Matthew "Matty" Jernigan, LMSW

they/them/theirs

Howdy, neighbor. I hope you allow yourself to take a moment to recognize how much work you’ve done to get to this place. You’ve survived this long, and you should be proud. For many of us, surviving on its own just doesn’t cut it anymore, and we need to make some changes to live a fuller, more nurturing life. Therapy can be a place where you begin to notice the changes needed, and get the assistance to step into the courage it takes to enact them. It is my goal that we engage in collaborative healing that you will experience as safe, free of judgment, confidential, occasionally humorous, and always kind.

Therapy can come with lots of questions, even for folks that have experienced it before. I aim to practice with transparency so that there is no mystery in our work together. I practice from a trauma informed, person-centered approach. I believe you walk in the door with tons of expertise and insight. I can act as a gentle reminder and accountability partner on your journey toward achieving your goals. If we have a client-therapist relationship built on empathy and trust, we can also develop insight on the struggles bringing you to therapy. Whether it be: navigating unexpected life transitions, coming into your own identity, releasing shame, resisting obsessive-compulsive behaviors, handling suicidal thoughts or self-harm, living with ADHD, processing trauma, or dealing with depression; I will reinforce your inherent worth and strengths you already possess.

Mental health has for far too long operated from a paternalistic, patriarchal, and white supremacist lens. In our work together, I hope we can interrogate those practices, take what’s useful to us, and toss the rest. I know you understand that our current systems are unsustainable and harmful. Therapy alone may not be able to abolish these systems, but by working on ourselves, we can be better equipped to engage fully in community toward building a more loving world.

I am a white, queer individual originally from North Carolina who moved to Texas by way of Portland, Oregon. I have a dog named Jolene and enjoy exploring the outdoors, storytelling, roller coasters, and listening to audiobooks and podcasts.

If you would like to learn more about what it would be like to work together, please feel free to reach out by calling me at 512/201-4501, ext. 272.

I look forward to hearing from you and wish you well.