Therapists for college students near University of Texas at Austin

**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.

Alliance Counseling Works is a counseling center with multiple locations serving Williamson, Travis and Bell counties, offering excellent therapy with best practice and results. We believe in transformation and experience it daily. Service includes counseling for individuals, children, adolescents and teens, and families. We are a client-centered practice, and we utilize proven methods including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Mindfulness.

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.

Do you struggle with depressive moods or negative thoughts you wish you could just change or simply make go away? Wanting those dark thoughts to change, or hoping to run away from them, is completely normal. But avoiding those thoughts can leave us even more stressed, irritable, and disconnected from our loved ones. I promote compassion, honesty, and empowerment while working with clients who struggle with a range of issues, including anxiety, depression, and life transitions. I’m especially passionate about helping students, young adults, and LGBTQ+ individuals struggling with mood, personality, and eating disorders. Above all else, I’m focused on building a strong relationship with my clients, and I feel deeply privileged to be allowed into their lives. I make therapy a judgment-free zone where humor and warmth are a regular part of the process. My therapeutic approach is person-centered and allows each individual to guide their own recovery process. I can help you build upon the strengths you already have and develop even more coping skills for the various obstacles you may face. Ultimately, I strive to create a safe space for you to explore even the thorniest areas of your mental health journey. If you’re ready to make a change, give me a call today!

**Current availability! Offering teletherapy and in person sessions!** Helping you break free from trauma and abuse, so you can finally live not just survive. I help adolescents and adults overcome trauma and abuse and find their voice. Are you feeling keyed up, tense and reactive? Feel like you are floating outside of your body or feel like a robot? Not connected to your emotions or the world around you? Does someone in your life make you feel 'crazy' and question your truth? I use CBT and EMDR to help you figure out the root cause to your trauma, worries, stress, or whatever is troubling you at the moment. Negative thoughts shape how we view ourselves and are difficult to change. Memories can be intense, vivid and feel overwhelming. I will help you change your thoughts and move on from negative memories to take your life back! At Onyx Counseling and Wellness Center, the goal is for you to learn how to empower yourself and finally live, not just survive. You will learn how to trust yourself again, find happiness and overcome past trauma to emerge as a healed and confident individual. Complete a contact form, call or send an email to schedule a free 30 minute phone consultation.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Welcome to the beginning of your therapeutic journey. My name is Alexandra Gomez but you can call me Alex! I am a Latina LPC-Associate who is bilingual in Spanish and English. As humans, we are constantly challenged by the imperfections and expectations of society. It can be confusing, discouraging, and at times can dim the light within us. Investing in ourselves is the best way to overcome these challenges and learn more about our thoughts, behaviors, beliefs, and values. Whether you are beginning or continuing services, I am so glad you have made this decision to invest in yourself and grow in multiple aspects of the human experience. I hope that you find my bio to be a good fit for your therapeutic needs.

My first career was in education-I worked with pre-k through college, and my educational background provides me with insight and perspective. I am also a mother, a grandmother, and a first gen professional women of color. I am culturally informed.

I offer a welcoming space for adults, couples, & teens navigating anxiety, relationship stress, trauma, perfectionism, high-achievers, and life transitions including break-ups marriage & new parenthood. Starting therapy takes courage, but you don't have to face life alone. My clients struggle to feel "good enough" in life & relationships or are overwhelmed trying to hold it all together. My passion is for those who seem "put together" on the outside but feel anxious, disconnected or stuck beneath, because I've been there. We'll develop tools to calm anxiety and overcome life's challenges so you can gain clarity, healing, & change. I specialize in anxiety, trauma, relationship stress & perfectionism and offer trauma-informed, compassionate therapy across Texas, including Austin, Dallas, & Houston. I integrate CBT, DBT, EMDR, IFS, & mindfulness. I'm EMDR trained to support trauma. You’re the expert in your life; I’m here to offer perspective so you can feel more like yourself again. Before becoming a therapist, I spent nearly a decade in the entertainment industry, so I understand the pressure to perform, achieve, & “keep it all together.” Being human is hard, and you're not alone. I offer in-person sessions in Austin, plus virtual therapy across Texas. Please reach out today for a free 15-minute consultation to see if we're a good fit!