Today we’d like to introduce you to Renee Austin.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Renee. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Despite the almost decade it takes studying clinical psychology and working in the field, most of my expertise comes from the trials God has allowed to challenge me in my life. It gives me joy and purpose to be able to relate to and empower others who are hurting. Helping others is my absolute passion and I wake up every day excited to have the opportunity to point you in a positive and healing direction. My therapeutic style direct and strategic but my delivery is kind and loving. I know without a doubt I am doing what I was born to do!
I have personally been through so much trauma in my life. I was violently physically and emotionally abused as a child by my mother. My first husband was a sociopathic narcissist. My current husband is a recovering drug addict. I asked God to show me how to make all of this tragedy for a purpose. God is in the business of making beauty from ashes, and He did just that. By being a survivor of trauma, I can relate to a huge number of people. I have nearly a 100% return visit rate. If I had not gone through utter despair, I don’t think I would be successful in my private practice. The very reason my retention rate is high is because of personal experience. No textbook in the world would give me the wisdom I learned from surviving. Jesus Christ has been my powerful resource, and through helping others He has brought meaning to my life. Not only making each day a purposeful event, His transformation of who I am as a person has been miraculous! I was a horribly self-focused angry individual who struggled with chronic suicidality, depression, and a distorted perception of myself and others. I can now say, although still a work in progress, I have been free of depression and suicidal thoughts. This transformation happens through serving others and walking in our purpose!
Has it been a smooth road?
Years so ago when my husband was in the middle of struggling with addiction, we divorced. I had to work two jobs to support myself. I lost that second job and I remember sitting in my backyard asking God how I’m going to pay my mortgage in the months to come. My Dad told me to sell my house, but I decided trauma is not going to take anything else for me. I never in a million years thought I would be an entrepreneur. My Dad taught me that I am not a victim, I am a survivor. He taught me that the world doesn’t owe me anything and that I am 100% responsible for my life. God put some divine appointments in my life with people who were entrepreneurs, and He aligned the sun, moon, and stars to make this happen. He also drew my ex husband back to Him. He not only stopped using drugs, but he also brought God back into my life. We reconciled our marriage which is one of the biggest miracles I’ve ever experienced! My husband was an IV Methamphetamine user and I was a horribly self focused, angry, hurt and lost person. This reconciliation was no small task!!!
While still working for someone else I opened Trauma Therapy North Dallas part time. The business was not only successful, but I found myself jumping out of bed in the morning excited to go to work! My schedule became so full, people were on waiting lists to get in. Friends and Family were referring to each other, and I was asked to partner with local hospitals and colleges. Two days quickly turned into full time. I wound up quitting my corporate job. Becoming an entrepreneur and making that final jump, leaving the security of working for someone else, was the scariest jump I’ve ever made in my career. But it was that very jump that gave me so much purpose I can’t wait to get to work every day because I love what I do! Getting the privilege of being a part of so many people’s lives, watching dozens of marriages reconcile (including my own!) seeing sick people getting well, and seeing miracles daily makes this the most fulfilling and rewarding career I could ever imagine. Not even in my wildest dreams did I think this could happen to me. God has been the most merciful provider. I owe this all to Him!
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I am most known for being one of the very few therapists in Dallas that treats Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder as it relates to victims of sociopathic narcissists, victims of domestic violence, and loved ones of addicts. I’m also known for being one of the few therapists in the area that is trained in EMDR, which stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. This is a highly specialized treatment that treats trauma, post traumatic stress, addiction, anxiety/depression, dissociative disorders, and performance enhancement.
What sets me apart as I am a true private practice. This is not a clinic and it’s not an agency. My patients have my work cell phone and can call or text me at any time. I cultivate appropriate relationships with my patients, and each person’s treatment plan is specifically designed for their needs. This very personable approach has been wildly appreciated by everyone. I believe that is another reason people keep coming back.
I also have many partners in the community. I have a working relationship with the University of Texas Dallas Student Counseling Center and see many of their students. I have also partnered with hospitals as well as a new Veteran’s assistance program to serve our heroic trauma survivors.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Dallas is an amazing place to start a business. Dallas is booming with job opportunities which is why we have so many transplants from other states that are here for work. Not to mention cost-of-living is relatively inexpensive. The majority of these transplants have no family or friends here. They don’t know about the resources here, and they appreciate having someone to talk to who knows the ins and outs of the city as I’ve been here for six and a half years. I help people find their community, their family away from home.
Contact Info:
- Address: Preston Trail Building
17330 Preston Rd Ste 200 D
Dallas, TX 75252 - Website: http://www.traumatherapynorthdallas.com
- Phone: 281-728-5933
- Email: Renee.AustinLPC@gmail.con
- Yelp: Trauma Therapy North Dallas
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
