Looking for Austin Therapy?
NOTE: The APACenter is providing video therapy (sometimes referred to as telehealth or teletherapy) during this time of COVID-19. We are offering regular length sessions (50 minutes) and 1/2 length sessions (30 minutes, at a reduced fee). Contact us now, 512-891-1500, to set up an appointment.
If you are looking for Austin therapy, the psychologists at the APACenter (Austin Psychology & Assessment Center) are here for you. We work with adults, adolescents and children. Our approach to therapy is tailored to meet each individual’s needs. We provide therapy to individuals of all ages – young kids, children, adolescents, and adults. Also, we provide therapy for couples and families. We use evidence-based approaches and feedback informed treatment to ensure that you are getting the results that you are seeking.
Watch a video where Dr. Mike Brooks talks a little more about therapy and its effectiveness.
How Austin Therapy Can Work for You
The psychologists at the APACenter use the most effective methods to help you. The great news is that therapy works. Research has definitively found that people who receive therapy are better off than 80% of people with similar problems who don’t receive therapy. Therapy is generally more effective than medication, especially in the long-term, and it doesn’t have the side effects that often accompany medications (e.g., decreased libido, weight gain). Also, it is a myth that months or years of therapy are required for it to be effective. You are likely to receive symptom relief within the first few sessions. We partner with you and work as a team to achieve your goals. You can use therapy to:
| Alleviate Depression | Discover Confidence | Reduce Stress & Anxiety |
| Resolve Relationship Difficulties | Increase Life Satisfaction | Improve Interpersonal Skills |
| Improve School or Job Performance | Develop a Peaceful Mindset | Strengthen Parenting Skills |
Do You Need Therapy?
In general, just about everyone could benefit from therapy at one time or another. However, pursuing therapy is important to consider if you are unhappy for much of the day for most days. Unhappiness can take on many forms besides sadness and depression. It can mean that you are frequently anxious, angry, stressed, detached, fearful, or apathetic. It is perfectly normal to feel these emotions some of the time. They are part of being human! But if you or your child are feeling these emotions chronically or severely, then you should consider therapy. Importantly, therapy can also be beneficial to achieve personal growth or to address mild but nagging issues.
Choosing An Austin Therapist
Deciding that you are going to pursue therapy is a huge accomplishment in itself. The next step is to decide which therapist is right for you. Research has shown that developing a strong alliance with your therapist dramatically improves the likelihood that you will achieve your therapy goals. In making this decision, you can ask yourself the following questions to guide you:
- Does it matter if your therapist is a male or female?
- When are you available to meet with a therapist?
- Is there a particular style of therapy that you are looking for? Some examples include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic, mindfulness, and solution-oriented therapy.
- What are the key issues or challenges that you want to address in counseling (e.g., stress, ADHD, depression, loss, anger management)?
- What format of therapy do you need (e.g., individual, couples, family, group)?
- You can browse Our Psychologists page to find a psychologist or therapist who seems like a good fit for your needs.
Please note that at the APACenter, we have Gottman Trained Couples therapists. Gottman Couples Counseling is a scientifically-validated approach with proven effectiveness that is widely considered to be the gold standard in couples counseling.
What Can You Expect from Therapy?
The first session, or intake session, is a time for you to inform the therapist as to what your individual challenges are and any history that you feel needs to be discussed. This session is also an opportunity for you to see whether you and the therapist are a match for your therapy work. This first session is a little longer than the typical session since there is more to cover. This session will take approximately 90 minutes.
During this first session, you and your therapist will act as partners to develop goals for your therapy. These goals will be specific to you and what you’d like to achieve. During therapy, you may go through some self-discovery and these goals may change.
Your following sessions will be shorter, lasting about 50 minutes. Each session, the therapist will ask you if there is something specific you would like to address for that particular session. Throughout your therapy, your therapist will often ask for feedback to ensure that the direction you are taking as a team is the direction that you want to go. Making sure that the therapy is working for you is a priority for the therapist. Using what is known as feedback informed treatment (FIT), he or she can ensure that you achieve the most from your experience.
Different Models of Therapy
There are many approaches or styles of therapy. The psychologists and therapists at the Austin Psychology & Assessment Center use a variety of approaches. Some of the more commonly used ones include: cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), positive psychology, strengths-based, solution-oriented, mindfulness-based, and relational.
Please view our list of Austin therapists, the types of issues they address, and the therapeutic approaches that they use. For more information on the various approaches to therapy that we take, please view our Models of Therapy page.
Making An Appointment For Your Therapy Session
If you are ready to make an appointment or you have additional questions, please contact us at (512) 891-1500. One of our client care coordinators, Paige or Diane, can assist you in selecting the therapist to best meet your needs and schedule your initial appointment.
Call 512-891-1500 to find a therapist at the APACenter who will match up with your needs.