Therapists in Austin, TX

Are you and your partner struggling to connect in ways that once felt easy? Do you fear that the status of your relationship may be in question currently? Are you experiencing anxiety and worry surrounding how you're going to get through this hardship? Do you doubt your ability to be loved and heard? Are you finding it harder and harder just to get to the next day? I help couples and families rebuild their connection from a foundational level in order to establish long-lasting relationships that are built for the long haul.

Social workers typically have an interesting life story and personal experiences with tragedy that tug at our heartstrings. I am no different. At times, I wonder "how is it that I have survived these mountains and valleys?" Despite personal tragedy, loss, and despair, influential people have served as beacons of hope throughout the years in my life.

I have experience treating addiction, dual-diagnosis, and other co-occurring symptoms ranging from anxiety, depression, defiance, and even spiritual malady. There are endless reasons, unique to each individual, that plague one's existence with some form of suffering. While suffering is a normal part of life, it often becomes insidious to a thriving wellbeing and inevitably leaves one in a void from unhealthy habits and routines.

Taking the first step can be the most difficult and intimidating part. The good news is you are recognizing and being mindful of your own experience and what you might need. A step towards taking care of yourself in a healthy and meaningful way is a great one. Therapy can be a safe space to grow in self-awareness, gain insight into the meaning behind your feelings and experiences, and become more open to creating long lasting, sustainable change. I consider it an honor and a privilege to be let in to your personal story.

My name is Laurie Pettis and I am a Licensed Master’s Social Worker supervised by Jill Gracely, LCSW-S. I am EMDR Trained. I began working with victims and survivors of sex trafficking in 2011 when I moved to China for a year. Then, I continued that work in Houston in 2017, which led me to graduate school for social work in 2019. After graduating in 2021, I have worked with both male, female, and LGBTQIA+ individuals recovering from substance use and other mental health disorders. I have worked with clients who have personality disorders, mood disorders, PTSD or emotional/sexual/religious trauma.

Brent Ruebensam is a Licensed Professional Counselor located in Austin,Texas. Brent specializes in working with clients who identify as LGBTQIA+ seeking assistance either with particular issues or pursue services to improve their overall mental health.

Our early years have a big impact on how we operate as adults. Our ways of being and personal struggles can often be traced back to our family of origin. How you were parented, the role you played in your family, the defenses you learned to get by or survive – these stay with you and inform how you operate in the world and in your relationships. Whatever your own history may have been, there's a place for what you learned and how you adapted; after all, it’s gotten you this far. But some of those early lessons have outlasted their usefulness and no longer serve you, leading to anxiety, depression, or chronic disconnection.

Deep breath. Are you ready to try something different? Struggling in a relationship? Challenged by a major transition? Burdened by anxiety? Derailed by depression? Craving a career pivot? Devastated by a loss? Or, do you have a desire to spark your creativity or follow your heart? I've been there too. Whether you aspire to learn, heal, or grow, I can offer a safe, comforting place along with gentle guidance using what I have learned from my own life lessons and experiences to help you pause, reflect, and engage your strengths, wisdom, and deep-rooted resilience in the pursuit of positive change, inner peace, and passionate living.

Your relationship with yourself and others cause you to suffer in ways that your friends can't fully comprehend. Feelings of failure, insecurity, anxiety and depression have left you feeling like a stranger in your own life. You question yourself, wondering if you've done something wrong... whether there's something you should be doing differently. Friends and family are trying to be helpful with their advice, but it often leaves you feeling worse. Some days you have hope and others you feel you are in true despair. You are desperate to make sense of it all, and you don't know where to turn.

I work with both adults and adolescents. For over twenty-five years I have been successfully helping individuals have healthier and happier lives. Anxiety; panic attacks; depression; grief; sadness; anger; guilt; shame; confusion; physical, emotional, and sexual abuse; feelings of hopelessness or helplessness are all problems that can be dramatically changed for the better. I also have helped many people with chronic physical pain. I enjoy my work and welcome the opportunity to work with new clients.

At times life can feel stressful and overwhelming, however I am here to help you navigate your way through it, to not only survive, but thrive at life. I offer therapy for those who may be experiencing life changes or transitions, having difficulties in their personal relationships, depression, anxiety, and a variety of other challenges that may be affecting your mood or quality of life. My experiences have given me the valuable opportunity to work with people from diverse cultural, ethnic, and sexual backgrounds. In doing so, I provide culturally sensitive therapy in a supportive and safe environment.

I use a mindfulness-based, client-centered, solution-focused approach to help clients reach their valued goals. As a trauma-informed DBT clinician, understanding clients holistically is imperative in prioritizing client needs and where to begin in the treatment process. Dialectical Behavior Therapy is great for clients who would like a more “hands-on” approach and are eager to start the process of developing skills to assist with difficulties often seen in life. I integrate components of ACT therapy, self-compassion, Motivational Interviewing, and CBT, depending on what would benefit the client most.

I work with adult individuals who are ready to improve their well-being and enhance the quality of their lives. I incorporate a variety of treatment modalities, and approach therapy through a neurobiological lens. By utilizing compassionate curiosity and evidence-based practices, we will work together to identify and change patterns and perspectives that are holding you back from experiencing the life you desire. Seeking therapy can feel vulnerable and uncomfortable, but you’ve come to the right place. I pride myself on cultivating a therapeutic environment that is warm, easy-going, client-centered and judgment-free.

It takes a great amount of courage to begin the process of improving your mental health. Whether you are in a rut, suffering from past trauma, recovering, or just seeking a change. I can help pave the path to wellness by supporting your ability to process both mental and emotion experiences. Together we can build a plan that will aid in personal development, encourage positive change, and broaden perspectives. I enjoy working with client from all cultures and backgrounds and will promote a safe atmosphere in which you know your voice is heard.

The best predictor for positive outcome is dependent on the client therapist match. Before we commit to begin counseling, I offer a free 30 minute get acquainted session. I am eclectic in my methods and use whatever tool I have in my toolbox to help you deal with your problem as quickly as possible. Hopefully you will experience me as kind and accepting, but also proactive and energetic in helping you live your life to your satisfaction. Please feel free to text, call or email to set up a time to meet on zoom.

Life does not come with an instruction manual on how we can best navigate through our journey. Instead life is a learning process, which if we are lucky can involve insight and personal growth. At times we are fully capable to balance ourselves, our relationships and our schedules, yet other times not so much. Unhelpful feelings such as stress or frustration can too often resonate with us as we go about our daily routines. These potentially damaging reactions to life's obstacles can lead to making the once ordinary appear to be overwhelming or even unmanageable.

I work primarily with adults and couples, both on and off the autism spectrum. My practice emphasizes humanistic and client-centered counseling, but I also draw techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness practices. As my background includes experience both in the arts and in the computer tech field, I am drawn to both "left-brained" (analytical) and "right-brained" (intuitive/emotional) thinking patterns, and I enjoy working with both. My particular areas of interest include adult autism, anxiety, depression, anger and stress management, and relationship issues.

To me therapy is a place to put it all out there and find new ways of understanding, coping, and healing the swirl of noise in our heads. Ideally, my clients come in and express what’s in their hearts and minds without judgment. Crying, dark humor, wondering if you’re “(blank) enough”, etc. are all welcome. I work with individual clients 12-30ish, friend groups, and roommates and help them explore their relationships -both to others and themselves, their unique version of advocacy or communication, and finding their version of a more fulfilling life.

Accepting New Clients — Whether you are going through a difficult time or looking for some support, I am here to help you develop the necessary insights and tools you need to achieve clarity and healing. As a licensed psychotherapist, I believe that we can all benefit from learning more about ourselves in a safe, compassionate and collaborative environment. In our sessions, I will focus not only on investigating the root of your struggles, but also understand how they are impacting you today, and look at what changes can be made to help you live a healthy, productive and harmonious life.