NEW PERSPECTIVES.
NEW INSIGHTS.
NEW OPPORTUNITIES.

I’M NOT SURE MOST PEOPLE WANT TO CHANGE.
I THINK MOST PEOPLE DON’T WANT TO HURT.

One of the hardest things to accept is that the hurt probably won’t stop until we change something. 

Therapy is not a magic pill. It takes work.

When someone is really willing to do whatever it takes to change, that willingness, accompanied with curiosity, openness, and vulnerability, (and a measure of good humor) can be a potent combination for growth. I believe in our fundamental need for connection and our ability to help each other find relief from suffering. This is what drives my approach to therapy. 

The answer for human connection isn’t always therapy. Maybe you don’t need a therapist; maybe you need a good neighbor or a good friend.

But when you do need a therapist, you likely want one who is helpful, gives you practical ways to integrate what you discover, and isn’t looking to prolong therapy beyond what is useful to you. 

I am allergic to self-professed experts. We’re all human and we’re in this together. At the same time, I know the immense value of having a skilled therapist who helps you see things from a fresh perspective, gain insights and experience internal shifts that can make life feel a little less painful and a little more peaceful.

So, if you want to explore things from a new vantage point with someone who is keenly aware of his own humanity and has professional training in effectively navigating important conversations, I’d love to see if we’re a good fit.

SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION

THERAPY

Adult individuals, couples, and families with adult children.

INTENSIVES

 Two or three day in-person deep dives.

BUSINESS SERVICES

 Workshops, team development, consulting, and presentations.

  • “Austin is a uniquely gifted clinician and a consummate professional. His skill level, whether as a one-on-one counselor, group facilitator or supervisor, is unmatched. His ability to establish trust and a comfort level with his clients is amazing. He is able to put clients at ease with his confident, comforting and methodical style. Austin is truly a leader with experience, knowledge and understanding. “

    – Joseph K. Lauginiger, Jr., MBA
    Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer - Retired, Richard J. Caron Foundation

  • “I have known Dr. Austin Houghtaling for over ten years. First, as an extraordinary clinician, showcasing his skill as a marriage and family therapist, as a creative force in our psychodynamic, intensive week-long workshops, and as the go-to clinician for incredibly complex cases. His competence, versatility, likability, and amazing understanding of clinical practice allowed the programs under his leadership to thrive and expand. If my own family needed help and therapy to navigate this uncertain world of ours, Austin would be my first call. What higher praise is there for a clinician?”

    – David Rotenberg
    Chief Clinical Officer, Caron Treatment Centers

  • “If I was asked to rank clinicians I would not hesitate in putting Austin Houghtaling at the top of that list. I made the decision to take our leadership team on a retreat where I was given the opportunity to work with Austin. Our team was blown away by how comfortable they felt with Austin in the room. Austin led us through a variety of exercises that has allowed our team to grow closer together and improved our communication. It was an unbelievable experience…Austin has done a masterful job of merging his learned clinical skills, personal experiences and his innate kindness to become a world class clinician. He is the type of clinician you refer your family members to.”

    – Zac Clark
    Chief Executive Officer, Release Recovery

  • “I have known Dr. Houghtaling for almost a decade and had the distinct pleasure of working with him for a handful of years. He is the most gifted clinician that I have ever worked with, and I learned so much from him, personally and professionally. In addition to his unmatched clinical sophistication, he is a remarkable man with stellar character and integrity. I feel very grateful to have been the beneficiary of his many talents and to have had the opportunity to work under his leadership.”

    – Amy Durham, M Ed
    CEO at Brookdale Premier Treatment in Scotrun, PA

  • “My three day intensive with Austin changed my life. Not only does he conduct a unique, intuitive deep dive into your past traumas and templates of living, but he somatically engages these stuck energies and patterns in a manner which both releases and heals deeply embedded, engrained emotional wounds that are begging to be addressed. His caring attentiveness and genuine spiritual sense of being make Austin’s intensive work required for anyone who is human and has lived life…meaning all of us!”

    – Jim H.
    Retired Businessman, Spiritual Care Counselor

  • “Austin’s approach is different from any other team building I have ever participated in and this is a very good thing. My team loved the frameworks Austin used in our sessions...It was an extremely fun and safe environment to learn about unconscious bias, emotional intelligence, and managing difficult interpersonal situations. Most importantly, my team was able to connect with each other on an emotional level that we haven’t been able to achieve previously and they came out of the sessions with a renewed energy to improve and succeed.”

    – Jonathan M. Stapley
    Senior Director of Marketing, Active Devices, B. Braun Medical Inc.

  • Austin’s unique blend of clinical excellence and extensive executive leadership experience makes him an invaluable resource for companies aiming to improve performance. His expertise enhances the effectiveness of teams and managers by employing resources designed to improve interpersonal communication, boost employee engagement, and elevate leadership skills at all levels of an organization. Austin’s executive presence and sense of humor create a learning environment that builds trust and a sense of ease, making his keynote speeches, executive coaching, and training programs not only effective but also enjoyable.

    – Julie Smith Former CEO and Board Member of Onsite Wellness Group

BRANDS I’VE WORKED WITH

VISTA COUNSELING IS LOCATED IN THE HEART OF HISTORIC DOWNTOWN FRANKLIN, TN.

This idyllic setting means you can come for a session, consultation, or intensive and enjoy all the town has to offer. Take a peaceful stroll on the walking trails along the Harpeth River, enjoy the Victorian architecture in the 16-block National Register district, peruse unique art galleries, shops, and boutiques, or grab a bite to eat at one of the many delicious local restaurants.

“Downtown Franklin boasts an award-winning Main Street, a stunning collection of Victorian buildings and a host of accolades. It continues to earn national recognition as an authentic, eclectic place that offers something for everyone in an atmosphere that reminds locals and visitors alike of a simpler time in our history – a place where community matters.” 

(source: www.downtownfranklintn.com)