How Therapy Works
THE THERAPY AUSTIN EXPERIENCE
We are committed to exceptional client service. Anyone who reaches out to Therapy Austin will hear back from a human within a couple of days at the most. We gather a lot of information in the request form so that we can make the best possible match we can at that moment.
Take a look around this site. If you want to choose a counselor yourself, use the filters on this page to refine the list of Staff Counselors according to what’s important to you. Be sure to filter for “Accepting New Clients” to see our therapists with openings right now. Or, go straight to the Request Form and our Request Administrator will match you with a therapist using the information you provide us.
You’ll know the whole process is working when you get your first email back from the agency letting you know we’ve received your request and are working diligently to find a good fit for you. In most cases, you will hear directly from one of our staff within one or two business days to set up an initial screening call. In this call, you will learn more about how our agency works and help to determine whether we are a good match for you. At the end of that call, you will either have your first appointment scheduled or you will have referrals to other providers who might better fit your needs.
EXPECT A CARING & SAFE EXPERIENCE
When starting as a new client with Therapy Austin, we ask you to commit to weekly sessions with your therapist. This way of engaging in the process supports the momentum all clients and counselors need when getting to know each other and investing in a change process. During this time, you will form a relationship with someone who validates your experience and your perspective and is committed to helping you find ways out of your current stuck habits.
They will listen intently and come to know you and your story in a meaningful way. Your counselor will help you look at experiences from childhood, become aware of your current patterns of thought and behavior, help you identify what gets in your way of living your life the way you want to, and will challenge you to change and grow. Once you’ve worked through the initial thing that brought you in for services, you may decide to continue the work and go deeper into other areas of your life. Or, you may decide to leave it there. Your counselor can help you assess all of that and will assure you that our doors are always open to you in the future.
"I SHOULD BE HAPPY ALL THE TIME" (ARE YOU SURE?)
We live in a feel-good culture and we get lots of crazy messages that we can and should be happy all the time. It gets confusing. While there is a lot to be said for positive thinking, there is also a lot to be said for the reality of what it is to be human. Suffering, pain, confusion, sadness, grief, anger, disappointment, loneliness show up for every one of us throughout our lives. Having the full range of emotions is a fact of being human and is what creates meaning in our lives. Without loss and pain, we couldn't appreciate gain and pleasure
BE READY TO CHALLENGE OLD HABITS
All of our staff are well-trained throughout their employment with us. Additionally, they have loads of resources, support and consultation they access here. You can be confident that your counselor is plugged into a robust system which is crafted to give them what they need in order to be the best counselor they can be for you. Your counselor has specialized education, experience, and insight. They will use that knowledge to challenge you, to help you to heal and grow. Your therapist is dedicated to helping you be your best self, the self you want to be.
At Therapy Austin, we aren’t promising to get rid of any of your feelings for good. We are absolutely dedicated to guide and teach you to reduce your suffering. We are dedicated to helping you learn how to be anchored and balanced through any emotional experience. The way we respond to our thoughts and feelings is the key to this. We all have ingrained habits. In counseling, your therapist will help you become aware of your habits and guide you in forming new ones, ones that will enable you to be the person you want to be in this world.
There are many evidence-based approaches to mental health treatment and the counselors of Therapy Austin often blend them to meet the unique needs of each client. Read below about some of the more popular techniques.
EYE MOVEMENT DESENSITIZATION AND REPROCESSING (EMDR) THERAPY
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is different from “talk therapy” in that it changes how distressing experiences are stored in the brain. By “processing” these experiences, distressing emotions, beliefs, and body sensations are reduced and what is useful from the experience is learned and retained. It is a top-choice therapy to heal from trauma, abuse, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. EMDR can also help improve future performance in relationships, work, school, and life.
DIALECTICAL BEHAVIOR THERAPY (DBT)
DBT therapy teaches practical tools and skills to manage emotions better, get through distressing situations, improve relationships, and change behaviors that cause problems in the present.
COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY (CBT)
CBT therapy teaches how to change thoughts that cause unwanted behaviors and feelings as well as overcome barriers to goals.
MINDFULNESS TECHNIQUES
Mindfulness exercises help train the brain to manage emotions better and boost awareness, focus, and working memory. This can help people get more out of therapy by strengthening important areas of the brain so it is easier to make changes.
GOTTMAN METHOD
The goals of the Gottman Method are primarily applied in couples therapy. Research-based interventions are used to reduce conflict and increase intimacy, improve friendship and respect, deepen connection and affection, and create changes that enhance a couples’ shared goals.
ACCEPTANCE AND COMMITMENT THERAPY (ACT)
This is an empirically-based approach that applies acceptance and mindfulness strategies, together with commitment and behavior change strategies, to increase your ability to build resilience. ACT clinicians use metaphor, paradox, and experiential exercises to help clients learn how to make healthy contact with thoughts, feelings, memories, and physical sensations that may have been avoided before.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Reach out to our client services team.
- Can I have free therapy?
You may be able to find free counseling services at some of the agencies who get funding from governmental entities. Therapy Austin does not get any outside funding and is not able to offer free counseling. If you can not afford at least $110 every week for counseling, then our agency is not the best choice for you.
- Do you see children or teens?
Because of the special environments needed for play therapy and due to the added out-of-session consultations required of child and adolescent therapists, our agency does not serve those populations. We encourage you to contact Austin Child Guidance Center if you need services for a minor under the age of 18.
- Do you take insurance?
We do not process any insurance, but your provider might reimburse you for services you receive here. If you need to use insurance, call your provider and ask about reimbursement. Many insurance companies will reimburse you some percentage of the money you spend on therapy. Call your insurance company to ask them how that works and if they will reimburse you for services provided by Therapy Austin counselors. We do accept most FSA and HSA cards.
- How much does counseling cost?
We charge a market rate for a 50-minute session, which is $150. We are committed to offering affordable counseling, so for those of you who need a discount, we offer options for reduced fees ranging from $110 to $125. Instead of using a traditional sliding-scale where clients prove their ability to pay, we use the honor system. You tell us what works for you and we believe you. You can trust us to tell you what works for us, as well. Because we need to keep the lights on and the counselors paid, we have a limited number of openings at each discounted level.
- What are your extended hours?
We have some early-bird counselors willing to see clients at 6am on weekdays. We also have night-owls who will schedule appointments as late as 9pm on weekdays. On the weekends, we offer sessions from 8am up to 8pm.
- What is sliding scale?
A standard sliding scale determines your fee depending on what your income is. We don't offer that. Instead we offer many low-fee spots, which we award based on availability and the honor system. If you say you can't afford full-fee, we believe you. You may choose a discounted fee of $125 or $110. Our low-fee spots are limited in number and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Where are you located?
You are asking good questions. We have many office suites. Two are centrally located at Burnet Road and 51st Street. Our north office is at Steck and Shoal Creek. And, our south homes are at Banister and Hwy 71 and on Slaughter Lane. A map and directions are shown on the Contact Us page.