Creating Affirming Spaces: Supporting Trans Youth with Respect, Curiosity, and Care

Austin completed his doctoral degree in clinical psychology at La Salle University, his M.A. in clinical psychology at La Salle University, and his B.A. in Psychology and Women's and Gender Studies at West Chester University. Austin completed his pre-doctoral internship at Temple University's Tuttleman Counseling services as a generalized clinician with a focus on working with clients with eating and body image concerns. Austin has worked with clients who have a variety of concerns such as mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, borderline personality disorder, eating disorders, and ADHD.

Austin's clinical approach centers around helping people understand their emotions and their impact on thoughts and behaviors utilizing evidence-based techniques such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). He strives to be empathetic, encouraging, validating, and change-oriented. Austin creates a safe space for clients to discuss their challenges and collaborates on how to move toward their value-driven goals. In their work with Austin, clients learn to identify what is getting in the way of living life to the fullest and actively create a life they look forward to living.

Austin has over 10 years of experience working with the LGBTQIA+ community and provides a non-judgmental and empathetic space for people to discuss, explore, and understand their identities as they develop over time. He offers clients support in coming out if and when it feels right and consults to parents of LGBTQIA+ children, teens, and adults. Austin is also qualified to provide education and guidance in considerations for LGBTQIA+ high school and college students including Title IX laws. Austin has expertise in the area of gender identity and transitions and is passionate about helping individuals (and families when appropriate) navigate the transition process. He provides education on the different ways to express gender, which may or may not include medical intervention, as well as assistance in weighing the risks and benefits of social, legal, and medical transition. Austin conducts evaluations and writes letters for medical transition services when appropriate and can assist in legal name and gender marker changes.