Therapy Austin
Matthew Jernigan Therapy Austin

Matthew "Matty" Jernigan, LCSW

they/them/theirs

Senior Counselor
Fully Licensed
Specialized in Trauma

“We have to give people the room to be who they are; the courage to change and alter and grow.” Miss Major Griffin-Gracy 

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.

Work with Matty

Want help finding a great counselor? Call us at (512) 201-4501 ext. 1 or share your contact info here.

More about Matty

Rates

Starts at $150/hr*
*Actual rates subject to counselor openings

Area of Expertise

Anxiety & Stress, Depression, Trauma, Identity Formation

Collaborative, Relational, Authentic

Anti-Oppressive, Anti-Racist, LGBTQIA+ Affirming, Sex-Positive

Specializations

Trauma

Services

Individual Counseling
Couples Counseling
Groups & Classes

Locations

South Banister
Offsite
Highland

Works With

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

Techniques & Experience

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

Qualities

Warm & caring
Friendly & direct
Youthful
Calm & slow-paced
Active sense of humor
Enjoys working with young adults
Anxiety alleviation experience
LGBTQIA+ Affirming
Professional experience other than counseling
Familiar with military culture
Enjoys working with older adults
Spiritually sensitive
Lived experience/Identity affirming
Enjoys working with first-time therapy clients
Schedule Openings

If you would like to request a specific time, click on a schedule opening below.

Mondays
Highland
(or Teletherapy)
50 min
2:00 pm
Tuesdays
Highland
(or Teletherapy)
50 min
2:00 pm
Wednesdays
Teletherapy
50 min
1:00 pm
1:30 pm
2:00 pm
4:00 pm
Work with Matty
Additional Info

Contact Matty

512-201-4501 ext 272