Talk Therapy Austin

Therapy varies by the clients’ needs. Each client is unique and may need a different treatment plan. Some clients come in weekly for appointments, some every other week, others vary. Some like to work from a goal-oriented approach, other are more weekly event driven. Treatment is tailored to each client based on what goals they have and which types of treatment fit with their needs and personality. The general approach to therapy begins with talking about what the client brings into the room and seeking for deeper understanding and insight, then building skills on top of that knowledge.

Angela holds an MA in Counseling from St. Edward's University with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy and is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Supervisor by the State of Texas (License 201661). Angela has a background in Counseling, Systems Theories, Human Growth & Development, Diverse Populations, Abnormal Behaviors, Child & Adolescent Techniques, Group Counseling, Assessment, and Trauma and Crises Management. She has been a licensed therapist since 2011 and has been counseling families on issues such as financial stressors and case management since 2005.

Angela has advanced experience/research/training in the following areas:

Interventions in Trauma Management
Neurodivergence
Interpersonal Communication
Creative Interventions in the Primary and Secondary School Settings
Social Skills Trainings for School Aged Children
The Adolescent Girl
College Preparation/Readiness
Giftedness: Addressing the Emotional Needs of Gifted Children
Mental Health First Aid
Assessing and Meeting the Needs of Transitional Military Personnel
Comprehensive Sexual Education for Adolescents
Non-Monogamous Relationships

Professionally Angela began her career in the arts through photography, graphic design and other mediums and has incorporated her love and knowledge of the arts into her therapy style. As a therapist she works primarily from a blend of neurobiological and attachment viewpoints, with CBT, mindfulness, and psycho-educational blended elements. In this structure, therapy is primarily aimed at helping clients become aware of and make productive use of deeper thoughts, feelings, and patterns under the surface. As humans, over the years we suppress and manage our emotions in order to cope with everyday life, however, it is only when we acknowledge and express these emotions, that we can rediscover a passion for life. Therapy encourages self-confidence and independence, a focus on the present, healthy expression of emotions, and a connection of the actual and the symbolic. Therapy can help us gain insight to take control of writing our own story instead of feeling like the world is happening to us as we struggle under our emotional burdens.

Angela is active in the community through multiple organizations including, Girl Scouts, Mobile Loaves and Fishes, and recreational leagues such as Brewskeeball. Angela and her husband raise two adolescents and three cats. Angela identifies as a queer, autistic, cis female and strives to support all those in our community regardless of identity, orientation, or relationship lifestyle.

Scruffy is our resident Therapy Cat, he is a playful and attuned animal, always looking for connection with people. He loves to be pet or brushed and often finds himself coming to the emotional aid of people in need.

What are Associates and Graduate Intern Therapists?

-An Associate level therapist, has completed their education and is licensed by the state of Texas to provide counseling services. They work under the supervision of a licensed Clinical Supervisor for the first 3000 hours of their practice. They are well trained and experienced counselors, usually in the first 1-5 years of their practice.

-A Graduate Level intern has completed all of their education and training, yet is not licensed yet by the state, as the final stage of their training is to receive 1 year of practice in direct service to clients. These are counselors with education and training in counseling, some of the with specialized training in an area, who are ready to meet with clients and begin their careers.

Meera offers expertise in communication and relationships. She can help you explore, understand, and manage your relationships with yourself, your partner, family, friends, and colleagues. Meera can also facilitate as you evaluate issues, develop solutions and goals, and improve these situations. Meera's passions include working with children and adolescents, couples, families, and individuals from marginalized communities. I am particularly fond of working with people with disabilities, immigrants, and clients who are hungry for self improvement and success!

Meera is under the licensing supervision of Angela, and sees clients directly through her own practice, Express Talk Therapy. Meera is currently accepting new clients and can be reached at: Website: www.expresstalktherapy.com
Phone: (956) 230-6639
Email: info@expresstalktherapy.com
Psychology today profile: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/meera-zuka-elbenni-mcallen-tx/893904

Stephanie T. Villarreal is a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate, supervised by Angela. In 2017 .Stephanie has experience working with individuals, couples, families, adults and adolescents using experiential therapy and mindfulness. She aims to keep a safe and empathetic space for clients to explore their inner thoughts and emotions. Stephanie focuses on helping clients heal through addiction, anxiety, depression, and self-esteem issues. Her professional passion lies in helping clients resolve trauma stemming from abusive relationships." I believe in the power of authentic social connections and self-compassion as key components of a client’s meaningful growth."

Stephanie is under the licensing supervision of Angela, and sees clients directly through her own practice S Villarreal Therapy. Stephanie is currently accepting new clients and can be reached at svillarrealtherapy@gmail.com for virtual sessions.

Alex brings elements of feminist theory, social justice theory, attachment theory, and queer theory together with solution-based techniques to create a holistic approach to rewrite your story the way you want it to be. She'll help uncover what’s holding you back between the trauma, the systemic barriers, and the societal expectations. Together you'll work to unlearn what you’ve been taught and challenge the impacts of oppressive systems. While working for change at larger levels, you can create space for healing and empowerment on the personal level.

Alex has extensive knowledge in sexuality and gender concerns, kink, alternative relationship styles, queer communities, unraveling shame, relationship spark, and learning to love oneself. In addition to her work with adults, Alex also welcomes the opportunity to work with adolescents who are seeking to find their spot in the world. Gender and sexuality concerns can be huge barriers to that childhood magic, and Alex loves working with teens to help them discover their individual spark again.

You can find humor and warmth in Alex's sessions, and she hopes to disrupt how you think a typical therapist should be. Whether you’re an adolescent, an adult, a couple, or throuple, the space you create together is unique and collaborative.

Alex is currently accepting new clients and can be reached through email to set up a free consultation.

Email: alex.paro@aliveaustin.com

Website: http://www.aliveaustin.com/alex-paro/

Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/alex-paro-austin-tx/1065511

Kat is currently a graduate student at Texas State University studying for her MA in both marriage & family counseling and clinical mental health counseling. She holds a BA in finance from Southern Methodist University and an MBA from HEC Paris. Using a nonjudgmental, caring approach, she works with adult individuals, couples, and families, and her work is informed by Internal Family Systems, NARM (the NeuroAffective Relational Model), and Gestalt models. She completed the Internal Family Systems (IFS) Level 1 training and IFS Level 2 Intimacy from the Inside Out (IFIO) for couples, and she's currently enrolled in the NARM Level 2 training. Using these tools, Kat is passionate about working with people who feel stuck, especially in relationships, or people who have experienced developmental trauma.

She is offering both in-person and telehealth services, and she looks forward to working with you. Kat is currently completing her graduate studies and is under the graduate supervision of Angela. She is currently accepting new clients. Kat can be reached by email at: kat@talktherapyaustin.com

Victoria is currently a graduate student at Abilene Christian University studying for her M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy. She also holds a B.A in Psychology from the University of North Texas. She works with individuals, couples, families, and adolescents utilizing techniques from Structural Family Therapy, Transgenerational Therapy, and Bowen Family Therapy. Victoria is passionate about working with individuals and families who have experienced trauma and is trained in both crisis theory and trauma and their influence on the family structure. Victoria has also worked with individuals with intellectual disabilities and those suffering from addictions.

Both in-person and telehealth services are available, where she looks forward to working with you. Victoria is currently completing her graduate studies and is under the graduate supervision of Angela. She is currently accepting new clients of all ages.

Victoria can be reached by email at: victoria@talktherapyaustin.com

Ashley is currently a graduate student at Texas State University studying for her M.A. in Professional Counseling with a concentration in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling. She holds a B.A. in English and Visual and Dramatic Arts from Rice University.

As a counselor, her goal is to empower her clients to live in a way that feels personally meaningful and uniquely addresses their needs, values, and desires. Most important to Ashley is creating an open and welcoming space where clients feel heard and can safely explore the issues that matter to them. Ashley’s therapeutic approach is informed by existential counseling, the theory of positive disintegration, and the neurobiology of attachment. She works with individuals and relationships, including families of choice. Ashley is passionate about supporting gifted adolescents and adults and other neurodiverse clients. She is a member of the LGBTQIA+ community and also practices kink-affirmative counseling.

Ashley offers both in-person and telehealth sessions and is currently accepting new clients. She is completing her graduate studies and is under the graduate supervision of Angela. You can reach Ashley at ashley@talktherapyaustin.com.