Marla Sanderson, LMFT. Senior Therapist, Clinical Director, Teen Therapy Austin.
Always remember, you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think and twice as beautiful as you've ever imagined.
- Dr. Seuss
Marla Sanderson, LMFT-S
Senior Therapist, Clinical Director
Professional Profile
Marla is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in both Texas and California. She enjoys reading, cooking, crafting, video games and spending time with her two rescue dogs. She has a Masters in Clinical Psychology from the American School of Professional Psychology. Marla has over ten years of experience working in the mental health field and most recently worked as a clinical supervisor for a school based program that provided therapy to over 20 schools. Her experience includes juvenile justice, running an intensive therapeutic at a non-public school, ERMHS, crisis work, substance usage, LGBTQ+ and gender fluid populations. She has also worked within private practice medical models. Marla is fully trained in EMDR and is working toward certification.
Specialties
Abandonment
ADHD
Anxiety
Attachment
Bipolar
Body Image
Caregivers
Depression
Grief and Loss
LGBTQ+
Mood Disorders
OCD
PTSD
Panic
Parenting
Perfectionism
Relationship Issues
Self Esteem
Stress
Substance
Trauma
Insurance
Aetna, Curative, EHN, Oscar, Optum, Oxford, Sana, United Healthcare, Private Pay / Self Pay
Welcome!
Great work! You've already made your first steps toward enacting positive change. My goal as a therapist is to help give you insight into "why you do (or act) the way you do" and to provide support in teaching you ways to cope and deal with the curve balls that life throws.
How I Work
Therapy for Adults
I will use a strength-based, culturally-attuned, person-centered, and trauma-focused lens when we work together, meeting you where you are at. I will work to create a safe space using empathy, sensitivity, and humor. This safe space will serve as a container that will allow you to process your life experiences, and to enhance your self-awareness. We will work in a collaborative manner to create goals and to design a pathway to change. I will challenge you to push yourself in thinking outside of your "normal" ways and to walk down the road "less traveled".
If you are suffering from anxiety and/or trauma, I specialize in a treatment called EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing). EMDR is a specialized treatment that is designed to decrease the negative symptoms and distress that are a result of traumatic or disturbing life experiences. EMDR can be helpful for phobias, specific anxiety, PTSD, trauma histories (single and repeated), along with many other issues that might be causing distress, fear or worry.
As a therapist, I strive to always be honest with my clients, open to feedback and to work in a collaborative manner. It is my focus to assist you in reaching the goals that YOU want to achieve.
Therapy for Teens and School-Aged Children
Trauma, ADHD, Anxiety, and Depression can play havoc with your child's ability to thrive and be happy, but also can negatively affect their grades, cognitive abilities and emotional regulation. I am here to help.
For those with children in educational settings, my unique background and experience allow me to provide insight, education, guidance, and support in navigating the school system. Things like IEP's (individualized education program), 504 plans, ERMHS (educationally related mental health services) and correct placement can make all of the difference in your child's chances for success. I will work collaboratively with you to find the best strategy for your child.
Children and Adolescent Counseling
Individual therapy is focused on helping them to gain insight, and to learn skills and tools to navigate life in a more healthy and adaptive manner. This can be done through play and art for the younger ones and a mixture of play/art and more traditional talk therapy for older children and teens. In addition, family therapy can be essential in reinforcing the structure and tools they need to be successful and can help you as a parent to understand your unique child.
As a therapist, I strive to always be honest with my clients, open to feedback and to work in a collaborative manner. It is my focus to assist you in reaching the goals that YOU want to achieve.
Therapist Spotlight
Innovative Teen Therapy and Counseling in Austin
Marla Sanderson, LMFT, is a trusted mental health professional with a deeply genuine approach to teen therapy in Austin. With over a decade of experience, Marla blends evidence-based techniques with a compassionate, personalized touch to empower children, adolescents, and youth facing diverse challenges. Her practice centers on a strength-based, culturally attuned methodology that fosters holistic well-being and long-term resilience.
Personalized Counseling for Youth, Teens, and Families
Marla’s approach is designed to meet clients where they are, creating a safe, collaborative space where individuals can explore their feelings and overcome issues like anxiety, depression, and trauma. In her teen therapy Austin sessions, she skillfully integrates various counseling techniques—ranging from talk therapy and art-based interventions to specialized methods such as EMDR—to engage younger clients. Her practice not only addresses typical teen challenges but also covers a wide spectrum of mental health concerns, including ADHD, attachment issues, and body image challenges. By focusing on each client’s unique needs, Marla ensures that the therapy process supports growth and self-awareness for both individuals and their families.
Comprehensive Specialty Counseling
Marla’s expertise spans a broad range of therapeutic areas. She is adept at treating emotional challenges such as abandonment, grief loss, and perfectionism. Her work with mood disorders, bipolar conditions, and substance-related issues demonstrates her ability to navigate complex mental health landscapes. Marla’s counseling also addresses relationship dynamics, parenting challenges, and issues related to self-esteem and stress. She creates an environment where caregivers and clients alike can find practical support, whether they’re dealing with panic, OCD, or the distress of traumatic experiences. This comprehensive approach positions her as a leading provider of counseling services for those struggling with multifaceted mental health issues.
Targeted Techniques: EMDR and Beyond
One of the hallmarks of Marla’s practice is her proficiency in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). This targeted therapy is particularly effective for clients coping with PTSD, trauma, and anxiety disorders. By integrating EMDR with traditional counseling methods, Marla helps reduce the emotional intensity of traumatic memories, paving the way for smoother recovery.
Specialized Counseling for Diverse Needs
Understanding that no two individuals are alike, Marla tailors her services to cover a broad array of issues. Her expertise includes working with individuals navigating the complexities of LGBTQ transitions, as well as those facing challenges related to attachment, relationship dynamics, and perfectionism. For clients experiencing symptoms of bipolar disorder or those dealing with substance-related issues, her targeted counseling sessions provide the necessary tools for managing mood fluctuations and stress.
Family, School, and Community-Focused Counseling
Marla recognizes that a child’s environment is integral to their mental health. She offers family therapy that involves caregivers in the healing process, helping to build supportive relationships and foster open communication. Her work often extends to school-based counseling, where she assists with developing IEPs, 504 plans, and other strategies that support both academic and emotional success. This community-oriented focus not only benefits individual clients but also strengthens family dynamics and educational outcomes. Marla’s deep commitment to community wellness in Austin makes her a vital resource for families seeking comprehensive mental health support.
Empowering Growth and Transformation
Clients consistently describe Marla Sanderson as a compassionate guide who challenges them to break free from limiting patterns and explore new perspectives. Her approach is rooted in empathy, sensitivity, and even humor, making therapy a space for both healing and personal growth. Whether working with teens navigating the pressures of academic life or adults grappling with issues like depression, substance use, or stress, Marla’s goal is to foster self-awareness and encourage transformational change. Her personalized strategies are designed to empower clients to take charge of their mental health and build resilience for the future.
A Trusted Leader in Mental Health Counseling
Marla Sanderson’s extensive experience and diverse skill set have established her as a leader in mental health counseling in Austin. Her innovative teen therapy sessions and comprehensive approach to counseling address a wide range of issues—from anxiety and depression to ADHD, OCD, and beyond. By seamlessly integrating traditional methods with modern techniques such as EMDR, she offers a dynamic and effective pathway to healing. For individuals, families, and caregivers seeking guidance, Marla stands out as a dedicated professional committed to helping her clients achieve lasting, positive change.
She provides a robust, multidimensional counseling experience that covers everything from teen therapy and family counseling to specialized treatment for a host of emotional and psychological challenges. Her practice is not only focused on addressing immediate concerns but also on empowering clients to build a foundation for long-term mental well-being in the vibrant community of Austin.