Psychotherapy that’s tailored for you.
Hi! I’m Courtney. I’m a licensed clinical social worker, ex-policy wonk and political operative, and the founder of Self-Rising Psychotherapy. Prior to private practice, I spent ten years as a night-shift emergency department social worker. Not much scares me! My work is trauma-informed, HAES-aligned, and identity-affirming.
I completed my Master of Science in Social Work at the University of Texas at Austin in 2013. I concurrently earned a Master of Public Affairs from the LBJ School of Public Affairs at UT. I earned Bachelor of Arts Degrees in Political Science and History of Public Policy from the University of California, Santa Barbara.I transitioned to clinical work after over a decade in policy and political work, and always find special connection with my clients who are distressed by the state of the world.
About Me
In my spare time, you can find me covered in flour in my tiny kitchen, taking a dip at Barton Springs, reading (mostly) non-fiction, spoiling my pets and plants, cheering on the Texas Longhorns, or two-stepping (not well) on one of Austin’s many dance floors. I love to travel to visit family and friends, too.
Who I See
The majority of my caseload are people navigating complex trauma (whether they know it or not when they come in!) and its impacts on their lives. I work with clients looking to reduce their baseline anxiety and stress responses, improve self-advocacy and communication skills, cease or reduce their reliance on unhealthy coping skills (including substance abuse and self-harm), and navigating the grief of infertility, divorce, and other types of loss. After ten years of crisis work in an Austin ER, I also love supporting health care providers and first responders through trauma and moral injury.
How I Work
I believe the client is the expert in their own life, and I’ll always let you “drive” our session. That said, I like to strike a balance between our big-picture work together, including your long term goals, and the “crisis of the week.”
If you join me via telehealth, you’ll very likely meet my orange tabby, Tangelo, who serves as my practice manager.