Therapists for college students near University of Texas at Austin
Welcome to the beginning of your therapeutic journey. My name is Alexandra Gomez but you can call me Alex! I am a Latina LPC-Associate who is bilingual in Spanish and English. As humans, we are constantly challenged by the imperfections and expectations of society. It can be confusing, discouraging, and at times can dim the light within us. Investing in ourselves is the best way to overcome these challenges and learn more about our thoughts, behaviors, beliefs, and values. Whether you are beginning or continuing services, I am so glad you have made this decision to invest in yourself and grow in multiple aspects of the human experience. I hope that you find my bio to be a good fit for your therapeutic needs.
We offer trauma informed therapy for children, teens, and adults, in-person in South Austin, telehealth available to all Texas residents. I specialize in helping women in their 20s and 30s who are struggling with anxiety in relationships and sex, or those who are processing past sexual trauma or toxic relationships. Many of my clients notice patterns or traits within themselves which are impacting their relationships and intimacy, leaving them feeling disconnected and at a loss for what might help. In addition to my work with adults, I also enjoy working with children and adolescents (ages 3-18), especially those who are neurodivergent or highly sensitive. With a background as a Preschool Teacher, a Registered Behavior Technician working with children on the Autism Spectrum, and as a long-time babysitter, I am able to connect deeply with young people to help them feel understood. My personal experience growing up with undiagnosed ADHD, which manifested as an inability to regulate my emotions, extreme sensitivity, and emotional outbursts, informs this work. I approach this work as an opportunity to nurture my own inner child and offer the support I wish I’d had growing up. I utilize a client-centered, strengths-based approach to play therapy in order to help the children I work with feel safe to express themselves authentically. My approach is compassionate and trauma-informed, integrating Nervous System Regulation, Somatic Experiencing, Attachment Theory, and Trauma-Informed Care to help you rebuild trust in yourself and cultivate healthier relationships. My priority is to create a safe, supportive space where you feel comfortable exploring your emotions and experiences without judgment. In our work together, we’ll explore your past and present, identify patterns, and create a plan for healing.
Do you struggle with depressive moods or negative thoughts you wish you could just change or simply make go away? Wanting those dark thoughts to change, or hoping to run away from them, is completely normal. But avoiding those thoughts can leave us even more stressed, irritable, and disconnected from our loved ones. I promote compassion, honesty, and empowerment while working with clients who struggle with a range of issues, including anxiety, depression, and life transitions. I’m especially passionate about helping students, young adults, and LGBTQ+ individuals struggling with mood, personality, and eating disorders. Above all else, I’m focused on building a strong relationship with my clients, and I feel deeply privileged to be allowed into their lives. I make therapy a judgment-free zone where humor and warmth are a regular part of the process. My therapeutic approach is person-centered and allows each individual to guide their own recovery process. I can help you build upon the strengths you already have and develop even more coping skills for the various obstacles you may face. Ultimately, I strive to create a safe space for you to explore even the thorniest areas of your mental health journey. If you’re ready to make a change, give me a call today!
**Some Insurance Accepted in NC through Headway** I practice via telehealth in NY, NC, WA, and TX. I specialize in working with adult men and women who are secretly miserable. You may look fine on the outside, but inside you're struggling to get your own needs met, codependency, perfectionism, and shame. Gestalt Therapy goes beyond looking at just the cognitive, linear perspectives of the person. It demands of the therapist an awareness of the body and how it manifests in the psyche. Through its focus on process rather than content, the patient gains an experiential awareness of how they do what they do and new choices emerge spontaneously. The radical focus on process in the creative therapy of Gestalt keeps the work alive and full of possibility for both the patient and my work as a therapist. Melissa Bennett-Heinz obtained her master’s degree in clinical social work from Columbia University (Class of 2002) and is a graduate of Gestalt Associates for Psychotherapy in New York City, NY. In addition to her background in Gestalt Therapy, she obtained her bachelor's and master’s degrees from the esteemed conservatory, Manhattan School of Music, in New York City where she majored in Oboe Performance. Melissa completed cognitive behavioral studies under the tutelage of Dr. William Sanderson. She is a licensed clinical social worker in NY, WA, NC, and TX and has over twenty years of specialized training and experience in PTSD, childhood abuse, mood and anxiety disorders. Melissa brings her background as a classical musician and deep spirituality together in her unique approach in Gestalt's creative and experiential therapy.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
Alliance Counseling Works is a counseling center with multiple locations serving Williamson, Travis and Bell counties, offering excellent therapy with best practice and results. We believe in transformation and experience it daily. Service includes counseling for individuals, children, adolescents and teens, and families. We are a client-centered practice, and we utilize proven methods including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Mindfulness.
College life should be an exciting and challenging time. Becoming more independent and living away from home is a significant life transition. Enjoying this newfound autonomy while adjusting to college life can bring about a whole range of challenges, such as alcohol/substance abuse, academic stress, relational stress, neurodivergent issues, identity development, anxiety, social isolation, depression, trauma and many others. As a former Texas University graduate, former counselor of college students, and a parent of a college graduate, I am familiar with many of the issues facing today's students and passionate about helping young adults navigate this important chapter of their lives.
At Monarch Counseling, we approach every client with an open mind and understanding that your individual life experiences shape your worldview. Every individual faces unique challenges and needs to work on themselves at their own pace, and we’re here to help you along your own distinct journey towards healing.