Family therapy and counseling in Austin, TX

Ms. Johnson graduated from the University of Texas- Arlington school of social work with an MSSW degree in 2004. Her work experience entails working in medical social work working in primary care, women's health, substance use, and the homeless population. Working with chronic illness is difficult because you see the obvious decline in your clients. My goal is to provide support and coping strategies for patients with chronic illness. Ms. Johnson has 18 years, of experience working in medical social work with the goal of improving clients optimal health by providing support with all primary care, mental health, and physical health needs. Above all she enjoys mentoring new clinicians and is a board approved clinical supervisor in the state of Mississippi.

Hi! My name is Laurie, welcome to Waves of Joy Christian Counseling. It is a true honor to walk with you during this season of your life. At Waves of Joy, I offer Christ-centered therapy that meets you where you are through convenient online sessions. I have 29 years' experience working with children and teenagers.

You might look like you're holding it all together on the outside while feeling exhausted, anxious, disconnected, or overwhelmed on the inside. Maybe you've spent so much time taking care of everyone else that you've stopped checking in with yourself. Or maybe life changed unexpectedly, and you're trying to figure out who you are now.

If that sounds familiar, you're not alone.

I work with children, teens, adults, couples, families, veterans, first responders, and LGBTQ+ individuals who are navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship struggles, major life transitions, and the stress that comes from simply trying to keep up. My goal isn't to tell you how to live your life. It's to help you understand yourself more deeply, quiet the constant mental noise, and feel more confident in the choices you make.

Clients often tell me they appreciate that I'm easy to talk to, calm, honest, and genuine. Therapy with me is a place where you don't have to have it all figured out. You can show up exactly as you are, and we'll take it one step at a time.

If you've spent your life providing, surviving, and holding things together for everyone else, therapy can feel like one more thing to manage. I work with men and working people who are tired of feeling anxious, isolated, or stuck, and who want to feel like themselves again. As a bilingual therapist raised in San Antonio, I understand the pressures of low wages, generational trauma, and the expectation to keep pushing no matter what. Whether you're navigating relationships, identity, or stress that never fully turns off, you don't have to figure it out alone. Sessions can be held in Spanish or English. Si prefieres hablar en español, aquí estamos.

I earned my bachelor's in Psychology at Smith College and my master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Rowan University. I believe in tailoring my clients' experience to their likes and needs. I enjoy creative therapy, ACT, manifestations, physical activity, CBT, and strength-based approaches to help individuals reach their full potential.

I am a wife and mother and have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. I enjoy using creative outlets to help make therapy a fully integrated experience.

I believe therapy works best when you feel genuinely safe, heard, and understood. My goal is to create a supportive, nonjudgmental space where you can openly process your thoughts, emotions, relationships, and life experiences without feeling rushed or criticized. I understand that starting therapy can feel vulnerable, so I approach each client with compassion, curiosity, and respect for their unique story and lived experience.

My style is warm, relational, and conversational while still grounded in evidence-based practices. I work collaboratively with clients to help them better understand emotional patterns, increase self-awareness, strengthen communication, and develop practical tools they can use outside of sessions. I value creating a therapeutic relationship that feels authentic and empowering, where clients can feel comfortable being honest, asking questions, and moving at a pace that feels manageable for them.

I work with individuals navigating stress, anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship challenges, self-esteem concerns, emotional overwhelm, and patterns that may leave them feeling stuck or disconnected from themselves. Together, we focus on creating meaningful and sustainable change while also making space for reflection, healing, and personal growth.

Change can occur but I want to empower you to accept what you cannot change and come up with an effective plan to change what you can!

SOME WEEKEND AND EVENING AVAILABILITY.

Hello, and thank you so much for reaching out. I am a Texas Licensed Professional Counselor and have practiced mental health counseling for 6 years with a Master of Arts degree in Counseling. I specialize in helping those with anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, and help learning self-care methods. People tend to see me as direct, compassionate, and insightful. Please reach out for any questions or information. I look forward to serving you. :)

Great to meet you! I’m a multistate-licensed Clinical Social Worker with extensive experience in mental health and trauma-informed care. I have worked with adolescents, adults, older adults, veterans, and current and former professional athletes. I know reaching out for support can feel difficult, so I strive to make therapy comfortable from the start. Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, the beach, yoga, traveling, sporting events, and time with my dogs, family, and friends.