About Us
Kiran Avasthi Ward, LPC-S
I have dedicated my life to working with groups, children, adolescents, families, adult individuals, and couples. It has been both an honor and a privilege to work within the community of schools, clinical settings, victim witness, government sector, residential care, and private practice.
I have been schooled and certified in a variety of counseling and coaching modalities and from years experience can determine which ones would be most effective for each individual who seeks my help. These techniques include cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused brief therapy, trauma informed intervention, and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to name a few.
In addition to being a licensed therapist, I am a wife, mother, sister, daughter and an outdoors enthusiast. I enjoy reading, dancing, playing music, singing, yoga drumming, art, cooking, gardening, and many other activities with family and friends, including long walks with my dog.
EDUCATION:
BA in Criminal Law Studies and Environmental Studies, Marquette University, 1997
Medication Certification, Marquette University, 1999
Masters in Science in Clinical Counseling, University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, 1999
Special Education Teaching Certification (K-12), Region XIII, University of Texas, 2003
Texas School Counselor License, University of Texas, 2005
Licensed Professional Counselor License, University of Texas, 2010
Meet My Team
As a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor, I manage other licensed associates under the practice at Counseling Balance of Austin. With my guidance, these associates are capable professionals who also offer therapy for our clients. Each one is also trained in multi-modal approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused brief therapy, and trauma informed intervention.
Jennifer Cheatham, PLLC
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate
My passion is empowering children, teens and adults to access the best path forward and to successfully navigate life’s challenges. Therapy is not one size fits all. You must feel supported, safe and heard in order for us to have a healthy place to begin work. I will honor your process, knowing that therapy is personal and often painful and insightful. We will work at a pace that feels comfortable for you. Sometimes we step forward, sometimes back, but we will continue striving towards greater understanding of ourselves and others.
Kathleen McConachie
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate
Life can be a challenging journey, filled with twists, turns, and unexpected obstacles. I understand this reality well and have learned that sharing your story and being really heard brings healing and growth. How do humans flourish? We are affected by outside influences such as the views of our culture, our upbringing, and our economics. We are also affected by biological factors as we adjust to these influences. Resilience begins by being open to change, and open to self-reflection. No matter how your perceive the universe, our ability to grow is truly within each of us and it is a beautiful yet often difficult choice to search for that gift within you. I believe we are relational beingsand taking the step toward growing yourresilience through cousneling will impact your life for the better. I strive to be a safe, inviting presence for you on your journey.
"Balance is the key to everything. What we do, think, say, eat, feel...they all require awareness and through this awareness we can grow."
Koi Fresco
512-524-7841 kavasthicounseling@gmail.com