Our Founding
Living Hope Christian Counseling Service began in 2007 after the prior director (Beth Ann Contraras) worked with Pastoral Counseling of El Paso. Pastoral Counseling began in 1980 under the inspiration and calling of Pastor Herman Green.
Living Hope CCS offers a safe place of Biblically based professional counseling services for individuals, families, pastors, couples, and church leaders.
Robert Hart MA, LPC-S, LSOTP-S, Executive Director
Robert received his Master's degree from Southwest Texas State University (Texas State University, San Marcos) in 1998. He specializes in marriage and family counseling. He received his biblical training at the Center for Relational Intimacy in Austin, Texas and Genesis Treatment Center in San Antonio, Texas. He is a committed Christian who believes that increased intimacy and attachment with God and other leads to a renewed heart and mind, as well as improved health mentally, spiritually, and physically.
His wife, Kia, is also a professional counselor at Living Hope and both are recipients of God's grace in marriage and life. We both believe that His grace is sufficient for all of our needs; physical, emotional, and spiritual.
Robert and Kia have been married for over 30 years and have three amazing children.
Offering hope, healing and health.
Living Hope CCS Counselors:
Living Hope currently has 12 counselors
All counselors have training and competence in mood disorders, trauma, pastoral care, and communication skills. Only the licensed counselors are listed below. Call for more information.
Robert Hart
MA, LPC-S, LSOTP-S
Specialties: Marriage/Couples/Family, Trauma, Anxiety, ETT Certified
Kia J. Hart
MA, LPC
Specialties: Couples, Individuals, Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, ETT Certified, EMDR Trained
Toni Monzon
MS, LPC
Specialties: Trauma, EMDR Certified, Autism Spectrum Disorders Specialist, Depression, Sexual Behavior Problems
Trisha Thornton
MA, LPC
Specialties: Substance Abuse, Adolescents, Children
Mark Cossel
MA, LPC
Specialties: Adolescents, Grief/Loss
All counselors fall under one of three categories:
- Are licensed by the state of Texas in the field of mental health;
- Have obtained a master's degree and are working towards licensure or operating as pastoral care;
- Are a student intern completing their master's degree in mental health, with the goal of pursuing licensure.