Therapists in Austin, TX

Sometimes the hardest thing we might do is taking the first step to begin counseling- getting help means we have struggles. The issues we face in life have the ability to deeply damage us, but also the potential for personal growth. Be encouraged that the first step to emotional healing is difficult, but it's worth taking. We can know how to love ourselves better if our value can be affirmed by someone who cares, and you can face them knowing you are not alone. I can help you reach your goals for counseling, or perhaps even find out where to begin.

I began private practice in 1986 but have counseled troubled families since 1979. My clients include struggling college students, couples in conflict, families in disarray, substance abusers, employers worried about an employee, seniors who lost a spouse or adjusting to aging, daughters in conflicts with their mothers, women in violent relationships. I use writing for wellness. I have created a 6-week intensive writing course to guide clients through PTSD and other stressors. I have taught this course online around the world and in sessions. Go to: Amazon.com for all my books.

Are you struggling with self-doubt, failing to cope with the stressors of life, or feeling like you are drowning in anxiety, depression, and may have chemical dependency issues? We can help!

Dr. Darla Absher is a a Licensed Professional Counselor, Supervisor LPC-S #62089, located in Austin and Bastrop, Texas. Dr. Absher treats the full spectrum of disorders and life adjustments. I received my Master of Arts in Counseling from St. Edward's University, in Austin, Texas in August 2005. In 2003, I received my Master of Arts in Human Services from St. Edward's. In 2001 I graduated from St. Edward's University with a Bachelor of Arts with a concentration in Psychology. In December 2011, I graduated from Argosy University in Dallas, Texas with a Doctor of Clinical Psychology.

Whether one seeks relief from anxiety, trauma, relational impasses, or life disillusionment, therapy can help. It is unfortunate that insufficiently engaged approaches to therapy, prohibitive rates, and the unconscionable reluctance of most clinicians to accept insurance fail so many clients, who in good faith seek to discover a healing of heart and mind. As a psychodynamic therapist, I view my role as an empathic change agent employed to help bring about a fuller knowledge of self and a more liberated experience of life and relationship. I also supervise highly promising interns from NWU available for as low as $15-30 per session.

The Raeda Group, PLLC is Austin’s leading private practice based downtown treating adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Our typical clientele live and/or work in the downtown area; they either walk over or use our free parking. Remote sessions are also an option for clients who cannot make it into the office or just don't prefer to.

Amanda Spencer, Psy.D, LCSW is Doctor of Psychology and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a concentration in Clinical Psychology which focuses on Rurality and Communities. Because of Dr. Amanda Spencer’s love for people, she has a diverse background and experience with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma and Crisis Intervention, Solution Focused, Stress Management, Mood Management, Empowerment, increasing self-worth, Mind/body and connection, and Work life/balance integration.

I believe everybody has the ability to heal from trauma and experience growth from difficult life experiences. Difficult life experiences – whether recent or from years ago – often impact us relationally, mentally, physically, and emotionally. Anxiety, depression, trauma/PTSD, phobias, grief, addiction, attachment related issues, and work-related stress do not have to control your life. Our work together will help you reconnect to your true self in order to live a more full and authentic life. I utilize various therapeutic modalities to meet the needs and goals of each individual client.

I work with people, not labels. It’s about you, not a diagnosis. And it’s about me, not a degree. It becomes about us working together for your goals, whatever those are-I can help. We’re so surprised when we feel something but it “doesn’t make sense”. We “should” ourselves & judge. We waste a helluva lot of time doing this. How often have you tried to think yourself out of a feeling? I know!! Me too. Doesn't work. Together we can figure out how & why you think & feel the way you do. You can't think your way out of depression, anxiety, trauma or anything else. You can talk & feel yourself out, though. Here is what I believe.

I have been successful in the past with all manner of clients through many different settings – male, female, transgender, heterosexual, LGBTQ+, in inpatient, outpatient, technician, assessment, or even consulting settings. I also really enjoy working with teens and adolescents, since early brain-based interventions help everyone succeed even more in their lifetime. I find that my personality and style seem to fit best with clients who feel they are trapped in a negative routine, have no one with which to talk, or no way out of the situation from which they suffer.

I believe therapy is a process helps people to fully participate in their lives. I use several therapeutic styles and a collaborative approach. Together, we identify "the problem," then explore obstacles that block the process. The goal is wholeness and healing and you, as the client, decide what that looks like. Building a safe, respectful and trusting relationship is essential for success ---- as the client defines "success." I also believe that even in the most dire of circumstances, we can find joy, hope and even laughter. I enjoy playing a part in that with my clients.

My goal is to help individuals and couples achieve peace and contentment by increasing self-awareness and recognizing behaviors that no longer serve them. I make it my aim to partner with clients on their journey, identify their strengths, help distinguish areas for growth, and provide clients with non-judgmental support along the way. I believe that strong and fulfilling relationships with other individuals can help people maintain emotional well-being. I have 20+ years of experience in mental health, including individual, marriage, group counseling, crisis intervention, and substance abuse assessments.

Guided by Biblical principles and sound scientific research in the field of psychology, I will partner with you aiming to help you process, grow, and integrate lessons learned through the hardships you may be currently facing with the goal of helping you develop and strengthen skills and healthy habits that will benefit you long after counseling ceases. I will always have your best interest in mind and I will support you as we work together to achieve the goals we set together. Our sessions are for your benefit and I encourage you to direct the topics of conversation to explore the thoughts and ideas you feel are important to you.

Thank you for taking the time to invest in your mental health. I believe that one’s mental health is equally as important as physical health. With this belief, I decided to devote my time in achieving a doctorate degree in psychology from California School of Professional Psychology. I am a psychologist trained in clinical and forensic psychology. My training and experience have allowed me to develop clinical expertise in treatment modalities that are evidence based, such as CBT and ACT. I also have extensive training in the assessment of psychological concerns including diagnostic clarification and personality functioning.

Are you struggling to make a decision? Have you lost touch with who you thought you were? Do you seem to find yourself in the same situation over and over? Maybe you're dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, or grief. You might just need someone to talk to. If any of this sounds familiar, I'd love to speak with you. I'm interested in working with any and all adults and teenagers (15+). I have a special interest in working with young adults, musicians and other artists, people who are feeling directionless, and those trying to reconcile their beliefs about the "big questions" that go along with the experience of being human.

One of the most common frustrations with therapy is feeling like you gain insight during session, but that doesn’t translate into behavioral change outside of session. As an adherent DBT therapist, I am committed to helping my clients shape the intensity, frequency and duration of emotions and behaviors that are causing fall out and disrupting the quality of their daily lives. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an effective treatment for helping people regulate intense emotions, tolerate distress, improve interpersonal effectiveness and increase mindfulness.

Chronic pain and illness, sleep problems and sexual addiction and food problems are my specialties. I have over 40 years of experience, an advance certification in compulsive sexual problems and I am a certified weight loss specialist. I also have extensive training in treating anxiety and depression as well as problems in relationships. I am extensively trained in treating chronic pain and sleep problems through hypnotherapy and brief solution focused therapy. I have worked in Europe, India and the United States.

As a psychologist, I emphasize culturally responsive care provided with warmth. I take a collaborative role in my work with you by adapting my therapeutic strategies to fit your individual needs so that you are achieving the outcomes that you seek. My hope is that you will feel respected and empowered at every step of our work. My approach to therapy is integrative, utilizing primarily a combination of Cognitive Behavioral and Interpersonal techniques with a strong emphasis on the cultural and social factors that shape your life story.

When daily life pulls you down shame and fear from earlier wounds can wear away any tender hard earned belief in yourself and for others. The result usually is a sense of emotional isolation and loneliness. It takes time but change is possible. Based on advanced neuroscience and better understandings new counseling alternatives are available. My office provides a safe and therapeutic environment to heal and to learn how to leave behind old judgments, criticisms, frustrations, worries and unhappiness. It is a place to find your true self. To find the purpose and meaning missing in your life, marriage, family, friendships and career.