Therapists for college students near University of Texas at Austin

College life should be an exciting and challenging time. Becoming more independent and living away from home is a significant life transition. Enjoying this newfound autonomy while adjusting to college life can bring about a whole range of challenges, such as alcohol/substance abuse, academic stress, relational stress, neurodivergent issues, identity development, anxiety, social isolation, depression, trauma and many others. As a former Texas University graduate, former counselor of college students, and a parent of a college graduate, I am familiar with many of the issues facing today's students and passionate about helping young adults navigate this important chapter of their lives.

Welcome! I’m an individual and family therapist specializing in anxiety, depression, PMDD, relationship issues, and life transitions including adjustment to college. Within my practice, I offer a warm, collaborative space where it’s safe to bring your full self—your strengths, your stuck points, and the parts you’re still figuring out. I believe that when we feel safe enough in a therapeutic relationship to take risks and let down walls, we pave the way for insight and growth that lead to meaningful change.

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Hi, I'm an LPC-Associate at Alive Austin. I work well with college students experiencing stressors and stages commonly faced during this period: life transitions, depression, anxiety, relational concerns, family conflict, or unprocessed childhood trauma. Many of my clients may struggle with boundaries, people pleasing, and navigating their new roles and responsibilities living on their own for the first time. Many people I see have also put off working though painful or significant experiences from their past that are still impacting them presently. I aim to help you build self-awareness, discard what is no longer serving you, and start finding fulfillment in life. I am currently unable to accept insurance as an LPC-Associate in Texas. I try to accommodate to students' needs by offering sliding scales. I also offer free consultations so there is not initial cost until you feel we're a good fit.

I believe in the power of connecting past experiences to the present, while honoring culture, identity, and interconnectedness. I view therapy as a space where you can express yourself freely, reflect on experiences & how they shape you, and make the changes necessary to explore & embrace your authentic self in order to be the person you strive to embody. People often say I have a warm, welcoming energy that make difficult conversations feel comfortable. I value finding moments to incorporate laughter, while also "keeping it real"! I am genuinely curious about your story as I feel honored to be invited into your most vulnerable moments. I am particularly passionate about supporting individuals who are navigating challenges related to cultural & queer/trans identity, family of origin, life transitions, interpersonal challenges, generational trauma, and grief. I draw from a blend of approaches including IFS, Narrative, and attachment-based work to tailor our sessions to your unique needs. I have witnessed how life-changing the therapeutic space can be through my lived experience and seeing the power of connection in my work. If you are ready to explore your challenges or simply would like guidance towards growth, I invite you to reach out for a consultation! Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions you might have about therapy or my practice.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

**Some Insurance Accepted in NC through Headway** I practice via telehealth in NY, NC, WA, and TX. I specialize in working with adult men and women who are secretly miserable. You may look fine on the outside, but inside you're struggling to get your own needs met, codependency, perfectionism, and shame. Gestalt Therapy goes beyond looking at just the cognitive, linear perspectives of the person. It demands of the therapist an awareness of the body and how it manifests in the psyche. Through its focus on process rather than content, the patient gains an experiential awareness of how they do what they do and new choices emerge spontaneously. The radical focus on process in the creative therapy of Gestalt keeps the work alive and full of possibility for both the patient and my work as a therapist. Melissa Bennett-Heinz obtained her master’s degree in clinical social work from Columbia University (Class of 2002) and is a graduate of Gestalt Associates for Psychotherapy in New York City, NY. In addition to her background in Gestalt Therapy, she obtained her bachelor's and master’s degrees from the esteemed conservatory, Manhattan School of Music, in New York City where she majored in Oboe Performance. Melissa completed cognitive behavioral studies under the tutelage of Dr. William Sanderson. She is a licensed clinical social worker in NY, WA, NC, and TX and has over twenty years of specialized training and experience in PTSD, childhood abuse, mood and anxiety disorders. Melissa brings her background as a classical musician and deep spirituality together in her unique approach in Gestalt's creative and experiential therapy.

As an LCSW, I specialize in helping teens and young adults navigate the challenges of life, including depression, anxiety, identity exploration, self-esteem, and the transitions that come with growing up. I also offer support for those struggling with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. I take a client-centered approach, meeting you where you are and tailoring therapy to fit your unique needs. My goal is to create a warm, welcoming, and judgment-free space where you feel safe to explore your thoughts and emotions. I am fat-positive, sex-positive, LGBTQIA+ affirming, and deeply committed to inclusivity, helping you embrace your authentic self in a world that often pressures us to be anything but. I am also deeply passionate about Health at Every Size (HAES), dismantling diet culture, and supporting life-enhancing, joyful movement that honors your body. I believe that health and wellness should be about well-being, not conforming to societal ideals or restrictive norms. I use an eclectic blend of therapeutic modalities, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Motivational Interviewing, and Narrative Therapy. I also incorporate expressive arts therapy to encourage creativity and self-expression. In addition to traditional therapy, I bring my dog, Finn, to sessions to offer extra support and comfort, creating a calming and compassionate space for healing. If you're looking to explore your true self, manage your emotions, or work through life’s transitions, I’m here to guide you on your journey!