DA Portrait of Daryl Austin

Daryl Austin, LMFT

Calm, practical therapy with faith option

12 years in practice · based in California · sessions in English · online sessions

Book with Daryl

We will earn a commission if you sign up through our link, at no cost to you.

About Daryl

Daryl Austin is a licensed marriage and family therapist who helps people coping with anxiety, stress, trauma, and depression. He listens without judgment and aims to create a calm space where clients can talk about feelings, relationships, and faith when they wish to do so.

He has worked in mental health for over 40 years in many roles, including early work as a mental health worker, case management in a county outpatient clinic, and four years in an acute inpatient setting.

Book with Daryl Now Review online therapy options and next steps.

Background and approach

He returned to school later in life and earned a master’s degree in professional counseling from National University in Fresno, California. He holds the LMFT credential and practiced within California county systems until retiring from county work in June 2022. In sessions he uses a client-centered approach and adapts methods to fit each person.

He incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills when they match a client's needs. For several years he led short-term DBT skills groups in the county system. Daryl also offers an option to integrate Christian faith into therapy for clients who want that perspective.

Faith-based support is voluntary and not required to work together. He focuses on practical tools and steady support to help clients manage symptoms and heal from past hurt. People who choose him can expect straightforward conversation, skill-building for stress and anxiety, and attention to values and belief systems when relevant.

He aims to help people take small steps toward a happier, more manageable life.

Approaches that translate to online care

Daryl often uses client-centered therapy, which means the conversation is led by the client and the therapist offers empathy, reflection, and practical support to help people feel heard and understood. This approach helps when someone needs space to process emotions and priorities.

He also uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking patterns and trying small behavioral experiments to reduce anxiety and depression. CBT is useful for people who want clear, step-by-step tools to change how they react to stress.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills are part of his work too, especially for learning emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and improved communication. These skills can be practiced between sessions and applied to intense moments as they arise.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. He will discuss goals, preferences, and what feels most helpful, then adjust methods as therapy progresses. Clients have a say in whether faith perspectives are included.

Online sessions are offered by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging, which provides flexibility for different days and schedules. Video is good for face-to-face conversation and skill practice, phone can be easier when bandwidth is limited, live chat works for brief check-ins, and messaging helps keep progress between sessions. These options make it simpler to fit therapy into a busy life.
Book with Daryl Now Review online therapy options and next steps.

Questions people ask

What concerns does he address?
He works with people facing trauma and abuse, anxiety, stress, depression, relationship strain, and low self-esteem.
What is his therapy style like?
His style is client-centered and supportive, focusing on listening first and using practical skills to manage emotions and behavior.
How much experience does he have?
He has 12 years as a practicing therapist and more than 40 years in mental health in various roles.
What credentials and region are listed?
He is a California LMFT and practiced in county mental health settings before moving to independent practice in California.
Which languages are offered and can international clients join?
Sessions are offered in English and international clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are available?
He offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different needs and schedules.
How is cost handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions are provided through a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working together?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions based on therapist availability.

What this therapist works with

Also listed

Experience
12 years
Licensed
California
Languages
English

We will earn a commission if you sign up through our link, at no cost to you.