughts and emotions.
  • A calmer body and clearer mind.
  • Confidence in your ability to handle uncertainty

Finding Focus, Balance, and Confidence

If you’ve ever been told to “just try harder” or “stop getting distracted,” you know how discouraging that can feel. ADHD isn’t about laziness or lack of discipline — it’s about how your brain processes information, emotion, and motivation. Whether you were recently diagnosed or have always felt “a bit all over the place,” therapy can help you understand yourself, build systems that work for you, and feel more in control of your time and energy.

At GK Preserve Group LLC, we work with adults and young professionals who are thoughtful, capable, and driven — yet often overwhelmed by racing thoughts, unfinished tasks, and burnout. You might find it hard to prioritize, manage emotions, or sustain focus, even when you care deeply about your goals. Together, we’ll turn insight into action through a structured yet compassionate approach.

How We Work

  • CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) to identify and change unhelpful thought patterns.
  • ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) to strengthen self acceptance and values-based focus.
  • DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) to build emotional regulation and impulse control.
  • Schema Therapy to address long-standing perfectionism, rejection sensitivity, or self-criticism often tied to ADHD.
  • EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) when trauma or chronic shame have shaped how you see yourse

What You’ll Gain

  • Tools to organize your day and calm your mind.
  • Strategies to manage overwhelm, procrastination, and emotional intensity.
  • A clearer understanding of how ADHD impacts your relationships and self-esteem.
  • A sense of pride and confidence in your unique strengths and creativity.