I work with kids and teens ages 3-19 through individual, group, and family therapy. I help with emotional issues, behavioral problems, grief & loss, depression, anxiety, school stress, relationship issues, teen dating, perfectionism, life adjustments, and family conflict. I guide parents through the changes they can make at home to support the work their child is doing in therapy. I believe in a creative approach that incorporates talk therapy, play therapy, sand tray, art, and mindfulness.
My style is strengths-based and solution-focused, so when we set goals we will also celebrate what’s going well, identify what’s getting better, and evaluate the areas where we still need some work. Being brave enough to reach out when things get tough teaches kids that it’s okay to ask for help. We all go through challenges and we all need support, which is why taking care of our mental health is so important!! I believe kindness and compassion are key when working through life’s challenges and am dedicated to making sure that my connection with your family is a good fit and that the investment you make into therapy is worth it in every way. Therapy doesn’t have to be a life-long commitment, but it can be a life-long connection with someone who is available to help your family through life’s ups and downs.
It is extremely important to me that all individuals and families feel safe, welcomed, and supported at Kind Therapy Austin and that differences and diversity are celebrated.
Experience and Education
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Clinical Supervisor (TX License #39459) with specific training for working with children, adolescents, and families. I have over 20 years of experience in the mental health field (wow, that makes me feel old lol). I worked in public and private schools for over a decade, providing counseling services and behavioral support to children in preschool through high school and working as an advocate for their parents as obstacles arose. Through the school system, I taught classes on Social-Emotional Learning, Mindfulness, and a Comprehensive Sexual Health Education program with an emphasis on child safety and healthy relationships. Additionally, I have experience working in psychiatric hospitals and residential treatment settings, working with at-risk and homeless youth, providing in-home therapy for children and families, conducting home studies for foster and adoptive families, and facilitating programs for sexual health education, HIV prevention, and teen substance use/abuse.
I hold a Master of Science degree in Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin (2003) and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology from Texas A&M University in College Station (2001). Whoop!
Personal Life
My passion in life is to make the world a kinder place, which is why I started Kind Therapy Austin. I want to help people feel connected, experience and express compassion, and know that they are not alone, no matter what they are going through. I admire the vulnerability and courage it takes to share one’s true self with others and am honored when people choose to share themselves and their stories with me. I’m here as an advocate and an ally and believe in fighting for social justice and doing good in the world.
I always think of myself as a work in progress and try to remember that our lives are pretty much one big experiment – we are always adjusting and adapting to see what works best. I think this is especially true when it comes to parenthood! My kids are my greatest accomplishment, my biggest learning opportunity, and my daily reminders to approach life with kindness, compassion, curiosity, creativity, patience, playfulness, and a really good sense of humor.
