Psychoanalytic Therapists in Austin, TX

The first step is often the hardest part. At times, changing something about our situation can be helpful. Frequently, greater self-acceptance is what we need. Emotions and behaviors can be influenced by factors outside of awareness. Therapy works best when it feels like a safe place to engage in a process of curious exploration.

Emotional, psychological, and interpersonal/social growth is a continual process of self transformation and change. At points when one feels stuck or confused in that process, or when life just isn't working, it often helps to connect with a therapist. I provide a safe space where you can be, or recover/rediscover, your authentic self; deepen the emotional connection with yourself and others; clarify thoughts, beliefs, and values; consider new ways of being in the world and w/others; develop healthier adaptive strategies for relating to yourself and others; and work through past and/or present griefs and traumas.

Hi there, I'm Melissa! My name is Melissa Switzer. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based near Austin, Texas. I work with clients state-wide utilizing telehealth. I work best with adolescents to adults, ranging in age from 10 and up. I specialize in anxiety, stress, depression, anger management, ADHD, grief, neurodivergence, trauma, and life issues associated with the LGBTQ-plus community as a straight ally. I use psychoanalytic and Cognitive Behavioral therapy to help clients reach their therapeutic goals.

If you feel like you are expected to “do it all” and carry more responsibilities than others in your life, and feel like you need a break, I may be able to help. Some people find that their personal relationships, either with friends, family, or co-workers, seem shallow, one-dimensional, or unequal. If you would like to improve your relationship with yourself and others, this may be something we can work on together. People may find themselves noticing that they keep engaging in relationships that wound them and wonder “is there something wrong with me?” We can answer that question together.

I am a career counselor and psychotherapist. My approach is to collaboratively explore your thoughts, beliefs and life experiences to help you gain greater self-knowledge and enable you to live a more satisfying life. Whether you are in the midst of a life struggle or not necessarily in crisis but looking to improve your general quality of life and well being, I believe our work together will empower you to cope with life difficulties in a productive way as you break negative patterns and have a deeper connection to yourself and others.

I enjoy working with clients who want to understand and get to know themselves in a deeper way by exploring how their emotions and behaviors are connected with the way they interact and perceive the world, themselves and others. My main focus is working on building a strong therapeutic relationship so that we can create a safe space to feel, process and understand things as well as get a better understanding on the role the environment and relationships with others play in our lives.

I am a psychotherapist and psychoanalyst experienced in working with older adolescents and adults suffering from depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship problems and struggles with family dynamics, mood disorders, substance abuse, college and life transition anxieties - and those helping family members with these problems. My style is warm, engaged and collaborative. While I draw on a range of therapeutic approaches, my orientation is primarily psychodynamic, which means I start with the assumption that the sources of distress can be complex and often outside our immediate awareness.

Freud is credited with stating that two things really matter in life: love and work. I help people find greater satisfaction with a) their relationships with themselves and others, and b) what they do to make meaning in their lives. I believe in the power of the therapeutic relationship to help you maximize your spiritual, physical, and emotional potential. Operating from an orientation which draws primarily on a combination of contemporary psychoanalytic, attachment, and neurobiological perspectives, I am fully committed to walking with you on your journey toward greater satisfaction and fulfillment.

Lisa Thaler, LCSW moved to Austin in October, 2019 after maintaining a private practice in New York City for the past 28 years. She received her BA from Amherst College and her MSW from New York University. She completed her psychoanalytic training at The Women’s Therapy Centre Institute, which is specifically known for its attention to feminism, gender and social justice, as well as contemporary psychoanalytic thinking.

Life can become very challenging and complex at times. From major life changes to seemingly small, day-to-day stress that can build up over time, it can feel very overwhelming for anyone. This can especially be true if you feel isolated or that you can't see past these difficulties. I am here to help you see that it is possible to overcome the problems life throws at you. I will be with you every step of the way in your process as we work together to tackle the issues of life.

Every person has the potential to live with more freedom, joy, ease, and love, and therapy supports us to realize this potential. Therapy allows the root of suffering to be explored so you can live with more peace and acceptance, increased resilience in the face of difficulty, a greater sense of autonomy, meaning, and confidence, and improved intimacy with loved ones. I specialize in working with individuals who feel stuck, restless, or dissatisfied with their lives. Some people come to me for support around specific stressors or issues, while others seek to reflect on the deeper meaning and purpose of life.

What is your life trying to tell you? Whether you're struggling with a life transition, failed relationship, grief and loss, anxiety or depression, it's an opportunity for growth. Although growth can be difficult, it can also be extremely rewarding. I primarily work with individual adults dealing with relationship issues, life transitions, grief & loss, aging parents, personal & professional development, anxiety and depression. Working collaboratively with clients is important to me and for those looking to go deeper outside of session, I provide homework and reading resources.

A trauma-focused, relational Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist practicing in depth and existential traditions. I work together with clients to create and reach goals and commit to them inquisitively. We will employ myriad methods, including visual, expressive, and somatic modalities to enhance coping skills, make meaning, and foster change- all with a gentle, open approach. I work well with persons undergoing stress, anxiety, depression, existential concerns, and unease. We will together build a compassionate and curious container to undertake this work. It is an honor to work with you to reveal a more vibrant, resilient self.

Evening Appointments Available! Do you feel overwhelmed by work, your relationships, or changes in your life? Do you ever find yourself wondering “Why do others look like they have their lives together and I’m struggling to just be me”? It can sometimes feel too painful to explore these questions alone and even scarier to let someone else be there to explore them with you. I understand that struggle and would be honored to work with you at your pace to figure out what it takes for you to feel satisfied and fulfilled.

Seeking support can be a challenging first step. My goal is to help ease you into experiencing the benefits of counseling; whether this is your first time ever attempting counseling or you find yourself in a time where a little helpful support could be just what you need. I provide a welcoming, nonjudgmental space where anyone can come and discover that relief is not far away. Counseling is instrumental in helping someone realize that they are not alone in their challenges. Together, I hope you will find that you do not have to carry your burdens alone.

Perhaps you’ve been struggling with a history of family trauma, or you are currently dealing with difficult and stressful relationship issues with a partner, family members or your children. Maybe you are going through a tough life transition and are trying to discover not only who you are, but why you feel so different or are filled with sadness or anxiety. Maybe you have a secret or are haunted by something from your past and you need a safe place/relationship where you can be your authentic self.

As far as anyone can tell, you’ve got a great marriage and life. You’re accomplished, always loving to each other and close with friends and family. But on the inside, you have never felt so alone. Over the years you have tried to rationalize, fix, and excuse your relationship growing apart, yet it is disheartening. Something just does not feel right anymore, and you begin to realize you feel like you have a roommate rather than a partnership. Maintaining a fulfilling and loving relationship can be a challenge in today's fast paced environment.

I assist people going through difficult life changes that need to talk through any troubling emotions or feelings that may be causing them distress. I help people realize their power in various environments they may be having a difficult time in (Work, Home, Relationships, etc). My typical client is an adult (LGBTQIA+ friendly) that wants to work on understanding and conquering their fears, difficult situations impeding their life and gaining a better understanding of themselves.

Joseph Campbell said, "The effect of a successful journey of the hero is the unlocking and release of the flow of life into the body of the world." Your problems are uniquely yours, and my approach engages that uniqueness with the proposition of pragmatic change based on evidence-based approaches. Counseling is a hero's journey which begins with a desire for a better life, and a subtle voice inside calling for change! I am here to help with that journey, and working to overcome the challenges that are the roadblocks to a better life. Visit my website inspirethought.org and checkout the SERO Boost podcast with me.