Mary Ellen West, LCSW

Private practice therapist in Austin, Texas specializing in mental health counseling for children and adolescents

Nurtured Heart Approach® (NHA) Advanced Trainer

Being a kid today is not always easy.

Parenting can be difficult.

Sometimes we need a fresh perspective and new tools to help us cope with life’s challenges and difficulties.

I collaborate with children and their families to find solutions, boost capabilities and improve relationships.

I create a safe and comfortable space for children and teens to express themselves, discover their unique character strengths and become strong on the inside.

I work with parents to define and implement a clear and effective parenting strategy to nurture their child’s success.

PSYCHOTHERAPY SERVICES

Each family and situation is unique. Starting with the initial interview, I will get to know your family and tailor a plan for moving forward to meet your goals. I incorporate different treatment approaches and resources to best suit the needs of each child and family.    

Examples of issues we may work on include:

  • Anxiety and Worries

  • Behavioral Issues

  • Relationship Difficulties with Family and/or Peers

  • Grief and Loss

  • Trauma

  • Depression

  • School Challenges

  • Life Changes and Family Transitions

  • Coping Skills

  • Stress Management and Relaxation Strategies

  • Social Skills

  • Parenting Support, Strategies, Skills and Tools

  • Self Esteem

  • Self Compassion

  • Resilience Building

The following services are offered for children, adolescents, and their families*:

Parent Coaching and Training: Many families start here. I work with parents to define and implement strategies and techniques that empower you to support your child’s therapeutic goals at home with confidence. We'll work together to refine skills that will be the right fit to nurture your child’s success.   

Individual Therapy: This is one-on-one time I spend with your child. Depending on the issue being addressed, sessions may incorporate play therapy, psychoeducation, skills training, cognitive-behavioral therapy and solution-focused brief therapy. For all ages, I integrate play, activities, movement and creative arts into sessions as appropriate. Younger children often best express themselves through play-based activities. To help my older clients navigate adolescence with authenticity and integrity, I serve as a compassionate listener and sounding board, exploring feelings, coping strategies and strengths.

Family Therapy: This is any combination of parents, children, siblings and other important family members together in the room. Areas of focus for family sessions include improving communication, strengthening relationships, recognizing successes and consolidating gains.

Other Services

In addition to my direct work with children, teens, parents and families, I offer workshops and presentations, as well as custom consultation and coaching for parents, educators, social workers, therapists and other caring adults interested in supporting children’s success. If you are interested in having me work with you or your organization in this capacity, please contact me directly to explore possibilities

Nurtured Heart Approach® trainings are available in a variety of formats including one-hour, three-hour, and full-day workshops as well as multi-week series.

Parent Support Groups: I am able to offer evidence-based training in mindfulness and positive psychology to reduce parenting stress, based on research conducted at Vanderbilt University. Virtual or in-person.

Sleep Coaching for Adults: It can feel harder to really show up as a parent or professional when you are not getting a good night’s sleep. I was trained in an evidence-based non-drug treatment of insomnia, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), by Dr. Gregg Jacobs at Harvard Medical School. We can work together to teach your body to sleep better. Please contact me for more information about focused short-term (6-8 sessions) sleep coaching packages.

*I do not provide legal, divorce or custody evaluations or any other court-related services outside the formal collaborative divorce process. (Collaborative divorce facilitation services are not therapy and are available only via collaborative attorneys.)

To schedule a free 25-minute phone consultation, call (512) 201-2995 or email maryellen@westfamilytherapy.com today.