Brainspotting & EMDR Therapist/Couples Counselor

Let’s face it, sharing your stuff with a total stranger, even if they are a professional, can feel really vulnerable. You are probably reading this page because you want to know if I will “get” you and, more importantly, will I be able to help you?

My name is Kim Austin and I became a therapist because I like to help people suffer less and live better lives. Compassion, honesty, and humor are key aspects of my approach. I have a profound respect for the human spirit and believe that we all have the capacity to experience life meaningfully-- with purpose and joy. Effective therapy can provide insight, improved coping skills, and release of deeply held burdens. I believe the mind and body are deeply connected and we all hold the capacity heal.

I have a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Hunter College School of Social Work in New York City. My specialties include anxiety, trauma, PTSD, couples counseling, and performance enhancement. I am certified in Brainspotting and EMDR, cutting edge brain based approaches, that are extremely effective in both resolving trauma and meeting performance goals. I have advanced training in both modalities and have had the honor to train directly with David Grand, Phd the founder and developer of Brainspotting. I am also a Brainspotting Consultant who provides guidance, support, and certifies other Brainspotting Practioners. To learn more about my work with Brainspotting, listen to this radio interview I did on Healthy Options show on WERU.

I am also trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), the Gold Standard couples therapy approach, as well as the Prepare/Enrich assessment model for premarital counseling. Mindfulness is foundational to my work. I have always been fascinated by the mind/body and am continually deepening my own learning and training in various modalities. I am currently studying the emerging field of psychedelic assisted psychotherapy and will be offering Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) in 2024.

Before and after becoming a therapist, I worked in a range of settings and populations including community based non-profits, internet startups, digital marketing and with Fortune 500 companies in New York City, Boston, and Maine. These experiences provided me a unique perspective on various workplace, career, social, and mental health issues. I approach therapy through an intersectional lens and am committed to antiracism.

My clients have described me as “genuine,” “down to earth”, and “effective.”

Those who had originally been intimidated or skeptical by the idea of therapy have told me that they were pleasantly surprised by how comfortable they were with me and how helpful the therapy was to them.