Therapists for college students near University of Texas at Austin

Hi there. I work with teens and adults through complex trauma, relationships, life transitions, grief, anxiety and depression (to name a few). I also work with the marginalized in our communities, BIPOC, disabled, persons with chronic/rare illness and LGBTQ+. My practice is open to all. If you are feeling stuck or unsure about your next steps, I can help. I practice by getting in touch with our nervous systems as we navigate life's hardships. I use emotionally focused therapy and some somatic work. Get in touch should you need an empathetic person to walk side by side with you or if you would like to gain skills to help communicate with others.

**Some Insurance Accepted in NC through Headway** I practice via telehealth in NY, NC, WA, and TX. I specialize in working with adult men and women who are secretly miserable. You may look fine on the outside, but inside you're struggling to get your own needs met, codependency, perfectionism, and shame. Gestalt Therapy goes beyond looking at just the cognitive, linear perspectives of the person. It demands of the therapist an awareness of the body and how it manifests in the psyche. Through its focus on process rather than content, the patient gains an experiential awareness of how they do what they do and new choices emerge spontaneously. The radical focus on process in the creative therapy of Gestalt keeps the work alive and full of possibility for both the patient and my work as a therapist. Melissa Bennett-Heinz obtained her master’s degree in clinical social work from Columbia University (Class of 2002) and is a graduate of Gestalt Associates for Psychotherapy in New York City, NY. In addition to her background in Gestalt Therapy, she obtained her bachelor's and master’s degrees from the esteemed conservatory, Manhattan School of Music, in New York City where she majored in Oboe Performance. Melissa completed cognitive behavioral studies under the tutelage of Dr. William Sanderson. She is a licensed clinical social worker in NY, WA, NC, and TX and has over twenty years of specialized training and experience in PTSD, childhood abuse, mood and anxiety disorders. Melissa brings her background as a classical musician and deep spirituality together in her unique approach in Gestalt's creative and experiential therapy.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

We offer trauma informed therapy for children, teens, and adults, in-person in South Austin, telehealth available to all Texas residents. I specialize in helping women in their 20s and 30s who are struggling with anxiety in relationships and sex, or those who are processing past sexual trauma or toxic relationships. Many of my clients notice patterns or traits within themselves which are impacting their relationships and intimacy, leaving them feeling disconnected and at a loss for what might help. In addition to my work with adults, I also enjoy working with children and adolescents (ages 3-18), especially those who are neurodivergent or highly sensitive. With a background as a Preschool Teacher, a Registered Behavior Technician working with children on the Autism Spectrum, and as a long-time babysitter, I am able to connect deeply with young people to help them feel understood. My personal experience growing up with undiagnosed ADHD, which manifested as an inability to regulate my emotions, extreme sensitivity, and emotional outbursts, informs this work. I approach this work as an opportunity to nurture my own inner child and offer the support I wish I’d had growing up. I utilize a client-centered, strengths-based approach to play therapy in order to help the children I work with feel safe to express themselves authentically. My approach is compassionate and trauma-informed, integrating Nervous System Regulation, Somatic Experiencing, Attachment Theory, and Trauma-Informed Care to help you rebuild trust in yourself and cultivate healthier relationships. My priority is to create a safe, supportive space where you feel comfortable exploring your emotions and experiences without judgment. In our work together, we’ll explore your past and present, identify patterns, and create a plan for healing.

I work with clients who may be struggling with unresolved trauma, anxiety, depression and OCD. I specialize in working with clients who have experienced domestic violence and sexual assault. I have worked at hospitals, Intensive Outpatient Programs and private practice as a psychotherapist, clinical social worker and clinical supervisor. I have a relational approach and incorporate trauma and anxiety focused therapies including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). Additionally, I have a Postgraduate Certificate Program in Psychoanalytic Social Work Practice from UT Austin. I am also a board approved supervisor for clinical social workers working towards becoming fully licensed LCSWs. I strive to create a safe, supportive and empowering therapeutic space and work with clients collaboratively to help you to heal and grow.

Welcome — I’m so glad you’re here. I work best with individuals who are navigating the impact of trauma and who are open to exploring how their past continues to live in their body and shape their present. Together, we’ll gently uncover how your experiences have influenced your nervous system, your emotions, and your inner narrative—so that healing can begin not just in the mind, but in the body as well. My therapeutic approach is rooted in the belief that the body holds deep wisdom. Through Somatic Experiencing, mindfulness, yoga, breathwork, and sound therapy, I support clients in reconnecting with their inner guidance system—the intuition that emerges when we truly listen inward. This work can bring about clarity, regulation, and a felt sense of peace that goes beyond intellectual insight. At its core, my work is relational and intuitive. Healing doesn’t happen in isolation; it happens in connection—with self, with body, and with another safe presence. My role is to walk alongside you with compassion, helping you explore your story and reconnect with your innate capacity for resilience and wholeness. If you’re feeling the pull toward deeper healing—toward safety, embodiment, and self-trust—I invite you to schedule a consultation. You don’t have to do this alone.

**Current availability! Offering teletherapy and in person sessions!** Helping you break free from trauma and abuse, so you can finally live not just survive. I help adolescents and adults overcome trauma and abuse and find their voice. Are you feeling keyed up, tense and reactive? Feel like you are floating outside of your body or feel like a robot? Not connected to your emotions or the world around you? Does someone in your life make you feel 'crazy' and question your truth? I use CBT and EMDR to help you figure out the root cause to your trauma, worries, stress, or whatever is troubling you at the moment. Negative thoughts shape how we view ourselves and are difficult to change. Memories can be intense, vivid and feel overwhelming. I will help you change your thoughts and move on from negative memories to take your life back! At Onyx Counseling and Wellness Center, the goal is for you to learn how to empower yourself and finally live, not just survive. You will learn how to trust yourself again, find happiness and overcome past trauma to emerge as a healed and confident individual. Complete a contact form, call or send an email to schedule a free 30 minute phone consultation.