Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Weber.
Hi Sara, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story really began long before I ever opened my own practice. Like many therapists, I was drawn to this work because I care deeply about helping people find their way back to themselves, to feel seen, supported, and capable of change even when life feels messy.
Before starting Discovery Counseling Austin in 2017, I spent over a decade working in higher levels of care, first in residential treatment centers for eating disorders and addiction, and later overseeing the eating disorder program at a university counseling center. Those years taught me so much about the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of treating the whole person, not just the symptoms.
As someone who identifies as a Highly Sensitive Person, I’ve always felt things deeply and noticed the subtleties others might miss. That sensitivity has shaped every part of my path—from the way I connect with clients, to how I lead and nurture my team. It’s also inspired my passion for helping other sensitive souls recognize their empathy, intuition, and depth as real strengths rather than traits to tone down.
When I opened Discovery, I wanted to bring that same depth of care into an outpatient setting that felt warm, collaborative, and sustainable for both clients and the clinicians who serve them. I started with one office, a handful of clients, and a big vision to create a group practice that truly values balance, authenticity, and community.
Today, Discovery has grown slowly and intentionally into a thriving team of more than 30 clinicians, including therapists and dietitians. One of the things I’m most proud of is our training program for interns and associate clinicians, where we help the next generation of therapists build strong clinical foundations while maintaining their own sense of humanity and balance. Alongside running the practice, I also coach other therapists and practice owners who want to grow with the same heart-centered, values-driven approach.
It’s been a journey full of learning, laughter, and a lot of letting go of the myth that success requires constant hustle. My guiding belief, in work and in life, is that when we slow down, lead with compassion, and move in alignment with our values, we build things that truly last.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Definitely not a smooth road, but I’ve learned that the best things rarely are. Building a group practice while raising a family, mentoring new clinicians, and navigating the ever-changing mental health landscape has had plenty of bumps and plot twists.
There were seasons early on when I was doing everything myself, managing intakes, payroll, marketing, and supervision, all while still seeing a full caseload. Like many helping professionals, I had to learn the hard way that caring deeply doesn’t mean doing it all. As a highly sensitive person, I often felt the weight of wanting to help everyone who reached out, and learning to hold that empathy without burning out has been a lifelong lesson in itself.
I’ve faced burnout, growing pains, financial uncertainty, and those middle-of-the-night moments where you wonder if you’re really cut out for the dream you’re chasing. But each challenge has stretched me in ways I couldn’t have grown otherwise. Learning to slow down, delegate, and lead from my values instead of fear changed everything.
At the heart of it all has always been a desire to help as many people as possible, not just through my own caseload, but by supporting and training other clinicians who can carry that mission forward in their own unique ways.
The road hasn’t been smooth, but it’s been deeply meaningful. Every struggle has refined my sense of purpose and reinforced my belief that empathy and intentionality can build strong, lasting foundations, not just for a business, but for a life.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Discovery Counseling Austin?
Discovery Counseling Austin is a group practice I founded with a simple but powerful vision: to make therapy both excellent and deeply human. We’re a team of more than 30 therapists and dietitians who are passionate about helping people heal, grow, and reconnect with themselves. Our clinicians work with a wide range of concerns, but we’re especially known for our expertise in working with marginalized folks, young adults, eating disorders, anxiety, and supporting Highly Sensitive and deeply feeling people.
What sets us apart is our culture. We believe that when therapists feel supported, rested, and connected, they offer the most meaningful care. That’s why we’ve built a practice that values compassion over perfection and sustainability over hustle. From our training program for interns and associate clinicians to our emphasis on collaboration and professional growth, everything we do is designed to help our team thrive so our clients can too.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the heart behind Discovery. Every decision we make comes back to our belief that mental health care should feel safe, warm, and approachable. Our name reflects that spirit—therapy as a process of self-discovery, curiosity, and growth rather than something to fix.
Alongside leading DCA, I also coach therapists and group practice owners who want to build values-driven businesses of their own. My coaching work is really an extension of the same mission: helping more people access compassionate, high-quality care by empowering the helpers themselves.
At its core, Discovery is more than a counseling center. It’s a community built on the belief that slowing down, leading with compassion, and staying aligned with our values creates lasting change—both for the people we serve and for those who serve them.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
If I could give one piece of advice to anyone just starting out, it would be to slow down and trust that building something meaningful takes time. When I first started, I thought growth meant doing more and saying yes to everything. What I’ve learned is that sustainable success comes from clarity, boundaries, and alignment, not hustle.
It’s easy to look around and compare yourself to others who seem further ahead, but your path is your own. Focus on building something rooted in your values rather than chasing someone else’s version of success. Every choice you make early on…how you spend your time, who you surround yourself with, what kind of energy you bring to your work… becomes part of your foundation, so make it strong and authentic.
I also wish I had known sooner that vulnerability and leadership go hand in hand. You don’t have to have it all figured out to do good work. In fact, being human, reflective, and willing to learn will take you much farther than trying to appear polished or perfect.
Whether you’re starting a practice, a business, or simply stepping into your career, remember that growth is rarely linear. Be kind to yourself in the process, celebrate small wins, and surround yourself with people who remind you why you started.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.discoverycounselingaustin.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/discoverycounselingatx/
- Other: https://www.saraweber.org/
Image Credits
Alicia Leigh Photography
