About Aaron Relyea
Focus areas
Addiction / Substance Abuse
Mood Disorders
Anxiety
Depression
Clientele seen
Young adults (18-24)
Adults (25-64)
Individuals
Treatment approaches
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Motivational Interviewing
Feminist
Multicultural
Mindfulness-Based (MBCT)
Identity
Gender
MaleLanguages spoken
English
Getting to know Aaron Relyea
I am a sex-positive LGBTQ+ ally. Are you struggling in your relationship with yourself, fighting guilt or shame about your body size? I want to join you on your journey if you are looking for an anti-diet-inspired approach. A path to freedom from a cycle of self-hate towards your body and the deconstructing of diet culture is possible. Climate anxiety and political stress are also interests. Although we only have so much power over our country and our planet, I help others cope with the frustration. I only offer online counseling for adults on Thursdays from 7-8 PM and Sundays from 10 AM - 3 PM (Central Time) to Texas residents. I do not have an in-person office. I have a Master's in Human Relations and am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Texas, and I speak Spanish and English.
I have a collaborative approach. Clients know their stories better than anyone else. Only you can feel your feelings, pain, and growth, and only you are truly living in your own body. Everyone is influenced by a number of factors (like where you grew up, when, with whom, and your own tools) that make up the "deck of cards" dealt to us every day. Additionally, you have to live in the world with life rolling the dice on you every day. I use evidence-based approaches and techniques to guide us, bringing in the wisdom of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused approach, Motivational Interviewing, and Mindfulness meditation techniques.
What should a new client know about working with you?
Are you struggling with anxiety and depression, and grief? Does it seem like most of the world's efforts to fight global warming are going down the drain? I work with climate activists and everyday hard-working people trying to do their part against the climate crisis/global warming emergency, political stress, and rise of fascism/oligarchy. Are you coping with stress by using too much alcohol or other substances, or even compulsive behaviors in excess? Need help deconstructing diet culture? Working with me can help you make progress with these goals.
I am trauma-informed and practice active listening and need to hear your experiences as an empathetic partner. If we’re working through something challenging, you can expect me to be calm and patient. Being human, I naturally have opinions and reactions, but your needs come first. Calming and gentle are my usual modes, with a splash of humor whenever possible.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
I earned my Bachelor's Degree in psychology from the University of Texas at Austin, where I felt naturally drawn to learn how to help others. Later, this continued as I got a job working with adults and seniors with severe mental health and substance use disorders while working on my Master's Degree in Human Relations at The University of Oklahoma, Norman. I have worked with teens and families, correctional institutions, and in chronic pain management clinics after I got my license as a Licensed Professional Counselor in 2001. I have worked in hospitals, nursing homes, and foster care/group homes doing assessments for many years. I have worked for managed care organizations doing case management and utilization management for 18 years. On my journey, I have come a long way and helped many along the way. In my private practice, my focus often evolved, having to change, add, or drop different approaches to update my beliefs based on new scientific evidence.
We will work together to come up with goals that you want to focus on and can modify at any time. I like to offer clients useful evidence-based techniques and will suggest expert-driven resources (such as self-help workbooks, apps, websites, and videos). We don't just talk, but process written homework. Guided therapeutic exercises, mindfulness techniques, or guided meditations are frequently used when applicable.
The first session always has to include an intake assessment where I take a full bio-psycho-social history and presenting problems. The majority of the hour is taken up by asking about what brings you to therapy, your background, family, history, job, education, mental health symptoms, and history and if any substance use issues or other problematic behavior patterns are known. It can be useful to have medical or health problem information as well, and if the client is taking any medications and from what providers.
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In-network insurances
Aetna
BlueCross BlueShield
Cigna
UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare Oxford
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- The University of Oklahoma, Master's in Professional Counseling
- The University of Texas at Austin (Bachelor's)
NPI number
1447893078
How soon can I make an appointment with Aaron Relyea?
Generally, Aaron Relyea has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Aaron Relyea's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Aaron Relyea accepting new patients?
Aaron Relyea generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Aaron Relyea's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Aaron Relyea accept my insurance?
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Can I make an appointment with Aaron Relyea online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Aaron Relyea using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Aaron Relyea work with?
Aaron Relyea works with Rula Health - Dallas.
What are common reasons for patients to see Aaron Relyea?
Aaron Relyea frequently sees patients for Depression, Pain Management Consultation, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Sleep Problems. You can see other visit reasons for Aaron Relyea on their profile.
What languages does Aaron Relyea speak?
Aaron Relyea speaks English.