Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Makala Austin.
Dr. Makala, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I first became intrigued with counseling when I watched the TV sitcom Frasier as a kid. “I loved the premise of talking through different things. In my adult life, my husband Roderick and I have traveled a lot with our time in the military. I’ve seen many families struggling. There is a strong need for counseling. Life steered me into a career into Human Resources. Given the nature of my husband’s military career, we moved often. A fateful move to Norfolk, VA where a reconnection with an old friend convinced me to pursue my counseling dream. Degree in hand, I quickly became an accomplished therapist. My resume includes a federal fellowship working with active duty soldiers and their families and a stint as a university level counselor. My husband’s retirement from the military brought us to his home state of Texas. With positions in multiple major area medical centers, the prospect of private practice lingered. I was afraid. After reading the book ” Lean In” authored by Sherly Sandberg, whereas the premise is ” What would you do if you were not afraid”, I did what I recommend to my patients, which is take the risk and live your best life! I resigned from major medical and opened my private practice.
Has it been a smooth road?
This is my first experience having a private practice, some of the challenges faced earlier is ensuring I am in-network with potential clients insurances. Creating friendly yet necessary business practices for collecting copays.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Wellness With Dr Austin “Where You Receive Therapy Your Way” story. Tell us more about the business.
I am most proud of offering therapy the patients/clients way. What that means is life is about creating balance. Many people do not have traditional working hours, we have family obligations, social responsibilities and overall demands on our time. What sets my practice apart from others, I am open seven days a week, from 8am to 10pm. I offer four different practice settings. There is telehealth, which is provided through use of your desktop or PC. The sessions are private and HIPPA Compliant, which allows you to receive the care from the comfort of your home. The sessions are accessed through https://doxy.me/draustinlcsw.
Next I offer Walk Talk Therapy, which is just like it sounds—the client and the therapist are outside walking during therapy instead of sitting inside an office. Many clients say that Walk Talk Therapy is a more relaxed environment than the counseling office. Others state that it is a great way to jump start or support a fitness routine or active lifestyle. Walking while sharing your struggles and life situations can also be meditative. There is concierge therapy, whereas I meet you out at a café, restaurant, Starbucks, etc.
Last, I have office locations for those who prefer the traditional setting.Every session starts with an initial psychological evaluation. I want you to get the services you need. Even if it’s not from me. You decide after that first session if you want to come back…if you are comfortable sharing intimate details of your life with me. Counseling is important. Too many quit because they don’t care for the first counselor they meet. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Informed, EMDR “Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Solution Focus, Narrative Therapy, behavioral therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy. I specialize in depression, anxiety, trauma and grief, and relationships. If you’re looking for a non-judgmental practitioner who is client-centered and will try their hardest to assist you with accomplishing mental health stability and desired life goals… I am your therapist.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I see my profession moving towards addressing new issues surrounding addiction to social media, which falls under cyber addiction. The use of neurobiology to address these addictions to create a neuro pathway in the brain too retrain and unlearn these maladaptive behaviors.
Pricing:
- Individual Session $150
- Couples Session $200
- Family & Groups $300
Contact Info:
- Address: 4800 Sugar Grove Blvd, STE 607
Stafford , TX 77477 - Website: wellnesswithdraustinlcsw.com
- Phone: 7133596423
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: 1doclcsw
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