Business Details
28 Years
experience
Transformative Psychotherapy Services in Austin
As a licensed psychologist with over 25 years of experience, I specialize in providing compassionate and transformative psychotherapy to adults and youth. My practice is rooted in the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model, a neurobiology-based approach that gently heals emotional wounds and fosters lasting personal growth. With a deep understanding of high intelligence, creativity, and emotional sensitivities, I work collaboratively with clients to uncover their inner resources and achieve meaningful change. My therapeutic style is warm, supportive, and solution-focused, emphasizing the importance of safety and connection in the healing process. I hold a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from The University of Texas at Austin and have dedicated my career to supporting neurodiverse individuals through private practice, educational initiatives, and community programs.My extensive background includes academic fellowships at Harvard Medical School and founding Odyssey School for students with learning differences. I am committed to ethical, evidence-based care that empowers clients to overcome challenges and cultivate fulfilling lives.
Services
Psychotherapy
IFS Therapy
Emotional Intelligence Training
Trauma Recovery
Relationship Counseling
Mindfulness Practices
Attachment Theory Counseling
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Systems Thinking
Nurtured Heart Approach
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- Certified IFS Level 3 practitioner with advanced training in neurobiology-based therapy
- 25+ years specializing in therapy for gifted individuals and neurodiverse populations
- Proven track record helping clients overcome complex emotional wounds and trauma
- Warm, collaborative approach focused on client-centered healing journeys
- Founder of Odyssey School and ImprovThinkers programs for special needs populations
Services
Psychotherapy
Personalized psychotherapy sessions using evidence-based approaches to address emotional challenges and promote mental wellness. Combines compassionate listening with structured techniques to help clients understand patterns, heal wounds, and develop healthier coping strategies. Focuses on creating safe therapeutic relationships that facilitate lasting personal growth and improved life satisfaction.
IFS Therapy
Specialized IFS therapy that identifies and heals wounded inner parts through compassionate self-exploration. Uses neurobiological principles to help clients access innate healing capacities, reduce internal conflict, and cultivate self-leadership. Particularly effective for trauma recovery, self-acceptance, and transforming negative belief systems into empowering perspectives.
Trauma Recovery
Targeted trauma recovery programs addressing both acute and complex trauma experiences. Utilizes gentle, phased approaches to process traumatic memories while maintaining emotional safety. Helps clients develop grounding techniques, rebuild trust in relationships, and restore functionality in daily life through evidence-based interventions and somatic awareness practices.
Relationship Counseling
Therapeutic support for improving interpersonal relationships and communication patterns. Focuses on understanding relational dynamics, developing empathy, and creating healthier boundaries. Helps clients navigate conflict resolution, rebuild trust, and cultivate more fulfilling connections with partners, family members, and colleagues.
Mindfulness Practices
Guided mindfulness training to enhance present-moment awareness and emotional regulation. Teaches practical techniques for reducing stress, managing anxiety, and cultivating self-compassion. Integrates mindfulness into daily life through customized practices that promote greater clarity, focus, and overall well-being.
People
Marie Walker
Licensed Psychologist
Certified IFS Level 3 practitioner with 25+ years of experience in psychotherapy. Specializes in working with gifted individuals and trauma recovery. Founder of Odyssey School for students with learning differences and ImprovThinkers social-emotional learning program. Holds a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from UT Austin and completed Harvard Medical School fellowships.
Questions
What is Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy?
IFS is a neuroscience-based approach that identifies and heals wounded inner parts of ourselves. It helps clients access innate healing capacities through compassionate self-connection.
How do you work with gifted individuals?
My practice addresses unique challenges faced by gifted adults and youth, including emotional intensity, perfectionism, and navigating social-emotional complexities associated with high ability.
What issues do you commonly treat?
I specialize in trauma recovery, relationship challenges, self-criticism patterns, anxiety, and helping clients overcome plateaus in personal growth through transformative therapy.
Do you offer initial consultations?
Yes, I provide complimentary 15-minute phone consultations to discuss your needs and determine if our therapeutic approaches align with your goals.
What therapeutic modalities do you use?
While primarily using IFS therapy, I integrate mindfulness practices, emotional intelligence training, and evidence-based techniques tailored to each client's unique needs.
