About Austin Counseling and Trauma Specialists
About Us
We're genuinely glad you're considering us for your counseling journey. Choosing the right support is a deeply personal decision, and we want you to feel confident and comfortable with both our team and our Practice. We invite you to explore our website, get to know our counselors on the Meet Our Team Members tab, and reach out anytime you have questions.
Our founder, Russell, began his work in the mental health field over two decades ago. After years of experiences and learning, he envisioned a place where true healing could flourish—a space dedicated to nurturing the mind, body, and spirit. Early in his career, the profound impact of trauma work captured his attention, quickly becoming his passion and the central focus of our practice today. We're committed to helping as many people as possible heal from trauma. Our team of counselors brings specialized training and extensive experience to this vital area, with many skilled in EMDR and other advanced trauma treatments.
Yet, we also believe in a balanced, comprehensive approach to well-being. While trauma remains a core focus, our diverse team offers expertise in a wide array of concerns, including grief and loss, mindfulness, male survivors of sexual abuse, bariatric support, first responder challenges, adolescent issues, LGBTQ+ issues, suicidality, and much more. Our counselors hold various licenses and credentials—including, PsyD, PhD, LPCs, LMFTs, LCSWs, LPC-Associates, and, at times, Student Interns—reflecting our commitment to providing varied perspectives and a rich breadth of knowledge. We are continually expanding our team to offer even more specialized support. You can discover the full scope of our offerings in the Services / Specialties tab.
We understand that healing is holistic. While our primary focus is counseling, we believe in supporting your entire well-being. For complementary services like massage, acupuncture, shamanic treatments, or reiki, we're happy to provide trusted referrals to other local professionals. We also maintain a network of referrals for doctors, surgeons, and psychiatrists so we are able to help support your comprehensive care.
We're here to help you find what you need to feel better and move forward. Please connect with our Cedar Park, TX office today. We look forward to supporting you on your path to healing.
What's the deal with the Elephants?
You've likely noticed our gentle giants throughout our site and office, and you might be curious why. Beyond my personal love for these incredible creatures, the elephant powerfully symbolizes what we do here at Austin Counseling and Trauma Specialists.
The saying "addressing the elephant in the room" perfectly aligns with our mission to courageously face challenges we need for healing. For us, the elephant embodies the strength, wisdom, and compassionate presence we aim to bring to every session. It was always clear that if I were to build this practice, an elephant would be at its heart.
Our logo features an elephant composed of unique shapes and pieces, reflecting how each of us is a tapestry of diverse experiences and parts that form the whole, remarkable person we are today. At its center is the Gnosa symbol, representing the connection to our higher self. This symbolizes the clarity we seek to understand the roots of our pain and trauma, guiding us toward profound healing.
Elephants themselves are magnificent. They are majestic, peaceful, and fiercely protective, embodying a quiet power. Known for their profound memory, they also possess a rich emotional life—experiencing grief, mourning, self-awareness, compassion, and empathy. Despite their impressive size, they move with a surprising gentleness and delicate grace, navigating even the trauma of poaching with resilience. They are truly social beings, mirroring the supportive community we strive to create.
We believe their qualities perfectly echo our commitment to helping you navigate your own journey with strength, compassion, and profound understanding.
So, any elephants in the room that you want to address?