Pragmatic Questions

My hours are flexible most days.

Monday-Thursday: 9:00 a.m. with the last session beginning no later than 7:00 p.m.

Friday: 9:30 a.m. with the last session beginning no later than 5:00 p.m.

Saturday: I have sessions between 10am and 3pm.

Sunday: 1:00 p.m. with the last session beginning no later than 3:00 p.m.

You may call or text me at (512) 256-9236.
You can also send me an email at michael@spaceofgracecounseling.com.

From there, we can set up a complimentary 30-minute consultation to see if we’re a good fit for working together. How’s that sound?

I ask that you please give 24 hours notice for canceling an appointment. Otherwise, there will be a $30 cancellation/no-show fee charged. However, if you reschedule your the appointment within 7 days, I will waive the fee. I request that all cancellations notices be given in advance of 24 hours via phone, text, or email. 

I work with ages ranging from 10 and up.

But I do have what I call my sweet spot: pre-teens, ages 11-13. I used to be a middle school teacher, so I love working with this group because they are so amazing to be around!

I open every session with prayer if you agree.

I ask a question. I listen to your response.

I ask clarifying questions. I listen. Then I respond with whatever is helpful and appropriate for the need of the moment.

Sometimes, I’ll share relevant thoughts from the Bible. Other times, I’ll share my observations and give feedback.

Then, I’ll give an assignment for clients to work on in-between sessions and provide clear direction on the pathway to take for our next session.

Finally, I close each session with prayer – with your consent.

That all depends on the day, so you might want to wear a helmet to the sessions, LOL!

No, I follow the model laid out in Ephesians 4:29 that states, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out your mouth but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs that it may benefit those who listen.”

Because the Bible says that God created us in His image (Genesis 1:26-27) and that Jesus is completely able to sympathize with all that we go through in this life (Hebrews 2:14-18; 4:15-16).

That would make the Bible uniquely and sufficiently qualified to address any mental health challenges we face because He identifies with all that we feel and experience here on earth. He completely empathizes.

Three distinct game-changers distinguish me from other therapists in the area.

1. I’m the only African-American male therapist in Austin who can relate to the struggle men of color face when it comes to connecting faith to their unique struggle in today’s culture.
2. I use the Bible as the primary means of facilitating the change that people of faith wish to see in their marriages and families.
3. I also help young teens who struggle with gender identity and self-esteem issues understand how they are loved and accepted as they were created, from a biblical worldview.

Two things. First, I pour everything I am and everything I know into my counseling practice. Please come ready to receive what I have to offer through the Holy Spirit.

Second, I will gracefully hold you accountable for your progress and healing. Friendly reminder: “You get back what you put in.”

This process will be a marathon – not a sprint. Be patient with the process and remain faithful and hopeful during the struggle. Good, predictable results will come. You are not on this path alone.

Glad you asked. I wanted to have a greater spiritual impact on the lives of men of color, teenagers, and marriage relationships.

I felt called to this profession after seeing the effects of living in a broken world. The enemy is wreaking havoc on the lives of many I know and love through identity crisis, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, addictions, abuse, rage, divorce, and disillusionment.

I wanted to make more of a difference in my community than I was able to make in the public-school system.

When I was a junior in college, I lived in one of the dormitories on campus that invited residents to an informal discussion on the Bible.

None of the smoke alarms in the dorms ever worked. Ever.

I was just going from dorm room to dorm room, and everyone seemed to be out someplace. So, I was bored and decided to pull the lever to one of these “defective” alarms.

To my utter surprise, the alarm sounded a very loud screeching noise. Minutes later all these students began coming outside. An hour and a half later, the alarm was still sounding off. Finally, the fire department arrived and turned off the alarm. The relief and peace I felt goes without saying. Of course, I didn’t tell anyone it was me, are you crazy? 😉

I coached a high school baseball team to a district championship season in an ESPN-moment back in 1989.

My team was down 5-0 going into the bottom of the 5th inning of a 7-inning game. We scored 2 runs in the 5th, one run in the 6th, and 3 runs in the bottom of the 7th inning on a 2-out, 2-run double by our star player. It was amazing.

Had a nice date with a young lady later that evening to top off a memorable time! 😉

Hands down that place would be Berlin, Germany! I saw incredible culture and history there. The people of Germany were very friendly and welcoming of my brother and me. I was blown away by the simplicity of life there. If I could choose any international city to live in, it would be Berlin. I guess I would have to get used to drinking the beer and consuming all the brats. Tough life. 😉