Meet Thomas Austin

My Mission

Are you feeling disconnected from your life, relationships, career, or family? Maybe you have begun experiencing anxiety, depression, or excessive substance use. While men don’t often share about these issues, it may surprise you to learn that these feelings are quite common. As men, we have learned to stuff our feelings and “tough it out,” but in actuality “toughing it out” often looks more like numbing the pain than actually solving the problem. We numb ourselves through excessive work, alcohol and drug use, video games, exercise, or any number of other behaviors. The problem is, that these behaviors never seem to resolve the issue and often lead to anxiety, depression, and a feeling of disconnection. As the stress of unmanaged feelings builds, we begin to lose touch with those pieces of ourselves that make us feel whole. I am here to help you discover the power of taking positive action to restore your mental health. Through our work together, we will name the feelings, identify obstacles, and build an action plan to create meaningful change in your life. You will no longer feel stuck in the cycle of pain and numbing. My vision for you is to build a life of abundance and genuine feelings of peace, confidence, and connection.

My Story

Early in my life, I was lucky enough to have some incredible role-models. These men helped shape me into the man I am today, and I am not sure where I would be if it weren’t for those few individuals. I knew from that point on, that I wanted to help others the way they had helped me. After high school, I attended Oregon State University, where I earned a degree in Human Development and Family Sciences. Fresh out of school and eager to begin my career, I began working with at-risk youth in a residential treatment facility. Much to my dismay, I found that being so close to this work was leading me further into my own struggles with anxiety, depression, and substance use. Something in the back of my mind was telling me that I needed to help myself before I could help anyone else. 

I resigned from my position and began working on my own healing. I remember being terrified that I might be seen as weak for needing help, so I kept my struggles secret for many years. When I finally mustered the courage to begin working with a therapist, my fears were eased almost immediately. I found that nothing I was feeling, or thinking was unnatural and what I was experiencing was actually quite common. I dove head-first into the work. I found a self-care routine that worked for me, I learned how to appropriately communicate my feelings, and I learned how to have compassion for myself. Every aspect of my life improved and all it took was honesty and a commitment to keep doing the work. While the therapeutic process can feel difficult at times, it pays dividends in the end. I am incredibly grateful for this experience and now, more than ever, grateful that I can share this gift with others.

Since that time, I have gone on to complete my master’s degree in Social Work and earned my Clinical Licensure to practice here in Colorado. I have held a variety of roles within the field but find the most fulfillment by helping other men regain their lives through therapy. I feel lucky to be able to give back what was given to me. I believe that together, we can claim a new definition of masculinity and build a future in which men no longer need to feel isolated, afraid, ashamed, or alone.

Who I Am?

I have lived in Colorado since 2014. I love the outdoors and when I am not working, I can generally be found outdoors, running, biking, skateboarding, snowboarding, or camping with my dog and wife. I love our hometown Colorado sports teams and enjoy taking my family and friends to Rockies and Avalanche games any chance I get. I am a lifelong musician and photographer and continue to play in bands around town and practice at home. I practice a sober lifestyle and have found joy in the ability to fully experience all that life has to offer.