Liz Watts MA, LPC, NCC
Hi, welcome to my website!
It can be difficult and emotionally taxing to struggle on your own. I aim to provide a safe place where you can be honest and free of judgement about what is bothering you. And if that means using a few swear words, then so be it!
I have a passion for helping people who:
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never feel good enough
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have a harsh self-critic
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are perfectionistic
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have imposter syndrome
I also have experience working with a variety of challenges including:
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anxiety
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depression
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grief and loss
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relationship issues
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life transitions
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trauma (including childhood trauma)
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self-esteem
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goal setting
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everyday life stress
I am also trained in EMDR.
I offer telehealth (Mon-Weds) and in person in Westlake, Austin (Sat). I work with individual adults (ages 18+), and I offer affordable therapy as an alternative to insurance.
My Approach
I use a relational approach, which means I view the relationship between client and therapist as central to the process of therapy. I’ve been described by others as warm, approachable, and patient. I draw upon a variety of styles and techniques to incorporate what will be most helpful for each client.
I view therapy as consisting of validation, insight, and skills.
Validation means that the therapist shows interest and uses listening skills to best understand your story. I have a strong belief that if we take the time to understand what someone is thinking or feeling, then their actions make sense.
Insight includes building self-awareness and self-knowledge. It often involves identifying patterns from childhood and your adult life so far. When appropriate, insight can also include learning how the brain works in order to further understand your thoughts and feelings.
The purpose of learning skills is to develop strategies and ways of coping that will help you navigate through any difficulties you may be facing. These may be skills that we talk about and practice during counseling sessions, or they may be skills for you to use on your own.
One of my favorite quotes:
"If we can share our story with someone who responds with empathy and understanding, shame can't survive" ~ Brene Brown
EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is used most often to help with knee-jerk reactions that are based in trauma or negative self-beliefs. Memories that are physiologically stored in your brain can contain the emotions and physical sensations that were there at the time of the event. Because these memories are unprocessed, they continue to generate negative thoughts and feelings whenever they're triggered. Ultimately, the goal is for you to have more choice about how you feel, and not be unconsciously driven by emotions beyond your control.
To Learn more about EMDR, watch this video or read this page.
About Me
If someone had told me when I was younger that, as an adult, I would spend 20 years living in California, and then move to Texas where I would work as a counselor/therapist, I would have been very confused. I would probably have told them that they have the wrong person!
I am originally from England, and music has been a major focus of my life since childhood. My interest in counseling grew out of my experiences as a musician. I am a violinist and I have always struggled with performance anxiety (aka stage fright). As a violin teacher, I found that many of my students were having a similar problem. My search for an answer first took me to psychology classes at my local community college, and eventually to the counseling program at St. Edward’s University. From there, I became a student intern at Capital Area Counseling, and I’ve continued to work there as a post-grad volunteer while getting established in private practice.
I have a Bachelor's degree in music from Manchester University (England), and a Master of Arts degree in counseling from St. Edward's University in Austin. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Texas.
Learn more about me by checking out my article in VoyagerAustin magazine as part of their Inspiring Stories series!
Contact Me
Email: Liz@LizWattsCounseling.com (preferred)
Phone: 512-643-4898 (text & voicemail)
I offer a free 15-minute consultation for potential clients.
