Professional Counseling Services in Austin, Tx
Located in West Lake Hills, TX, Gate Healing Counseling provides therapy for individuals, couples, teens, and families in a supportive and professional environment. Whether you’re navigating challenges related to being a high-achiever, seeking growth, or simply wanting a greater sense of balance, we tailor our approach to meet your unique needs. We offer HIPAA-compliant virtual (video or telephone) counseling for your convenience.
Our services are grounded in research and informed by over 25 years of clinical experience. We integrate techniques from Insight-Oriented Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), and the Gottman Method of Couples Counseling. All of our sessions are trauma-informed, ensuring safety and support no matter your circumstances.
Our Counseling Services
At Gate Healing, PLLC, we specialize in Gottman Method Couples Counseling, an evidence-based approach for building stronger, healthier relationships. Couples learn to manage conflict effectively, improve communication, and deepen intimacy in a safe, non-judgemental place. This approach is especially valuable for high-achieving couples balancing careers, family, and personal growth.
We offer counseling for adults and teens navigating anxiety, depression, relationships, stress, and trauma. Our methods include MBCT, DBT, and trauma-informed approaches such as Critical Incident Stress Management & Debriefing (CISM). Whether you’re a high-achieving professional managing workplace stress, a student facing academic pressures and college/career prep, or someone adjusting to life changes, we provide tools to help you thrive.
Busy schedules, frequent travel, or long commutes shouldn’t prevent you from accessing quality therapy. We provide secure video sessions and telephone counseling so you can receive support from your home, office, or even on the go. Many of our successful professional and student clients value this flexible option.
Anxiety is the most common mental health concern in the U.S. Left unchecked, it can interfere with relationships, work, academics, and overall well-being. Using scientifically validated strategies, we help you reduce anxiety, improve focus, and restore calm. This service is particularly helpful for highly-driven adults, college students, and teens managing performance-related stress.
Depression can make even small steps forward feel impossible. Many describe it as running in ankle-deep mud—no matter how hard you try, it’s difficult to move. With therapy, you can regain energy, motivation, and joy. We help you identify patterns, develop healthier coping skills, and reclaim a sense of meaning in your life.
Not every client begins therapy in crisis. Sometimes you simply feel “stuck” or want to explore new directions in life or career. With over two decades of experience, we guide professionals, students, and individuals seeking growth in leadership, performance, and personal clarity. This process supports self-discovery and helps you enjoy the journey of change as much as the destination.
Families today face complex challenges. Whether it’s parent coaching, caregiver stress, blended family dynamics, or couples counseling we create space for each member’s voice to be heard. Our goal is to help families regain balance, strengthen relationships, and build a supportive home environment.
Trauma is not limited to violence or disaster—it can also stem from job loss, divorce, or major transitions. Our trauma-informed counseling helps you heal without requiring you to relive every detail of your experience. Jonathan’s advanced training in trauma response provides a safe framework for processing difficult events while fostering resilience and a return to normalcy.
In a fast-paced city like Austin, stress often comes from trying to juggle too much—work, school, family, finances, and more. If ignored, stress can lead to burnout, irritability, and health concerns. We help you recognize the signs early, apply effective stress-reduction strategies, and restore a sense of calm and clarity.
Counseling Services FAQ’s
Is there any risk that our conversations will be disclosed to others, such as my job, spouse, or friends?
No, our conversations are protected by federal laws regarding privacy. Confidentiality is of the utmost importance, and I would never betray your trust by sharing information about our sessions with anyone. Federal laws on confidentiality mean that I cannot confirm or deny that I know you unless you discuss actual or suspected cases of child abuse, elder abuse, abuse of the disabled, or if somebody’s life is in immediate danger. In these cases, I am required by law to report to the appropriate authorities to ensure the safety of people potentially at risk.
How long are the counseling sessions?
Each session lasts 45 minutes, but I don’t cut you off as soon as that time is up. I leave 15 minutes between sessions to take notes and prepare for the next session. If you feel like 45 minutes isn’t enough time, we can schedule double sessions that last 90 minutes.
What happens if I bump into you in public?
I will always respect your privacy and follow your lead. If we happen to see each other in public, I won’t come up to you and say “hello” unless you initiate contact. If you do say hello, I’ll be happy to respond, but I won’t disclose any information about you to anyone you may be with.
How do I know you won’t try to keep me in counseling longer than I need to be?
I don’t see clients as revenue streams, and my goal is always to help you get to a place where you don’t need me as soon as possible. Generally, most people find that they get their needs met within 6-10 sessions. However, everyone is different, and more severe cases may require longer treatment. I will let you know when it’s time to scale back sessions, and I expect that you’ll let me know how you’re feeling as well.
If you no longer need intensive therapy but would like to continue seeing me on a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly basis to process daily life, that’s perfectly fine as long as we’re both clear that you don’t “need” me at the therapeutic level where we started. You can also get in touch on an as-needed basis.
Can I ask you personal questions?
Of course! While our sessions are primarily about you, it’s not uncommon for clients to want to know more about their therapist. I’m happy to answer any questions you may have about my background, experience, and training, and you may even want to know a little bit about me as a person. While some questions may be too personal or may shift the focus of our sessions, I’ll be honest with you about what I can and cannot answer.
Do I need to be mindful of my language during sessions?
While I’m not easily offended, I do expect that our sessions won’t be full of unnecessary, abusive, or distracting language. Cursing is perfectly fine if it’s part of expressing your emotions and intensity. However, if I notice that it’s keeping you stuck or ramping you up, I’ll address it with you.
Learn how to live a happy life
Jonathan F. Anderson, LPC-s has worked in the helping profession since he started college in 1990. After completing his Bachelor’s degree at the University of Texas, Austin in 1994, he attended the highly-regarded University of Minnesota to earn his Master’s degree in 1997. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor and is recognized as a Board Approved Supervisor by the State of Texas Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors. Jonathan has completed Level-2 of the Gottman Method of Couples Counseling, and in 1998 received training from the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation in Advanced Critical Incident Stress Management & Debriefing. To learn more about Jonathan’s practice, click here: Jonathan F. Anderson, LPC-s.