Counseling Approach and Clinical Focus:

Austen also has over two years of individual therapy experience with young adults, helping them to find a sense of independence, while they try to find their identity. As a LGBTQIA+ ally, Austen has supported many during phases of gender transition, gender questioning, sexuality questioning, and the unpredictable family and social dynamics that often follow.

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Austen also specializes in treating chronic pain conditions and physical and intellectual limitations. Austen has been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy since the age of three, and has undergone numerous operations. Austen knows through personal experience that chronic pain adds a complicated dimension to mental health struggles. Having a mental and/or physical disability complicates social and family relationships, as well as our sense of productivity in our home and work life. These limitations can also make it more difficult to find purpose in life. Austen has found his purpose through helping people like you find yours, despite your own personal limitations.

Austen’s clients describe him as gentle, patient, genuine, non-judgmental, warm, flexible, sarcastic, and witty. Austen’s clinical foundation is in humanistic approaches, while also utilizing tools from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Narrative Therapy.

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Education:

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Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Minnesota State University Moorhead (2016)
Bachelors Degree in Secondary English Education (2014)

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Associations/Memberships:

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North Dakota Board of Counselor Examiners
Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy