Austin STRONG: Relationship Building Center

08/24/2023

Introducing our new Intern, Kyle Kearns! Kyle is our Graduate Level Clinical Intern working on his Master's in Professional Counseling, at Texas State University. Supervised by Kristal DeSantis, LMFT.

Kyle will be taking short-term clients at a reduced rate of $25 per session for individuals and $40 for couples. He is currently adding new clients to his caseload.

Kyle's Approach:

"I work with couples and individual adults who feel stuck. In therapy, we identify the patterns that keep you from the change you want.

I specialize in working with clients in stigmatized and under-represented relationships: q***r folks, consensual non-monogamy, kink, long distance, poly. Though I use a wide range of techniques, my main approach is somatic internal family systems therapy.

I will help you by creating a supportive space to explore, reflecting back what I observe, and sharing what I've learned from a decade of studying relationships and mental health."

About Kyle:

"I have spent the past 9 years as a researcher studying romantic relationships. While I love that part of my job, it usually takes 5-10 years for research discoveries to make their way into your therapy session (which is too long!). So, I became a therapist to be part of the hard work that couples are doing every day.

I have lived in Austin for 10 years, and I'm grateful for my chosen family here. When I'm not with them, I spend a lot of time with my imaginary friends in books, TV shows, and podcasts. I do my best thinking at the grocery store, the dance floor, or the park."

Contact: kyle@austinstrongrbc.com / 512-887-2299 & visit: https://www.austinstrongrbc.com/meet-kyle to learn more!

Learn about our therapists! Find the therapist that fits your counseling needs as a couple or individual. Relational therapy, EFT, Gottman, Couples, S*x, EMDR, Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, Family Counseling. We have a great team of therapists here to help. Give us a call today!

12/21/2022

Get to know Nick Bachicha - our new intern at Austin STRONG: Relationship Building Center. Nick is currently screening new clients for his January caseload, so reach out to him if you resonate with his style and message: www.austinstrongrbc.com/meet-nick
intern@austinstrongrbc.com

Introducing our new Intern, Nick Bachicha! Nick is our Graduate Level Clinical Intern working on his Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling wit...

12/21/2022

Introducing our new Intern, Nick Bachicha! Nick is our Graduate Level Clinical Intern working on his Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with Adler Graduate School. Supervised by Kristal DeSantis, LMFT.

Nick is here for the Spring semester starting 1/9/2023 & will be taking short-term clients at a reduced rate of $25 per session for individuals and $40 for couples.

Contact: intern@austinstrongrbc.com / 512-887-1003 & visit: https://www.austinstrongrbc.com/meet-nick to learn more!

Nick's Approach:
"Without getting too jargon heavy, I have a interpersonal style of therapy that builds around our genuine connection through empathy, respect, and trust. I also utilize the holistic relationship between mind, body, and environment, as well as grounding techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and
meditation.

If we wanted to throw in a few notes of jargon, I would say I have a humanistic style that is person- centered, psychodynamic informed, as well as draws upon many CBT and experiential techniques.

In working with couples, increasing safety, trust, and open communication is foundational in providing a structure for both partners to feel they are understood, respected, and that they have a shared vision they can both belong and contribute to."

About Nick:
One thing about me is I believe all of life is a process, and that we must find our own balance between what we take in and what we push back into the world. In a more tangible example, I love listening to podcasts and lectures, reading non-fiction books, as well as writing songs, poetry, and essays. I have a daily practice of meditation as well as love walking trails with my corgi cattle dog Reggie – they call them “cowboy corgis”.

Although I have a B.A. from the University of Texas at Austin, I have spent the past decade as a swim coach/instructor to age group swimmers 3-18. Over this time I realized that beyond the races won, the most fulfilling part of my job was both the human connection, and helping those young individuals process and face tough challenges in their lives. I seek to continue this goal in my work here at Austin STRONG: Relationship Building Center."

12/07/2022

The STRONG book is finally ready for pre-ordering!!

STRONG: A Relationship Field Guide for the Modern Man is a guide for men to feel empowered in their lives and relationships.

It is an overview of the existing research on mental health and relationship science distilled into a simple 6 step program. It covers attachment, trauma, conflict & communication skills, s*x, love languages, emotional intelligence and provides immediately applicable skills and tools for the man motivated to creating healthy, STRONG relationships in his life.

Get your advance copy and peek in the book today! www.strong.love

Orders to be fulfilled in February 2023~

10/03/2022

We're making moves! Head over to our new account for the latest content on mental and relational health ❤️

You can also check out the new website www.strong.love for a glimpse at our upcoming projects 💪🔨

08/17/2022

https://www.austinstrongrbc.com/post/welcome-to-austin-finding-new-roots

Check out the latest blog post on finding your roots by Leila Abel, our media intern.

Excerpt:

"Planting roots in a new city can feel daunting, but there is support out there if you feel stuck trying to make new connections, get out of your comfort zone, or find stability in a new environment.

If you need emotional, relational, or mental health support, Austin STRONG can provide you with the support that you need to live a fulfilled life in your new city.

Visit our team page to see if there is a clinician who resonates with you. Or reach out to schedule a free consultation to talk about your therapy needs and which clinician may be a good fit. Together, we can help you put your best foot forward."

www.austinstrongrbc.com

With Austin being the fastest growing city in the US currently, people from all over are moving to this very energetic city looking to meet and form new connections with others. However, moving to a new city can be challenging in a few different ways. Not only are you changing your environment, but....

07/12/2022

Last month the Supreme Court made the decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, a landmark case that solidified a person’s right to privacy and choice regarding marriage, child-rearing, accessible healthcare, the use of contraceptives, and continuing a pregnancy. Many people are now struggling with not only their own feelings about this issue but how they can address it with their kids and teenagers.

Our social media intern, Leila Abel, has some helpful tips for how to talk about s*x in age-appriopriate ways. She shares that maintaining open communication and not passing judgment are both paramount to having healthy discussions around s*x and puberty.

According to a study by Hannah Javida, a PhD student at North Carolina State University, and her colleague Sophia Choukas-Bradley, talking to kids about s*x in an age-appropriate boosts safe s*x practices. Read more about the study here: https://news.ncsu.edu/2019/07/parents-safe-s*x-interventions/

If you are struggling with how to have difficult conversations with people who you love or if you need support in navigating challenging circumstances, we would love to help. Read about our team and schedule a free consultation with one of our clinicians here: https://www.austinstrongrbc.com/meet-our-team

*xtalk

06/20/2022

June 19th, or Juneteenth, is a national holiday in honor of the enslaved people in Corpus Christi, Texas who learned of the end of the Civil War for the first time on June 19th, 1865. Now the holiday marks more than just a celebration of freedom, it’s a day to remember and recognize the historical experiences of Black Americans.

We wanted to take this opportunity to share more about what non-Black allies can do to celebrate the holiday and honor the history of Black Americans and the individuals who worked so hard to make Juneteenth a nationally recognized holiday. Below are a few ideas:

Visit a Black museum or cultural site to learn more about history and culture. The George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural and Genealogy Center is a local Austin favorite.
Support Black organizations and businesses in the Austin area. Check out this awesome list of restaurants, shops, and services by Do512: https://do512.com/p/black-owned-businesses-in-austin
Share a commitment to learning about the history of enslaved peoples in America over the years and how that influenced the history of America. Some resources are: https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2015/07/ten-books-on-slavery-you-need-to-read-120590/

Read more about what you can do to honor Juneteenth celebrations here: https://www.bustle.com/life/9-actions-non-black-people-should-take-on-juneteenth-22984347

06/19/2022

On behalf of all of the clinicians at Austin STRONG: Relationship Building Center, we would like to wish father’s everywhere a happy Father’s Day!

“A father is neither an anchor to hold us back or a sail to take us there, but a loving light to show us the way.” -Unknown

If you’re looking for support this Father’s Day as you navigate the challenges of fatherhood, enter into a new phase of life, or refocus your work-life balance, we would love to help! Head over to www.austinstrongrbc.com/meet-the-team to read about our clinicians and book a consultation.

06/19/2022

On behalf of all of the clinicians at Austin STRONG: Relationship Building Center, we would like to wish father’s everywhere a happy Father’s Day!

“A father is neither an anchor to hold us back or a sail to take us there, but a loving light to show us the way.” -Unknown

04/15/2022

Austin STRONG: Relationship Building Center post for today- Choosing Growth in Relationships

Today’s post is part three of a series on Change in a Relationship by ASRBC interns Kaleigh Simental and Gabriella Gutierrez.

In today’s post, Gabriella explores how change and growth are intertwined and how growth happens at the edge of our comfort zone.

Gabriella writes, “It is a useful practice to cultivate checking in with yourself and the resources and support you have before beginning any big change in your life or relationship. But, once you have a good idea of what kind of support you might need, or already have, embrace the changes that life presents to you. “

Be sure to check out the full post here: https://www.austinstrongrbc.com/post/choosing-growth-in-relationships

If you need support, please reach out to one of our Austin STRONG: RBC counselors or marriage therapists to ensure that you have the tools and skills to make change that feels empowering rather than overwhelming. We’d love to support you!

You can learn more about our team by visiting: https://www.austinstrongrbc.com/meet-our-team, or book a session with Kaleigh, our STRONG Intern, by visiting www.austinstrongrbc.com/meet-kaleigh !

By Gabriella Gutierrez Change and growth can go hand in hand. Sometimes as humans, we love routine and sticking to it. Routines and what we are comfortable with, can feel safe and nurturing. We value our safety as humans and that makes complete sense. Although, sometimes we have this itching urge to...

04/07/2022

Austin STRONG: Relationship Building Center post for today- More Change Ahead!

Today’s post is Part 2 of a series on Change in a Relationship by ASRBC interns Kaleigh Simental and Gabrielle Gutierrez.

It can be challenging to navigate couples counseling when partners are not on the same page of making changes in the relationship. As Kaleigh shares, “Looking at this from the STRONG Model of Safety, Trust, Respect, Openness, Nurturing, and Generosity, there can be some fundamental disconnects in the relationship when one partner wants a change in the relationship and the other does not see a problem.”

In today’s post, Kaleigh offers some questions couples can incorporate in their conversations to begin to assess the needed changes in front of them and figure out how ready for change each partner is.

Kaleigh writes, "Remember that no matter where you or your partner are in the stages of change, it’s possible to work together to ensure that you both feel safe, heard, and ready for whatever change lies ahead."

Be sure to check out the full post here: https://www.austinstrongrbc.com/post/more-change-ahead !

You can learn more about our team here or book a session with Kaleigh, by visiting www.austinstrongrbc.com/meet-kaleigh !