Austin Giltus, LCSW - Therapist at Grow Therapy

Austin Giltus

Austin Giltus

(he/him)

LCSW
19 years of experience
Virtual

With 27 years of experience in behavioral health and 18 years in psychotherapy practice, I am a highly skilled psychotherapist dedicated to offering comprehensive and compassionate care to individuals and couples seeking psychotherapy and counseling services. My expertise spans a wide array of mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, stress management, and mood disorders. I employ a variety of evidence-based treatment methods, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). In my practice, I specialize in treating complex issues such as addiction, ADHD, bipolar disorder, PTSD, trauma recovery, and personality disorders. I also address relationship issues including intimacy challenges, infidelity, relationship dysfunction, communication problems, and marital conflicts. My expertise in sex therapy enables me to effectively treat sexual dysfunction, sexual addiction, and porn addiction. I am committed to providing culturally sensitive therapy, speaking Tamil and Malayalam, and understanding Hindi and Oriya, which allows me to connect deeply with clients from diverse backgrounds, particularly within Asian and Indian communities. My experience also includes Christian counseling and working with clients from various religious backgrounds, ensuring a holistic approach to mental and emotional well-being. Additionally, I offer specialized therapy for LGBTQ clients, addressing issues related to questioning, coming out, and navigating the unique challenges faced by the LGBTQ community. I utilize a diverse range of therapeutic techniques, including Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing, to tailor treatment plans that meet the unique needs of each client. Whether you’re seeking help for mental health disorders, relationship issues, or sexual health concerns, I am here to guide you on your journey towards a healthier, more fulfilling life.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

As a compassionate, kind, and empathetic psychotherapist, my primary goal in our first session together is to create a space where you feel completely safe, understood, and supported. I understand that taking the first step toward therapy can be both daunting and hopeful, and I want to ensure that you feel comfortable and confident as we embark on this healing journey together. In our first session, you can expect a warm and welcoming environment where your concerns, feelings, and experiences are honored with the utmost respect and care. We’ll begin by discussing the logistics of virtual therapy, ensuring that you are comfortable with the platform we’ll be using, and addressing any technical concerns you might have. I’ll guide you through how our sessions will work, including confidentiality, session structure, and what you can expect from our time together. This is your space, and I want to ensure you feel fully at ease as we move forward. The heart of our first session will be dedicated to getting to know you and understanding what has brought you to therapy. I will conduct a thorough psychosocial assessment, which is simply a conversation where I’ll ask about various aspects of your life—your history, current situation, relationships, work, and any challenges or issues you’re facing. This is a collaborative process, and there’s no need to feel pressured or rushed. We will go at a pace that feels comfortable for you, and you can share as much or as little as you feel ready to. During this time, I will listen attentively and empathetically, focusing on truly understanding your story and the issues that have led you to seek therapy. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, trauma, or any other mental health concern, my role is to understand how these issues are affecting your life and to work with you to find the best path forward. My approach is non-judgmental and supportive, aimed at helping you feel heard and validated. One of the most important aspects of our first session is establishing trust and building a strong therapeutic alliance. I believe that the foundation of effective therapy lies in the relationship between therapist and client, and I am committed to creating a connection that is rooted in trust, mutual respect, and genuine care. I want you to know that this is a safe space where you can express your thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. In addition to understanding the issues that have broug

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

As a psychotherapist, I believe that the heart of effective therapy lies in the qualities of kindness, compassion, empathy, and active listening. These aren’t just professional skills; they’re the core of who I am and what I bring to our work together. When you begin your therapeutic journey with me, you can expect these qualities to be the foundation of our relationship, guiding every step we take together. Kindness is where we start. In therapy, kindness means creating a warm, welcoming space where you feel safe to share your thoughts and feelings. It’s about being patient with your process, celebrating your progress, and offering support without judgment. I understand that reaching out for help can be intimidating, so my goal is to make you feel accepted and valued from the very first session. Kindness is about recognizing your worth and treating you with the respect and dignity you deserve. Compassion is at the heart of everything I do. It’s the deep understanding of your struggles and the desire to help ease your pain. In our sessions, compassion means being fully present with you, listening with an open heart, and offering comfort and support as you navigate life’s challenges. But compassion is more than just providing comfort—it’s about empowering you to find your strength and resilience. My compassionate approach ensures that you feel seen, understood, and validated, giving you the confidence to move forward. Empathy is the ability to truly connect with your emotions and experiences. It’s about understanding your world from your perspective and walking in your shoes. Empathy allows me to connect with you on a deeper level, helping you feel supported and understood. When you share your thoughts and feelings, I’m not just hearing your words—I’m feeling your emotions alongside you. This deep connection helps build the trust that is essential for effective therapy, creating a space where you feel safe to explore your innermost thoughts. Active listening is another cornerstone of my practice. In a world where it often feels like no one is truly listening, I am here to offer you my full attention. Active listening means being fully engaged in our conversations, hearing not just your words but the emotions behind them. It’s about understanding the essence of what you’re saying and reflecting it back to you in a way that helps you gain clarity and insight. This level of attention helps me understand the core of your issues and enables me to offer thoug

About Austin Giltus

Licensed in

Appointments

Virtual

My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

As a seasoned psychotherapist with extensive experience in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I specialize in helping clients overcome a wide range of challenges, including depression, anxiety, stress, and addiction. My expertise extends to addressing relationship and marital issues, sexual dysfunctions, and sexual disorders, with a deep understanding of the unique needs of LGBTQ individuals. I also work with clients facing trauma, PTSD, OCD, panic disorders, phobias, eating disorders, and personality disorders. Through the transformative power of CBT, I guide clients in reshaping negative thought patterns, fostering healthier relationships, and achieving greater emotional well-being. Whether you’re dealing with self-esteem issues, chronic pain, or the complexities of modern life, my approach is tailored to empower lasting change and personal growth.

Acceptance and commitment (ACT)

As an experienced psychotherapist specializing in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), I am dedicated to helping individuals and couples navigate the complexities of depression, anxiety, stress, and addiction. My expertise extends to treating relationship and marital issues, sexual dysfunctions, and sexual disorders, with a particular focus on the unique challenges faced by the LGBTQ community. The ACT model is centered on helping clients accept their thoughts and emotions rather than avoiding or fighting them. This acceptance, combined with a commitment to meaningful action aligned with personal values, fosters psychological flexibility and resilience. Whether working with individuals or couples, I also support overcoming trauma, PTSD, OCD, eating disorders, chronic pain, and personality disorders, guiding clients toward a more fulfilling and value-driven life.

Gottman method

As a seasoned psychotherapist specializing in Gottman Marriage Therapy, I am dedicated to helping couples overcome a wide range of relationship challenges, including marital issues, infidelity, cheating, and porn addiction. My expertise also extends to addressing issues of marital separation, sexual dysfunction, and sexual disorders, with a deep understanding of the unique dynamics within straight couples, same-sex couples, and LGBTQ relationships. The Gottman method is grounded in decades of research and provides a structured framework that focuses on enhancing communication, rebuilding trust, and deepening emotional intimacy. Techniques emphasizes building a strong foundation of friendship, managing conflict constructively, and creating shared meaning, are central to this approach. This evidence-based method is highly effective not only in resolving relationship struggles but also in addressing the underlying mental health issues that can impact intimacy and connection. Whether you're dealing with emotional disconnection, the aftermath of infidelity, or the complexities of modern relationships, I am here to guide you toward a more fulfilling and resilient partnership.

Couples Counseling

As an experienced couple therapist, I am dedicated to helping couples navigate the full spectrum of relationship challenges, including romantic issues, trust concerns, abandonment fears, and feelings of rejection. My expertise extends to treating sexual dysfunction, addiction, and marital conflict, offering a compassionate approach to healing and connection. Whether you’re dealing with communication breakdowns, intimacy struggles, infidelity, or the complexities of blended families, my tailored therapeutic strategies are designed to rebuild trust, deepen emotional bonds, and foster lasting relationships. I work with couples facing challenges such as commitment issues, jealousy, financial disagreements, and the impact of past traumas, guiding them toward a more harmonious and fulfilling partnership.

Grief Therapy

As an experienced psychotherapist specializing in grief therapy, I am committed to supporting individuals through the profound pain of loss and helping them navigate the complex emotions that accompany grief. My expertise includes addressing issues such as bereavement, complicated grief, loss of a loved one, and anticipatory grief, using evidence-based models like the Dual Process Model, Worden's Tasks of Mourning, and the Five Stages of Grief. I employ a range of therapeutic techniques, including cognitive restructuring, narrative therapy, and mindfulness practices, to guide clients through their healing journey. Whether coping with the loss of a family member, friend, or significant life change, my approach is compassionate and tailored to each individual's unique experience of grief. My goal is to help clients find meaning, resilience, and hope as they work through their loss and rebuild their lives.

Austin Giltus, LCSW