Bellwether Counseling
Who We Are
Who We Are
Bellwether Counseling is a boutique counseling center focused on improving the lives and relationships of our clients. We do this by offering tailored therapy aligned with best practices, cutting edge training, and focused on outcomes. We believe that healthy relationships are a cornerstone to a happy life and understand that sometimes, important relationships take work. We offer counseling for individuals, couples, teens, and families, and welcome diverse genders, sexualities, and unique relationship dynamics.
Ashley Blu Staats
PhD, LMFT-S, CST-S
I am a seasoned professional with over a decade of dedicated experience, specializing in providing support and guidance to couples and individuals grappling with intimacy issues. As the premier Certified Sex Therapist in the vibrant Austin area, I have earned a reputation for my unwavering commitment to fostering healthier, more fulfilling relationships. My dedication to the field extends beyond my private practice, as I am also a renowned educator in the domains of sex therapy, ethics in mental health, and Psychopathology. I firmly believe that every Therapist inherently serves as a sex therapist, recognizing the profound impact of intimacy on mental and emotional well-being. In addition to my clinical and educational roles, I hold steadfast professional values that prioritize representation within the mental health field, champion equitable access to mental health counseling, and uphold the highest ethical standards within our profession. These values are not mere principles but are at the core of my practice philosophy.
I am also proud to be the founder of the TalkSex Institute, a school dedicated to advancing the field of sex therapy, sex education, promoting ethical standards, and providing comprehensive information and training to future mental health professionals. Through this institute, I aim to empower therapists and individuals alike to embrace a holistic approach to mental and emotional well-being. In all aspects of my work, I am driven by the belief that nurturing healthy relationships and promoting sexual health are fundamental to overall wellness. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, ethics, and inclusivity, I am dedicated to helping individuals and couples thrive in their pursuit of a more fulfilling and satisfying life.
Sloane Snyder
MA, LMFT-A
I am extremely passionate about how effective therapy can be for so many of the issues we face in everyday life. My specialty is in couples counseling, marriage counseling, sex therapy, fertility counseling, and individual therapy. My belief is that most people have created patterns in their lives that are no longer serving them in a positive way, and with my education, training, and experience I intend to help those people build more effective solutions to their problems. No matter what age, cultural background, religion, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, sexuality, etc. that we affiliate with, we all encounter difficult times where we could use someone to talk to and the resources to lift ourselves back up.
I earned my master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Houston Baptist University and am currently pursuing my certification in sex therapy. I use evidence-based approaches to help my clients work through all kinds of relationship issues. Whether it’s communication, trust, or intimacy, I provide a safe and non-judgmental environment for my clients to explore their feelings and create positive changes. I believe that understanding yourself and your relationships is the key to success.
Nancy Basoah-Scott
LMFT-A
I specialize in couples and individuals dealing with infidelity, relational conflict, intimacy and communication issues, and intimacy and sex. Naturally, I am a sex-positive therapist. When working with me, you will get a therapist who is not only sincere, empathetic, and nonjudgmental, but also someone who will be direct. Know that the directness is coming from a caring place! I strive to build trust with my clients and create a safe environment where they feel comfortable exploring vulnerable parts of themselves as they work towards their personal growth and fulfillment. I validate and challenge my clients with new perspectives. Through our partnership, my goal is to help you feel seen and heard.
As a Ghanaian and a veteran of the United States Army, I understand the stigma that is placed on mental health. It can be difficult to reach out for support when you need it. If that’s you, then know that I will go slow and not push you too quickly. I am comfortable working with individuals and couples who are a part of the kink community, LGBTQ+ community, sex work industry, and ENM relationships. I am a trauma-informed therapist and currently a Level 2 Gottman Method Couples Therapist. In addition, I have received supplementary training in Gottman Method Affairs & Trauma, CBT, Intimacy, Infidelity, anxiety, and Solution-Focused Therapy. I’m currently working towards my Certification in Sex Therapy. Whether you are seeking therapy alone or with your partner, we will work together to help find your authentic self so that your relationship thrives.
Frederick Fox
LPC
I believe that everyone can create the life they want. Sometimes, that means getting expert help in clarifying and creating a path forward. I have decades of experience in helping folks resolve career, family, and communication issues. I excel at helping my clients increase their sense of control and develop a positive expectation for your life. Sometimes change needs to happen quickly and other times, we have the luxury of time to figure things out. I match my pace to your needs and can go as fast or as slow as fits your current situation requires. I work primarily with adults over 25 who are committing energy towards achieving their goals and creating positive and lasting change in their personal life, career, and or relationships. I meet with clients both in person and virtually and am currently accepting new clients.
Carolina de Jongh
LPC, CST-Candidate
Even during the best times of our lives, existing is challenging. Many of us assume therapy is for when something in our lives is wrong. This could not be further from the truth! Therapy exists to help individuals explore the experiences that impact them most in the hopes that insight and growth will be gained in the process. As your counselor, my goal is to collaborate with you to help you find meaning within your experience, offer insight, and provide you with helpful skills you can apply to your daily life.
The most important part of any therapy is the relationship between the client and the counselor. By reading this page, you have taken the first step in growing that relationship. I am committed to being authentic, professional, and respectful. Therapy is work. It is difficult to challenge ourselves and seek out help but with the right support, the process can be well worth the effort. I pull from a variety of counseling theories including Narrative and Relational-Cultural Therapy but work mainly from an Existential background.
I am an experienced Licensed Professional Counselor. I
received my graduate degree in Professional Counseling from Texas State University. As a Cuban immigrant, I consider myself bicultural and I am fluent in Spanish. My experience living abroad in Central and South America has greatly influenced my counseling by strengthening my ability to be flexible, adaptable, and sensitive to others.
I hope to get the honor of knowing you and of helping you achieve your goals.
Michelle Mower
LMFT-A, LPC-A, CST-Candidate
As a counselor, Michelle guides you on your journey of self-discovery. The answers you need are inside you. Sometimes your vision is clouded by trauma, self-doubt, distorted thinking, or other challenging life experiences. Michelle will help you obtain clarity and rediscover yourself. Although we are influenced by our past, the past doesn’t define our future. When you work with Michelle you will experience a safe environment and a caring individual who listens carefully to your thoughts and goals, making observations and identifying patterns throughout the counseling process. Michelle is genuinely invested in your personal and relational happiness and success.
Michelle earned a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health from the University of Houston-Victoria. During her master’s program she pursued a specialty in marriage and family therapy as well as individual therapy. As a marriage and family therapist Michelle observes interpersonal dynamics and assists couples and families to create unique relationships that work for them. She can help you navigate relational issues such as communication, emotional connection, parenting, sexual concerns and forgiveness. Michelle uses a variety of techniques. These include narrative, existential, and solution-focused therapeutic processes which are tailored to each individual, couple, or family. Her clinical experience includes working with at risk adolescents and their families addressing depression, anxiety, substance abuse, suicidal thoughts, anger, self-esteem, body image, parent/child dynamics and communication. Michelle is currently pursuing a PhD in counselor education at Sam Houston University to further her therapeutic skills and understanding of the counseling process.
Michelle is certified in both levels 1 and 2 of the Gottman Institute’s Method Couples Therapy, is a National Certified Counselor, a member of the Texas Counselor Association and the Texas Association of Marriage and Family Counselors.
Channan Burns
Marriage and Family Therapy Intern – Supervised by Dr. Staats
Channan is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Syracuse University. Channan is passionate about collaborating with couples and families on their goals and journeys towards growth. She is interested in using a variety of approaches to meet each client’s needs. Channan is thrilled to work together to navigate obstacles and find strengths within relationships. When she is not in class or seeing clients she is traveling, reading, or running on a trail. She was born and raised in Houston, Texas, which is where she currently resides. Channan offers sliding scale sessions ($30-50 per session) via telehealth. All of her cases are overseen by Dr. Staats.
Madison McDade
LMFT-A
I am passionate about couples’ work as well as sex therapy.I feel that as much progress as there has been in sexuality, it still seems to still be hidden behind this heavy curtain of shame and embarrassment. It is a natural part of our humanity and I believe we all have a right to openly explore this part of us and negotiate how we want or do not want to within it. I enjoy working with clients who deal with anxiety, depression, grief, and a host of other mental health issues. Your mental health is vital to every part of your body; if it is not maintained and cared for, it can shut everything down.
I work to make sure my clients have a safe and comfortable environment to be authentic. You don’t walk into a group of strangers and just start telling them every and anything about you and your life, right? It takes time to build any relationship to a point where you feel safe and comfortable. We will take our time on this long road to mental health!
I am here to help guide you along the path of this wild thing we call life. If you are willing to put in the work, accountability, and self-introspection required, you will see positive change come your way.
Krysten Aldape
LMFT-A, CST-Candidate
If you are on your healing journey, remind yourself:
‘I am not an empty shell. I am a protecting pearl. A poem. A song. A dream. A mysterious sky. A mesmerizing beauty. My heart.’ -Alexandra Vasiliu
Many of us look at therapy in a negative lens due to how it has been portrayed throughout history. These negative constructs could not be further from the truth! Therapy exists to help individuals overcome challenges that are negatively impacting them in their daily life. As your counselor, my goal is to collaboratively help you navigate your daily challenges by utilizing your strengths, developing additional skills, and offering insight.
I believe that the most important aspect of therapy is building a strong relationship between the client and counselor. I am committed to being authentic and creating a safe and respectful space for all my clients while also being able to challenge them to help them achieve their goals in and outside of the therapy room. I have experience with a wide range of treatment modalities including Narrative and Strength-Based Therapy, but work mainly from a Solution-Focused background.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate. I received my graduate degree from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Tx. As a Hispanic woman born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley, it has been a passion of mine to de-stigmatize mental health within the Latinx community. I have experience working with families, couples, children (6-10), adolescents (13-19), and individuals (20+). I have experience working with many areas, including anxiety, depression, stress management, grief, divorce, self-esteem, trauma, life transitions, relationship issues, infidelity, and family conflict.
I hope to get the chance to work with you and help you navigate this journey!
Angelica Picado
LCSW
I’m a licensed clinical social worker committed to helping individuals and couples, navigate life’s challenges with compassion, understanding, and professional expertise. In my practice, I offer a supportive, empathetic, and nonjudgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences freely.
My approach to therapy is holistic, integrating physical, emotional, and mental health, and client-centered, focusing on your unique needs and personal growth journey. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship issues, or the impact of trauma, I am here to provide a safe environment where healing and transformation can occur.
Through a blend of therapeutic techniques, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Gottman’s Theory and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, we will work together to uncover the root causes of your challenges, develop coping strategies, and build a stronger, more resilient self. My goal is to empower you to make meaningful changes, find greater fulfillment, and enhance your overall well-being.
I am dedicated to supporting you in uncovering your strengths, achieving your goals, and improving your life quality. Let’s embark on this transformative journey together. For more information or to schedule a consultation, please feel free to contact me.