Virtual Counseling in Austin, TX

Takeaway: When you’re struggling with feelings of anxiety, self-doubt, and insecurity, it can be hard to know what will make you feel better. However, you don’t have to keep suffering. Virtual counseling in Austin, Texas can give you the support and insight you need to heal. 

counseling austin
therapists austin

When you're struggling with your mental health, it's important to know what kind of mental health professionals are out there and what they have to offer. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I provide support to clients through individual counseling and couples counseling as they maneuver through a variety of difficulties, including anxiety, self-esteem, and relationship issues. When life gets difficult and things are thrown our way, we fear the judgement and criticism of others. That's why it's important to consider therapy as an option for judgment free support that'll help you feel understood. In my role as a therapist, I can provide you with support, compassion, and the skills needed to help you positively challenge yourself. Although there are individuals with certain mental health struggles that can benefit from in person therapy more, I have found that in most cases online therapy can provide the same great benefits when there is consistency.

Knowing what counselor is right for you will largely depend on what your mental health challenges are. Consider what your most significant struggles are and find counselors in Austin who may specialize in those specific things. If you're struggling with day-to-day tasks, feeling misunderstood by those around you, and don't know how to resolve it, these are likely signs that you can strongly benefit from counseling/therapy (Don't be confused. These terms are often used interchangeably.).

No one enjoys the struggle that comes with anxiety, self-doubt, and insecurity, but there is some relief in knowing there is help. Read on to learn about how licensed professionals like myself can help you, how I approach counseling, and who I help.

 

Meet Alissa Martinez, therapist in Austin, TX

Over the years, I have combined my own life experiences with time spent learning about some of the most valuable relationships in our lives, including those with partners, friends, and children. As a growing counselor, I spent thousands of hours providing counseling to individuals ranging from toddlers to seniors, as well as providing court mandated supervision to adults during visitation with their children. These insights and experiences have provided me with a wealth of knowledge that has informed the way I provide psychotherapy to young adults today. This includes being a collaborative and compassionate psychotherapist who teaches self compassion in the midst of struggle and and self doubt.

As a psychotherapist and a person who has experienced her own share of mental health struggles over the years, I recognize how difficult it can be to work toward personal growth. I find this to be incredibly valuable to the experience because it makes space for both relatability and understanding in the struggle. I also believe it is deeply meaningful for me to arrive as my authentic self, session after session, in an effort to invite clients to arrive as themselves as well. This means there is always room in the therapeutic space for every mood, including stress, laughter, anger, crying, irritability, and so much more.

Does this sound like you?

Being an adult is hard. We are often plagued by a variety of decisions, big and small, that impact the trajectory of our lives every day. The pressures of your daily life, struggling with relationship problems, making life transitions, and so much more can add up to a struggle with your mental health.

If this sounds like you, know that it's ok. What can feel like the weight of the world right now can eventually become something you learn to effectively manage. The difference is getting the help you need to reflect, make discoveries about your own experience, and gain the coping skills you need to make changes in your life.

Working with a licensed professional counselor can help

Deciding to start working with a mental health professional is a big step. When you're struggling with issues such as anxiety, self-esteem, depression, and your overall general well being, it can be hard to feel like you're creating any level of meaningful personal growth. That's why psychotherapy is so important. Working with a Licensed Professional Counselor can help you discover your amazing strengths and how these strengths can positively challenge your mental health concerns.

I'll be providing valuable insight about me and my therapeutic approach to therapy and how it can help you get closer to meeting your goals. If you're seeking to challenge your mental health, this wil lbe valuable to know more about.

alissa martinez

 5 virtual counselors in AUstin ready for hIre

Not sure if I’m the right fit for you? Schedule a free consultation or get in touch with one of my colleagues.

1. Carly Boeselt, MA, LPC

 
carly boeselt

  • Website: https://www.newvisioncounselingtx.com/

  • Credentials: Licensed Professional Counselor, EMDR certified

  • Clientele: Adults, Couples, Families

  • Location:

    3625 Menchaca Rd Suite 202 Austin, TX 78704

  • Virtual therapy?: Yes

2. Taylor jones, MS, lpc

taylor jones

3. Samantha Weakley, LCSW

samantha weakley

4. Jennifer Garibay, lPC

jennifer garibay

  • Clientele: Adults

  • Location: 14526 Jones Maltsberger Rd Suite 209, San Antonio, TX 78247

  • Virtual therapy?: Yes

5. Lisa Cantu, LPC

lisa cantu

  • Clientele: Adults, Couples, Children

  • Location: 21727 Interstate 10 Suite 106, San Antonio, TX 78257

  • Virtual therapy?: Yes

 
Austin therapists

 

My approach to counseling in Austin, TX

Therapy can create life changing benefits when done with intention and consistency. That's why it's so important to know about how your therapist approaches therapy. With so many different therapeutic modalities that exist, having an understanding about what methods your therapist utilizes will allow you to make the most out of your time and ensure that it matches your desired therapeutic goals.

As a therapist specializing in anxiety, self-esteem, and relationship issues, these three things often intersect with each other as we go through the treatment process. With this in mind, I find it most useful to utilize an integrative approach that allows for me to use parts of various modalities that can help treat each specialized issue. These treatment modalities include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Relational-Cultural Therapy, Gottman Method, Attachment-Based Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. Each modality brings unique considerations to the table as we work through understanding and resolving your challenges.

Although all of these modalities are excellent, as we progress, I'll assess which modalities are necessary and most effective for your particular set of struggles. In time, you'll develop a better understanding around what each modality has to offer you. Ultimately, how we approach therapy together can help address your lingering anxieties, doubts, and concerns. If you're finding yourself conflicted about how to approach your healing journey, don't go at it alone. Together, and with the help of evidence-based modalities, we can break through your barriers.

 

Who I help in my virtual counseling practice

Despite a massive growth in virtual counseling over the last few years, it's understandable to feel some hesitation around who and how therapists in Austin, like myself, can support you through your journey. There is so much that can be accomplished virtually. Here are some common issues I serve virtually in my practice.

Anxiety

Anxiety is characterized by excessive worry and fear, even when there is not danger in sight. This can be deeply unsettling and uncomfortable to live with day after day, week after week. Through the practice of challenging your negative thoughts and reducing the presence of cognitive distortions, a therapist can very effectively help you manage your anxiety symptoms long term.

Self-Esteem

If you're constantly questioning yourself, are struggling to trust yourself when it comes to decision making, or feel like you lack the confidence to be the truest version of yourself, it's likely your self-esteem has taken a hit. Seeking therapy for these issues can help you build more confidence and reduce the likelihood that you will develop anxiety.

Relationship issues

All relationships are susceptible to struggle. Whether it be issues with your partner, differences with your best friend, or not seeing eye to eye with family members, working through relationship issues requires meaningful intention. It's important to recognize this can't always be done alone. Therapy is there to provide you the tools and skills needed to effectively communicate through these challenges.

Depression

Depression can either smack you in the face or hang out in the background of your life every day. Because of this and the intense lack of motivation, depression can be tricky to manage on your own. That is why seeking counseling when you're down is crucial. Counseling can provide a deeper meaning to your struggle, as well as help develop ways to increase your mood and motivation.

Life Transitions

Life is constantly changing in small ways, day by day. That's no surprise. But when life changes in big ways, this can be hard to process on your own. As humans, we tend to be creatures of habit. As we go through life transitions, we're usually forced to create new habits and rituals and this can be hard at first. Seeking counseling during these changing times can help with stress management and reduce overwhelm.

Boundary Setting

Sometimes it's hard to recognize at first, but challenges with boundary setting can significantly damper the quality of your life. We often realize we're not living for ourselves, but living to appease those in our environment. This could be with friends, family, partners, or in professional relationships.

Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence has little to nothing to do with your smarts and everything to do with how you understand and cope with your own emotions. The less comfortable we are expressing and talking about our emotions, the more likely we are to benefit from therapy to increase our emotional intelligence. This can lead to better interpersonal relationships and greater self awareness.

Trauma

When we experience trauma, whether it be from childhood or present day, overtime we become much more susceptible to mental health struggles, such as anxiety, depression, anger problems, and challenges with day to day functioning. It's important to acknowledge these issues as soon as possible. This will help minimize the development of negative associations to your trauma.

therapists in austin tx

FAQs about therapy in Austin, TX

It's normal and important, in fact, to raise questions about the therapy process as a whole. This allows you to make an educated decision about what you will be investing time and money into.

Below, I'll answer a few frequently asked and important questions I often get from inquiring and new clients regarding therapy. There is plenty to learn about the process and asking questions is the best way to clarify any hesitations you have about starting therapy.

No question is too small. If you still have questions regarding counseling, don’t hesitate to contact me directly.

  • Counseling and therapy are two terms often used interchangeably that have slight technical differences. Counseling tends to be more focused on addressing specific problems or issues, while therapy is typically more in-depth and geared towards addressing underlying psychological or emotional issues. Over time, the distinction between these two terms has combined into one, and many mental health professionals, like myself, now use the terms interchangeably. The main focus is on the approach and techniques used by the practitioner rather than the terminology.

    There are many different approaches to counseling. As a counselor, it's important to recognize that each client is unique and may benefit from different techniques. That's why I work with each client to create an individualized treatment plan that is tailored to their specific needs, goals, and preferences.

  • There are so many reasons why a person might benefit from therapy, but to start, here are some common indicators.

    • You’re feeling so overwhelmed that everyday tasks and responsibilities are difficult to accomplish. This may also include difficulties with focusing and decision making.

    • You're feeling sad, anxiety, or even hopeless sometimes.

    • You've been through a difficult event that you believe may have caused you trauma.

    • You're struggling with your health and now your emotional well-being has been impacted.

    • You're feeling stuck or dissatisfied with your life and don't know how to move forward.

    • You're going through a life transition, big or small, such as relationship problems, divorce, grief, and relocation.

    Remember, there are so many reasons to consider therapy for yourself. If you're experiencing any other emotional or mental health concerns other than the above mentioned, don't hesitate to seek therapy to help you get closer to healing and growth.

  • There are some basic things to consider, which will help you feel more assured that a therapist is right for you. Here are some important ones:

    • Know their qualifications and credentials. In the US, a therapist must hold a degree in the mental health field and a professional license to practice therapy within their state. For example, I hold a master’s degree in counseling and I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas.

    • Consider their area of specialization. Although therapists can treat many things, finding a therapist who specializes in your main struggle can make a significant difference in the effectiveness of your therapy.

    • Learn about their treatment approach. Consider what approach you feel most comfortable with, or ask questions to help you understand their approach better.

    • Think logistics. Find out about their availability, insurance, and cost. Therapy is a time and financial investment, so it's worth considering how this will work for you now and through the near future.

    If you'd like to talk to see if we might be good fit for one another, don't hesitate to seek a free phone consultation with me.

  • A recent study suggests that online therapy that utilizes electronically delivered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is as effective as in-person therapy. This is very hopeful for the rate of success for those struggling with mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, regardless of this truth, it's also important to know that online therapy isn't always the best option for situations that may require more intensive or specialized treatment, as some treatments are delivered best in person.

    Ultimately, the effectiveness of online therapy will depend on many things, especially your own needs and preferences. That's why it's important for you to choose a therapy delivery method that you feel most comfortable with. If you're not sure if your particular mental health struggles can be treated through online therapy, don't be afraid to ask and get educated about what you should look out for!

Counseling in Austin, TX can give you the support you need to embrace your authentic self

Counseling can be a deeply valuable resource to help you better understand yourself and learn to utilize the coping skills that work for your particular issues or challenges. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, or relationship issues, Austin therapists, like myself, can provide you with a safe and supportive space to explore your thoughts and feelings and gain new insights and perspectives.

Through an integrative approach, it is my goal to create a positive therapy experience for you that encompasses the evidence-based benefits of various treatment modalities, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Relational-Cultural Therapy, and Attachment-Based Therapy.

If you're feeling unsure, if you have lingering questions, or if you feel ready to take the next step, don't hesitate to reach out to me for a free consultation.