With over a decade of experience in mental health, Liz Watts, MA, LPC, NCC, has established a successful career. Since its establishment in 2022, she has exceled as a counselor at Liz Watts Counseling. Ms. Watts is dedicated to fostering a client-centered and collaborative therapeutic environment, emphasizing the importance of the relationship between client and therapist. Her practice specializes in working with adults aged 18 and above, particularly those grappling with self-criticism, perfectionism, negative self-talk, and imposter syndrome. Additionally, she provides support for individuals dealing with anxiety, stress, depression, and other mood disorders. Her comprehensive approach includes a wide range of therapeutic techniques such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Attachment Theory, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Humanistic Therapy, Integrative Therapy, Mindfulness-based Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, and Person-Centered Therapy.
Prior to establishing her private practice, Ms. Watts gained experience as a postgraduate volunteer at Capital Area Counseling. Her journey in counseling began as an intern and student counselor at the same organization in 2020. Throughout her career, she has been an active member of the American Counseling Association, which has provided her with opportunities for professional development and networking within the industry.
Ms. Watts attributes her success in the industry to her educational foundation, earning a bachelor’s degree in music from The University of Manchester in 1991, followed by a Master of Arts in Counseling from St. Edward’s University in 2020. She also holds several certifications that underscore her expertise in the field. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in the state of Texas and a Nationally Certified Counselor. These credentials reflect her commitment to maintaining high standards of practice and providing quality care to her clients.
Outside of her professional life, Ms. Watts is an accomplished violinist who performs with the Starlight Symphony Orchestra as the assistant principal second violin. She also serves as the board secretary for the orchestra, contributing significantly to its administrative functions. During her two decades in California from 1997 to 2017, she volunteered as a librarian for a professional orchestra where she curated and distributed musical scores.
Reflecting on her path, Ms. Watts, a native of England, has been deeply connected to the world of music since her early years. Her interest in counseling emerged from her personal journey as a dedicated violinist navigating the challenges of performance anxiety. Recognizing similar struggles among her students, she became determined to find effective solutions. This determination led her to explore psychology through courses at her local community college and later pursue a comprehensive counseling program at St. Edward’s University.
One of the most memorable moments in Ms. Watts’s career was her experience with her first client. Entering that initial session, she felt immense pressure to adopt a professional persona, believing she needed to have all the answers. However, she quickly realized that authenticity and being true to herself were far more important. The discomfort of her first two sessions, marked by awkwardness and rigid expectations of professionalism, served as a pivotal learning experience. This shift has allowed her to create more genuine and meaningful connections in her counseling practice. Ms. Watts distinguishes herself in the counseling field by addressing often-overlooked issues, specializing in imposter syndrome, feelings of inadequacy, self-criticism, and perfectionism. She prioritizes the therapist-client relationship as the cornerstone of effective therapy, emphasizing connection over rigid techniques. Looking ahead, she plans to increase her involvement in supporting local musicians and hopes to secure a contract with an organization in Austin. Leveraging her expertise in counseling, she is determined to establish herself independently while committing to ongoing personal and professional growth.