Sally Jordan Austin, M.A., MFT.

I have 18 yrs of experience as therapist. My approach is adapted to the individual & their life experience, as I draw upon a range of techniques & theories. I’ve assisted people with various mood disorders, supported individuals & couples in creating more fulfilling relationships, & facilitated individuals in finding solutions to their problems.

I take an informal approach to therapy, seeing the client as having their wisdom while also recognizing they have come to therapy to receive professional insight, direction, & guidance. I am friendly, approachable, and create a comfortable and safe environment. I also recognize that humor can be a helpful part of therapy.

My therapy begins with person-centered and humanistic approaches to treatment, including Gestalt and Narrative therapy. I also draw upon many other theoretical approaches, including psycho-dynamic therapy, attachment theory (how our early attachments impact our present relationships), transactional analysis (how we relate as a child, adult, or parent in our interactions), spiritual psychology, & cognitive behavioral therapy.

I typically work with individuals and couples, but have also worked with families, adolescents, & children. I have extensive experience with mood disorders: depression, anxiety & bipolar disorder. My experience also extends to PTSD & OCD. My specialty also includes assisting couples and individuals with relationship issues.

My approach to achieving goals in therapy is to explore with the client their heart-centered goals for improving their internal and/or life experience. Once we have identified goals, we create small steps that make them achievable. If the client finds such steps difficult, we review them together and make such steps easier and more manageable. In other instances therapy may not be so goal oriented, and a more fluid and open approach to treatment may be taken. It depends on the client and their specific needs.

I have volunteered and worked in the arena of psychology and social services since my early 20s, as a volunteer with special needs children at a playgroup, a companion to the elderly, and as a residential caseworker for the severely mentally ill. These earlier life experiences have motivated a lifelong career in counseling, psychology, and therapy. I love psychology and am passionate about helping people create a more fulfilling, happy, and peaceful life experience.

In the first session, the client can expect a place where they can share their current experience with someone empathetic, caring, and non-judgmental. The client has a place to be heard while also receiving any insights that I may have, which the client is invited to consider as a possible fit for their experience.