Sandplay Therapists in Austin, TX

I'm JoAnn Ponder, psychologist in private practice. I earned my Ph.D. in educational psychology in 1998, but started practicing with my M.A. in 1977. I have over 30 years of experience in working with children and adults in inpatient and outpatient treatment. I've had postgraduate training in play therapy, sandplay, infant-parent intervention, family/couples therapy, and child/adult psychoanalysis. Research has demonstrated that early experiences with significant others affect brain structure; foster individuation, self-esteem, and emotional regulation; and serve as templates for subsequent interpersonal relationships.

Clients served: Children ages 5-11 experiencing emotional distress due to displacement and trauma. Tweens ages 11-12 experiencing anxiety related to school difficulties, and peer relationships. Adults experiencing distress related to peer relationships, parenting, first generation of immigrant parents, and family of origin. Couples experiencing life transitions and communication issues.

My goal is to create a safe and comfortable space where clients can articulate their inner experience through both words and symbols. Deeper and clearer understanding unfolds as we engage in the therapeutic process with both a playful curiosity and a nonjudgmental attitude. I listen deeply and empathize with clients, while simultaneously encouraging them to confront the unhealthy roles, ineffective patterns and behaviors, and difficult emotions that are keeping them stuck in their lives. I believe that psychotherapeutic work profoundly transforms our inner worlds. It is truly a gift to be witness, partner, and guide on this journey.

Life is everchanging. My clients are experiencing challenges that require them to change in order to go forward. Some clients are interested in dreams and personal growth over time. Others want some immediate support to help them sort out the difficulties they currently face: whether it be the loss of a relationship, a career, a difficult illness, or some other major change in one's orientation to life. I have a depth and breadth of experience working with people of all stripes and in both law and social work: that is, people who have been stuck in some very difficult places. I value individuality and wholeness--not perfection.

Are you or someone you know struggling with creating and maintaining healthy boundaries? Did you grow up in a controlling or shaming family? Do you hold a lot of internal resentment, struggle with people pleasing or high levels of anxiety and worry? If so, I'm so glad you found me! I am dedicated to helping you reach your goals so that you can travel through your life with resiliency, healthy boundaries and an ability to recognize and embrace nourishing relationships.

Hi there! I am a gender queer, pansexual, latinx, therapist who specializes in working with women, queer and gender diverse, polyamorous folks, and is DID affirming. I work with ages 15 and up, specializing in late adolescence and young adulthood. My niche within trauma is childhood trauma, emotional and sexual abuse. Trauma work and growth is beautifully messy, I want my clients to feel brave enough and safe enough to get their hands dirty with me for the sake of growth and peace. I recognize that this may take time, and I am willing to take that time with the client o feel safe with me and in my therapeutic space.

If you are looking for someone with experience to listen to your situation, help you identify things that need to change, and to help you make those changes, I would love to talk with you. I have been counseling children, adolescents, individuals, couples and families for 22 years. We will work together to develop treatment goals and strategies to get things back on course. It is so hard when relationships are stressed or broken, when children are having problems educationally or socially, and when anxiety or depression prevents you from being who you want to be. I can help.

I specialize working with children and young teens who are looking for guidance in coping strategies, regulation, and developing a positive self concept in order to face everyday stressors with confidence. I believe showing unconditional acceptance and positive regard in a safe and supportive way allows a child to feel confident and empowered to make their own decisions and gives them the pathway to become healthy and confident adults.

I work with individuals as well as couples looking to regain footing in a chaotic world. Specializing in working with childhood complex trauma, I encourage clients to explore emotions from a place of curiosity and agency. I focus on helping clients learn and embody a secure attachment. When working with couples, I like to help each individual soften towards themselves, and in turn, develop vulnerability and trust in each other. Learning to become a team theough all the highs and lows in life is foundational for a healthy relationship.

I strive to offer unconditional support to my clients as they embark on their transformative journey, aiming to cultivate stronger relationships and foster personal growth. My commitment is to offer a non-judgmental, secure environment where you can freely discuss trying situations that might result in feelings of shame, guilt, or stigmatization. I employ a strengths-based approach, encouraging you to develop a strong attachment to yourself as you pursue your desired future and work on essential personal and relational skills.

I strive to earn trust and form genuine relationships with folks who have experienced challenging transitions, trauma, and loss. I've been serving kiddos, adolescents, adults, and families in crisis since I graduated from The University of Texas at Austin in 2010.

My ideal client is one who is ready to begin the journey towards a better functioning family, and/or a happier life. That person wishes to move through their past experiences and begin the healing process. My ideal client understands that sometimes healing requires a level of discomfort and feels ready to experience this in a safe environment. My ideal client has likely been uncomfortable before. That person is ready to feel safe a find the strength to provide connection with this clinician needed for goals like improved intimacy, decreased sadness or motivation, work-life balance, couples, family of origin issues, and trauma.

My goal while working with children is to open up their capacity to grow more self-aware and socially and emotionally intelligent. This allows me to focus on them as a person and who they are capable of becoming. This approach can help with a variety of concerns your child may face including: anxiety, social-emotional issues, depression grief, behavioral concerns, and trauma-related symptoms.

Hello, I am glad you are here! I hold the belief that anyone can change, sometimes we get stuck and need a little help. Weather you need help with parenting, a listening ear after losing a loved one, or need to get a handle on a mental health disorder I can assist you.

Therapy is a collaborative effort. I am present to accompany, listen, and reflect. I work with a broad range of individuals. With over two decades as a school counselor, I particularly enjoy working with children and adolescents and their parents. I work effectively with clients who are going through a divorce, the death of a significant person, chronic family illness, job changes, domestic violence, or abuse. Clients can expect focused attention, quiet acceptance and honest feedback in a private space where they can clear their thoughts and feelings, sort through fears and pain, and redirect their lives.

Hi there and welcome! Therapy is quite the journey and I would be honored to be part of yours. It takes courage, time, and personal investment to embark on this journey and my goal is to provide quality, research-based approaches to helping you live a more fulfilling life! I work with people of all ages and backgrounds. While in graduate school at St. Edward's University, I had the opportunity to intern at Austin State Hospital working with chronic mental illness. I have worked with clients from age 5-70 with a variety of needs.

Seeking support after the death of a loved one, or preparing for the death of a loved one, can be overwhelming. The focus of my work is to support individuals, families, couples, and children/teenagers when they are dealing with the challenges of loss due to an illness or other issues related to loss. I strive to help my clients cope with the difficult prospects of loss such as death, suicide, divorce, marital discord, terminal illness, chronic illness, job loss, and the challenges it brings to the client, and their family.

Welcome! I'm OB, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker dedicated to helping children, teens, adults, and the LGBTQIA+ community navigate the complexity and stress in their lives. I know what it’s like to feel both too much and not enough. I became a therapist because I do not want anyone to feel as alone as I did in my darkest moments. I want to watch you walk away lighter, freer, and more excited to live your own personal journey after healing from wounds and obstacles in your path. My areas of clinical focus are in depression and trauma. I am trained in EMDR, Trauma-Informed Therapy, and Mindfulness-Based Psychotherapy.

Dr. Yorke has a diverse practice. He enjoys working with parents, children, and adolescents. Dr. Yorke began working as a therapist in 1982 and in 1989 he received his Ph.D. from St. John's university. Dr. Yorke is a Licensed Psychologist and has a Diplomate in Child Psychology, American Board of Psychological Specialties. He has taught numerous workshops to parents and professionals on Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Autism Spectrum, and engaging difficult clients in treatment.