Kelly Pajares Therapy Austin

Kelly Pajares, LPC

she/her/hers

Senior Counselor
Fully Licensed

“The problem is the problem, the person is not the problem.” Michael White and David Epston

You made it! Lay down your burden and take a much-deserved breath. There’s no need to pretend that you’ve got it all together, not with me anyway. In our day-to-day life, we have perfected our “everything’s okay” façade. Maybe it comes from the pressures others place on us to be “okay”. Maybe we fear what might happen if we let our guard down and let someone see how not okay we are. Whatever the reason, I want you to know that you are not alone. Let’s work together to create a safe haven, where you can feel comfortable and supported in talking about your vulnerabilities. 

My approach to counseling draws from narrative therapy, which involves discussing how we view ourselves and our problems. Often, we say things like “I am a depressed person,” but through this work you can discover that depression is something you have, not something you are. I operate under the belief that you are the expert when it comes to your life. What I bring to the table is knowledge of psychology and counseling. Through our collaboration we can work to give you the space from your problems that will allow you the opportunity to work through them.

I began my journey in the counseling field aiding those within the grief and loss community. This experience has been invaluable to me. It allowed me to understand how often this population is expected to move on quickly after a loss. Because we are humans and we are born to connect, this ideal is irrational and harmful.

Through my work with the grief and loss population, I have found that the emotions surrounding loss aren’t isolated to death loss. Grief is involved in almost every aspect of our human experiences. Loss may be present after a life transition, after a breakup, or after a trauma. With death loss or loss of a different variety, you can expect that I will be patient, compassionate, and empathic when listening to your story. I will not place my agenda before yours. I hope that you will feel comforted in knowing that we can take this at your pace.

A little more about my background—I am one of the rare unicorns who was born in Austin. I left my weird little city briefly to pursue a Bachelors degree in Psychology with a minor in Theatre from Schreiner University, but returned a short while later to earn my Masters of Arts in Counseling from St. Edward’s. At St. Edward’s I was fortunate enough to complete internships at The Christi Center and Capital Area Counseling (CAC). Through these two internships, I helped individuals with a variety of concerns including career changes, divorce, adjustment disorders, depression, trauma, childhood trauma, and complex bereavement. I truly believe that these experiences molded me into a strong and more adaptive therapist. I also recognize that there is still more room to grow, which is why I pursued the level one of basic training in EMDR and look forward to completing my basic certification.

Outside of the counseling room, you can probably find me with my nose stuck in a book or snuggling my fur babies. If I seem like a good fit for you, please feel free to request an appointment by phone at 512/201-4501, ext. 197. Thanks for your interest and I look forward to hearing from you.

Work with Kelly

Would you like to talk to someone directly about counseling? Call us at (512) 201-4501 ext. 1.

Phone calls are answered Monday through Friday, 1pm-4pm.

More about Kelly

Area of Expertise

Grief and Loss

EMDR

Communication Issues

Services

Individual Counseling
Groups & Classes

Locations

North
Central Annex
Highland

Works With

Anxiety & Stress
Depression/Low Mood
Loneliness/Isolation
Low Self-Esteem
Troubled Childhood
Obsessive/Compulsive Tendencies
Problem Thoughts
Perfectionism
Personal Growth
Life Transitions
Spirituality
Grief & Loss
Exploring Sexuality/Sexual Expression
Gender Identity
Parenting
Issues with Parents
Communication Issues
Conflict Resolution
Relationship Issues
Divorce
Death & Dying
Neurodivergence (ADD/Autism)
Career Transitions
Problems at Work
Problems at School
Trauma
Substance Use
Domestic Violence
Caregiver Fatigue
Relationship to Food/Body
Troublesome Behaviors
Development Trauma
Identity Development/Exploration
Imposter Syndrome
Inner Critic/Negative Self Talk
Issues Related to Oppression
Non-Monogamy/Polyamory

Techniques & Experience

Helpful with mid-20's challenges
Anxiety alleviation experience
Specializing in grief, loss, death, dying
Trauma-focused
DBT trained/informed
Solution-focused/Brief Therapy
Mindfulness modalities
CBT oriented
Familiar with substance abuse
Effective with high-conflict couples
Integrates art therapies
Specializing in couples counseling
Career counseling
Gottman Method
EMDR
IFS (Parts work)
Practices from an anti-racist lens
HAES/Intuitive eating

Qualities

Warm & caring
Calm & slow-paced
Friendly & direct
Youthful
Active sense of humor
Helpful with mid-20's challenges
Enjoys working with young adults
Anxiety alleviation experience
LGBTQIA+ Affirming
Specializing in grief, loss, death, dying
Trauma focused
Spiritually sensitive
DBT friendly
Solution-focused/Brief Therapy
Mindfulness modalities
CBT oriented
Familiar with substance abuse
Effective with high-conflict couples
Integrates art therapies
Motherly
Specializing in couples counseling
Career counseling
Gottman Marital Counseling
Lived experience/Identity affirming
Work with Kelly
Additional Info

Contact Kelly

512-201-4501 ext 197