Today we’d like to introduce you to Avery Brookshire
Hi Avery, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I kicked off my career as a publicist and social media manager in Chicago’s entertainment/health and wellness industry— a world that feels a million miles away from where I am now, but oddly enough, the media and psychology worlds have more in common than you’d think. During 2020, I was working as a photographer and videographer for iHeartMedia when, like many others, I got furloughed. Suddenly, I had a lot more free time (which, let’s be honest, was mostly spent figuring out how to make sourdough). But between failed loaves, I rediscovered a love for reading.
The book that completely rocked my world was *The Defining Decade* by Meg P. Jay, a clinical psychologist who works with people in their 20s and 30s. Her core message is “Your 30s are not the new 20s, and the decisions you make in your twenties are imperative.” As someone who started going to counseling back in undergrad and experienced firsthand how transformative it was, that message hit home. I had this lightbulb moment where I realized, despite all the glamour of media, I had a hard time seeing myself in that industry when I was 40.
Growing up, my mom raised me with the saying, “Use your powers for good!” After some serious self reflection, I thought, “I think I’d be a good psychotherapist.” I wanted to pay it forward, helping others the way counseling helped me. Plus, the idea of lifelong learning (and deciphering the alphabet soup of psychology acronyms) sounded right up my alley.
Not long after that, I got on a call with an acquaintance who helped me navigate the next steps, and before I knew it, I was applying to grad programs. That ultimately led me to St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas—and I am so thankful to continue to call Austin home.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
If you’ve ever known anyone who’s earned a master’s degree, you know the last word they’d use to describe it is *smooth.* I have so much respect for counseling grad students because the workload is intense—academically, professionally, and emotionally. And for those who work outside of grad school (like I did), it’s even more to juggle.
One thing that still blows my mind is that counseling interns aren’t paid. Working for free in this economy is crazy. Sure, being ~paid in experience~ has its perks, but balancing that life for two years was no joke. I have mad respect for parents who manage to earn a master’s degree while also raising tiny humans. It sounds like juggling flaming swords while riding a unicycle on a tightrope.
Once I finally graduated, the only thing standing between me and becoming a licensed therapist was the licensing exam. I prepped for months, took it online, and… after question two, the exam was revoked. Heartbroken doesn’t even begin to cover it. Apparently, I made the mistake of going to the bathroom *before* the exam without asking, which violated their rules. So, I had to wait another three months to take it again. Talk about a dissapointing lesson in patience.
As you know, we’re big fans of Alethia Counseling Austin . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Alethia Counseling Austin provides holistic psychotherapy to students, adults, couples, and families in the Austin area, with a focus on building stronger relationships, healing from trauma, attacking anxiety and depression and fostering overall well-being. We specialize in various therapeutic approaches, including internal family systems (parts work), EMDR for trauma recovery (specifically PTSD), walk-and-talk therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for anxiety and depression.
Our services are designed to meet a wide range of needs, customized to fit each client’s unique situation. Our team loves to meet with communities around Austin and give speaking engagements on mental health topics. Something I am very proud of is that we provide the option to integrate Christian principles into therapy for healing. Having faith and a relationship to God is a huge aspect of my life, so when clients align with that, it truly makes me feel like I am walking in my purpose.
What sets us apart is our our ability to blend evidence-based therapies with faith for those who desire it. We are proud to be a trusted mental health partner in the Austin community and would be honored to walk alongside you on your mental health journey.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Most people currently know me as a therapist who helps untangle life’s challenges, but what they might not know is I started out as a theatre kid. It turns out, all those years on stage prepared me for the real drama—helping people navigate their own life stories with compassion, humor, and clarity.
I love my work and hope my clients can feel that in our sessions 🙂
Pricing:
- $120 for individual counseling
- $140 for couples + group counseling
Contact Info:
- Website: https://alethiacounseling.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/averybrookshire/
- Other: https://bio.site/averybrookshire
