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DA Portrait of Daryl Austin

Daryl Austin, LMFT

Compassionate, faith-friendly therapist who listens

About Daryl

Daryl Austin is a licensed marriage and family therapist who helps people facing trauma, anxiety, depression, stress, relationship struggles, and low self-esteem. He writes plainly and listens closely to understand the problem faced now.

Background and approach

He invites conversations about faith when clients want that included, but does not require it. Daryl brings many years in mental health work to each session.

His background includes county mental health case management, four years in an acute inpatient setting, and years running short-term Dialectical Behavioral Therapy groups. He returned to graduate school later in life and earned a Master’s degree in Professional Counseling from National University in Fresno, California.

He favors a client-centered stance, meeting people where they are and shaping care around individual needs. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy are tools he uses when they fit a person’s goals.

He adapts techniques rather than sticking to a single method. Faith can be part of the work if a person wants that integration.

Daryl says faith-based perspectives are offered as an option alongside more secular approaches. Conversations about beliefs are handled respectfully and without pressure.

After a long county career, he now focuses on helping people find practical steps to feel better and cope day to day. Sessions aim to teach skills, shift unhelpful patterns, and support clearer choices moving forward.

How Daryl’s Approaches Work Online

Daryl draws on client-centered therapy to make sessions collaborative and focused on what matters to each person. This approach centers on listening, understanding a person’s priorities, and shaping sessions around their goals. He also uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to identify unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and to practice new ways of coping. CBT works well for anxiety, depression, and stress by breaking problems into manageable steps and teaching practical skills. Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills are used for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and improving interpersonal effectiveness. These group-derived skills are adapted to individual sessions to help people manage intense emotions and navigate difficult relationships. Choosing the right approach is part of the work together. Daryl will talk with clients about their needs, goals, and preferences and then recommend methods that fit. The plan can change over time as goals shift or new challenges emerge. Online care offers flexible ways to connect. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation and visual cues. Phone sessions work well when bandwidth is limited or when someone prefers not to be on camera. Live chat and text-based messaging provide quick check-ins, shorter skill practice, or support between sessions. These options make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life and keep momentum between appointments.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does Daryl address?
Daryl works with trauma and abuse, anxiety, depression, stress, relationship issues, and self-esteem struggles. He focuses on practical coping and skill-building for these concerns.
What is his therapeutic style like?
He uses a client-centered approach that adapts to each person. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy are used when they fit a client’s goals.
How much experience does he have?
He brings 12 years as a practicing therapist plus many additional years in mental health roles. His background includes county mental health work and inpatient settings.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He is a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist - LMFT - and practices in California.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the United States work with him?
International clients are not currently accepted; he works with clients located in California.
What session formats are available online?
Sessions are offered by video call, phone, live chat, and text-based messaging. The different formats let people choose what fits their schedule and comfort.
How does payment and scheduling work?
Cost varies by location and therapist availability and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. To begin, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Also works with

Experience
12 years
Licensed
California
Languages
English