I imagined being a “baby doctor” since I was a baby myself, so I started my journey pre-med focused. I am also VERY curious, and ultimately decided to venture into different avenues of health fields to try out first. I was as Voluntary Firefighter, dabbled with some EMT courses and volunteered with local ambulance services, and then worked a Veterinarian tech in my earliest years. Obviously, I learn best by trying things out!
Then, it all brought me back to pediatrics. I completed my education, was trained ,and worked many years as a Pediatric Medical Assistant for a Pediatrician’s office in Austin, Texas. I had the opportunity to know thousands of families, and found myself “triaging developmental questions” more than their actual medical concerns.
During this time I also owned my own small business offering nanny services to over 40 families throughout the years. I had the honor and privilege work intimately with a diverse variety of family dynamics within these many homes.
It was an honor to be involved with these families, and I have learned an insurmountable amount throughout all of these relationships. The combination of it all revealed that my passion to understand all things humans, and to be helpful, was better explored through psychology. I rerouted my career toward therapy.
I specialized in child development, trauma, and understanding the “self’’ throughout my graduate career. I enjoyed integrating my many past vocational knowledge into my practicums, internships, and post-graduate work as I created and utilized therapy curriculums. I continue to seek knowledge , take courses, and advance my understanding about the human body, the human psyche, and different treatment models. The body and its’ workings continues to fasciate me. I have a deep desire to consider wellness and people holistically, and practice this way.
Through it all, I joke that I have “seen it all,” or “something like it.” I find people will step out of their own shame, and fear of judgement, once they feel safe enough to be seen. I am not here to judge, I am here to witness and offer help. I often encourage clients to “go ahead and try to shock me.” It’s a pretty impossible feat. ;)
I am authentically me at all times. Therapy here is very kind, with a lot of direct honesty. AND, I am genuinely curious to hear about YOU!!
Types of Therapy Offered:
Individual Therapy, Couple’s Therapy, CPRT/Parent Coaching,
Play Therapy, Group Therapy
Experience at following locations throughout my career:
Renee Counseling LLC (est 2016)
LifeWorks of Austin. Settlement Home of Austin. KidWorks of Austin
South Austin Counseling. Alive Austin. San Marcos Treatment Center
I now live in Buda, TX with my two amazing kids. When not doing therapy, I’m probably hanging out with said kids. I enjoy reading research articles (true nerd), trail walking and talking with friends, and patio sitting. If you ever see me in my natural habitat, feel free to say hi. Also feel free to ignore me. I also love a good nap, quiet time, shopping alone, and practicing yoga. Once in a while, I get out. I might be sighted at a comedy show or a dance floor.
I have a BA Degree in Psychology and Business, and an MA Degree in Professional Counseling. I am also a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) through the state of Texas, and a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) through the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC). My specialties and experience include Psychotherapy with individual adults and teens, Play Therapy with children, and offer Child-Parent Relationship Therapy/ Parent coaching.