Meet the Team

Mental Health Counselors at MWCA

MWCA offers affordable counseling rates because our therapists are graduate level students or associate license therapists. Both are supervised by licensed and experienced therapists as well as supported by a licensed clinical director.

Criteria for who we serve is below, along with our rates. If you are interested in starting therapy, whether with a specific therapist on our team or whoever is available, you will be able to have two (2) free 15-minute phone calls to determine if we are a good fit for what you want to work on.

Appointments are currently virtual (telehealth/video) only
We do not accept insurance / we are NOT in-network with insurance providers
Clients must reside in the Austin area and be 18+ years of age
Sliding scale fees:
- $30 - $50 for 50-minute sessions with graduate-level student interns
- $40 - $75 for sessions with associate-level therapists

Laura Gonzalez
*(She/her)*

**Graduate Level Therapist Intern**
**Offers: Individual Therapy**
**Accepting New Clients**

Laura Gonzalez, Graduate-Level Therapist Intern

Hello, I’m Laura. I am a relational, compassion-focused student therapist specializing in mindfulness-based and transpersonal counseling.

As a master's student at Naropa University, I believe that every individual has an inherent capacity for healing. I work alongside clients with curiosity and care, drawing on presence and self-awareness to explore their unique experiences. My goal is to help clients connect with their inner wisdom, build tools to navigate life's challenges, and cultivate a sense of peace and wholeness.

I integrate practices from mindfulness, IFS, Gestalt, and somatic approaches. Outside of my work as a therapist in training, I enjoy yoga, art, dance, hiking, and swimming. I also find inspiration in exploring Astrology, Human Design, and other mindfulness-based practices. I am supervised by Linda A. Ramsey, LPC, LMFT-S, and am completing my master's degree in Transpersonal Counseling at Naropa University, a mindfulness-based program rooted in Buddhist principles.

I look forward to getting to know you and your story.

Taylor Hines
*(She/her)*

**Graduate Level Therapist Intern**
**Offers: Individual Therapy**
**Waitlist for New Clients**

Taylor Hines, Graduate-Level Therapist Intern

Hi, I’m Taylor. I know how hard it can be to slow down and make space for yourself when life keeps asking you to keep going. In therapy, I offer a supportive space to pause and explore both what’s happening inside you and what’s happening around you with curiosity and care.

Together, we’ll look at the patterns that shape you, the stories you’ve carried, and the parts of yourself that may be asking for more attention. My focus is on creating a space where you can show up fully, be heard, and feel supported as you move toward what matters most to you. As a therapist-in-training, I'm interested in (but not limited to) supporting people navigating:

Anxiety & Stress
Complex Trauma
Identity development in cultural and cross-cultural contexts
Relational Ruptures & Attachment Wounds
Grief and Loss
Perfectionism, High Achievement, and Imposter Syndrome
Burnout, Compassion Fatigue, and Caregiver Stress

My approach weaves together somatic awareness, mindfulness, parts work (IFS), narrative and attachment-based work, and relational ways of working. Grounded in multicultural and feminist values, I pay close attention to how your lived experiences and identities shape your story. At the heart of it all is my belief that healing happens in connection — with ourselves, with others, and in the work we do together. Through this process, therapy can be a place to find your strengths, explore new possibilities, and know you’re not alone.

Lastly, in the spirit of connection, I’ll share a little about myself: I’m a 200-hour certified yoga teacher and a 200-hour certified meditation teacher, and these practices deepen my understanding of the mind–body connection. As a lifelong learner, I’m drawn to systems and practices that help us understand ourselves more deeply, like astrology, Human Design, and mindfulness. Outside of my work and studies, I love CrossFit, reading (lifelong library kid at heart), and listening to music — one of the ways I make meaning and mark the seasons of life.

I’m currently a master’s student in Counseling Psychology at Texas Woman’s University, a program with a strong emphasis on social justice that continues to shape my work. I practice under the supervision of Linda A. Ramsey, LPC, LMFT-S.

Amy Hoffman
*(She/Her)*

**LCSW**
**Offers: Individual Therapy**
**Waitlist for New Clients**

Amy Hoffman, LCsw

I am an engaged and compassionate therapist who believes therapy can help you order your inner world so you are less buffeted by anxiety, acute stress, health problems, depression or simply taking in the headlines.

We often fear the strength of our emotions and avoid them, and then miss the valuable information and energy those emotions can provide.

My professional background is in hospice work. I also had a cancer diagnosis and know how scary a crisis is, as well as what a catalyst for growth it can be. I would be honored to meet with you, hoping to hear you with my whole self with the goal of getting someplace new. "Most of what we say to ourselves are things we already know. Therapy can be about discovering what we know just beyond our current awareness.”

Frances Ibarra
*(she/HER)*

**LMSW**
**Offers: Individual Therapy**
**Waitlist for New Clients**

Frances Ibarra, LMSW

I focus on creating a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space to deeply explore your thoughts and feelings to help you feel genuinely heard and understood. I am dedicated to working alongside you to discover your inner strengths, work through difficult emotions, and address what does not serve you anymore. Healing is possible, and through this journey, you can rediscover your resiliency, create meaningful growth, and find inner peace. I care deeply about building an authentic and collaborative connection with you to support you in your healing journey.

My areas of focus include (but are not limited to):

Depression
Anxiety
Trauma
Substance Abuse
Grief
Self-esteem/inner critic work

I use a trauma-informed, client-centered, and holistic approach to therapy. With the understanding that each person’s experience is different, I draw on a variety of modalities such as mindful awareness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), parts work, and supportive counseling. She also offers therapy in Spanish.

I hold a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin. I have worked for nine years, supporting clients in outpatient, inpatient, and community-based settings. I am working toward my clinical social work license (LCSW) under the supervision of Donna Shanor, LCSW-S LCDC.

In my free time, I enjoy nature walks, attending comedy and music shows, and cuddling with my fluffy black cat, Rigby.

Lexa NoaCk
*(She/Her)*

**Graduate Level Therapist Intern**
**Offers: Individual Therapy**
**Waitlist for New Clients**

Lexa Noack, Graduate-Level Therapist Intern

I am deeply committed to walking alongside my clients on their path towards healing and self-discovery. I believe that every individual has an innate capacity for powerful healing and growth, and believe that my role is to help you access that inner wisdom with compassion and mindfulness.

I take a holistic trauma-informed approach that is firmly grounded in research-backed methods like mindfulness, CBT, DBT, Interpersonal Neurobiology, self-compassion, and existentialism. In our work together, I will create a space where you can feel seen, heard, and supported - exactly as you are.

The journey of self-discovery and healing can be complex; I aim to build a collaborative relationship in which clients develop resilience while honoring their unique needs and experiences. I consider it both an honor and a privilege to help you connect more deeply with yourself, find greater balance in your life, and build the courage to thrive in a way that feels true for you.

My clinical interests include (but are not limited to):

Managing depression and/or anxiety
Life transitions
Managing stress and/or burnout
Mind/body Integration
Neurodivergence
Trauma

In my free time, I greatly enjoy learning new things - right now I'm learning about the biology of music, and how/why music can affect our emotions. I'm also an ardent fiber artist, and can usually be found in a forest with my husband and dogs.

I hold Bachelor's degrees in Biochemistry and Finance, with minors in Cultural Anthropology and Developmental Psychology. Currently, I am on track to complete my Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, aiming to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). I am a member of the American Counseling Association (ACA) and am also a certified 200-HR KRI Yoga teacher. I am supervised by Linda A. Ramsey LPC, LMFT-S.

Ryan olexson
(*She/Her*)

**Graduate Level Therapist Intern**
**Offers: Individual & Couples Therapy**
**Accepting New Clients**

RYan OLexson, Graduate-Level Therapist Intern

Hello! I'm Ryan, and I'm so excited to share this space with you.

I'm currently pursuing my master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Texas A&M University–Central Texas, and every day I'm reminded of what a privilege it is to walk alongside people on their healing journeys.

People often describe me as curious, compassionate, and grounded—qualities I bring into every session to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can feel truly seen and empowered. I believe deeply in your inherent strength and wisdom, and my role is to help you reconnect with those parts of yourself.

My approach weaves together evidence-based practices with trauma-informed therapy, somatic awareness, and emotional regulation techniques. I also draw from existential therapy and Internal Family Systems (IFS) because I've seen how powerful it can be when we honor all the different parts of who we are. I'm especially passionate about supporting you through trauma, life transitions, and identity exploration—those profound moments when we're asking, "Who am I?" and "What does my life mean?"

One of my greatest joys is helping clients uncover their passion and purpose. I see challenges not just as obstacles to overcome, but as doorways to growth, meaning, and deeper self-understanding. There's something beautiful that happens when we can find the gifts hidden within our struggles. As the creator of Emotion-Based Strength Training (EBST) and a certified personal trainer, I bring a unique holistic perspective that honors the incredible connection between our bodies, minds, and spirits. I love offering practical tools that help you process emotions through movement and discover new ways of being in your body.

When I'm not in session with clients, you might find me hosting my podcast where I explore consciousness, healing, and the hidden dimensions of human experience—topics that endlessly fascinate me. I'm also a mom to three amazing kids, a wife, and a ranch-dweller surrounded by our beloved horses, goats, chickens, dogs, and cats. My free time is filled with horseback riding, hiking, and always diving into something new to learn because curiosity is one of my greatest teachers. I'd love the opportunity to support you in discovering your own path to healing and growth.

Please reach out if you're curious about working together—I'm here and ready to listen.

Signe porteshawver

*(She/her)*

**Graduate Level Therapist Intern**
**Offers: Individual & Couples Therapy**
**Waitlist for New Clients**

Signe Porteshawver, Graduate-Level Therapist Intern

Your suffering is important and meaningful. It is valuable. I believe that suffering is a cry from the soul, a cry which says “Please! do not walk down this same path any further.” From this perspective, suffering is a gift that beckons us toward the life that is truly ours to live. It can be very tempting to just wish suffering away, but what I have found in my work as a depth psychologist is that when we meet suffering with curiosity and a willingness to hear what it’s asking of us, we become more ourselves, more whole, and more alive, and we often end up grateful for our hardships. That begins with a willingness to face what hurts and develop the capacity to hold it, no matter how painful, scary, or disheartening. This is deeply challenging but ultimately profoundly rewarding. Working with my own suffering in this way is how I learned I was meant to practice psychotherapy. What will we learn about your purpose, meaning, and truth? I would love to support you.

My particular clinical areas of interest include depression, harsh inner criticism, anxiety, complex trauma, existential dread, chronic pain, and relational troubles. With couples, I love to focus on communication and conscious relating to transform arguments and increase intimacy. I also enjoy working with mismatched sexual desire or other struggles with connecting physically. I welcome clients of all genders, races, religions, abilities, classes, political orientations, and relationship styles.

I practice depth psychotherapy, ecopsychology, and hypnosis. My favorite modalities include parts work, mindfulness, life experimentation, and embodiment practices. I have been training consistently since 2016, starting with life coaching, and have been an apprentice guide with Animas Valley Institute since 2018. I earned a Master’s in Psychology in 2021 and became a Certified Hypnotist in 2022. I am currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology with Pacifica Graduate Institute and am supervised by Linda A Ramsey LPC, LMFT-S.

Erin ivey Rogers
(She/her)

**Graduate Level Therapist Intern**
**Offers: Individual Therapy**
**Accepting New Clients**

Erin Ivey RogerS, Graduate-Level Therapist Intern

Hello! I’m happy you’re here, taking a step toward deeper self-awareness and healing. My approach to counseling is warm and encouraging, grounded in analytical psychology and holistic wellness. You are unique, so together we’ll explore where you are, where you’d like to be, and how to get there. I’m here to provide a supportive space where you can shine a light into dark places, uncover hidden strengths, and bring meaning and transformation to life’s challenges.

Areas of focus include:

Anxiety and depression
Coping with medical diagnoses and recovery
Grief and loss
Creativity and therapeutic art
Dream interpretation and archetypal exploration
Existential and spiritual questions
Perfectionism and overwhelm
Body image and disordered eating
Navigating challenges in creative careers and the music industry
Relationships and family dynamics
Life purpose, leadership, and times of transition

I am pursuing a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Midwestern State University, have a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities from the University of Texas at Austin, and was mentored in analytical psychology by Michelle Halsall, M Div, LPC, Diplomate Jungian Analyst.

I have an eclectic professional background as a musician and songwriter, entrepreneur, nonprofit director, and corporate consultant. I am a step-mom, dog-mom, lung cancer-recoverer, and piler of books on the bedside table, a certified Kinēsa somatic therapy practitioner, a songwriting and creativity teacher at Song Rise Arts and GRAMMY U, as well as a voting member and former governor of the Recording Academy. I have a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification and a green belt in Six Sigma business process management. All that to say, I embrace creativity as well as structure. We’ll work together to find a style that suits your goals.

I am supervised by Linda A. Ramsey, MA, LPC, LMFT-S.

Andrea Sumber
(She/Her)

**Graduate Level Therapist Intern**
**Offers: Individual Therapy**
**Waitlist for New Clients**

Andrea Sumber, Graduate-Level Therapist Intern

I am a graduate-level counselor-in-training completing my master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I take a person-centered and mindfulness-based approach to therapy and practice parts work (Internal Family Systems). I believe that healing happens within a safe and supportive relationship, and I strive to meet each client with warmth, curiosity, and compassion.

My areas of focus include grief and loss related to infertility, anxiety, parenting challenges, life transitions, and personal growth. I also bring a background in holistic health and coaching, which informs my emphasis on the mind–body connection.

I grew up in New York and carry a sense of practicality and directness that clients may find both supportive and clarifying, especially when they are seeking straightforward guidance.

Outside of my work with clients, I enjoy hiking, reading, cooking, playing Mahjong, and spending time with my husband, two children, two dogs, and close friends and family. I am also a doula, yoga instructor, and holistic health coach, experiences that develop my integrative approach to counseling.