Bernadette Chavez Piñon, LPC, SEP

LEAD THERAPIST

INDIVIDUAL, GROUP, FAMILY THERAPY, & PARENT COACHING

Qualifications

  • Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Texas State University

  • Licensed Professional Counselor, #65361 (TX)

  • Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner (SEP)

  • 200 hr Meditation Teacher Training

  • EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Level 1

  • Certified Facilitator for Overcoming Anxiety Clinics

Activities & Affiliations

  • Central Texas Eating Disorder Specialists (CTEDS) - Board Member, Membership Chair (2024-2026)

  • Austin Therapists of Color - A group for mental health professionals who identify as people of color

Counseling Areas

  • Adolescents (ages 10 to 19)

  • Adults across the lifespan (from young adults to aging adults)

  • Families & Relationships

  • Parenting

  • Eating Disorders

  • Disordered Eating

  • Body Image 

  • Somatic Experiencing

  • Mindfulness

  • Self-Compassion

  • Trauma

  • Anxiety Disorders

  • Mood Disorders

  • Depression

  • Life Transitions

  • Multicultural concerns

  • LGBTQIA+

About Bernadette (she/her)

With fifteen years of experience in counseling, I provide a compassionate, non-judgmental space where clients can navigate life’s challenges and transitions. My work blends solution-focused, strength-based strategies with mindfulness-based techniques and somatic-oriented therapy. This eclectic approach empowers clients to move from reactivity to reflection, gaining greater control over their emotions, thoughts, and actions.

I began my counseling journey in 2009, driven by a desire to provide intervention, prevention, and solutions to life’s “problems.” Over the years, my perspective has deepened, and I’ve come to believe that the therapeutic relationship itself is a cornerstone of healing. This connection offers support, nurtures growth, and empowers individuals to be their authentic selves in a judgment-free space.

My professional journey includes working at top organizations such as LifeWorks, a leading nonprofit in Austin, and the University of Texas at Austin, one of the nation’s best universities. These experiences have reinforced my belief in the transformative power of a strong therapeutic alliance.

I’m passionate about helping individuals through some of the toughest times in their lives. Whether managing daily stress, navigating significant transitions, challenging ineffective coping strategies, or building resilience, my goal is to help clients align their actions with their values and achieve meaningful growth. It’s an honor to walk alongside clients on their unique journeys toward insight, empowerment, and fulfillment.

Services & Fees

30-minute consultation | Free

For new clients, I offer a free initial 30-minute phone or face-to-face consultation. During a consultation, I am happy to answer any questions you may have for me. We can discuss things like what to expect from therapy and what you are looking for in a therapist. We can also briefly discuss the concerns you are having and your reason for seeking counseling to ensure that we will be a good fit for working together.

90-minute holistic biopsychosocial intake session | $225

This session is different from a consult session. This initial session allows you to relay important history and background information, discuss in detail what brings you to counseling, and what you hope to gain from counseling. It also includes initial treatment planning and collaboration with other providers, such as psychiatrists, dietitians, and other providers. 

50-minute individual therapy session | $195

Individual session fees include DBT phone coaching between sessions (if therapist offers this) and collaborations with other providers, such as psychiatrists, dietitians, and other therapists.

50-minute couples and family session | $225

Family session fees include DBT phone coaching between sessions (if therapist offers this) and collaborations with other providers, such as psychiatrists, dietitians, and other therapists.

80-minute individual therapy session | $225

Individual session fees include DBT phone coaching between sessions (if therapist offers this) and collaborations with other providers, such as psychiatrists, dietitians, and other therapists.

80-minute couples and family session | $255

Family session fees include DBT phone coaching between sessions (if therapist offers this) and collaborations with other providers, such as psychiatrists, dietitians, and other therapists.