Deann Acton LMFT ATR-BC
Austin Therapist trained in DBT & EMDR Licensed Marriage Family Therapist
BFA in Studio Art: '91 University of Texas at Austin
MA MFT-Art Therapy: '98 Notre Dame de Namur University, Belmont CA
President of the South Texas Art Therapy Association 2018-2020
Life is full of challenges. Some challenges we are able to find ways to cope with. We adapt and move through these challenges having grown in the process. But other challenges are much more difficult. Often times, these challenges occur when life does not meet our expectations. Death, divorce, family problems, financial problems, issues with our health, are just a few examples of how life can throw us off course. It is normal for anyone to feel a vast array of emotions such as sadness, anxiety, fear, anger, and begin to harbor feelings of self doubt. I feel these are the times when therapy can be the most helpful. Together, we can clarify goals, work through issues from the past that are impacting the present, and learn positive ways to cope when problems arise.
I am a licensed marriage family therapist practicing in Austin, but am also licensed in the state of California. I have over 20 years experience working with children, teens, families, and adults in a variety of settings, including schools, residential treatment centers, juvenile detention centers, and hospitals. I use art therapy, play, sand tray, and talk therapy to help people find different ways to look at their challenges and find creative solutions. I was trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy in 2002 and recently have added EMDR to my therapeutic toolbox. More information about each of these modalities can be found under the about section heading.
I began my practice by focusing much of my work on gifted children, teens and adults, who often times possess both an emotional and intellectual intensity that can make life overwhelming. After over a decade of focusing on this population, I realized that many of my clients were in fact neurodivergent. I also realized that I am also neurodivergent. I have become extremely interested in providing neurodivergent affirming therapy to those clients who have not always been successful at therapy with more neurotypical providers.
Aside from my therapeutic work, I have also been an educator at two university Masters Level Counseling Programs, Notre Dame de Namur University in Belmont, California and Dominican University in San Rafael, California. I am a published author, having written for the American Art Therapy Association’s Journal regarding Cultural Competency and published a chapter in the book, “Art, Angst, and Trauma: Right Brain Interventions with Developmental Issues.” I served as the president of the South Texas Art Therapy Association from 2018-2020.