Counseling Services Offered in Austin at Gate Healing, PLLC
“What is counseling” video:
Counseling services at Gate Healing, PLLC offer people a safe, comfortable place in Austin to talk about their concerns and to look for effective solutions. We are careful to consider your unique personality and circumstances as we collaborate with you to find the relief you need. While we will provide specific suggestions, we also teach you the skills needed to find your way through future issues as they arise. We are always here for you when you need some extra help.
Our counseling center is located in Austin, just minutes from Downtown in the beautiful West Lake Hills neighborhood. For driving directions, please visit our map page.
Short, Medium, and Long-term Therapy and Coaching Services
Sometimes people only need 3-6 therapy sessions to meet their needs, other times people need more time to work through complex issues. Sometimes people come in on a regular basis for years. They understand they don’t need long-term counseling, they just enjoy having a coach in their corner on a regular basis. Having a coach is different than being dependent on a therapist. I want you to know that you have the ability to handle whatever life throws at you, but that counseling and coaching are available to you whenever you want or need them.
Rest assured that we will work together to provide you with the support you deserve. Because we collaborate on how to know when you are ready to move on without therapy, most people don’t need to specify the duration of counseling. Once you do stop, coming back in is always an option.
Whether you are considering taking your relationship to the next level, or are experiencing conflict, Gottman Method Couples Therapy has answers you are looking for. While I will provide both of you with a thorough assessment and helpful handouts to take home with you, what sets my couples sessions apart from many other marriage therapists in Austin is that I will redirect you to talk directly to each other rather than having me ‘translate’ for you. Using educational tools based on thousands of couples participating in research studies, I’ll coach you through how to communicate so that you both feel heard and understood. This mutual understanding is the framework that helps you manage conflict effectively.
Counseling Services FAQ’s
Where are you located?
The counseling office is in West/Central Austin, about halfway between Capital of Texas Highway (Loop 360) and Mopac (Loop 1) on Bee Caves Road. This is about 5 minutes from both Downtown and Barton Creek Mall. Our address is:
Gate Healing, PLLC
3355 Bee Caves Rd.
Building 5, Suite 505
Austin, Tx 78746
Will anybody (job, spouse, friends, etc.) find out we are talking?
No. Our sessions are protected by federal laws regarding privacy. And I would never expect you to trust me if you thought I would tell anybody about our sessions. Federal confidentiality laws mean that I cannot confirm or deny that I know who you are unless you discuss actual or suspected:
- Child Abuse
- Elder Abuse
- Abuse of the disabled
- Somebody’s life is in immediate life-threatening danger
In these cases, I am required by law to report to the appropriate authorities to ensure the safety of people that are potentially in danger.
How long are sessions?
Sessions are 45-minutes, but I will not just cut you off at exactly forty-five minutes. I put fifteen minutes between sessions to give me a chance to finish jotting down notes about your session and to prepare for my next session.
If you feel that a 45-minute session isn’t enough time, we can schedule double sessions that last 90-minutes.
What if I run into my counselor in public?
Out of respect for your privacy, I will follow your lead. This means that even if we see each other, I will not just come over and say, “Hello.” If you say hello to me, I’ll gladly say, “Hi!” but if you are with anybody, I will not explain who I am. So, if we see each other in public, you are welcome to say hello, but I will not acknowledge you unless you initiate contact.
How do I know you won’t try to keep me coming in for longer than I really need to?
I do not see clients as revenue streams. My job is to help you get to a place where you don’t need me as soon as possible. Many people find that they get their needs met within 6-10 sessions. Of course, everybody is different and more serious situations may take longer. Rest assured, I will let you know when it seems like we should scale back sessions, AND I expect that you will let me know how you are feeling as well.
Sometimes, people decide that while they no longer need more intensive therapy, they would like to continue weekly, bi-weekly or monthly sessions so they have a place to process daily life. This is just fine as long as we are clear that you do not “need” me at the therapeutic level where we started. You are also welcome to get in touch on an ‘as-needed’ basis.
Can I ask you personal questions?
Our sessions are designed to be about you, not me, but it is not uncommon for people to want to know a little more about their therapist. Asking me questions is absolutely fine! It can be helpful to know my background, my experience, and training. You may even want a little information about me as a person. Some questions I will not be able to answer because this would flip the focus of our sessions or would reveal information that is just too personal, but I am happy to talk about this with you.
Your questions are always ok! Rest assured, I’ll be honest about what I can and cannot answer.
Do I have to watch my language?
Not really. I am not easily offended, however, I expect that our time will not be littered with unnecessary, abusive or distracting language just for the heck of it. Cursing that is a part of expressing intensity and emotion is just fine. If I notice that it is keeping you stuck, or is ramping you up, I’ll process this 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 by 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.
