Ussama Taha Therapy Austin

Ussama Taha, LCSW

he/him/his

Senior Counselor
Fully Licensed
Specialized in EMDR
Sorry! Ussama is not accepting new clients at this time.

“Not everything that is faced can be changed; but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” James Baldwin

I know first hand how scary it can be to make the decision to seek out professional support and honor the vulnerability that you may be experiencing. 

My hope is to create a warm environment that can hold whatever you need it to. I’ve found that our identities deeply impact our understanding and emotional experiences of the world and that conversations exploring this can be healing. I am devoted to doing all I can to ensure all parts of you are welcome during our time together.  I prioritize deepening my connection with the people I work with - being with them in their pain, celebrating their victories, and remaining open to the uncertainty that life often presents. 

I am BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ affirming and have supported clients that hold these identities and have been harmed by racism and prejudice. I’m trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, which is an extensively researched psychotherapy method that can resolve unprocessed trauma and help the brain resume its natural healing process. In 2022 I was selected as a Health Equity Leader by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies, and am currently in training to provide MDMA-assisted psychotherapy to treat post-traumatic stress disorder.  The science of attachment theory guides my understanding of romantic relationships and family dynamics. I enjoy teaching people how to better understand their brains and nervous systems and what may be guiding their decisions and behavior. Something that once helped you survive may now be getting in the way of connection to yourself and others, and  I offer practical skills for what you can do about it.   

I am a black, biracial man who grew up in Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Canada, and the United States and largely identify with being a third culture person. I studied broadcast journalism as an undergraduate at the University of Texas at Austin and then worked as a television reporter and producer for a decade in Dubai which gave me the privilege of further travel. This exposure allowed me to connect with a wide range of traditions and values. After rolling the end credits to my television career I returned to UT to obtain a master’s degree in clinical social work and have provided therapy to adolescent and adult clients in individual and group settings. 

I grew up an athlete and currently seek out competition and community playing sand volleyball. I enjoy stand-up comedy and have even performed it a handful of times to audiences that sometimes enjoyed it as well.  I cherish spending time with my partner, family and friends. 

If you would like to speak with me about working together, please call 512-201-4501, ext. 218. You could also get in touch by filling out our appointment request form

Work with Ussama

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More about Ussama

Rates

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

Area of Expertise

BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ Affirming 

EMDR Trained and Trauma-Informed 

Relationship and Family Challenges

Specializations

EMDR

Services

Individual Counseling

Locations

South Slaughter
Offsite
South Banister

Works With

Anxiety & Stress
Depression/Low Mood
Trauma
Loneliness/Isolation
Low Self-Esteem
Troubled Childhood
Troublesome Behaviors
Problem Thoughts
Perfectionism
Personal Growth
Life Transitions
Grief & Loss
Exploring Sexuality/Sexual Expression
Gender Identity
Issues with Parents
Communication Issues
Conflict Resolution
Anger Management
Relationship Issues
Death & Dying
Career Transitions
Problems at Work
Problems at School
Interrupted Sleep/Insomnia
Neurodivergence (ADD/Autism)
Development Trauma
Identity Development/Exploration
Inner Critic/Negative Self Talk
Imposter Syndrome
Issues Related to Oppression
Non-Monogamy/Polyamory

Techniques & Experience

Helpful with mid-20's challenges
Anxiety alleviation experience
Trauma-focused
Solution-focused/Brief Therapy
Mindfulness modalities
EMDR
Practices from an anti-racist lens
IFS (Parts work)

Qualities

Warm & caring
Calm & slow-paced
Friendly & direct
Fatherly
Active sense of humor
Helpful with mid-20's challenges
Enjoys working with young adults
Decades of life experience
Anxiety alleviation experience
LGBTQIA+ Affirming
Trauma focused
Spiritually sensitive
Professional experience other than counseling
Solution-focused/Brief Therapy
Mindfulness modalities
Career counseling
Familiar with military culture
Youthful
EMDR
Enjoys working with midlife adults
Lived experience/Identity affirming
Enjoys working with first-time therapy clients
Schedule Openings
To find out what openings Ussama has currently, please submit a request and specify Ussama Taha in the comment box
Work with Ussama
Additional Info

Contact Ussama

512-201-4501 ext 218