Therapists in Austin, TX

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.

Are you struggling to navigate relationships, friendships, and balancing school or work at the same time? When we think we have it all figured out, life throws us a curve ball, the death of a loved one or loss of a job. Imagine adding a layer of anxiety or depression. What about introversion? Just for fun, let's also add a layer for people that identify as LGBTQ+. Coming out as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, non binary, or gender fluid can be confusing for your straight, cis family and friends. Whether you identify with this because you experience this regularly or someone you love feels this way.

I am interested in getting to know each of my clients and forming a close, collaborative relationship that affords them the freedom to learn more about themselves. Creating this type of unique relationship is invaluable to the therapeutic process. The opportunity to grow in self awareness can be a powerful way to learn about what motivates us and how our histories affect us throughout our lives. I have both personal and professional experience with individuals in the LBGTQ community, and extensive work helping people with disabilities entering the workforce.

I strive to connect with clients on deep, emotional level to develop a keen understanding of their strengths, and collaborate to utilize their strengths to bring about an improvement in overall well-being and a reduction of negative symptoms. I meet clients where they are, and will adapt my treatment modalities based on client's response in therapy.

I work with adult individuals and couples in therapy including premarital counseling. I specialize in relational dissatisfaction, broken or conflictual relationships, and intergenerational family trauma. I enjoy working with clients on counseling goals related to the development of identity; purpose, relational conflict; communication, life transitions, spiritual growth, issues related to self-worth, forgiveness, shame and grief; loss. I also have experience working with depression, anxiety, conflict resolution and divorce. I am trained in faith integration for clients who desire the inclusion of Christian faith in therapy services.

My approach to counseling is to meet you where you are at and to understand your story to get you where you want to be. Together we will understand your inner wants and needs to form an authentic and genuine self.

If you or someone you love struggles with anxiety, emotional regulation, poor social skills, parenting challenges, life transitions, family issues, or independent living then we can help. Our therapists specialize in providing collaborative solutions for individuals with social communication and anxiety challenges. Spectrum therapists are especially tuned to the needs of persons diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders, Asperger's Syndrome, ADHD, Giftedness and Non-Verbal Learning Disorder (NVLD). Spectrum therapists apply solutions-based therapy techniques to create the best possible experience for our clients and help you meet your therapeutic goals.

Life challenges, changes and growth are always complicated and often difficult! It is not uncommon in today's world to think of counseling and mental health services as an indicator that something is wrong but I am confident that it is just the opposite. On the contrary this is a huge step towards your goals and a better daily life. We all need support and reaching out to a professional is an excellent choice for that! I am so glad you are here and hope that together we can find the best path forward in the areas that are most important to you.

Eating disorders are isolating. Your world has felt minimized to the endless loop of anxiety around what you eat and when. You’ve found yourself avoiding friends and family, canceling plans, and just struggling to get through the day. It feels hard to develop any sort of peace with yourself in a culture that is so intent on reminding you your body is wrong. It’s hard to even remember what it feels like to trust or respect your body.

How people experience the world, collectively and individually, has always been one of my interests. When you explore your own experiences, you uncover thoughts and feelings about the world, yourself, and others that you've always been aware of and some you may not have considered before. These thoughts and feelings impact everything you do, from the way you handle conflict to the negative comments you make to yourself to your ability to use effective coping skills. Once you've identified the thoughts and behaviors that are working against you, you can work to change them in ways that help you rather than harm you.

Maybe you're wondering "Is this all there is?" Or perhaps you're feeling like you're living a version of groundhog day over and over and over and over again. No problem. My coaching practice is focused on helping my clients get unstuck and find meaning and purpose in their lives. After a few sessions, you become more mindful of the thoughts you're thinking and the choices you're making that you are keeping you from getting what you really want.

**ONLINE SCHEDULING, WEEKENDS/EVENINGS AVAILABLE** Being nervous about starting therapy is natural, which is why I work with each client to establish a relationship of honesty and openness so you can feel comfortable sharing your feelings. There is no magic wand in life but you don’t have to face challenges on your own. Therapy is a journey. I approach each session as a time to learn about you—what motivates you and what ails you. I understand the importance of each individual’s culture so I can fully understand you as a person. Together, we will determine the best possible solutions to address your individual needs.

I know you’re doing your best with the tools you have now—and that with nonjudgmental support and guidance, you can reconnect, grow, and flourish. My mission is to elevate you in creating a life of meaning and hope through past and future challenges. As a queer, multiracial Taiwanese American, my lived experience fuels my earnest appreciation and commitment to honoring your many intersecting identities. Together, we will develop a healing relationship where you can feel safe when vulnerable, comforted in your struggles, and encouraged as you are guided toward the resources you need to feel more secure in the world.

I am a licensed professional counselor with experience with adolescents, and adults. If you or your child struggle with depression, anxiety, PTSD, autism, cognitive and learning disabilities, as well as deaf and hard of hearing, I am here to help. You will be empowered and supported through patience and respect, using creative tools, nature, and a holistic approach. I will ask you about things that make you YOU, things that you enjoy and dislike, things that you put in your body (on mental, emotional, and physical levels). I am direct but respectful. I am compassionate but not enabling.