Counseling Services in Austin, TX

Counseling Services in Austin, TX

Below are some of the specialized counseling services I offer. Please contact me if you have any questions about these or any other counseling services that might not be listed here.

I am a certified Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner having completed all of the contact hours and training.  Somatic Experiencing is a modality that integrates mind and body to help release trauma and chronic stress and restore resilience to the nervous system.

Somatic Experiencing Therapy can provide a pathway to heal from acute trauma, childhood abuse or neglect, chronic stress, grief as well as many other challenging life experiences. 

Couples therapy is a gift you can give your relationship. Whether it’s early in your relationship and you want to build a solid foundation or you need some support later on when life gets more complex with careers and kids, I can teach you important skills around communication and connection. I use Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), an evidence based modality, to help you slow down and organize what’s happening to both of you when you get triggered, ultimately helping you build a more secure relationship

Survivors of sexual abuse may experience anxiety, depression, or PTSD. We will co-create a safe place for you to work on feeling safe in your body, setting boundaries, and creating more fulfilling relationships. Somatic Experiencing interventions will give you the opportunity to complete and release the fight or flight energy that is held in your body after trauma.

Trauma / Chronic Stress Counseling

What would life be like for you if you healed? I can help you resolve trauma and restore resilience through Somatic Experiencing, a body oriented modality. Together we can figure out where you are stuck and work on building the life you’ve dreamed of.

Investing in your well-being by seeking help is a brave step!

Anxiety Counseling

If you suffer from anxiety, then you’re probably already aware of the way the body and the mind are connected – you can feel anxiety symptoms in your body. I have years of experience helping clients figure out what’s underneath the anxiety (ex. trauma history, unprocessed grief or anger, stress) and working through it. I also teach coping skills for staying in the present moment by tracking sensations in the body.

Consensual Nonmonogamy

I support all kinds of relationship structures and am committed to keeping a sex positive lens. We can work together to build the kind of relationship you want. And I can help you process moments when you are triggered by your partner – helping you to be able to share more vulnerability and develop better communication and coping skills.

LGBTQIA Counseling

You are welcome here! I enjoy working with members of the LGBTQIA community. Whether we’re working on relationship counseling, coming out and embodying your identity, dealing with an unsupportive family, healing from shame/guilt or supporting your gender transition journey, I offer a safe place to process through all of it.

Depression Counseling

Nineteen million Americans were clinically depressed in 2019, a figure that likely grew much higher in subsequent years as a result of the COVID lockdown. Depression can be caused by current stressors or by old events from your childhood. And truthfully our culture’s focus on individualism can get in the way of healing. There’s hope though and I’m here to help! During some of your darkest hours, I will sit with you and listen to you and support you. We will give you a safe place to have and release those difficult feelings that the depression is numbing out. And we’ll help you figure out how to feel connected to the world again.

Other Counseling Services

We all have different ways of perceiving hurt and trauma and expressing how we feel isn’t always in sync with mental health industry jargon. If you are struggling in some other way than what I’ve listed here and feel that my approach might help you, please contact me to see if I can help. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Counseling

Is counseling confidential?

Yes, therapy is confidential! I am legally obligated to protect your privacy and cannot share your information without your consent (except in certain legal situations).

You can see my current rates for individual and couples counseling services on my Therapy FAQs page.

Everyone’s journey through counseling is unique. Some achieve breakthroughs in months, while others benefit from a deeper dive. The key is to be patient and consistent, knowing that lasting change is within reach.

My first session typically involves discussing your specific concerns and goals for therapy in order to best understand your situation and develop a treatment plan. Subsequent sessions focus on working towards your goals and using various therapeutic techniques to address your unique challenges.

Anyone experiencing challenges in their life can benefit from counseling. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals dealing with:

  • Stress, anxiety, and depression
  • Relationship issues
  • Grief and loss
  • PTDS/Trauma
  • Career challenges
  • Personal growth and development

Marian W. Thompson, LCSW, SEP

Marian W. Thompson, LCSW SEP - Somatic Experiencing Therapy and Couples Counseling in Austin, TXAn Austinite since 2008, I am a native Texan, born and raised in Houston. I am a certified Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner and I have advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy. I am sex positive and strive to create a non-judgmental environment for clients of all orientations and lifestyles. LGBTQ+, kink, poly welcome!

Schedule a therapy appointment today!

Looking for a Somatic Therapist in Austin, TX? Please call 512-540-5854 or make an appointment online.

In crisis? If you are in danger of hurting yourself or others please call 512-472-HELP (4357) or 800-273-8255

Mental Health Blog

Telehealth

Does Telehealth Work for Therapy?

Life as we knew it was completely upended in 2020 with the beginning of COVID 19.  Thanks to telehealth, many therapists quickly adapted to the lockdown situation and began offering therapy services on-line. This pivot to telehealth went on for many months and now years.  The question on many people’s

Read More »