Rachel Esparza, LPC Associate

Sep. 26

(She/Her/Hers)

Currently under the clinical supervision of Jaclyn N. Sepp, MA, LPC-S, RPT-S™, NCC, RYT® 200 and Sheila Wessels, MEd, LPC-S, RPT-S™

3-8 Years | 9-12 Years | 13-18 Years | 18+ | Family

Rachel Esparza is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate supervised by Jaclyn N. Sepp, MA, LPC-S, RPT-S™, NCC, RYT® 200 and Sheila Wessels, MEd, LPC-S, RPT-S™. Rachel is also working towards her Registered Play Therapist™ (RPT™) credential. At Texas State University, Rachel earned her Master’s degree in Professional Counseling (CACREP Accredited Program) and her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She has experience working with children, adolescents, young adults, and families in community counseling settings.

Rachel believes that play therapy allows children to externalize their experiences in a way that grants them safety to process these events and grow from them. Through child-centered play therapy, her counseling approach emphasizes empathic understanding and unconditional positive regard.

Her approach to counseling establishes relational conditions that guide clients to improve their self-awareness, reach their goals, and meet their needs. She knows that every person’s lived experience molds them into who they are, and therefore regards the client as the expert. Rachel aims to support families by collaborating with the child and key figures in their life to cultivate healthy relationships.

Originally from Michigan, Rachel has lived in Austin since 2009 and loves to spend time outdoors and trying new restaurants. She also enjoys spending time with her husband and dog, reading, and playing board games.

RACHEL IS PARTICULARLY WELL-SUITED TO SUPPORT FAMILIES:

Who are struggling with emotional regulation and externalizing behaviors (tantrums, big emotions).
Who are interested in developing healthy relationships.
Who want to understand the role the brain plays in behavior and emotions.

RACHEL WORKS AT OUR BERKMAN AND SPICEWOOD OFFICE LOCATIONS AND OFFERS VIRTUAL SESSIONS. ALL SESSIONS ARE 45 MINUTES UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED. HER RATES ARE THE FOLLOWING:

Individual Session $145
Initial Consult, Parent Consult, Parent Coaching $170
Family Session $190

AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION:

Anger Management
Anxiety
Behavioral Issues
Career Counseling
Coping Skills
Depression
Divorce
Family Conflict

Learning Disabilities
Parenting
Peer Relationships
Relationship Issues
School Issues
Self Esteem
Stress

RACHEL’S FAVORITES:

Favorite board game: Azul
Favorite ice cream flavor: Superman Ice Cream
Favorite animal: Stingray
Favorite children’s book: Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes
Favorite color: Light pink
Favorite place in Austin: In a kayak on the lake
Favorite holiday: New Year’s Eve
I feel happiest when: I’m playing board games with my family or playing with my dog
If I had a superpower it would be: The ability to freeze time
Place I feel most safe/calm/comfortable: Sitting with my dog, reading, and having a hot drink (preferably apple cider, but I like tea too)