Marriage Counseling Therapists in Austin, TX
Before becoming a therapist, I spent many years helping people navigate major career and life transitions. This work taught me how deeply our sense of purpose and connections can shape who we are and how loss or change can leave us searching for a secure and solid ground. Today, I draw on this experience to support women, mothers and widows moving through grief, life transitions, or the challenges of ADHD. My approach is collaborative and grounded in Emotionally Focused Therapy, attachment theory, and mindfulness. Together, we’ll work toward greater self-compassion and clarity, to rebuild a meaningful life after challenging changes.
Before becoming a therapist, I spent many years helping people navigate major career and life transitions. This work taught me how deeply our sense of purpose and connections can shape who we are and how loss or change can leave us searching for a secure and solid ground. Today, I draw on this experience to support women, mothers and widows moving through grief, life transitions, or the challenges of ADHD. My approach is collaborative and grounded in Emotionally Focused Therapy, attachment theory, and mindfulness. Together, we’ll work toward greater self-compassion and clarity, to rebuild a meaningful life after challenging changes.
Ruoxi Chen
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, LPC
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
I have over 16 years of clinical experience working with individuals, couples, and families, and I teach graduate-level counseling at a university as an associate professor.
I specialize in relationship challenges, anxiety, trauma recovery, and emotional stress tied to family or parenting roles. I offer culturally grounded support for Chinese and Asian American clients navigating partner conflict, intergenerational tension, perfectionism, and postpartum transitions.
I have over 16 years of clinical experience working with individuals, couples, and families, and I teach graduate-level counseling at a university as an associate professor.
I specialize in relationship challenges, anxiety, trauma recovery, and emotional stress tied to family or parenting roles. I offer culturally grounded support for Chinese and Asian American clients navigating partner conflict, intergenerational tension, perfectionism, and postpartum transitions.
I’m Kennedy M. Sabelko, a master’s level clinical therapist with over 20 years of experience in the mental health and educational fields. My passion for helping others improve their quality of life comes from my personal, clinical, and cultural experiences.
I’m Kennedy M. Sabelko, a master’s level clinical therapist with over 20 years of experience in the mental health and educational fields. My passion for helping others improve their quality of life comes from my personal, clinical, and cultural experiences.
Making the decision to begin counseling can be difficult and finding a therapist that is a good match can be equally overwhelming. I work to create a comfortable, safe, and supportive environment to make it easier to start the process. Everyone enters therapy at a different place, and I work to meet clients where they are. My approach is primarily relational because the quality of the client-therapist relationship can serve as the catalyst for change.
Making the decision to begin counseling can be difficult and finding a therapist that is a good match can be equally overwhelming. I work to create a comfortable, safe, and supportive environment to make it easier to start the process. Everyone enters therapy at a different place, and I work to meet clients where they are. My approach is primarily relational because the quality of the client-therapist relationship can serve as the catalyst for change.
I specialize in helping individuals and couples break free from feeling stuck.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I have had the privilege of walking alongside adults and families on their path to healing and growth. My work is built on a foundational belief that every individual is in a constant state of seeking growth, striving to become the person they envision. This principle has guided my practice, particularly with those navigating the complexities of serious mental illness and the significant challenges of life's transitions. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, and adjustment issues, applying the wisdom gained from decades of experience to every unique journey.
I specialize in helping individuals and couples break free from feeling stuck.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I have had the privilege of walking alongside adults and families on their path to healing and growth. My work is built on a foundational belief that every individual is in a constant state of seeking growth, striving to become the person they envision. This principle has guided my practice, particularly with those navigating the complexities of serious mental illness and the significant challenges of life's transitions. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, and adjustment issues, applying the wisdom gained from decades of experience to every unique journey.
Why Us? Alive Austin is creating a new paradigm for what's possible with regard to your healing... With 15+ therapists, we will have a match for you. On our website, you can virtually meet all of our therapists. Set up an initial consult(s) at no charge. Switch therapists for any reason. It's your healing...it should be your choice. With our diversity and depth of expertise, you will receive informed, current, comprehensive services. Our goal is for you to achieve the maximum benefits possible, in the shortest amount of time, and at the lowest cost.
Why Us? Alive Austin is creating a new paradigm for what's possible with regard to your healing... With 15+ therapists, we will have a match for you. On our website, you can virtually meet all of our therapists. Set up an initial consult(s) at no charge. Switch therapists for any reason. It's your healing...it should be your choice. With our diversity and depth of expertise, you will receive informed, current, comprehensive services. Our goal is for you to achieve the maximum benefits possible, in the shortest amount of time, and at the lowest cost.
Many of the issues addressed have included coping with grief and loss, marital and family discord, substance abuse, self esteem, and embracing the aging process.
Are you struggling to feel good about yourself or just having difficulty coping with life from day to day? If you are feeling ongoing pain, depression, anxiety or fear you are not alone and, by the way, you are not crazy either. In reality, these emotions often come from a very strong and healthy part of us which is needing to be seen, to be heard and to be healed. If you are having a difficult time, please give me a call so that we may explore together what is going on in your life and how I may be of help on your path to finding healing, comfort and, yes, even joy again.
Many of the issues addressed have included coping with grief and loss, marital and family discord, substance abuse, self esteem, and embracing the aging process.
Are you struggling to feel good about yourself or just having difficulty coping with life from day to day? If you are feeling ongoing pain, depression, anxiety or fear you are not alone and, by the way, you are not crazy either. In reality, these emotions often come from a very strong and healthy part of us which is needing to be seen, to be heard and to be healed. If you are having a difficult time, please give me a call so that we may explore together what is going on in your life and how I may be of help on your path to finding healing, comfort and, yes, even joy again.
At Tranquility Teletherapy, we acknowledge the courage it takes to seek therapy, and we're here to be your unwavering support on your journey to healing and growth. Our practice is more than just a therapy service; it's a haven of understanding and empowerment. We prioritize your unique needs and individuality, tailoring our approach to help you overcome life's challenges and accomplish your aspirations. We service clients located in Texas and North Carolina.
At Tranquility Teletherapy, we acknowledge the courage it takes to seek therapy, and we're here to be your unwavering support on your journey to healing and growth. Our practice is more than just a therapy service; it's a haven of understanding and empowerment. We prioritize your unique needs and individuality, tailoring our approach to help you overcome life's challenges and accomplish your aspirations. We service clients located in Texas and North Carolina.
The therapists of Greater Austin YMCA Counseling work with individuals, couples and families who are interested in self-discovery and are seeking a safe space to embark on the path to positive change at half the cost of the average therapy session in Central Texas.
We offer a compassionate and collaborative approach to therapy, drawing from various therapeutic modalities that best suit your individual circumstances. We'll work together to explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and identify patterns that might be holding you back. Through this process, you'll find the strength to make positive changes.
The therapists of Greater Austin YMCA Counseling work with individuals, couples and families who are interested in self-discovery and are seeking a safe space to embark on the path to positive change at half the cost of the average therapy session in Central Texas.
We offer a compassionate and collaborative approach to therapy, drawing from various therapeutic modalities that best suit your individual circumstances. We'll work together to explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and identify patterns that might be holding you back. Through this process, you'll find the strength to make positive changes.
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, shame, loneliness, or grief? Do you feel "stuck" in life? Are your relationships weighing you down rather than building you up? You have taken a brave and difficult step—you have acknowledged that there is a problem. As your therapist, we develop a safe and nonjudgmental therapeutic relationship. I have a holistic, client-centered, intuitive and direct approach. Having battled my own anxiety and depression, I use many techniques that have been helpful on my own journey, including mindfulness-based tools, CBT, and relational psychotherapy. I also provide ketamine assisted psychotherapy.
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, shame, loneliness, or grief? Do you feel "stuck" in life? Are your relationships weighing you down rather than building you up? You have taken a brave and difficult step—you have acknowledged that there is a problem. As your therapist, we develop a safe and nonjudgmental therapeutic relationship. I have a holistic, client-centered, intuitive and direct approach. Having battled my own anxiety and depression, I use many techniques that have been helpful on my own journey, including mindfulness-based tools, CBT, and relational psychotherapy. I also provide ketamine assisted psychotherapy.
In particular, I tend to work anxiety, trauma, parenting, relationship issues & life transitions (career change, marriage, pregnancy, parenthood) ADHD and behavioral issues in children.
When we are suffering, often the greatest antidote is someone to share our suffering with. Research in psychotherapy effectiveness shows that the therapeutic relationship is one of the most important factors predicting helpfulness of therapy. I see my role as providing a supportive therapeutic space to foster growth, healing, and healthy relationships. It takes great courage to face our human vulnerabilities and for each person the journey is unique. Regardless of your reason for entering therapy, our work will be informed by who you are, what you value, and where you want your life to go.
In particular, I tend to work anxiety, trauma, parenting, relationship issues & life transitions (career change, marriage, pregnancy, parenthood) ADHD and behavioral issues in children.
When we are suffering, often the greatest antidote is someone to share our suffering with. Research in psychotherapy effectiveness shows that the therapeutic relationship is one of the most important factors predicting helpfulness of therapy. I see my role as providing a supportive therapeutic space to foster growth, healing, and healthy relationships. It takes great courage to face our human vulnerabilities and for each person the journey is unique. Regardless of your reason for entering therapy, our work will be informed by who you are, what you value, and where you want your life to go.
I specialize in family therapy. Whether new parents navigating raising young ones or old pros facing the challenges of their growing children, families can bring out their healthiest dynamics through therapy. I believe in pushing shifts across whole systems for meaningful and enduring change. When we can be our full authentic selves and communicate that self to others, healing and relational repair can take place. I strive to create a therapeutic space of respect, acceptance, and curiosity to empower clients to work through even the most challenging of life’s moments.
I specialize in family therapy. Whether new parents navigating raising young ones or old pros facing the challenges of their growing children, families can bring out their healthiest dynamics through therapy. I believe in pushing shifts across whole systems for meaningful and enduring change. When we can be our full authentic selves and communicate that self to others, healing and relational repair can take place. I strive to create a therapeutic space of respect, acceptance, and curiosity to empower clients to work through even the most challenging of life’s moments.
Maybe you and your partner are not getting along or you may feel embarrassed about what you're going through – these issues are always hard to talk about.
Unresolved pain from the past can seep into the present and cause intense feelings, addictions, tension and problems in relationships and work. I gently guide my clients into the source of the original wounding which brings healing and resolution to the past, then the freedom to thrive in all aspects of life is more possible.
Maybe you and your partner are not getting along or you may feel embarrassed about what you're going through – these issues are always hard to talk about.
Unresolved pain from the past can seep into the present and cause intense feelings, addictions, tension and problems in relationships and work. I gently guide my clients into the source of the original wounding which brings healing and resolution to the past, then the freedom to thrive in all aspects of life is more possible.
Or maybe you and your partner cycle through the same hurtful patterns, even though you deeply love each other.
I help women & committed couples who are ready for meaningful change. My clients are often self-aware, high-achieving, & deeply caring, but find themselves overwhelmed, burned out, or caught in cycles of overthinking, conflict, or people-pleasing.
Together, we’ll uncover what’s keeping you stuck, and develop tools to help you move forward.
Or maybe you and your partner cycle through the same hurtful patterns, even though you deeply love each other.
I help women & committed couples who are ready for meaningful change. My clients are often self-aware, high-achieving, & deeply caring, but find themselves overwhelmed, burned out, or caught in cycles of overthinking, conflict, or people-pleasing.
Together, we’ll uncover what’s keeping you stuck, and develop tools to help you move forward.
Accepting new clients for in-person.
We all encounter major stress and loss and often we recover well on our own. Sometimes life becomes overwhelming, confusing and too big to process alone. You can reach out for support, and you don’t have to do it alone. Through therapy, you have the power to focus on what helps you learn and grow. I am passionate about helping clients connect to their core values in therapy. We'll use mindfulness-based therapies to help you become aware of thoughts and behaviors that prevent you from experiencing a joyful and authentic life. I enjoy using humor, creativity and self-compassion in my practice.
Accepting new clients for in-person.
We all encounter major stress and loss and often we recover well on our own. Sometimes life becomes overwhelming, confusing and too big to process alone. You can reach out for support, and you don’t have to do it alone. Through therapy, you have the power to focus on what helps you learn and grow. I am passionate about helping clients connect to their core values in therapy. We'll use mindfulness-based therapies to help you become aware of thoughts and behaviors that prevent you from experiencing a joyful and authentic life. I enjoy using humor, creativity and self-compassion in my practice.
Mark Elliott
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
2 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78703
Waitlist for new clients
I also specialize in couples therapy.
What is dynamic psychotherapy? It’s therapy that recognizes that symptoms, problems, and struggles have meaning and that learning about their meaning––especially meaning that is outside our awareness––allows us to see our struggles in context and make better choices based on new learning about ourselves. Therapy works best when it feels like a safe place to engage in a process of curious exploration. Through understanding and being understood, most people find they can make clearer choices, take charge of their lives, build healthier relationships.
I also specialize in couples therapy.
What is dynamic psychotherapy? It’s therapy that recognizes that symptoms, problems, and struggles have meaning and that learning about their meaning––especially meaning that is outside our awareness––allows us to see our struggles in context and make better choices based on new learning about ourselves. Therapy works best when it feels like a safe place to engage in a process of curious exploration. Through understanding and being understood, most people find they can make clearer choices, take charge of their lives, build healthier relationships.
My practice focuses on adults, both individuals and couples.
I hold a Masters in Pastoral Ministry and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction, and I had an academic and management career extending more than 30 years. This deep history gives me a balanced approach based on both theory and practice in helping my clients understand their issues and find solutions.
My practice focuses on adults, both individuals and couples.
I hold a Masters in Pastoral Ministry and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction, and I had an academic and management career extending more than 30 years. This deep history gives me a balanced approach based on both theory and practice in helping my clients understand their issues and find solutions.
The bottom line is this: psychotherapy should be affordable, smart, efficient, and caring.
As I practice it, counseling involves helping persons understand their own nature and, especially, their desires and needs. Counseling offers a sanctuary for persons to sort out their lives and more intimately explore their direct experience. My practice is dedicated to the process of authentic transformation, arising from the client's and therapist's co-exploration of "what is."
The bottom line is this: psychotherapy should be affordable, smart, efficient, and caring.
As I practice it, counseling involves helping persons understand their own nature and, especially, their desires and needs. Counseling offers a sanctuary for persons to sort out their lives and more intimately explore their direct experience. My practice is dedicated to the process of authentic transformation, arising from the client's and therapist's co-exploration of "what is."
I also enjoy working with couples to build intimacy and young adults transitioning into adulthood.
Life reads a lot like Dr. Seuss' Oh, the Places You'll Go. Sometimes you'll be waiting, sometimes you're on top, sometimes you fall down hard, and sometimes the darkness overwhelms. You may feel unsure who you are, where to turn, and how to function again. Approaching such times with honesty and curiosity can invite new freedom and healing. Counseling offers a safe place to bring your hopes and pains as you continue on your journey. I'd love to join you in this process.
I also enjoy working with couples to build intimacy and young adults transitioning into adulthood.
Life reads a lot like Dr. Seuss' Oh, the Places You'll Go. Sometimes you'll be waiting, sometimes you're on top, sometimes you fall down hard, and sometimes the darkness overwhelms. You may feel unsure who you are, where to turn, and how to function again. Approaching such times with honesty and curiosity can invite new freedom and healing. Counseling offers a safe place to bring your hopes and pains as you continue on your journey. I'd love to join you in this process.
If you want to create change in your life and prefer a therapist who is dynamic and directive, then I could be a good fit for you. Clients who do well with me want to understand themselves and are willing to be challenged and are committed to growth. I am best suited to dealing with depression, anxiety, health issues, substance abuse problems, and relationship issues. I have special training in Pain Management, Mind-Body Issues in Health, and Sexual Dysfunction
If you want to create change in your life and prefer a therapist who is dynamic and directive, then I could be a good fit for you. Clients who do well with me want to understand themselves and are willing to be challenged and are committed to growth. I am best suited to dealing with depression, anxiety, health issues, substance abuse problems, and relationship issues. I have special training in Pain Management, Mind-Body Issues in Health, and Sexual Dysfunction
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Marriage Counseling Therapists
How does marriage counseling work?
Marriage counseling works by teaching couples concrete skills to communicate with one another and solve disagreements in healthy ways. A trained mental health professional works with both members of a couple to explore difficulties the couple may be having and helps them develop skills to address these matters. Couples who don’t have any difficulties but want to prepare for marriage may develop skills for the future.
How long does marriage counseling typically last?
Marriage counseling is a short-term form of therapy; the process may last between four and eight sessions. Other forms of relationship guidance from mental health professionals, such as couples therapy, are longer lasting, may focus on the past rather than just the present, and are tailored to the individual couple and their emotions, history, and patterns in the relationship. Couples therapy often lasts for 12 weeks or longer.
Is marriage counseling effective?
Marriage counseling helps many couples develop relationship skills that may not have been acquired or tested in a relationship; partners may be better able to communicate and address conflict following counseling. However, there are many different forms of marriage counseling, and this form of counseling does not have as strong an evidence base as other modalities such as couples therapy.
Is marriage counseling effective if only one partner wants to go?
Yes, marriage counseling can still be effective if one partner convinces the other to engage in the process. Of course, whether counseling is effective depends on the couple’s commitment to work on their relationship; however, the short-term, skills-based nature of marriage counseling makes it a relatively easy “ask” of a partner, and the hesitant individual may see its value once counseling begins.