Austin STRONG: Relationship Building Center

Austin STRONG: Relationship Building Center Austin STRONG: Relationship Building Center is committed to helping build healthy relationships. What makes a STRONG individual? What makes a STRONG couple?
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At Austin STRONG: Relationship Building Center, we believe that the most important relationship that a person has is the one with themselves. Healthy relationships with others begins with a healthy relationship with oneself. Today's couples face all kinds of challenges that couples in the past have not had to face. We believe that even though the dating landscape has changed, there are still some

things that work in keeping a couple STRONG. What makes a STRONG family? Families today come in all shapes, sizes, and configurations. We believe that the best families are built, not born. And we are dedicated to help keeping your family STRONG, no matter what life might bring.

Introducing our new Intern, Kyle Kearns! Kyle is our Graduate Level Clinical Intern working on his Master's in Professio...
08/24/2023

Introducing our new Intern, Kyle Kearns! Kyle is our Graduate Level Clinical Intern working on his Master's in Professional Counseling, at Texas State University. Supervised by Kristal DeSantis, LMFT.

Kyle will be taking short-term clients at a reduced rate of $25 per session for individuals and $40 for couples. He is currently adding new clients to his caseload.

Kyle's Approach:

"I work with couples and individual adults who feel stuck. In therapy, we identify the patterns that keep you from the change you want.

I specialize in working with clients in stigmatized and under-represented relationships: q***r folks, consensual non-monogamy, kink, long distance, poly. Though I use a wide range of techniques, my main approach is somatic internal family systems therapy.

I will help you by creating a supportive space to explore, reflecting back what I observe, and sharing what I've learned from a decade of studying relationships and mental health."

About Kyle:

"I have spent the past 9 years as a researcher studying romantic relationships. While I love that part of my job, it usually takes 5-10 years for research discoveries to make their way into your therapy session (which is too long!). So, I became a therapist to be part of the hard work that couples are doing every day.

I have lived in Austin for 10 years, and I'm grateful for my chosen family here. When I'm not with them, I spend a lot of time with my imaginary friends in books, TV shows, and podcasts. I do my best thinking at the grocery store, the dance floor, or the park."

Contact: [email protected] / 512-887-2299 & visit: https://www.austinstrongrbc.com/meet-kyle to learn more!

Learn about our therapists! Find the therapist that fits your counseling needs as a couple or individual. Relational therapy, EFT, Gottman, Couples, S*x, EMDR, Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, Family Counseling. We have a great team of therapists here to help. Give us a call today!

Get to know Nick Bachicha - our new intern at Austin STRONG: Relationship Building Center. Nick is currently screening n...
12/21/2022

Get to know Nick Bachicha - our new intern at Austin STRONG: Relationship Building Center. Nick is currently screening new clients for his January caseload, so reach out to him if you resonate with his style and message: www.austinstrongrbc.com/meet-nick
[email protected]

Introducing our new Intern, Nick Bachicha! Nick is our Graduate Level Clinical Intern working on his Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling wit...

Introducing our new Intern, Nick Bachicha! Nick is our Graduate Level Clinical Intern working on his Master's Degree in ...
12/21/2022

Introducing our new Intern, Nick Bachicha! Nick is our Graduate Level Clinical Intern working on his Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with Adler Graduate School. Supervised by Kristal DeSantis, LMFT.

Nick is here for the Spring semester starting 1/9/2023 & will be taking short-term clients at a reduced rate of $25 per session for individuals and $40 for couples.

Contact: [email protected] / 512-887-1003 & visit: https://www.austinstrongrbc.com/meet-nick to learn more!

Nick's Approach:
"Without getting too jargon heavy, I have a interpersonal style of therapy that builds around our genuine connection through empathy, respect, and trust. I also utilize the holistic relationship between mind, body, and environment, as well as grounding techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and
meditation.

If we wanted to throw in a few notes of jargon, I would say I have a humanistic style that is person- centered, psychodynamic informed, as well as draws upon many CBT and experiential techniques.

In working with couples, increasing safety, trust, and open communication is foundational in providing a structure for both partners to feel they are understood, respected, and that they have a shared vision they can both belong and contribute to."

About Nick:
One thing about me is I believe all of life is a process, and that we must find our own balance between what we take in and what we push back into the world. In a more tangible example, I love listening to podcasts and lectures, reading non-fiction books, as well as writing songs, poetry, and essays. I have a daily practice of meditation as well as love walking trails with my corgi cattle dog Reggie – they call them “cowboy corgis”.

Although I have a B.A. from the University of Texas at Austin, I have spent the past decade as a swim coach/instructor to age group swimmers 3-18. Over this time I realized that beyond the races won, the most fulfilling part of my job was both the human connection, and helping those young individuals process and face tough challenges in their lives. I seek to continue this goal in my work here at Austin STRONG: Relationship Building Center."

The STRONG book is finally ready for pre-ordering!!STRONG: A Relationship Field Guide for the Modern Man is a guide for ...
12/07/2022

The STRONG book is finally ready for pre-ordering!!

STRONG: A Relationship Field Guide for the Modern Man is a guide for men to feel empowered in their lives and relationships.

It is an overview of the existing research on mental health and relationship science distilled into a simple 6 step program. It covers attachment, trauma, conflict & communication skills, s*x, love languages, emotional intelligence and provides immediately applicable skills and tools for the man motivated to creating healthy, STRONG relationships in his life.

Get your advance copy and peek in the book today! www.strong.love

Orders to be fulfilled in February 2023~

We're making moves! Head over to our new account  for the latest content on mental and relational health ❤️You can also ...
10/03/2022

We're making moves! Head over to our new account for the latest content on mental and relational health ❤️

You can also check out the new website www.strong.love for a glimpse at our upcoming projects 💪🔨

https://www.austinstrongrbc.com/post/welcome-to-austin-finding-new-roots Check out the latest blog post on finding your ...
08/17/2022

https://www.austinstrongrbc.com/post/welcome-to-austin-finding-new-roots

Check out the latest blog post on finding your roots by Leila Abel, our media intern.

Excerpt:

"Planting roots in a new city can feel daunting, but there is support out there if you feel stuck trying to make new connections, get out of your comfort zone, or find stability in a new environment.

If you need emotional, relational, or mental health support, Austin STRONG can provide you with the support that you need to live a fulfilled life in your new city.

Visit our team page to see if there is a clinician who resonates with you. Or reach out to schedule a free consultation to talk about your therapy needs and which clinician may be a good fit. Together, we can help you put your best foot forward."

www.austinstrongrbc.com

With Austin being the fastest growing city in the US currently, people from all over are moving to this very energetic city looking to meet and form new connections with others. However, moving to a new city can be challenging in a few different ways. Not only are you changing your environment, but....

Last month the Supreme Court made the decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, a landmark case that solidified a person’s right...
07/12/2022

Last month the Supreme Court made the decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, a landmark case that solidified a person’s right to privacy and choice regarding marriage, child-rearing, accessible healthcare, the use of contraceptives, and continuing a pregnancy. Many people are now struggling with not only their own feelings about this issue but how they can address it with their kids and teenagers.

Our social media intern, Leila Abel, has some helpful tips for how to talk about s*x in age-appriopriate ways. She shares that maintaining open communication and not passing judgment are both paramount to having healthy discussions around s*x and puberty.

According to a study by Hannah Javida, a PhD student at North Carolina State University, and her colleague Sophia Choukas-Bradley, talking to kids about s*x in an age-appropriate boosts safe s*x practices. Read more about the study here: https://news.ncsu.edu/2019/07/parents-safe-s*x-interventions/

If you are struggling with how to have difficult conversations with people who you love or if you need support in navigating challenging circumstances, we would love to help. Read about our team and schedule a free consultation with one of our clinicians here: https://www.austinstrongrbc.com/meet-our-team

*xtalk

June 19th, or Juneteenth, is a national holiday in honor of the enslaved people in Corpus Christi, Texas who learned of ...
06/20/2022

June 19th, or Juneteenth, is a national holiday in honor of the enslaved people in Corpus Christi, Texas who learned of the end of the Civil War for the first time on June 19th, 1865. Now the holiday marks more than just a celebration of freedom, it’s a day to remember and recognize the historical experiences of Black Americans.

We wanted to take this opportunity to share more about what non-Black allies can do to celebrate the holiday and honor the history of Black Americans and the individuals who worked so hard to make Juneteenth a nationally recognized holiday. Below are a few ideas:

Visit a Black museum or cultural site to learn more about history and culture. The George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural and Genealogy Center is a local Austin favorite.
Support Black organizations and businesses in the Austin area. Check out this awesome list of restaurants, shops, and services by Do512: https://do512.com/p/black-owned-businesses-in-austin
Share a commitment to learning about the history of enslaved peoples in America over the years and how that influenced the history of America. Some resources are: https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2015/07/ten-books-on-slavery-you-need-to-read-120590/

Read more about what you can do to honor Juneteenth celebrations here: https://www.bustle.com/life/9-actions-non-black-people-should-take-on-juneteenth-22984347

On behalf of all of the clinicians at Austin STRONG: Relationship Building Center, we would like to wish father’s everyw...
06/19/2022

On behalf of all of the clinicians at Austin STRONG: Relationship Building Center, we would like to wish father’s everywhere a happy Father’s Day!

“A father is neither an anchor to hold us back or a sail to take us there, but a loving light to show us the way.” -Unknown

If you’re looking for support this Father’s Day as you navigate the challenges of fatherhood, enter into a new phase of life, or refocus your work-life balance, we would love to help! Head over to www.austinstrongrbc.com/meet-the-team to read about our clinicians and book a consultation.

On behalf of all of the clinicians at Austin STRONG: Relationship Building Center, we would like to wish father’s everyw...
06/19/2022

On behalf of all of the clinicians at Austin STRONG: Relationship Building Center, we would like to wish father’s everywhere a happy Father’s Day!

“A father is neither an anchor to hold us back or a sail to take us there, but a loving light to show us the way.” -Unknown

Austin STRONG: Relationship Building Center post for today- Choosing Growth in RelationshipsToday’s post is part three o...
04/15/2022

Austin STRONG: Relationship Building Center post for today- Choosing Growth in Relationships

Today’s post is part three of a series on Change in a Relationship by ASRBC interns Kaleigh Simental and Gabriella Gutierrez.

In today’s post, Gabriella explores how change and growth are intertwined and how growth happens at the edge of our comfort zone.

Gabriella writes, “It is a useful practice to cultivate checking in with yourself and the resources and support you have before beginning any big change in your life or relationship. But, once you have a good idea of what kind of support you might need, or already have, embrace the changes that life presents to you. “

Be sure to check out the full post here: https://www.austinstrongrbc.com/post/choosing-growth-in-relationships

If you need support, please reach out to one of our Austin STRONG: RBC counselors or marriage therapists to ensure that you have the tools and skills to make change that feels empowering rather than overwhelming. We’d love to support you!

You can learn more about our team by visiting: https://www.austinstrongrbc.com/meet-our-team, or book a session with Kaleigh, our STRONG Intern, by visiting www.austinstrongrbc.com/meet-kaleigh !

By Gabriella Gutierrez Change and growth can go hand in hand. Sometimes as humans, we love routine and sticking to it. Routines and what we are comfortable with, can feel safe and nurturing. We value our safety as humans and that makes complete sense. Although, sometimes we have this itching urge to...

Austin STRONG: Relationship Building Center post for today- More Change Ahead!Today’s post is Part 2 of a series on Chan...
04/07/2022

Austin STRONG: Relationship Building Center post for today- More Change Ahead!

Today’s post is Part 2 of a series on Change in a Relationship by ASRBC interns Kaleigh Simental and Gabrielle Gutierrez.

It can be challenging to navigate couples counseling when partners are not on the same page of making changes in the relationship. As Kaleigh shares, “Looking at this from the STRONG Model of Safety, Trust, Respect, Openness, Nurturing, and Generosity, there can be some fundamental disconnects in the relationship when one partner wants a change in the relationship and the other does not see a problem.”

In today’s post, Kaleigh offers some questions couples can incorporate in their conversations to begin to assess the needed changes in front of them and figure out how ready for change each partner is.

Kaleigh writes, "Remember that no matter where you or your partner are in the stages of change, it’s possible to work together to ensure that you both feel safe, heard, and ready for whatever change lies ahead."

Be sure to check out the full post here: https://www.austinstrongrbc.com/post/more-change-ahead !

You can learn more about our team here or book a session with Kaleigh, by visiting www.austinstrongrbc.com/meet-kaleigh !

Stop by our booth at the Austin Women's Expo at the Palmer Event Center on Saturday and Sunday (4/2 & 4/3) to win a Rela...
04/01/2022

Stop by our booth at the Austin Women's Expo at the Palmer Event Center on Saturday and Sunday (4/2 & 4/3) to win a Relationship Reset Workshop Package.

Each Relationship Reset Package will feature a 1.5 hour workshop for you and yours by Kristal DeSantis, LMFT and Natalia Amari, LCSW on strengthening your relationship with yourself and your partners informed by attachment-oriented, trauma informed, culturally responsive, s*x-positive therapeutic frameworks.

Each winner will receive a bundle of our favorite books and resources along with the workshop. Winners will be announced on Monday!

This upcoming weekend, April 2-3, Austin STRONG: RBC will be at the Austin Women's Expo this Saturday 10AM-5PM and Sunda...
03/31/2022

This upcoming weekend, April 2-3, Austin STRONG: RBC will be at the Austin Women's Expo this Saturday 10AM-5PM and Sunday 11AM-5PM.

The Austin Women's Expo will take place at the Palmer Event Center and we are so excited to be a part of this event!

We will have a booth set up and would love to see you there and connect with you!

Come see us!

ASRBC: Post for Today- Time To Make A ChangeToday’s post is part one of a series on Change in a Relationship by ASRBC in...
03/10/2022

ASRBC: Post for Today- Time To Make A Change

Today’s post is part one of a series on Change in a Relationship by ASRBC interns Kaleigh Simental and Gabrielle Gutierrez.

Have you thought about making changes to make your relationship STRONG? As Kaleigh notes, “Changing unhealthy relationship patterns to healthier ones by gaining new tools and skills is a big part of the work of couples therapy.”

But what happens when one partner is ready for a change and the other isn’t? Kaleigh explores this dilemma of what it means to change using Prochaska and DiClemente’s Model on 5 Stages of Change.

Click here to check out Part 1: https://www.austinstrongrbc.com/post/time-to-make-a-change~-part-one

And be sure to stay tuned for Part 2! Coming soon!

Learn more about our team (https://www.austinstrongrbc.com/meet-our-team) or book a session with Kaleigh, by visiting www.austinstrongrbc.com/meet-kaleigh !

Introducing our new Intern, Kaleigh Simental! Kaleigh is our Graduate Level Clinical Intern working on her Master's Degr...
02/28/2022

Introducing our new Intern, Kaleigh Simental! Kaleigh is our Graduate Level Clinical Intern working on her Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with Southern New Hampshire University. Supervised by Kristal DeSantis, LMFT.

Kaleigh's Approach:
"My goal in therapy is to help you live an authentic, fulfilled life. I work with you to create a safe environment where you can freely express yourself & talk about your concerns. With couples, I aim to strengthen communication and help you find more meaningful connection with your partner. I will work to understand your unique experience and how it impacts the way that you move through the world."

About Kaleigh:
“I've loved helping others for almost as long as I can remember, so seeking out a helping profession seemed like a no-brainer. After having my own experiences with counseling as a teen, I chose my career path to become a counselor. I started with a Bachelors in Psychology with a minor in Educational Psychology from The University of Texas at Austin in 2019 & continued the course to become a counselor by starting my masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with Southern New Hampshire University later that same year.

I love to be outside, whether that be swimming & hiking in the summer or sitting under the stars with a fire in the winter. I'm also an avid plant mom, so I love spending time in my garden & wandering around nurseries.

I’m re-reading The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk. I read it for the first time before I started undergrad, so it’s been interesting to read it with more knowledgeable eyes.

I have two dogs: an 8 year old miniature Dachshund who is the queen of our household named Gracie, & a 3 year old long haired Chiweenie with a mullet named Solo." (See second photo in this post!)

I'm creating more space for my needs and drawing better boundaries this year! I'm allowing myself to say “No” and reject things that drain my well-being."

Kaleigh is here for her Spring semester starting 3/21/22 & taking short-term clients at a reduced rate of $25 per session. Contact: [email protected] / 512-887-1003 & visit: https://www.austinstrongrbc.com/meet-kaleigh to learn more!

We’d like you to get to know our Founder and Director, Kristal DeSantis, LMFT!“At first, I thought I would have a career...
02/24/2022

We’d like you to get to know our Founder and Director, Kristal DeSantis, LMFT!

“At first, I thought I would have a career in Industrial Organizational Psychology. I had knowledge of work dynamics and social psychology but I was struggling to connect to healthy relationships in my personal life. I ended up seeking out a therapist and met with a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) who changed my life and career trajectory. Throughout graduate school and post-grad work as an LMFT, I focused on my own intuitive model for working with relationships-The STRONG model of Relational Therapy which I use in my therapeutic work with relationships.

I also completed training in EMDR and became a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional to work with veterans and first responders and their families. I am currently in the process of writing a book for men on relationships and mental health-as I'm a passionate advocate for men's mental health. My book, based on the STRONG Model of Relationships, will be a guide for men (and those who love them) who want to build healthy relationships from day one.

I opened my group therapy practice ~Austin STRONG: Relationship Building Center~ in 2016. We currently have two office locations, one in South Austin and in Cedar Park. We also offer online telehealth services for the entire state of Texas. We work from an attachment-based, trauma-informed perspective using The STRONG Model of Relational Therapy as well as other empirically validated modalities for mental health and relationship therapy.

We specialize specifically in Relationship Issues (conflict, communication, lack of emotional connection) and are affirming of all genders, identities, cultures, and relationship configurations; Trauma (complex and acute trauma); S*xual health (intimacy, desire discrepancy, out of control s*xual behavior ie: infidelity or p**n addiction), and Cross-cultural dynamics."

Check out this interview Kristal had with Voyage Austin to learn more!: http://voyageaustin.com/interview/exploring-life-business-with-kristal-desantis-of-austin-strong-relationship-building-center/?fbclid=IwAR0IcDCuc3c-gUHL_dGV4NavRFBBJYKIlB1WlUOOyg1inpwoFoM79nQSgGc

We recently introduced Anna Asif, our newest clinician here at Austin STRONG: RBC. And today, we’d love for you to get t...
02/18/2022

We recently introduced Anna Asif, our newest clinician here at Austin STRONG: RBC. And today, we’d love for you to get to know a bit more about Anna, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy -Associate, Supervised by Melissa Hargrave, LMFT-Supervisor!

“I specialize in helping couples create safe and healthy relationships. I like to focus on communication skills, deepening connection, intimacy, and attachment patterns. I also love working with racial and ethnic identity, family of origin relationships, and life transitions.

I love working with those who come from marginalized communities where therapy and mental health is often overlooked. Overcoming stigmas and beliefs that have been passed down can be extremely difficult and sometimes isolating. So I love to help process family of origin relationships, explore racial and ethnic identity, as well as first and second generation immigrant challenges.

I am fluent in Hindi and Urdu, I can read Arabic, understand a little bit of Punjabi, and I love Bollywood movies!

When I am not working I love spending time with family and friends. I also enjoy cooking, exploring restaurants in Austin, curling up with a good book, or watching TV (currently re-watching Vampire Diaries).
I have a very chunky cat and am fostering two bunnies!" (Swipe this post to see pictures of these cuties!)

"I usually read multiple books at the same time, I like to have a mix of professional and personal. Currently on my bookshelf for professional growth is My Grandmother’s Hands by Resmaa Menakem, this is a great book to understand racialized trauma and how it lives in our bodies. For personal pleasure I am reading The Silence of the Girls by Pat Barker. If you are a fan of Greek mythology, you will appreciate this book as it recounts the events of the Iliad through the eyes of women. I also just finished reading The Feminist Manifesto by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, a really great short read on feminism today.”
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To learn more about Anna, visit: https://www.austinstrongrbc.com/meet-anna . And reach out directly at [email protected] / (512) 887-2299 to book a consultation!

Introducing our new Austin STRONG: RBC clinician, Anna Asif! We are so thrilled that Anna has joined our team. Anna is a...
02/10/2022

Introducing our new Austin STRONG: RBC clinician, Anna Asif! We are so thrilled that Anna has joined our team. Anna is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy- Associate, supervised by Melissa Hargrave, LMFT-Supervisor!

Anna’s trainings and modalities include: The STRONG Model of Relational Therapy; The Gottman Method of Marital Therapy; EMDR Trained; Imago Training -in process complete April 2022

About Anna:
As a bi-lingual Marriage and Family Therapist-Associate who can offer services in Urdu and Hindi, I provide services to couples and adult individuals. I would describe my counseling style as warm, genuine, collaborative, and relaxed.

Together, we will work to create a safe space where you can openly explore your areas of concern. I will help you find fullness in life through finding your true authentic self, and navigating difficult relationship/family issues. I have a passion for working with clients from marginalized communities in which therapy has long been viewed with stigma and judgment. As a first-generation South Asian American myself, I have a deep-rooted understanding of the way cultural background can impact a couple, family, and individual. Your stories and unique backgrounds are important to me.

Anna might be a good fit for you if:
-You find it difficult to live authentically
-You are struggling with difficult relationships in your life
-You have trouble with naming emotions and feelings
-You are a couple looking to improve communication
-You are trying to understand difficult family of origin relationships
-You are navigating relationships in immigrant families
-You are struggling with racial and ethnic identity issues
-You are having difficulty with life transitions
-You have issues related to faith and spirituality

Anna’s Schedule:
I am currently adding new clients to my caseload.
Please reach out for a free consultation to see if I might be a good fit for your counseling needs.

Contact: [email protected] or (512) 887-2299 to request a booking with Anna.
To learn more about Anna, please visit: https://www.austinstrongrbc.com/meet-anna !

We’ve absolutely loved showcasing our wonderful team here this month! Today, we’d love for you to meet Taylor Cnudde, Li...
01/31/2022

We’ve absolutely loved showcasing our wonderful team here this month! Today, we’d love for you to meet Taylor Cnudde, Licensed Professional Counselor- Associate, Supervised by Cynthia Netting, LPC-Supervisor!

What areas do you specialize in?
+I specialize in helping couples develop healthy relationships. I use a trauma-informed, attachment based, and emotions focused approach to help partners with intimacy and desire, communication, emotional connections, attachment patterns and more. I also love to work with individual clients in the areas of anxiety, depression, body image, attachment, family of origin trauma, and identity and self-esteem.

How are you being intentional about your self-care in 2022?
+I’ve set the intention to slow down and practice being present. The new year is often branded as a time to try to do and be more. I have a lot on my plate, so I decided the best self-care for myself will be making space for intentional pauses. I’ve created a short morning mindfulness ritual and re-joined a meditation group called Young Zen here in Austin.

What books are you currently reading?
+ Self-Compassion by Kristin Neff, The Body is Not an Apology: The Power of Radical Self Love by Sonya Renee Taylor, and Sorry I’m Late, I Didn’t Want to Come by Jessica Pan. Loving all three!

What has been inspiring you lately?
+So many amazing women in the field of psychology. Emily Nagoski, Dr. Wendy Mogel, Esther Perel, Sonya Renee Taylor, and Tara Brach to name just a few. Also, exploring the intersection of psychotherapy and art. Sometimes in between sessions I will use my ipad and apple pencil to create abstract art, which is a great way for me to process and tap into different parts of my experience I don’t necessarily have words for. I may begin using more art therapy techniques in session.
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To learn more about Taylor, visit: https://www.austinstrongrbc.com/meet-taylor
And reach out to her directly at [email protected] / 512-887-2160 to book a consultation!

We’d like you to meet Rae Comeau Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate Supervised by Emily Slaughter, LPC-Supervisor...
01/28/2022

We’d like you to meet Rae Comeau Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate Supervised by Emily Slaughter, LPC-Supervisor!

Tell us a little about yourself and how you became a counselor:
+As I was growing up, I experienced a lot of attachment trauma- I was adopted at a very young age and never felt like I fit in with my adoptive family. I longed for someone to tell me that I was okay, and to feel loved. As I got older I was a very rebellious teenager, and wound up in therapy. Her name was Mary Jane, and she was the first person I had ever encountered in my life that I felt REALLY saw me. And she CARED. I truly believe this experience changed the course of my life. I felt that the best thing I could ever do in my life would be to be a person who listens and shows other people that they are cared for, as well. I lived a lot of life before I got my education to become a counselor. I am deeply grateful to be able to share my perspective and presence with clients as they do the work of learning to see and care for themselves and those they hold beloved in their hearts.

What is your passion population?
+I adore working with clients who identify LGBTQIA+, both individually and in relationships. I love working with those who are doing the work of blazing their own trail and creating a life of purpose that allows them to connect to their deepest self and others, because it reminds me of just how this brave work can create change in the world. And that gives me hope.

What new areas are you being trained in?
+I am super-excited to start doing training in healing attachment trauma using Diane Poole Heller’s DARe- Healing Early Attachment Wounds next month, and am taking coursework towards becoming an AASECT Certified S*x Therapist.

What do you like to do when you’re not working?
+I take walks with my dog Sigmund (who is making an appearance in this post!), try cooking adventures, listen to audiobooks (right now it’s either fantasy or feminist theory, depending on my mood), and play D&D.
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To learn more about Rae, visit: https://www.austinstrongrbc.com/meet-rae . And reach out directly at [email protected] / 512-887-2885 to book a consultation!

Meet Jaron Browning, Licensed Professional Counselor! We’re delighted to have Jaron as part of our team! Tell me a littl...
01/26/2022

Meet Jaron Browning, Licensed Professional Counselor! We’re delighted to have Jaron as part of our team!

Tell me a little bit about yourself and how you became a counselor.
+I think I'm one of the rare ones that knew from a really young age that I wanted to work in mental health. I remember doing a "What do you want to be when you grow up?" project Freshman year of high school where I presented about why I wanted to be a therapist. I've just always been fascinated by people and enjoyed being the go-to person when a friend needed someone to talk to. My path has been pretty straight forward; I got a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Texas, took a couple of years after graduation to get some life experience, and then got my master's degree in Professional Counseling from Texas State University.

What areas do you specialize in?
+I work with a number of presenting concerns, but I love working with people experiencing major life transitions, grief & loss, and identity concerns.

What do you like to do when you’re not working?
+I love spending time with friends and family, watching tv, working out, and reading.

What books are you reading currently?
+I'm usually reading multiple books at a time, some professional, some personal. Right now, I'm reading "The Anxiety Toolkit" by Alice Boyes, PhD. It's a great resource for quick tools and tips for managing anxiety and other mental health concerns. I'm also reading Kal Penn's new memoir, "You Can't Be Serious." It's a great book by a very funny and fascinating person.

How are you being intentional about your self care in 2022?
+My main goal for this year is to be much more intentional about my time, which is definitely self-care. I've already put screen time limits on my phone so I don't spiral into a dark loop of depressing news or other things that aren't very important. I'm also trying to add more structure to my day where I can so I develop a little more of a routine.
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To learn more about Jaron, visit: https://www.austinstrongrbc.com/meet-jaron or contact him directly at [email protected] / (512) 675-4030 to see if he might be a good fit for your counseling needs!

Address

1714 Fortview Road, Suite 106
Austin, TX
78704

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 9pm
Tuesday 9am - 9pm
Wednesday 9am - 9pm
Thursday 9am - 9pm
Friday 9am - 9pm
Saturday 9am - 9pm
Sunday 9am - 9pm

Telephone

+15128878036

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