Dr. Mike Brooks
About Dr. Brooks
I earned my license as a psychologist in 2000 and have been working in the mental health field in Austin for over 20 years. I have acquired work experience across a number of different settings including community mental health agencies, inpatient and day treatment facilities, schools, hospitals, and juvenile justice programs. I conducted my dissertation research on the effects of video games on children and still actively research and give presentations on how technology affects our daily lives. I’m deeply interested in mindfulness, neuroscience, neuroplasticity, and positive psychology and in using these findings to inform and improve our daily lives.
In addition to therapy, assessments have been a major part of my training and practice since graduate school and continuing into my private practice that I began in 2004. I formed the Austin Psychology & Assessment Center (or ApaCenter) in 2007 and recruited like-minded professionals to serve the needs of individuals in Austin and surrounding areas. The ApaCenter was born out of the idea that having professionals with different but overlapping areas of expertise is the best way to ensure that we can meet the diverse needs of our clients. Philosophically, we are client-centered and hold the belief, which is scientifically-supported, that forming a strong partnership with you or your child in the change process is the best way to help you achieve your goals. At the ApaCenter, you are our client and not patient.
Therapy Statement
Life is a difficult and confusing journey for all of us at times. Occasionally we get “stuck” along the way. My approach to therapy works best if you feel this way and are ready for change. Some of the approaches I use include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT),mindfulness, positive psychology, solution-oriented, and reality-based techniques. I can help you overcome obstacles and achieve your goals if you are experiencing problems such as depression, anxiety, stress, ADD/ADHD, and relationship difficulties.
I also can serve as a consultant or life coach if you are generally happy with life but have specific goals that you have been unable to reach or certain questions about your life that you need help resolving more effectively. Instead of focusing only on your problems and weak spots, I believe that tapping into your inherent strengths and resources are also keys to discovering solutions to your struggles.
Research on what works in therapy clearly shows that forming a strong working alliance is essential to the effectiveness of therapy. Without this relationship, techniques and models are useless. My speciality is forming an effective working alliance so that, together, we discover unique possibilities for positive change tailored to your individual needs.
I invite you to take a few moments to browse the ‘Therapy‘ and ‘Blog‘ sections of my website – www.DrMikeBrooks.com. If what I offer sounds like a good fit for you, I am confident that you can achieve your goals though our work together.
Degrees/Licenses
B.A. – 1991, The University of Texas at Austin
M.A. – 1996, The University of Texas at Austin
Ph.D. – 1999, The University of Texas at Austin
Licensed Psychologist, Texas #31394
Licensed Specialist in School Psychology, Texas #31495
Areas of Specialization
- Therapy with teens to adults
- Depression, anxiety, and stress
- Relationship difficulties
- Happiness and well-being
- Mindfulness
- Existential issues
- Parent consultation/training
- Use of technology (e.g., gaming, Facebook)
- Technology addiction