Welcome to

Inner Strength Counseling

You have inner strength. Change is possible. You can do this.

Services

Online Telehealth Counseling

Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, I've transitioned fully to online telehealth services. While I won't be able to see you in person, I'm able to serve you anywhere in the state of Texas!

I am

Alicia McNany, MA, LPC

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice serving Austin, Texas. I earned a masters degree in Professional Counseling from Texas State University and am recognized as a Nationally Certified Counselor.

I am passionate about assisting others with creating their ideal life. My counseling style is collaborative and focuses on your unique strengths. In session, I can work with you to apply these strengths for healing, growth, and making healthy life choices.

Cognitive
Behavioral
Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a type of therapy based on the concept that your thoughts result in emotions which guide your behavior.

CBT is one of the most widely researched and clinically proven therapy techniques. I use this style of counseling as a framework to explore thoughts and beliefs, improve coping skills, and increase positive emotional responsiveness.

What We Can Work On

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Anxiety

fear / motivation

Unlike stress, which is a natural response to daily pressures, anxiety is the persistent, irrational, and excessive fear of future events. Anxiety sufferers have difficulty stopping cycles of “what if” thoughts and symptoms can feel beyond their control.

Mental symptoms of anxiety can include: feelings of distress, irritability, edginess, as well as impaired learning and memory. Physical symptoms can include: muscle tension, shaking, sweating, nausea, fatigue, restlessness, difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, erratic breathing, and irregular heartbeat. If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is recommended that you consult with a physician to rule out medical causes before beginning behavioral treatment.

Drug Addiction

chemical dependency / recovery

Addiction describes compulsive-like behaviors wherein using a substance becomes a controlling factor in a person’s life. Addictive substances can be chemical (e.g., nicotine, alcohol, or other psychoactive drugs) or behavioral (e.g., gambling, shopping, or eating). A person suffering from addiction engages in using their substance of choice regardless of negative consequences.

Mental symptoms of drug addiction can include: preoccupation with using, denial, difficulty delaying gratification, feelings of guilt and shame after using, and progressive decay in all areas of life functioning. Physical symptoms can include: tolerance, withdrawal, cravings, and impaired brain functioning. If you are currently experiencing withdrawal symptoms due to exposure to chemical substances, it is recommended that you consult with a physician about safe detoxification procedures before beginning behavioral treatment.

For information on local recovery support group meetings, treatment centers, and aftercare support, visit http://www.soberaustin.com.

Ready to quit using nicotine? Call 1-877-YES QUIT (937-7848) or visit yesquit.org to receive free nicotine cessation counseling, support, and information.

Internet Addiction

dependency / recovery

Addiction describes compulsive-like behaviors wherein using a substance becomes a controlling factor in a person’s life. Addictive substances can be chemical (e.g., nicotine, alcohol, or other psychoactive drugs) or behavioral (e.g., gambling, shopping, or eating). A person suffering from addiction engages in using their substance of choice regardless of negative consequences.

Those suffering from internet addiction may find themselves mentally preoccupied with thoughts of online activity, engage in prolonged sessions using online devices, conceal internet use from others, and/or become irritable or depressed when unable to use. An individual with internet addiction experiences distress due to daily life, relationships, work, or education becoming negatively affected. Some physical effects of internet addiction are: pain or numbness in hands/wrists, dry eyes, headaches, muscle aches, sleep disturbance, and significant weight gain or loss.

Relationships

conflict / growth

Conflict is a healthy part of working relationships. During conflict, individuals address differences, seek to understand each others points of view, and negotiate new boundaries. Conflict can turn destructive when individuals lose sight of their partnership, dismiss others points of view, use defensive communication, or attempt to “win” arguments.

Counseling can assist those wanting to preserve important relationships by providing a forum for reflecting on unproductive/destructive patterns, decoding communication stances, and practicing constructive ways of working through conflict.

Rates

$120 for a 50-minute individual counseling session.


Cancellation Policy: If you are unable to attend your session, please notify me 24 hours before your scheduled appointment time in order to avoid a cancellation fee. You may leave a cancellation or rescheduling request 24/7 on my confidential voicemail or by email.

Payment: I accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, and health savings account (HSA) cards.

Insurance: At this time I accept BlueCross BlueShield PPO. For all other insurance, my services may be covered in part by your plan if they allow for out-of-network reimbursement. Contact your insurance provider for questions about their reimbursement policy and how to arrange pre-approval for your session.

Contact Me

512-705-7018


I am currently accepting new clients.
I offer weekday, evening, and weekend appointments.


Please note: I am unable to answer the phone if I am in a session. If you do not reach me directly, please leave a brief message on my confidential voicemail with your name, phone number, and ideal time to return your call. I will do my best to respond within 24 hours.


Please be aware that non-encrypted email communications can be accessed by unauthorized people which can compromise privacy and confidentiality. of such communications. If you accept this limitation and would like to send me a direct message, fill out the form above.