Alive Austin is a Licensed Professional Counselor who brings a wealth of experience and compassion to her practice. A proud graduate of Texas State University, she has been dedicated to helping individuals navigate the complexities of life since 1998. Specializing in areas such as marital and premarital counseling, anxiety management, and relationship issues, Alive adeptly utilizes a diverse range of therapeutic approaches. Her expertise encompasses Coaching, Positive Psychology, Trauma Focused Therapy, EMDR, Family Systems, and more. She offers support to couples, individuals, and families through various modalities, ensuring a tailored experience for each client. Alive is committed to fostering a safe and empowering environment where personal growth and healing can flourish.

Billie Beard is a compassionate and licensed professional counselor who specializes in supporting individuals navigating the complexities of gender identity and sexuality. Many of Billie's clients experience overwhelming thoughts and feelings, often leading to a sense of isolation. In their therapeutic practice, Billie creates a safe and nurturing space for clients to explore these thoughts and emotions, enabling them to gain confidence and acceptance of their true selves. Understanding that societal expectations can weigh heavily due to various backgrounds, Billie's approach is inherently client-centered, emphasizing that each individual is the expert of their own life. Through this partnership, Billie helps clients develop coping strategies, find essential resources, and set and achieve personal goals. Having personally experienced the transformative power of therapy during their own gender transition, Billie is deeply committed to guiding others through similar journeys. This rewarding experience fueled Billie's desire to make a meaningful impact in others' lives through counseling.

Patricia Bennett is a dedicated Licensed Professional Counselor with over 25 years of experience in providing support to adults and elders facing life’s challenges. She understands how overwhelming depression, anxiety, and trauma can be, and she offers a compassionate space for individuals to step back, reflect, and strategize their path forward. With a proven background working in family violence shelters, substance abuse treatment facilities, and mental health agencies, Patricia is equipped to help her clients navigate their struggles, particularly related to trauma and PTSD, mood disorders, and domestic violence. Patricia's approach to therapy is eclectic and integrative, pulling from techniques such as Compassion Focused, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), ensuring that each individual receives personalized care tailored to their needs. When clients meet with Patricia, they engage in a collaborative partnership to identify goals, assess their current situation, and create a roadmap for a better future. It is her belief that change is possible, and together, she and her clients can work towards achieving a more fulfilling and peaceful life.

Jenna Burns is a Licensed Professional Counselor, dedicated to supporting individuals on their journeys through the complexities of life. She understands that trans people often navigate a challenging and violent environment, and she strives to be an advocate for those who seek care and understanding. For Jenna, counseling is a valuable resource for anyone feeling lost or struggling to accept themselves, especially during times of crisis or major life transitions. She specializes in helping clients discover their identity and find their place in the world, with a heartfelt commitment to supporting teenagers and those within the LGBTQ+ community, as well as addressing sexuality and gender spectrum issues. Operating from a Gestalt self-acceptance perspective, Jenna utilizes various therapeutic modalities tailored to each individual's needs, integrating skills from compassion-focused therapy, acceptance and commitment (ACT), and trauma-focused therapy, among others. Her passion for fostering connection and understanding makes her an empathetic ally for anyone seeking help. For those feeling a connection to Jenna's approach, she encourages reaching out to explore the potential of working together in a safe and supportive environment.

Paula Buls, an accomplished clinical social worker and therapist, specializes in providing support to gender and sexual minorities, including those who identify as gay, lesbian, trans, kink, poly, and queer. Recognizing that individuals from these communities often struggle to find therapists who validate their identities, Paula brings a unique perspective as a trans and queer identified therapist who celebrates and affirms all aspects of her clients' identities. Her practice addresses various concerns, including coming out, transition, and experiences of marginalization, as well as common mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. Paula is noted for being the first openly trans woman to graduate from The School of Social Work at UT Austin. Her leadership is reflected in her previous role as Chair of the GLBT Issues Committee for NASW-Texas and her service with the Austin Human Rights Commission. Currently, she serves as Vice-Chair of the Austin LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission, further demonstrating her commitment to enhancing the lives of those in her community.

Liz Cohen is a dedicated Clinical Social Worker and therapist, an attorney, and an LCSW with over 15 years of experience in private practice. She believes that therapy is a collaborative process, acting as a partner in her clients’ self-exploration and a witness to their growth. By providing a serene environment, Liz helps her clients rediscover their authentic selves, deepen emotional connections, and enhance their understanding of how thoughts and beliefs shape relationships. She specializes in addressing concerns related to depression, trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and navigates a variety of issues regarding health, relationships, and eating disorders. With a client-focused and interactive approach, Liz utilizes modalities such as Imago, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Internal Family Systems, and the Gottman Method, among others. Her practice encompasses working with teenagers, adults, couples, and individuals aged 55 and over. She prioritizes active listening, self-awareness, and genuine presence to foster a non-judgmental therapeutic experience. Liz is also trained in techniques like EMDR and Hakomi and is enthusiastic about collaborating with other health professionals to enhance her clients' healing journeys.

Victoria Dorsey, a Licensed Professional Counselor with advanced degrees in counseling, specializes in guiding individuals and couples through the complexities of relationship issues and life transitions. She is particularly adept at helping those who may feel overwhelmed, as if the weight of the world rests on their shoulders, or who find themselves communicating in different languages within their relationships. Through her warm and genuine approach, she assists clients in navigating their transitional phases, fostering healing and understanding. Victoria operates primarily from a Family Systems and Solutions-Focused perspective, ensuring that clients are supported in a way that resonates with their unique experiences and beliefs, especially for those with a faith-based or spiritual foundation. With her educational background, including a Master’s degree obtained in November 2005 from UT Austin and her current pursuit of a PhD in Advanced Human Behavior, Victoria infuses her practice with academic rigor. Her interpersonal style is direct and honest, offering clients specific examples and analogies that prompt them to explore perspectives beyond their own. By emphasizing strengths and reframing challenges, she helps individuals and couples break free from limiting beliefs and strives to promote growth and progress in all areas of their lives.

Mike Downing, LCSW, is a dedicated Clinical Social Worker and Therapist who specializes in supporting individuals across a range of ages, including preteens, teens, adults, and elders. His focus areas encompass traumatic experiences, PTSD, adoption and foster care, and family life challenges. He is particularly adept at addressing Depression, anxiety disorders, ADHD, and the unique challenges faced by LGBT youth and their families. With certifications in EMDR and a strong foundation in Research-Based Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Mindfulness therapies, he empowers clients to enhance their emotional regulation skills and cultivate hope for their futures.<br /> <br /> Mike's extensive experience includes roles in residential treatment centers, private psychiatric hospitals, outpatient counseling, and chemical dependence programs for both adolescents and adults. His professional commitment has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the Heart of the Home award in 2017 for his work with abused children in Texas and accolades as a Texas Champion for Children in 2003. Additionally, he has contributed to the academic field as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Texas and St. Edwards, underscoring his dedication to shaping the next generation of social workers and therapists.

Maria Alfaro, a dedicated marriage and family therapist intern and LCDC-I, believes that wellness begins with the individual. She understands that seeking help is one of the most courageous steps a person can take. As a compassionate therapist, Maria aims to assist clients on their journey toward personal and relational growth. While there may not be a quick fix for challenges, together, she and her clients work to explore solutions tailored to their unique needs. With 20 years of experience in the US Navy and a background in law enforcement and corrections with both juveniles and adults within the Criminal Justice System, Maria is well-versed in the challenges faced by first responders and their families. Her therapeutic style is relaxed, solution-focused, and goal-oriented, encouraging open dialogue and understanding. Maria is committed to being a supportive partner on the path to wellness.

Keith Hampton, a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, MA, brings a wealth of experience in providing a safe and supportive environment where clients feel heard, understood, and respected. With a diverse background in education and performing arts, Keith embraces a creative approach to address each individual's unique circumstances, helping them achieve their goals while fostering personal growth. He works compassionately with preteens, teens, adults, and elders, welcoming individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community and those eager to expand their understanding of it. Keith's areas of focus include addiction recovery, anxiety, grief, depression, and navigating life changes, such as career shifts and relationship challenges. Utilizing a person-centered and eclectic therapeutic style, he draws upon methods such as Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), Gestalt, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to tailor his sessions to the specific needs of his clients. Together, they explore possibilities for a brighter future.

Jennifer Hooks is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a deep commitment to her clients, honoring their choice to share personal life challenges. She approaches therapy with care and compassion, fostering a collaborative and nonjudgmental environment where clients are seen as the guides of their own change process. Jennifer believes that everyone navigates life in the best way they know how, and sometimes, coping skills may become maladaptive or ineffective. She understands that true change occurs through self-acceptance and by connecting current or past patterns of thinking, beliefs, emotions, and behaviors. Jennifer specializes in assisting adult clients with a range of life challenges, including anxiety, relationship issues, self-acceptance, and managing dysfunctional thoughts and behaviors. She is adept at facilitating transitions and promoting overall self-exploration and improvement. With a variety of therapeutic modalities including Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Compassion-Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and more, Jennifer tailors her approach to meet the unique needs of each individual. Therapy sessions can be conducted in her comfortable office, or via video or phone, ensuring accessibility and support. Jennifer is ready to help clients feel their best and to live life according to their own desires. There is no one-size-fits-all in her practice; she listens deeply and works alongside her clients, reminding them that they are not alone in their struggles.

Catherine Gobel is a dedicated Clinical Social Worker and therapist who is passionate about guiding clients through their difficult experiences and transitions. She understands that periods of loss can bring unresolved feelings to the surface, and she creates a supportive environment where clients can process these emotions without feeling alone. For those identifying as Highly Sensitive People, Catherine offers tools and strategies to navigate an often overstimulating world. She tailors her sessions to meet the unique needs of each individual, working closely with them to address painful feelings and experiences as they arise. Catherine's therapeutic approach emphasizes building resiliency, developing self-awareness, and inspiring positive change by making space for the most challenging emotions that have been long avoided. Clients describe her as warm, open, and non-judgmental, with a calming presence that fosters trust. Her expertise includes somatic therapy, positive psychology, trauma-focused approaches, and various modalities, enabling her to connect with clients on a deep level. For those seeking a compassionate guide through their journey, Catherine is an excellent choice to consider.

Katie Green is a Licensed Professional Counselor and AASECT certified sex therapist dedicated to fostering a safe and non-judgmental environment for individuals of all bodies, orientations, relationships, and lifestyles. With extensive training and hundreds of hours in sex therapy education, she stays informed on the latest research and provides practical exercises, homework, and valuable resources to enhance therapeutic benefits between sessions. Her counseling style is characterized as warm, collaborative, curious, and playful. Katie integrates mindfulness and self-compassion into her practice and possesses a unique talent for asking insight-generating questions. She is particularly passionate about topics such as bisexuality and pansexuality, trans and gender expansive identities, kink/BDSM dynamics, consensual non-monogamy, and body image issues, among others. Additionally, she has effectively assisted clients in managing mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, gender dysphoria, and bipolar disorder, showcasing her versatility as both a generalist and a specialist. Seeking to make a genuine connection with each individual, Katie is honored to support her clients on their therapeutic journeys.