What populations do you work with?

I work with individuals 18+ and specialize in complex trauma. Most clients come in to feel more connected to their body, emotions, needs, life-purpose, authenticity, and sense of aliveness. When we humans are disconnected from those core states of being, symptoms such as depression and anxiety become patterns that impact internal well-being and wreak havoc in our relationships. Some of the common issues I work with are healing childhood trauma, healing from abusive relationships, adult children of narcissistic parents, adults with narcissistic or borderline tendencies, panic, OCD, toxic-shame, addictions, and codependency. I do not work with children or couples.

I have found experiential, somatic, and relational modalities to be most effective and aligned. I draw on my training in IPNB (Interpersonal Neurobiology), NARM (Neuro-Affective Relational Model), AEDP (Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Processing, and IFS (Internal Family Systems) to facilitate a titrated and embodied reconnection to your authentic self.

NARM (NeuroAffective Relational Model) is a compassionate, relational approach to healing complex trauma and attachment wounds. It focuses on how we learned to adapt in order to stay connected, safe, and alive - and how those adaptations may now limit our vitality or sense of self. NARM works in the present moment, supporting increased self-connection, capacity, and freedom, while honoring the wisdom of the nervous system. Click here to learn more about the adaptive patterns formed in childhood and how they may still be influencing us today.

50 min. individual therapy session $160

50 min. teletherapy session (state-wide) $160

50 min. consultation (for therapists) $125

Accepted forms of payment include cash, check, credit card, HSA & FSA cards.

If this rate prevents you from participating in therapy, please consider local low-cost options listed here on the resources page.

I do not accept insurance but I’m happy to provide a monthly receipt form (called a superbill) to apply for possible reimbursement with your insurance company. Each insurance company has a different policy on how much they will reimburse for out of network providers, so it is important to clarify your specific benefits with your insurance.

I am available Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings and afternoons. To discuss whether our schedules currently align, please feel free to fill out the contact request form and request an email or phone call.

I don’t remember much of my childhood…can this still be effective for me?

Yes. In fact, one of the reasons I have continued to work experientially (in the moment) with clients is because it can be more efficient and less retraumatic than some therapies based on exposure, catharsis, or re-living the past. Typically, what needs to emerge will come up organically in a meaningful way as we explore what gets in the way of your preferred experiences. Our work is to explore how you’re relating to what is happening in the present, not to relive it from the perspective of the past.

Firstly, it is this very disconnection from the body and emotions that was once life saving for us. So this challenge with connection to emotions is to be expected in healing complex trauma. You get to show up to session as authentically as is comfortable for you without pressure to “do it right”. Easier said than done, I know, but my commitment to you is to go at YOUR pace of reconnection to yourself. When therapies attempt to will or force states of being, often it only reinforces disconnection and strategies of inauthenticity (such as pressuring oneself to “do it right”). This process will look a bit different for each person and just as a plant naturally moves toward the light, your body and uncompleted emotions are naturally moving toward integration. Our work is to become curious about how you might be allowing those authentic energies to emerge or pushing them back down. And why would we do that? Well, let’s just say we have learned many ways to “push down” our own aliveness and authenticity. For more on “survival strategies” click here.

Licensed counselors in Texas are required to post the following information on their website:

No Surprises Act:

You have rights and protection against surprise medical bills. Please click here to learn more.

To request your medical records, please email at whitneysutherland@gmail.com or call 512-761-8746. Records are maintained for seven years from the end of services.

How to contact the Texas licensing authority:

You can contact the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC) online here:

BHEC Website

Or by mail here:

333 Guadalupe St., Ste. 3-900

Austin, TX 78701

Tel. (512) 305-7700

1-800-821-3205 24-hour, toll-free complaint system.

The Council is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., but closed on state holidays.

BHEC Verify Therapist’s License

(Whitney Marie Sutherland, License No. 76163)

To file a consumer complaint:

You have the right to file a consumer complaint (as outlined in Texas Health & Safety Code Section 181.103).

​Find Instructions: Complaint instructions and forms are available on the website of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) or our specific licensing board, Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC).

HHSC Consumer Protection Site

Consumer Protection Hotline:

(800) 621-0508

BHEC Complaint Site

BHEC Contact Info:

333 Guadalupe St., Ste. 3-900

Austin, TX 78701

Tel. (512) 305-7700

1-800-821-3205 24-hour, toll-free complaint system.

The Council is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., but closed on state holidays.