Frequently Asked Questions

Many people begin with a general sense that something feels off, overwhelming, or simply worth exploring more deeply. Therapy can be a supportive space to better understand your thoughts, emotions, and patterns, whether you’re navigating something specific or just feeling stuck. It may be helpful to consider therapy if you’re finding it difficult to cope in the ways you usually do, feeling disconnected from yourself or others, or wanting a space that is just for you. You also don’t need to be in crisis to benefit. Some people come to therapy for growth, clarity, or to feel more grounded in their day-to-day lives. If you’re unsure, a consultation can be a gentle place to start. It offers the opportunity to ask questions, get a sense of the process, and see how it feels, without any pressure to commit.

It’s very common to come into therapy without knowing what to expect. You don’t need to have the “right” words or a clear plan for what you want to talk about. Part of our role is to help guide the conversation in a way that feels natural and supportive for you. In the beginning, we’ll spend some time getting to know you, what’s been on your mind, what’s been feeling difficult, and what you’re hoping for, even if that’s still unclear. You’re always welcome to move at your own pace, and there’s no pressure to share more than you’re ready to.

Getting started is a simple and gentle first step. You can reach out to schedule a consultation, which is a chance to connect, ask any questions you may have, and get a feel for the process. From there, we can talk through what you’re looking for and help match you with a therapist who feels like a good fit (you don’t need to have everything figured out beforehand). If it feels right, we’ll move forward with scheduling your first session. There’s no pressure to commit right away! This process is meant to feel supportive from the beginning, and you’re welcome to take it one step at a time.

Consultations take place virtually, are free, and usually last about 20 minutes. They are an opportunity for you to get to know your therapist a little bit better and ask questions. We firmly believe in a client’s choice and voice through picking a therapist and want to empower you to ask questions through this process. For some who’ve never gone through therapy, it may feel overwhelming knowing what to ask or even expect, and that’s ok too.

The first full session is an opportunity for us to begin understanding you more deeply, for example, what’s been weighing on you, what feels important to talk about, and what may have led you here. There’s no need to have a clear starting point. We’ll gently find our way into the conversation together. You may be asked some questions about your experiences, relationships, and current challenges, not as a checklist, but as a way of getting a fuller sense of your world. You’re always welcome to share only what feels comfortable. There’s no expectation to open up all at once.

Both! Depending on the therapists’ availability, you have the ability to choose what works best for you. We are located in downtown Austin, not far from UT campus at 825 W 11th St. There is free parking available on site. There is also the option of taking therapy outside with a walk and talk session (nature based therapy) or participating in ecotherapy outdoors. The office is located right off Shoal Creek, which offers great options for outside sessions.

Each therapist’s fee can be found in their bio. Learn more about our staff here. We offer sliding scale fees based on need and availability, and are always happy to talk this through with clients. Talking about money and financial issues can bring up a lot for folks. We strive to create a nonjudgmental and welcoming environment around your money story.

As a fully licensed therapist, Meg Mattingly can accept insurance and is paneled with Aetna. She is considered “out of network” by other insurance providers. Associate therapists can’t directly accept insurance, but can provide a superbill. If you are interested in reimbursement, we encourage you to check with your specific insurance company on your policy with superbills. Some insurance companies can offer partial and even full reimbursement.

There is no straight answer to this (and for some, that may be hard to hear!). This is relational work and it takes time to build that. We are not in the business of promising quick results or a timeline of when you will be “fixed” (what does that mean anyway?). What we can offer you is patience, presence, and a collaborative experience. If you’re coming into therapy wanting to be finished in 4-6 sessions, we may not be a fit for you. (And that is totally fine! We’re always happy to recommend other therapists that might align better with you). We believe in this process of discovery, healing, and growth, as well as the wisdom of our clients. Communication of needs and checking in feels essential in this work. We have found it is most beneficial for clients to start weekly for the first 3 months and then assess needs from there.

It’s important that you feel comfortable with the person you’re working with. Sometimes that sense of connection takes a little time to grow, and sometimes it doesn’t feel quite right, and that’s ok too. You’re always welcome to share how the space is feeling for you. Whether something feels off, unclear, or just not like the right fit, those conversations can be part of understanding what you need. If it doesn’t feel aligned, you have the freedom to explore other options. Finding a therapist you feel at ease with is an important part of the process, and we want you to feel supported in that.

Yes, therapy is a confidential space. What you share in sessions is kept private and held with care. This is an important part of creating a space where you can speak openly and honestly. There are a few legal and ethical limits to confidentiality (for example, if there is a risk of harm to yourself or someone else, or in certain situations required by law), and your therapist will walk you through these at the beginning so you know what to expect. If you ever have questions about privacy or how your information is handled, you’re always welcome to ask. We want you to feel informed and comfortable as you move through the process.

Virtual therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy for many people. What often matters most is the relationship you build with your therapist and the space you’re able to create together, rather than the setting itself. For some, meeting virtually feels more accessible or comfortable, especially if leaving home feels difficult or if schedules are full. It can also make it easier to be in a familiar environment while having these conversations. For others, being physically in the room may feel more supportive, and that’s important to notice too. If you’re unsure, you don’t have to decide right away. We can explore what feels like the best fit for you, and you’re always welcome to adjust as your needs change.

Walk-and-talk sessions take place outdoors, where we move through a natural space together while talking. But there’s no pressure to keep a certain pace or cover a specific distance we can slow down, pause, or sit at any point. For some, walking side by side can feel a little less intense than sitting face-to-face, and being outside can offer a sense of calm or grounding, especially if traditional settings haven’t felt as comfortable. For others, it may simply feel like a different way to approach the process, and we can take time to see how it feels for you. The focus remains on what you’d like to talk about, just within a setting that may support you in a different way. If you’re interested, we can explore whether this option feels like a good fit (there’s always flexibility to adjust as we go).

Outdoor sessions begin at the office location at 825 W 11th St. From there, we can walk to Pease Park or head in the opposite direction to have our session in a nearby community garden. If you’re curious about what this type of therapy looks like, we are happy to explore more with you during a consultation. Outdoor therapy is a beautiful way to provide connection and requires an additional consent form based on the unique circumstances of meeting outside an office.

We offer a range of therapeutic approaches, depending on what feels most supportive for you. This may include traditional talk therapy, as well as more experiential approaches such as nature-based or outdoor sessions. Each therapist brings their own training and perspective, allowing us to meet you in a way that feels thoughtful and individualized. Rather than following a single method, we tend to draw from different approaches to support what you’re going through. This can include working with thoughts and emotions, exploring patterns in relationships, or creating space for reflection and grounding. If you’re unsure what type of therapy might be helpful, that’s something we can explore together. There isn’t one “right” approach, the process is shaped around you and what you need.

Ecotherapy is a way of engaging in therapy while being connected to the natural world. This might look like meeting outdoors, walking together, or simply allowing nature to be part of the space we share. For some, being outside can feel more grounding or less intense than sitting in a traditional office (especially if traditional settings have felt overwhelming in the past). It can create a sense of ease, or help you feel more present in your body and surroundings. For others, it may just feel like a different environment to try, and we can take time to see how it feels for you. We still talk, reflect, and move through whatever feels important, just in a setting that may support you in a different way. If you’re curious about it, we can explore what it might look like in practice and whether it feels like a good fit for you (there’s no pressure to commit to it right away).

People come in with many different experiences, and not everything always fits into a clear category. Some of the areas we often work with include anxiety, trauma, religious trauma, life transitions, and support for college students moving through change. We also work with individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community, including those exploring gender identity. But you don’t need to have a clear way of explaining what you’re going through to begin. Sometimes it’s just a feeling, or a sense that something isn’t sitting quite right, and we can take time to understand that together.