A black swan with a red beak swimming in a body of water with ripples and reflections.

Trauma Therapy in Austin Texas

Virtual Therapy Services available throughout Texas

Awaken Your Power and Return to Yourself

Trauma Therapy for Adults Ready to Feel Safe in Their Own Skin Again

For years, you may have learned to survive by shrinking yourself, staying hyper-aware of other people’s moods, second-guessing your instincts, or keeping the peace at your own expense. Whether you’ve experienced trauma, narcissistic abuse, emotional abuse, or unhealthy relationship dynamics, living in survival mode can leave you feeling anxious, exhausted, disconnected, and unsure of how to trust yourself anymore.

Trauma therapy is a space to finally slow down and begin reconnecting with yourself.

Together, we’ll gently untangle the effects of trauma, gaslighting, emotional manipulation, and painful relationship patterns so you can better understand what you’ve been carrying—and begin shifting the survival responses that no longer serve you.

The goal isn’t just to cope better. It’s to feel safer in your body, more confident in your boundaries, and more grounded in who you are.

A young woman (Shelby Orvedal LPC-A) with long brown hair, smiling, wearing a black tank top with a swan graphic, standing outdoors in front of green foliage.

Do you feel like this?

  • You’re stuck, people-pleasing, masking who you really are just to keep the peace and feel accepted.

  • Anxiety keeps your body in constant fight-or-flight mode, making it hard to relax, switch off, or feel safe in your own life.

  • You battle chronic self-doubt, overthinking, and the feeling that no matter what you do, it’s never quite enough.

  • Your relationship patterns leave you emotionally exhausted, disconnected, and craving a deeper, healthier connection.

  • You struggle with rest, burnout, and perfectionism because slowing down feels “lazy” instead of necessary.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to stay stuck here.

A Quick Introduction

I offer therapy that goes beyond surface-level coping strategies.
Together, we’ll look at the deeper patterns driving how you think, feel, and relate to others—so you can create meaningful, lasting change.

I work with survivors of abuse, trauma, and PTSD. I am particularly passionate about working with those navigating the unique challenges of sex work.

My approach blends compassion with clarity, helping you untangle the painful patterns of the past while building the confidence, boundaries, and self-trust to move forward.

Whether you’re reclaiming your voice, healing from deep wounds, or navigating a life that doesn’t fit into society’s neat boxes, I offer a safe, judgment-free space to be wholly yourself.

  • LGBTQ+ Care

  • Sex Worker Allied

  • Sex Positive/ Kink Allied

  • Anti-Racist & Inclusive Care

  • Chronic Illness & Disability Affirming

A close-up of a black swan with its head bent down, preening its black feathers and showing its orange and black beak.

Trauma-informed therapy for people who feel ‘fine’ on the outside but are struggling inside

A black swan and a white swan face each other on the water with their necks curved inward, creating a heart shape.

Psychotherapist in ATX Specializing in Trauma, Anxiety, and Relationships

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Psychotherapist in ATX Specializing in Trauma, Anxiety, and Relationships 🦢

Meet Shelby!

Trauma-Informed ATX-based therapist

Virtual Therapy available throughout the state of Texas

I became a therapist because I’m interested in the deeper “why” behind how people think and feel—not just quick fixes.

My approach is thoughtful, curious, and grounded in helping you understand yourself in a real way.

Schedule your FREE 15-minute consultation

A young woman with shoulder-length dark hair, wearing a lavender sweater, smiling with arms crossed, standing in front of a background with gold and beige leaf and geometric patterns.

Psychotherapist in ATX Specializing in Trauma, Anxiety, and Relationships

🦢

Psychotherapist in ATX Specializing in Trauma, Anxiety, and Relationships 🦢

YOU DON’T HAVE TO HEAL ON YOUR OWN!

IF THIS IS RESONATING …

1.) BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION CALL!

I offer a free 15-minute consultation call where you can ask all the questions, get a feel for the process, and see if we’re the right fit. Think of it as a no-pressure chance to connect, chat things through, and make sure you feel fully comfortable before moving forward. You can book a time for your free consultation call directly by clicking any of the “book” buttons throughout my website!

2.) SCHEDULE YOUR INDIVIDUAL SESSION!

Towards the end of our consultation call, we’ll go over the practical details — including finding a weekly session time that works well with your schedule. Consistent weekly sessions help create the support, safety, and momentum needed for meaningful healing and lasting change.

3.) LET THE HEALING JOURNEY BEGIN!

In our weekly sessions, we’ll use trauma-informed and intersectional approaches to explore the patterns that may be keeping you stuck in fear, guilt, and shame. Together, we’ll gently untangle what’s been weighing you down, while honoring the many layers of your identity and lived experience. From there, we’ll work toward releasing shame, strengthening self-understanding, and deepening the way you connect with yourself and others.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • My fee for services is $150 per 50-minute session. I also offer a limited number of sliding scale spots, prioritized for BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and sex worker clients. Availability is not guaranteed at the time of inquiry. If you need a reduced fee, please let me know during our consultation call, and we can discuss options. If I’m unable to accommodate sliding scale at that time, I’m happy to offer referrals and resources to help you find care that fits your financial needs.

  • I am currently an out-of-network mental health provider, which means I do not bill insurance directly. However, I am happy to provide you with a monthly superbill that you can submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. I encourage you to contact your insurance provider to ask about your out-of-network mental health benefits, as many clients are able to receive partial reimbursement.

    Why choose an out-of-network therapist?

    Working with an out-of-network therapist offers more flexibility, privacy, and freedom in your care. Here’s why it can be beneficial:

    More consistent, uninterrupted care — We are not restricted by insurance session limits, approvals, or coverage changes, so we can focus on your healing for as long as you need.

    More personalized, flexible therapy — Treatment is guided by your needs, not insurance requirements or “medical necessity” checkboxes.

    Greater privacy and confidentiality — Your care stays between us, without the need to submit detailed clinical notes or ongoing diagnoses to insurance companies.

    Fewer administrative barriers — No surprise coverage changes, billing disruptions, or treatment interruptions due to insurance decisions.

    Care that centers you — We focus on what actually supports your mental health and wellbeing, not what a third-party payer determines is allowed.

  • Yes! I would love to meet with you in person. I have an office located in Austin, TX. I also offer virtual therapy for those located anywhere in the state of Texas.

    In-person availability is limited

  • I am honored that you’re considering giving me a call!

    You can schedule a free 15-minute consultation call by clicking HERE

    During our call, we’ll talk through what’s bringing you in, I’ll answer any questions you have about the process, and then we’ll go over the practical details of scheduling and next steps.

  • I meet with clients once a week for a 50-minute session.

    Research consistently shows that weekly therapy provides the most meaningful and effective support, especially in the early stages of care. Because of this, I ask clients to commit to weekly sessions for the first 6 months so we can build consistency, establish trust, and create real momentum in your healing process.

    Biweekly sessions are typically reserved for clients who are in the later stages of therapy and beginning to transition out of regular weekly support.

  • In our first session, we’ll go over your intake paperwork together and talk about how you’re feeling about starting therapy. We’ll begin identifying what feels most important to you and what you’d like support with.

    The early sessions often involve some “world building” as I get to know your history, experiences, and what has brought you here. Throughout our work, I also make it a priority to check in regularly to ensure the process continues to feel supportive, collaborative, and aligned with your needs.

Contact Information

GET IN TOUCH WITH ME!

blackswanpsychotherapy@gmail.com

Call or Text (512) 761-5829 to get started TODAY!

Therapy for Those Who Were Never Meant to Fit the Mold