Dr. Kaufman's Practice   - Child, Adolescent, Adult, and Couples Therapy

I see my practice as an ongoing learning experience for myself and my clients. I hope to convey to the individuals I work with how privileged I feel to be in a profession that honors emotional growth and healthy connection with others. I am appreciative of the trust that my clients place in me and work hard to create a safe and respectful atmosphere that helps my clients to grow and explore possible solutions to the difficulties they’re facing.

I recognize that each individual is unique, so an important part of what I bring to the therapeutic relationship is respect for your particular style and needs. Some individuals, for example, are in need of practical, concrete feedback and support, while others are looking for insight and deep exploration of old patterns of relating to others and to themselves.

My own training has encompassed a great many approaches to therapy from cognitive-behavior techniques to psychodynamic approaches,  family systems and emotion focused couples work and, more recently, the body-based techniques of Sensorimotor Processing.  
There are certain core elements of my work that cut across all situations:
Collaboration – therapy is more of a “together” process than a doctor-patient process. Partnership and earned trust in the therapy relationship are powerful agents for change.
Careful attention – a great deal of learning and change takes place by slowing down to very carefully examine and experience thoughts and feelings.
Finding “resources” – therapy can’t just be focused on pain and problems; solutions to difficulties are best found by noticing and developing the strengths and positive feelings that help us to get “unstuck.”

Work with Children and Adolescents

My approach with children is typically a combination of getting to know the unique style and personality of the child through a variety of play therapy techniques, alternating with family meetings and consultation and “strategy planning” meetings with parents. I look at the different areas of functioning for the child – at home and school, and in relationship to peers, teachers and family members – and collaborate with parents in determining strengths and problem areas and in setting reasonable goals and strategies for change. I help parents review psychoeducational testing to more fully appreciate stresses and difficulties that may be occurring at school and at home as parents try to help their child with homework. I have had a great deal of experience in consulting in schools and can help parents to establish good communication with their child's teachers.

I frequently meet with children who have been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder and I coach these children and their parents in a variety of cognitive and behavioral strategies that  help to improve the child's self-esteem, relationships, and school performance.

With older teenagers, I meet with parents at least once at the start of therapy to fully appreciate parents' concerns and to consider what role family therapy might play in the treatment. Often a primary focus of treatment is on individual work with the teens, who are typically wanting to discuss their concerns in a manner that respects their need for privacy.

Having recently supported my own sons through the stresses of high school, I have a great deal of knowledge and empathy regarding the particular academic and social demands that are currently facing teens and I am happy to be able to bring that empathy to bear in facilitating teenagers' self-knowledge and coping resources.


Printable Forms

Registration Form

Release of Information

Authorization to Videotape

I have both Saturday and Sunday appointments available

I provide a free initial half hour consultation, either in person or by phone
Fees and Insurance

I am a network provider for Lifelink - Humana and for Compcare.

I work with a number of other insurance companies as an out of network provider.  Many clients prefer to arrange a reduced rate for sessions rather than use their insurance.

I am able to provide reduced rates for some clients

Diane Kaufman, Ph.D. and Steven Koppell, Ph.D.
Austin therapists
3103 Bee Cave Road Ste.120
Austin, TX 78746
512-330-0409