Therapists in Old West Austin, Austin, TX

"Why is this so hard? We love each other, but we can't stop fighting." I understand the hopelessness of living in a cycle of conflict. I became a couples therapist because I believe deeply in the importance of having a supportive and loving relationship--with yourself and with your partner. I will help you learn how to stop when anger, fear and hurt cause you to react in defensive and aggressive ways toward your partner. By slowing down and taking care of yourself first, you will gradually learn how to connect from a more vulnerable and honest place, creating a more satisfying and peaceful relationship together.

Grief is something we all face in life, but each person experiences it differently. Sometimes it’s due to the death of a loved one. Other times, however, it’s due to the loss of your country, your health, your plans for a family, or another important pillar of your life. You may be finding that this feels much different than you expected it to—rather than just feeling sad, you feel angry, impatient, constantly on edge. You’re tired of people telling you “they know how you feel” (they don’t) or that you’re “so strong” (you don’t feel that way). Your world has been permanently changed, and you’re not sure how to move forward.

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.

Are you grappling with the impacts of a loss, medical diagnosis, or trauma? Loss is common to the human experience, but when it stems from the death of a loved one or a cancer diagnosis, it can be especially isolating and overwhelming. You’re asking big questions: Will I always feel like this? Is this normal? When will my suffering end? And despite trying therapy in the past or talking to your friends and family, it’s felt like no one has truly understood your experience. You’re craving warmth, safety, and radical unconditional regard—somewhere all of your emotions, questions, and fears can be freely shared and expressed.

By embracing the unloved or rejected parts of ourselves, by bringing love and understanding where it has not been, and by bringing care to our wounds - we come into our wholeness. I help you lighten what you have been carrying and to love the all of you.

I am currently accepting clients in person at my Clarksville office and can see clients remotely all over Texas. As a human, sometimes we turn our pain into suffering, either by pushing away or being overtaken by our emotions and problems. Just like our physical bodies, our emotional selves need to be tended to and nurtured. Without maintenance, we can default to old ways of coping and make things worse. I work with you to discover new ways of coping, and understanding your experiences so you can feel more emotionally at ease and functional in your day-to-day life. Take a look at my website! www.mikatannenbaum.com

Deciding to take those initial first steps toward seeking help through psychotherapy can be challenging. Some initial concerns may include, "How will I know if the therapist is competent?" "What if they judge me?" "Will I feel comfortable telling them what I am really feeling and thinking?" These concerns are extremely common in trying to find the right therapist for you. The key phrase is "the right therapist for YOU..." Everyone is different with different needs. I encourage you to read about my experience and the services I provide in to see if I may be the right therapist for you.

I help people free themselves from the wrath of a harsh inner critic, get unstuck from unhealthy situations, and start living instead of just surviving. If you are living with anxiety, depression, unproductive anger, the impact of trauma, or relationship struggles--including parenting neurodiverse or gender-questioning children, I welcome you. I provide a safe, compassionate, emotionally attuned space so you can feel supported as we explore what brings you into therapy. Whatever your struggle, I believe it is possible to navigate pain, gain strength, and experience greater fulfillment through the therapeutic relationship we create.

Congratulations on taking the first step in starting therapy. For over 20 years, I've enjoyed collaborating with adults, teens and their families to resolve conflicts, and foster more meaningful relationships. Anxiety and depression can cloud our ability to see ourselves and others in a positive light. Together we can challenge negative thinking that blocks goal attainment, regulate overwhelming emotions, and calm the body. In a safe environment we can explore new ways of thinking and being. I look forward to joining you on your journey

I use a strength-based collaborative and active approach and believe in treating the whole person from a biopsychosocial perspective. I integrate research from various sources including: neuroscience and its impact on overall health, individual and relational functioning; the importance of authenticity, emotionality, resiliency and humor, and values identification across personal and professional contexts. Specific resources include: Psychobiological Approach to Couples Counseling, The Daring Way, and Contemplative Based Trauma Resiliency Training (The Portable Calm).