Compassion Focused Therapists in Lakeway, TX

Photo of Kyle Bender, MA, LMFT-A, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Kyle Bender
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, LMFT-A
Verified Verified
Lakeway, TX 78734
I will meet you human to human, utilizing compassion focused and experiential forms of treatment to guide us on this important work.
There are many different reasons you may consider seeking a therapist. Being a human can be challenging. You may be experiencing significant life disruptions or you may just want to check in around a few things. You may feel stuck in certain areas of daily living, emotional wellness, career or in your most important relationships. Therapy can provide the right environment for you to experience the growth and transformation you desire. You fill find my therapy room is free of judgement, direct in communication, and I take a holistic approach to providing you the care and support you need.
I will meet you human to human, utilizing compassion focused and experiential forms of treatment to guide us on this important work.
There are many different reasons you may consider seeking a therapist. Being a human can be challenging. You may be experiencing significant life disruptions or you may just want to check in around a few things. You may feel stuck in certain areas of daily living, emotional wellness, career or in your most important relationships. Therapy can provide the right environment for you to experience the growth and transformation you desire. You fill find my therapy room is free of judgement, direct in communication, and I take a holistic approach to providing you the care and support you need.
(512) 601-4501 View (512) 601-4501
Photo of Mary Osborne - Creating Tranquil Paths - Mary Osborne , LPC, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Creating Tranquil Paths - Mary Osborne
Marriage & Family Therapist, LPC, LMFT
Verified Verified
Lakeway, TX 78734  (Online Only)
Has caregiving become your prominent role? Are you part of the sandwich generation? Are you squeezed between caring for a child/grandchild and aging parents, relatives, siblings, or friends? Middle-aged women are increasingly faced with caring for multiple generations within a family system. Nearly half of middle-aged Americans are currently experiencing this “sandwiched” effect, including the anxiety and grief that goes along with it.
Has caregiving become your prominent role? Are you part of the sandwich generation? Are you squeezed between caring for a child/grandchild and aging parents, relatives, siblings, or friends? Middle-aged women are increasingly faced with caring for multiple generations within a family system. Nearly half of middle-aged Americans are currently experiencing this “sandwiched” effect, including the anxiety and grief that goes along with it.
(737) 510-7667 View (737) 510-7667
Photo of Leah Elbaum, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Leah Elbaum
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lakeway, TX 78734  (Online Only)
You are the hero of your own tale; you are a warrior who can rescue yourself. Every warrior needs a tribe, people that are going to support them and rally around you in the darkest of times. Will you allow me to be part of your tribe? Therapy is about you, your freedom and the healing that occurs through self-exploration, understanding, finding meaning, and deepening one's insight. My role is to help you begin to think, feel, and understand yourself more deeply, empowering lasting change. My approach is a person-centered eclectic approach that fosters self-acceptance and empowerment. We will go at your pace, this is your journey.
You are the hero of your own tale; you are a warrior who can rescue yourself. Every warrior needs a tribe, people that are going to support them and rally around you in the darkest of times. Will you allow me to be part of your tribe? Therapy is about you, your freedom and the healing that occurs through self-exploration, understanding, finding meaning, and deepening one's insight. My role is to help you begin to think, feel, and understand yourself more deeply, empowering lasting change. My approach is a person-centered eclectic approach that fosters self-acceptance and empowerment. We will go at your pace, this is your journey.
(737) 204-6156 View (737) 204-6156
Photo of Jan Shope - Lake Travis Counseling Connection PLLC- Jan Shope, MA, LPC-S, Licensed Professional Counselor
Lake Travis Counseling Connection PLLC- Jan Shope
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC-S
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Lakeway, TX 78734
I consider myself privileged, if not honored, to walk through the life journeys of my clients. I work in a collaborative and facilitative manner with those struggling in relationships, or dealing with anxiety, depression, or work/family issues to name a few. Working with couples and post-menopausal women and their individual struggles in their transitions is also something I enjoy. I believe therapy should be client-centered, goal oriented and short term in nature.
I consider myself privileged, if not honored, to walk through the life journeys of my clients. I work in a collaborative and facilitative manner with those struggling in relationships, or dealing with anxiety, depression, or work/family issues to name a few. Working with couples and post-menopausal women and their individual struggles in their transitions is also something I enjoy. I believe therapy should be client-centered, goal oriented and short term in nature.
(512) 772-3377 View (512) 772-3377
Photo of Ashley Loeffel, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Ashley Loeffel
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Lakeway, TX 78734
Are you looking for someone to support you on your journey towards improving your mental health? Life can be very difficult and overwhelming at times. I have provided counseling in many different settings, including an eating disorder clinic, a residential treatment center for adolescents in the foster care system, a treatment center for adults with substance use disorder and a center for survivors of torture, working with refugees and asylum seekers. Currently, I am working towards obtaining my play therapist credentialing and work with kiddos as young as 7!
Are you looking for someone to support you on your journey towards improving your mental health? Life can be very difficult and overwhelming at times. I have provided counseling in many different settings, including an eating disorder clinic, a residential treatment center for adolescents in the foster care system, a treatment center for adults with substance use disorder and a center for survivors of torture, working with refugees and asylum seekers. Currently, I am working towards obtaining my play therapist credentialing and work with kiddos as young as 7!
(512) 886-9417 View (512) 886-9417
Photo of Mary W. Firme, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Mary W. Firme
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Lakeway, TX 78734  (Online Only)
Life's a journey, with many unexpected twists and turns. Sometimes we need someone to talk to, someone to share our thoughts and feelings, dreams and fears, and help guide us toward resolution. I want to help my clients navigate this path, and to also experience the possibilities of living their best life possible. I work with older teens and adults, and also specialize in women's issues across the lifespan, as well as those with health concerns. College students are a special interest, as are educators, as I’ve worked as a teacher and school counselor and understand the stress and dynamics associated with the profession.
Life's a journey, with many unexpected twists and turns. Sometimes we need someone to talk to, someone to share our thoughts and feelings, dreams and fears, and help guide us toward resolution. I want to help my clients navigate this path, and to also experience the possibilities of living their best life possible. I work with older teens and adults, and also specialize in women's issues across the lifespan, as well as those with health concerns. College students are a special interest, as are educators, as I’ve worked as a teacher and school counselor and understand the stress and dynamics associated with the profession.
(512) 361-5322 View (512) 361-5322
Photo of Ashley Laird, MA, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Ashley Laird
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lakeway, TX 78734
As a counselor I aim to provide a safe and non-judgmental environment where clients feel seen, heard and accepted. I want to help individuals in their journey through healing, and I believe that process begins with trust and genuineness from one’s therapist.
As a counselor I aim to provide a safe and non-judgmental environment where clients feel seen, heard and accepted. I want to help individuals in their journey through healing, and I believe that process begins with trust and genuineness from one’s therapist.
(737) 264-7445 View (737) 264-7445
Photo of Natalie Dickey, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Natalie Dickey
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Lakeway, TX 78738
Open for NEW clients! Your deep emotions of guilt, pain, hopelessness, and sadness are not forever. Expending all your energy, worrying about the needs of others, striving to meet the never-ending demands and unreachable standards is not forever! This is not your forever! Together we will work to help you find joy and fulfillment in life again. We will examine how past experiences have influenced the lens you experience the world while working to regulate and manage your future.
Open for NEW clients! Your deep emotions of guilt, pain, hopelessness, and sadness are not forever. Expending all your energy, worrying about the needs of others, striving to meet the never-ending demands and unreachable standards is not forever! This is not your forever! Together we will work to help you find joy and fulfillment in life again. We will examine how past experiences have influenced the lens you experience the world while working to regulate and manage your future.
(512) 546-6850 View (512) 546-6850
Photo of Rebecca Kloc, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Rebecca Kloc
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Lakeway, TX 78734
I see clients who have come to the realization that some areas in their lives aren't working and/or they're not on the path that they would like to be following. Many of them have also experienced childhood trauma and/or trauma later in life, complex PTSD, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and depression. I can help you identify the factors that are keeping you stuck and provide support while you develop the necessary skills and insights to move forward. I use a combination of talk therapy and EMDR in treating clients. I see adults, adolescents and children 10 years of age and older. I offer a free 30-minute phone consultation.
I see clients who have come to the realization that some areas in their lives aren't working and/or they're not on the path that they would like to be following. Many of them have also experienced childhood trauma and/or trauma later in life, complex PTSD, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and depression. I can help you identify the factors that are keeping you stuck and provide support while you develop the necessary skills and insights to move forward. I use a combination of talk therapy and EMDR in treating clients. I see adults, adolescents and children 10 years of age and older. I offer a free 30-minute phone consultation.
(512) 940-7434 View (512) 940-7434
Photo of Kate Peoples, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kate Peoples
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Lakeway, TX 78734
It’s normal to feel ambivalent about recovery. Maybe you’ve found yourself looking for relief, but afraid of all recovery entails. Perhaps your experience has been minimized by those around you and now you tell yourself “it’s not bad enough” to warrant help. It can feel daunting to think of overhauling your life or giving up something that, at times, still provides comfort. I get it. I know what it’s like to be torn between the comfort of what is familiar, in a time that seems rife with chaos and tragedy, and the desire to have a life that feels purposeful and expansive, that is more than “just getting by.”
It’s normal to feel ambivalent about recovery. Maybe you’ve found yourself looking for relief, but afraid of all recovery entails. Perhaps your experience has been minimized by those around you and now you tell yourself “it’s not bad enough” to warrant help. It can feel daunting to think of overhauling your life or giving up something that, at times, still provides comfort. I get it. I know what it’s like to be torn between the comfort of what is familiar, in a time that seems rife with chaos and tragedy, and the desire to have a life that feels purposeful and expansive, that is more than “just getting by.”
(512) 575-2152 View (512) 575-2152
Photo of Stephanie M Arsenault, MA, LPC-S, Licensed Professional Counselor
Stephanie M Arsenault
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC-S
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Lakeway, TX 78738
Waitlist for new clients
If you are reading my profile, then you are probably looking for someone to help you with the problems that you and your family are facing. Perhaps your child is struggling with social anxiety, is depressed, acting out aggressively, having difficulties accepting a divorce, experiencing stress from school and extracurricular activities, or they just want someone to talk things through with. My practice focuses on helping youth learn how to cope with the stressors life brings them and to reach their potential.
If you are reading my profile, then you are probably looking for someone to help you with the problems that you and your family are facing. Perhaps your child is struggling with social anxiety, is depressed, acting out aggressively, having difficulties accepting a divorce, experiencing stress from school and extracurricular activities, or they just want someone to talk things through with. My practice focuses on helping youth learn how to cope with the stressors life brings them and to reach their potential.
(512) 601-4798 View (512) 601-4798
Photo of Dr. Michael Johnson, PhD, SPSB, Psychologist
Dr. Michael Johnson
Psychologist, PhD, SPSB
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Lakeway, TX 78734
I specialize in the treatment individuals and couples dealing with sexual addiction (Problematic Sexual Behavior - PSB) and have for 20 years, treating hundreds of addicts and their partners. I am certified in treating sex addiction (S-PSB). PSBs reflect underlying problems in relationships, emotional attachment, affect management, and impulse control. Treatment engages the whole person, not merely suppression of problem behaviors. Therapy requires compassion, acceptance, and respect. I combine knowledge and wisdom with understanding, creativity, and humor in a down-to-earth, practical approach.
I specialize in the treatment individuals and couples dealing with sexual addiction (Problematic Sexual Behavior - PSB) and have for 20 years, treating hundreds of addicts and their partners. I am certified in treating sex addiction (S-PSB). PSBs reflect underlying problems in relationships, emotional attachment, affect management, and impulse control. Treatment engages the whole person, not merely suppression of problem behaviors. Therapy requires compassion, acceptance, and respect. I combine knowledge and wisdom with understanding, creativity, and humor in a down-to-earth, practical approach.
(737) 204-3352 View (737) 204-3352
Photo of Kara Lucas, MA, LPC-S, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kara Lucas
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC-S
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Lakeway, TX 78734
Most importantly, I want you to feel safe and heard throughout our work together. Our lives are constantly changing and shifting, and that can feel overwhelming. When a child or parent is feeling dysregulated, it can be hard to know what to do next. By creating a safe space, I help clients can learn to trust their wisdom, grow their strength, and gain confidence. Our work will be based on your individual needs. Services I provide include child and adolescent therapy, parent education, and individual therapy. I am also a LPC-S, so please contact me if you are a LPC-A and are interested possibly working together for supervision!
Most importantly, I want you to feel safe and heard throughout our work together. Our lives are constantly changing and shifting, and that can feel overwhelming. When a child or parent is feeling dysregulated, it can be hard to know what to do next. By creating a safe space, I help clients can learn to trust their wisdom, grow their strength, and gain confidence. Our work will be based on your individual needs. Services I provide include child and adolescent therapy, parent education, and individual therapy. I am also a LPC-S, so please contact me if you are a LPC-A and are interested possibly working together for supervision!
(512) 861-8736 View (512) 861-8736
Photo of Raquel Sadler, MA, NCC, LPC, CCST, Licensed Professional Counselor
Raquel Sadler
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, NCC, LPC, CCST
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Lakeway, TX 78734
It is an honor and a privilege to journey alongside you as we work towards understanding the barriers that are preventing you from meeting your goals. I use an integrative approach of empirically based clinical techniques that are client centered. I work to meet you where you are. Together, we will dig deeper and look at the root of the problem. As we journey towards your goals, I will offer support, encouragement, and tools to help facilitate lasting change.
It is an honor and a privilege to journey alongside you as we work towards understanding the barriers that are preventing you from meeting your goals. I use an integrative approach of empirically based clinical techniques that are client centered. I work to meet you where you are. Together, we will dig deeper and look at the root of the problem. As we journey towards your goals, I will offer support, encouragement, and tools to help facilitate lasting change.
(737) 302-4203 View (737) 302-4203
Photo of Dr. Kayla Abbatello, PsyD, Psychologist
Dr. Kayla Abbatello
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Lakeway, TX 78734
I approach therapy with the intent to get to know you on a core level. This includes understanding your feelings, thoughts, behaviors, desires, and relationships. We then collaboratively use this information to make meaning of your experiences both past and present. I pay attention to your emotional presence and seek to understand how your past experiences may be leading you to protect yourself from vulnerability and uncomfortable feelings. This understanding can help you engage more actively with yourself and enriches your interpersonal relationships.
I approach therapy with the intent to get to know you on a core level. This includes understanding your feelings, thoughts, behaviors, desires, and relationships. We then collaboratively use this information to make meaning of your experiences both past and present. I pay attention to your emotional presence and seek to understand how your past experiences may be leading you to protect yourself from vulnerability and uncomfortable feelings. This understanding can help you engage more actively with yourself and enriches your interpersonal relationships.
(737) 252-1471 View (737) 252-1471
Photo of Hannah Neely, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Hannah Neely
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lakeway, TX 78734
If you want to work on your relationship to food & body, heal pain in your history, and increase self-compassion, I'd love to walk with you. In our sessions, we will explore who you are and what matters to you. We will tackle thought patterns that aren't serving you and work on new ways to interact with your thoughts and feelings that serve you more effectively. I have found that the clients I am most "in my element" with are teens and young adults. When working with teens, I also work with parents to help them navigate supporting their teen at home.
If you want to work on your relationship to food & body, heal pain in your history, and increase self-compassion, I'd love to walk with you. In our sessions, we will explore who you are and what matters to you. We will tackle thought patterns that aren't serving you and work on new ways to interact with your thoughts and feelings that serve you more effectively. I have found that the clients I am most "in my element" with are teens and young adults. When working with teens, I also work with parents to help them navigate supporting their teen at home.
(512) 883-6646 View (512) 883-6646
Photo of Bailey Elizabeth Rahn, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Bailey Elizabeth Rahn
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Lakeway, TX 78734  (Online Only)
If you've been struggling emotionally, whether it be depression, anxiety or any other mental health complications, I'm happy to help. Life can be challenging, especially present-day, so seeking therapy can be transformative. I'm here to help-whether it be with setting goals and having accountability, listening and processing different emotions, or providing tools to help manage mood and anxiety, I'm your girl!
If you've been struggling emotionally, whether it be depression, anxiety or any other mental health complications, I'm happy to help. Life can be challenging, especially present-day, so seeking therapy can be transformative. I'm here to help-whether it be with setting goals and having accountability, listening and processing different emotions, or providing tools to help manage mood and anxiety, I'm your girl!
(512) 866-2811 View (512) 866-2811
Photo of Karen Jones - Animal Assisted Counseling, MEd, LPC-S, Licensed Professional Counselor
Karen Jones - Animal Assisted Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC-S
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Lakeway, TX 78738
At Golden Paws Counseling Services PLLC, my therapy dog, Deuce, and I partner to deliver trauma-informed interventions as a counseling team for children, adolescents, parents, and adults. Certified animal-assisted counseling can range from empowering clients with calming techniques, building social skills and expressing emotions, navigating changes and transitions, to help with overcoming challenges and building resilience.
At Golden Paws Counseling Services PLLC, my therapy dog, Deuce, and I partner to deliver trauma-informed interventions as a counseling team for children, adolescents, parents, and adults. Certified animal-assisted counseling can range from empowering clients with calming techniques, building social skills and expressing emotions, navigating changes and transitions, to help with overcoming challenges and building resilience.
(512) 337-4027 View (512) 337-4027
Photo of Laila Michaud, LPC-A, NCC
Laila Michaud
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, LPC-A, NCC
Verified Verified
Lakeway, TX 78734
Do you feel alone or hopeless? Do you or someone you know struggle with alcohol or other substances? Have you been wishing that you could go back to the early days of drinking? Are you being dishonest about how much you drink or use? Maybe you have been questioning what happened and how did I get here? When we consume alcohol or other substances we are looking for a release. Some people can find this without the damaging effects it can create on our lives. Some of us are no longer able to do this. If you are looking for greater connection and other ways to relax and find comfort, I can help.
Do you feel alone or hopeless? Do you or someone you know struggle with alcohol or other substances? Have you been wishing that you could go back to the early days of drinking? Are you being dishonest about how much you drink or use? Maybe you have been questioning what happened and how did I get here? When we consume alcohol or other substances we are looking for a release. Some people can find this without the damaging effects it can create on our lives. Some of us are no longer able to do this. If you are looking for greater connection and other ways to relax and find comfort, I can help.
(737) 520-3483 View (737) 520-3483
Photo of Julie Shaw, LPC-A
Julie Shaw
LPC Associate, LPC-A
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Lakeway, TX 78738
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, or the lingering effects of trauma? I specialize in treating these and other mental health issues, with a particular focus on unresolved trauma. As a trained EMDR therapist, I integrate Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) with other effective modalities to help heal trauma. My approach is designed to create a calm, nurturing environment where children, teens, and adults can feel safe to reprocess their trauma and work towards a healthier future. Together, we can navigate the path to healing and reclaim your peace of mind.
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, or the lingering effects of trauma? I specialize in treating these and other mental health issues, with a particular focus on unresolved trauma. As a trained EMDR therapist, I integrate Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) with other effective modalities to help heal trauma. My approach is designed to create a calm, nurturing environment where children, teens, and adults can feel safe to reprocess their trauma and work towards a healthier future. Together, we can navigate the path to healing and reclaim your peace of mind.
(512) 893-2725 View (512) 893-2725
Compassion Focused Therapists

How does compassion-focused therapy work?

Compassion-Focused Therapy is based on the idea that humans have at least three emotion regulation systems, including one that responds to threats and another that allows us to self-soothe. Those who experienced serious childhood adversity, the theory goes, have a hyperactive threat system and an underperforming self-soothing system, leaving them vulnerable to shame and a hypercritical mindset. CFT focuses on bringing these systems back into balance, helping the client be kinder to themselves and better able to accept kindness from others.

Is compassion-focused therapy a type of CBT?

Compassion-focused therapy is closely related to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and employs many of its techniques. In addition to CBT, CFT also draws from the fields of biology, evolutionary psychology, neuroscience, developmental psychology, and Buddhism. It also has similarities to some types of trauma-focused therapies.

Is compassion-focused therapy evidence based?

Evidence suggests that CFT can be helpful in the treatment of anxiety, mood disorders, eating disorders, personality disorders, psychosis, and other mental illnesses. It has also been shown to be beneficial for individuals who may not have diagnosable psychiatric disorders but who still struggle with persistent self-criticism and feelings of shame.

What are the limitations of compassion-focused therapy?

Compassion-focused therapy is still a relatively new therapy, and research on its efficacy is still in its early stages; while some studies have found positive results, many have suffered from quality issues or small sample sizes. And while most CFT clients find it difficult to practice self-compassion at first, some—especially those who actively fear compassion or are deeply uncomfortable being cared for—may not be fully open to the tenets of CFT, potentially limiting the therapy’s long-term effectiveness.