Are you ready to put yourself first?

I’m here to help.

Deserah (Des-er-a) Telles is a LPC and LCDC. She is from East Austin (pre gentrification). She holds PhD of Philosophy with an emphasis on Human Behavior. Deserah is a trained restorative justice facilitator and incorporates the restorative justice process into therapeutic sessions to equip you for effective communication outside of the therapy office. She loves integrating a faith based approach into the therapeutic process if welcomed. She has provided a number of specialized therapeutic services to those dealing with challenging life experiences, trauma, addiction, anxiety, depression, substance use and defiant behavior. She is a person just like you who strives to make therapy relatable and understandable.

Are you seeking a safe space to acknowledge and process unresolved trauma, while learning coping skills to help you regulate and feel stable in your life? Are you someone who wants to be yourself in therapy without the fear of judgement?

“this is a space for you…it’s time for things to be different”

My Approach to Therapy

Hey there! I'm here to walk alongside you on this unique journey toward healing and growth. In our sessions, I blend different approaches like EMDR, CBT, and DBT – think of it as a toolkit customized just for you.

Picture EMDR like a gentle guide, helping us navigate the twists and turns of your experiences. It's like flipping the switch on those overwhelming memories, giving us a chance to process and reshape them together.

CBT is like our friendly detective work. We'll dive into how thoughts, feelings, and actions connect. It's not about changing who you are, but tweaking those thinking patterns so you can tackle challenges with a fresh perspective.

DBT is our life skills workshop. From mindfulness to handling tough emotions and improving connections, it's all about giving you practical tools for your everyday life.

Our journey is a team effort. I'm here to listen, guide, and support without judgment. Together, we'll uncover strengths, navigate challenges, and work towards lasting positive changes. So, are you ready to take the next step? Let's embark on this journey together!

For those seeking a faith-based perspective, I offer the option of integrating Christian counseling into our sessions. Drawing from Christian principles and values, we can explore the spiritual dimensions of your experiences, weaving them into our therapeutic conversations.

How is therapy with me different?

I pride myself on being a relatable therapist. I do my best to break information down, to where it’s easy to understand and digest. My personal lived experiences give me a unique approach to therapy.

Am I the right therapist for you?

  • Finding the right therapist is like finding a good playlist that just clicks with your mood. It's all about that connection and comfort, you know? You should feel heard and understood, like chatting with a friend who really gets you. A good fit is someone who's not just nodding along but genuinely cares about your well-being and supports you in your journey. Think of it as teaming up with someone who respects your vibe and tailors the approach to what works best for you. We're in this together, aiming for progress, growth, and creating a therapeutic space that feels just right for you. Trust your gut and let's make this journey a positive one!

  • Recognizing when a therapist isn't the right fit is as crucial as finding the right one. If there's a vibe mismatch, limited connection, or communication roadblocks, it's okay to acknowledge that therapy might not be hitting the sweet spot. Feeling unsupported, misunderstood, or judged is a red flag – a good therapist fosters a safe, collaborative atmosphere where your input is valued. If there's resistance to adapting the approach to your unique needs, cultural insensitivity, or any signs of unethical behavior, it's time to reconsider. Ultimately, therapy should be a dynamic, positive process that contributes to your well-being and growth. Trust your instincts, and if it feels off, let's talk about it openly.

  • I enjoy my quality time with friends and family. I volunteer on the board of several local nonprofits bettering our community. In my free time I study the word and try spreading as much knowledge as I can.

    I was raised in East Austin before gentrification and I’m so proud of my roots.

Specialties

  • Trauma

    Trauma therapy offers a healing journey, utilizing specialized techniques to process and reframe distressing memories, empowering individuals to navigate the impact of trauma and cultivate resilience.

  • Substance Use

    Substance use counseling provides individuals with a supportive and non-judgmental space to explore, understand, and address the complexities of their relationship with substances, fostering a pathway toward recovery and healthier choices.

  • Intensives

    Trauma intensives provide individuals with a concentrated and immersive therapeutic experience, allowing for in-depth exploration and accelerated processing of distressing memories within a compressed timeframe.

Clinical Experience

  • Licensure

    LPC

    LCDC

    Education

    Capella University PhD - 2020

    Liberty University MA - 2016

  • EMDR Certified

    ASSYST Certified

  • Amala Foundation- Board Member

    Tamar’s Refuge Village- President

“I try to be who I needed when I was younger.”