Hi! I’m Austin.
(they/them, or any pronouns used with respect)
Born & raised in the Gulf South, I moved from Pensacola, FL, to New Orleans, LA, in 2014 seeking gender-affirming care & a greater sense of community. Now, I strive to pay it forward.
From my first job at Waffle House, to studying learning & behavior in the Psychology Department’s rat lab at Loyola, & from working in film & live entertainment, to presenting my research on gender-affirming Child-Centered Play Therapy at an international counseling conference — my professional & life experiences afford me a breadth of perspective as both a clinician & a human.
I love gardening, animals, & punk rock music. In my free time, I enjoy being outside (ideally by water & with friends) as much as possible, crafting, indulging in reality TV & horror movies, & hanging out with my two cats, Binx & Ecco (who may make an appearance in our telehealth sessions).
Compassion & authenticity are among my core values. I believe everyone I meet can teach me something new, that everyone knows something I do not, & that we all have the capacity for growth, healing, & connection.
If it sounds like I’d be a good fit for you, reach out to schedule a consultation with me today! I look forward to meeting you.
My Approach
Therapy isn't one-size-fits-all.
My approach is relational & eclectic. I draw from multiple modalities, including person-centered, systems-, somatic-, & evidence-based theories.
Our work begins by exploring what brought you to therapy, your past experiences, current patterns, & the goals that matter most to you. Together, we'll build insight, strengthen communication & self-understanding, & develop practical tools.
In relationship work, I help partners improve communication, intimacy, & conflict. Feel free to ask about my approach! You deserve to know what your therapist is doing & why.
… What does that even mean?
“Systems-Based” approach
The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
The contexts you live within (identities, culture, socioeconomics, relationships, family-of-origin, etc.) influence how you navigate the world.
In therapy, this might mean exploring family-of-origin patterns, relationship dynamics, social expectations, or other systemic influences alongside your individual experiences.
The goal is to look at the bigger picture of a concern, so that change can happen both within you, & in how you relate to the world around you.
“Relational” approach
We’re shaped in relationship. We heal in relationship.
Our relationships shape how we understand ourselves & connect with others. With this framework, we’ll look at patterns in your relationships.
The relationship between you & your therapist is also an important part of the work, & can provide a safe place to notice & explore these patterns as they happen.
As your therapist, I am an active, genuine participant, rather than a distant observer. Together, we work toward you developing greater self understanding, & creating healthier, more intentional ways of relating to yourself & others.
“Person-Centered”
You are the expert of your own life.
Grounded in respect for your autonomy, your unique needs, beliefs, & story are centered in your care.
We’ll get honest about what is important & authentic to you, & how your thoughts, feelings, & behaviors align (or don’t).
The goal is to empower you to live more authentically & make appropriate changes.
