A Divine Appointment: Celebrating 10 Years of Fowler & Tidwell Counseling

Jenai Tidwell, LPC-S
1 day ago
3 min read

Updated: 20 hours ago

It started with a lunch invitation.

Ten years ago, Jane Fowler and I were coworkers at a private practice, slated to help open a second location. We were colleagues, acquaintances really, but we weren't yet partners. One afternoon, Jane asked me to lunch. I expected a strategy meeting about our employer's new office. Instead, she looked me in the eye and presented an idea that stopped me in my tracks:

"We can do this ourselves."

I was shocked. Becoming a business owner was not in my purview; it wasn't on my roadmap. But as we talked, the shock faded, replaced by a stirring in my spirit. The more we spoke, the more I began to believe that this wasn’t just a business opportunity—it was what God was calling me to do.

That lunch was a divine appointment. It was the seed that would grow into Fowler & Tidwell Counseling.

From Office Mates to a Legacy

We started small. We were office mates, sharing rent as solo-preneurs, testing the waters. But the need was there, and the community responded. Within a year and a half, we were both at capacity for new clients. We realized we had a choice: we could stay comfortable right where we were, or we could grow.

We chose growth.

One therapist led to two, then three. What started as just Jane and me has blossomed over the years. We have had the privilege of employing close to 34 graduate students, associates, and fully licensed clinicians. By the end of this month, we will hit our highest number yet—a team of 13 dedicated staff members serving our community.

A Gift of Grace

In our fourth year, the practice faced a pivotal moment. Jane’s family received an incredible opportunity in Dallas—a promotion they couldn’t refuse. It was a bittersweet transition. But what happened next speaks to the heart of who Jane is.

She didn’t ask for a buyout. She didn’t ask for a valuation. She simply gifted me her half of the practice. She told me to continue what we had built and wished me the best of luck.

Although I am now the sole owner, there will never be a moment where Jane Fowler is not recognized. This legacy is hers as much as it is mine.

The Impact by the Numbers

Reflection often leads to calculation. Looking back on ten years, I recently did some "back of the envelope" math to understand the scope of our work.

I believe we have touched over 4,600 lives.

We have provided approximately 35,000 hours of mental health services to the people of Houston and Texas. Those aren't just numbers to me. Each hour represents a story heard, a burden shared, and a step taken from distress toward peace.

Guided by Our Pillars

Our longevity isn't accidental; it's intentional. From day one, F&T Counseling was built on three non-negotiable pillars:

Financial Accessibility: We believe healing shouldn't break the bank. That’s why we offer services as low as $30 per session, offer sliding scales, and accept insurance and EAP. We ensure that being under-insured never hinders care.
Cultural Balance: We pride ourselves on having a staff that actually looks like Houston. We know that having a therapist who can relate to your lived experience makes all the difference in your healing journey.
Community Focus: We don't just work in the community; we partner with it. We are proud to work alongside organizations like Fresh Spirit, New Purpose House, and Intertwined.

Looking Ahead

As I look toward the next ten years, I remain committed to the mission that started at that lunch table: to lead the way in community-centered mental health care, establishing a new standard of accessible, collaborative, and culturally balanced services that not only meet the needs of our clients but also shape a healthier, more resilient future for our entire community.

Whether you are a potential client seeking a place to heal or a clinician looking for a place to grow, there is a seat for you here.

Here’s to the journey, the growth, and the next decade of impact.