Hello! I’m Renee Austin (she/her), a Licensed Professional Counselor.
I moved to Lancaster in 2009 to attend Millersville University, where I received my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Master of Science in Clinical Psychology. I loved the area so much that I never left.
I started my career in the community behavioral health setting, helping children and families learn strategies to manage severe behavioral problems and live healthier, more fulfilling lives. In 2018, after five years in that discipline, I transitioned into outpatient therapy, where I found my real passion in helping individuals discover themselves and heal from trauma.
Throughout my career, I have found that I particularly enjoy working with teens, young adults, and adults who struggle with navigating life and want to find new ways to face life’s stressors. I also enjoy working with individuals who struggle with anxiety and depression. I find peace in helping people learn to reshape how they think about themselves and the world around them. Working with members of the LGBTQ+ community is important to me, and I hope they can find my presence and office space to be a haven of safety and comfort.
My approach to therapy is often based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) techniques. Typically, I do not stick to one particular strategy but rather combine elements of various approaches to meet individual needs. Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all, and I seek to meet all of my clients where they are currently.
I take a client-centered approach while helping people to understand how the family and systems around them have also shaped their lives. Using a combination of techniques, I will meet you with warmth, empathy, curiosity, and compassion to build an open, comfortable space for sharing. I aim to help you learn how to reshape how you think about yourself, the world, and the people around you while finding your strengths and voice to continue the healing journey well beyond when we get to work together.
Outside of the therapist’s office, you can call me an ambivert. I deeply enjoy quiet time at home with my cats and family while I read, watch TV, play video games, or engage in crafting. However, I also enjoy time with my friends and often spend weekends going to events or fun places with them. We often enjoy going to places like museums, bowling, arcades, movies, and music events.
If you spot me driving in my car, you’ll likely see me singing along with full force to some of my favorite music, which spans many genres and many generations. I also enjoy being outside when I can, as I find nature a centering and grounding place, so light hikes and time in the woods are refreshing hobbies for me.
PA License #PC012954
Renee offers in-person sessions at our Lancaster Downtown therapy office and online therapy sessions to anyone in Pennsylvania.
Whether you are suffering from panic attacks, obsessive – compulsive disorder, or generalized anxiety we have therapists who use evidenced-based treatments, such as cognitive-bahavioral therapy, to help you.
Many individuals feel like they are at war with their bodies. Whether it’s feeling shame, guilt, or giving ourselves critical comments about our bodies, we can be our own worst enemy. Our therapists can help you feel at peace with your body and learn to be kind to yourself.
Caregiving for a loved one can be challenging even in the best of circumstances. Often we don’t think about how the caregiver needs support, too. If you are experiencing burnout, our therapists can teach you skills to help you cope.
Depression and anxiety are extremely common, but often under-diagnosed by medical providers during pregnancy and postpartum. Our providers have specialized training to help women with anxiety and depression in this specific period in their lives.
Depression, one of the most common mental health disorders, is very treatable. Our therapists are specially trained to help individuals with depression get back to feeling like themselves again.
Move Forward Counseling is an inclusive practice where we want the LGBTQIA+ community to feel welcome and supported. Whether you are unsure how to embrace your identity, are having relationship issues, or need extra support from a non-judgmental person, we have therapists who can help.
Life transitions encompass many things, including starting or ending a romantic relationship, changes with work or school or making any big life change, such as a move. Often we underestimate how these changes will affect us emotionally until we find ourselves struggling with the ups and downs of the life transition.
While we don’t provide couples counseling at Move Forward, many individuals seek counseling to discuss how they can have healthier relationships. Our therapists can help you learn new ways of communicating, setting boundaries, and other ways to have more positive relationships with others.
Trauma symptoms and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can be debilitating for many who experience it. Recovery from trauma is possible and we have therapists who can help.
Moving into adulthood brings its own set of challenges. You may feel pressure to have a “career” or find your life partner. You may be unsure of making these big life decisions and may feel lost because you no longer have school or other adults in your life telling you what you should choose.
The period of adolescence can be exciting, but also challenging for many teens. Difficulties with friends, school, anxiety, depression, cutting, and substance abuse are all common issues for this group. Due to a lack of life experience, teens may not know how to manage these problems which is why therapy can be especially helpful.
Reach out today to get started. Our supportive staff will help guide you through the scheduling process, discuss special requests and consult your insurance needs.
Therapy is available online across Pennsylvania, with in-person therapy options at the Lancaster, Lancaster Downtown, Lebanon, Pittsburgh, State College, Hershey, Lehigh Valley and York locations.
825 Eden Road, Lancaster, PA 17601
226 N Arch Street 2nd Floor, Lancaster, PA 17603
445 Mountville Drive, Lebanon, PA 17046
100 Keystone Ave, Suite 1, Emmaus, PA 18049
935 E. Chocolate Ave., Hershey, PA 17033
201 S. Craig St, Suite 1M, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
3091 Enterprise Drive, Bldg. D, Suite 202, State College, PA 16801
3091 Enterprise Drive, Bldg. D, Suite 202,
State College, PA 16801
1410 E Market Street, York, PA 17403
Across Pennsylvania
Monday 8:00 a.m. till 6:30 p.m.
The office is closed on major holidays.
Fax No: 717-459-6253
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