Dr. Alana Brooks, PsyD
Compassionate Care for Anxiety & Depression
Evidence-based therapy to help you find clarity, calm, and lasting change
Austin, Texas · In-Person & Telehealth Available
About Me
About Dr. Alana Brooks
I believe that therapy is a collaborative journey toward understanding yourself more deeply and building the life you want to live.
As a clinical psychologist specializing in anxiety and depression, I've spent years helping clients in Austin navigate the challenges that keep them from feeling like themselves. Whether you're struggling with overwhelming worry, persistent sadness, or simply feeling stuck, I'm here to help.
My approach combines the proven effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with mindfulness-based techniques that help you develop a healthier relationship with your thoughts and emotions. Together, we'll work to identify patterns that aren't serving you, build practical coping skills, and create meaningful change that lasts.
I earned my doctorate in clinical psychology (PsyD) with specialized training in evidence-based treatments for mood and anxiety disorders. But beyond credentials, what matters most is creating a therapeutic relationship built on trust, understanding, and genuine care for your wellbeing.
My Approach
My Therapeutic Approach
Therapy should feel like a safe space where you can be honest, explore difficult feelings, and work toward real change.
I believe in meeting you where you are—without judgment, with genuine care, and with a commitment to understanding your unique experience. While I draw on evidence-based approaches like CBT and mindfulness, I recognize that every person's journey is different.
In our work together, you can expect a collaborative relationship where your input guides our sessions. We'll set clear goals, track progress, and adjust our approach as needed. I'll provide practical tools and strategies you can use between sessions, but I'll also make space for processing emotions and exploring the deeper patterns affecting your life.
What to Expect
Evidence-Based Treatment
I use therapeutic approaches backed by research, particularly CBT and mindfulness techniques proven effective for anxiety and depression.
Practical Skills
You'll learn concrete strategies to manage symptoms, challenge unhelpful thinking, and respond to difficult emotions in healthier ways.
Collaborative Partnership
This is your therapy. I'll provide expertise and guidance, but you're an active participant in setting goals and shaping our work together.
Compassionate Support
Above all, I'm here to provide a non-judgmental space where you feel heard, understood, and supported as you work toward change.
Specialties
Areas of Specialization
I provide compassionate, evidence-based treatment for:
Anxiety Disorders
From generalized anxiety to panic attacks and social anxiety, I help clients understand the root of their worry and develop effective strategies to manage anxious thoughts and physical symptoms.
Depression
Whether you're experiencing persistent sadness, loss of interest, or difficulty functioning, we'll work together to understand what's contributing to your depression and build a path toward feeling more like yourself again.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a structured, goal-oriented approach that helps you identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. It's one of the most researched and effective treatments for anxiety and depression.
Mindfulness-Based Approaches
Mindfulness practices help you develop present-moment awareness and a healthier relationship with difficult thoughts and emotions. These techniques complement CBT beautifully and offer tools you can use throughout your life.
Methods
CBT & Mindfulness: A Powerful Combination
I integrate two evidence-based approaches that work beautifully together:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps you identify the connections between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. By recognizing unhelpful thinking patterns and learning to challenge them, you can change how you feel and act. It's structured, goal-focused, and one of the most effective treatments available for anxiety and depression.
- Learn to identify and challenge negative thought patterns
- Develop practical coping strategies for difficult situations
- Build problem-solving skills that create lasting change
- Track progress with clear, measurable goals
Mindfulness-Based Techniques
Mindfulness teaches you to observe your thoughts and feelings without getting caught up in them. Rather than trying to eliminate anxiety or sadness, you learn to relate to these experiences differently—with more awareness, acceptance, and compassion.
- Develop present-moment awareness and reduce rumination
- Create space between stimulus and response
- Cultivate self-compassion and acceptance
- Build resilience through difficult emotions
Together, CBT and mindfulness give you both the structure to change unhelpful patterns and the awareness to respond to life's challenges with greater calm and clarity.
Your Journey
Getting Started
Beginning therapy is a significant step, and I want to make the process as comfortable as possible.
Schedule a Consultation
Reach out via phone or the contact form below. We'll schedule an initial consultation where you can share what brings you to therapy and ask any questions you have.
First Session
In our first meeting, we'll discuss your concerns, goals, and history. This is also a chance for you to see if we're a good fit—finding the right therapist matters.
Develop a Plan
Based on what we discuss, we'll create a collaborative treatment plan tailored to your needs, drawing on CBT, mindfulness, and other techniques as appropriate.
Begin Our Work
We'll meet regularly (typically weekly) to work toward your goals, build skills, and navigate whatever challenges arise along the way.
I'm located in Austin, Texas, and provide in-person therapy for clients throughout the Austin area.
Schedule Your ConsultationReady to Start Your Journey?
Taking the first step toward therapy takes courage. Whether you're ready to begin or just want to learn more, I'm here to help.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does therapy take?
The length of therapy varies depending on your goals and needs. Some clients find relief in a few months, while others benefit from longer-term work. CBT is typically a shorter-term approach (12-20 sessions), but we'll work at a pace that feels right for you.
Do you accept insurance?
Please contact me directly to discuss insurance and payment options. I'm happy to provide documentation for out-of-network reimbursement if your plan offers it.
What's the difference between a psychologist and other therapists?
A psychologist (PsyD or PhD) has completed doctoral-level training in psychology, including extensive clinical work and research. This advanced training allows me to provide comprehensive assessment and evidence-based treatment for complex mental health concerns.
Do you offer teletherapy?
Please reach out to discuss current options for in-person and remote sessions based on your needs and circumstances.
What if I'm not sure therapy is right for me?
That's completely normal. Our initial consultation is a chance to explore whether therapy—and whether working together specifically—feels like the right fit. There's no obligation, and I'm happy to answer any questions or concerns you have.
How do I know if I have anxiety or depression?
If you're experiencing persistent worry, sadness, loss of interest in activities, changes in sleep or appetite, or difficulty functioning in daily life, these may be signs of anxiety or depression. In our initial consultation, we can discuss your symptoms and determine the best path forward.
Contact
Take the First Step
Reaching out is often the hardest part. I'm here to make the rest easier.
Get in Touch
Contact me today to schedule a consultation. I typically respond within 24 hours.