No Mom, I Don’t Want Grandma’s Lace Curtains: Navigating Adult Relationships With Parents
Relationships with our parents can be complicated. There can be love and gratitude mixed with pain, resentment, guilt, disappointment, unmet…

she/her
LMSW
Life can leave us feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure of what to do next. In my work with adults, couples, children, and families, I help clients slow things down, identify patterns in their thoughts, emotions, and relationships, and look at situations from different perspectives. Together, we explore what may be keeping you stuck and work toward the goals that brought you to therapy. You may be dealing with anxiety or depression, relationship or family concerns, parenting challenges, or a major life transition. I also help children with their struggles, whether it’s anxiety, big emotions, behavior, school, friendships, or changes at home.
My style is down to earth, accepting, nonjudgmental, and sprinkled with humor. I work to create a space where you can feel comfortable and heard by building a genuine relationship, listening without judgment, and giving you room to talk openly about what’s really going on. While having a place to talk is important, it’s important to me that therapy is also practical, with tools and strategies you can use in everyday life.
I bring both life and clinical experience to my work. As a mother and grandmother with a varied professional background that includes business ownership and leadership, I understand that life rarely follows a straight path. I also have training in CBT, Gottman-Informed couples therapy, and Positive Discipline. Most importantly, I believe therapy should meet you where you are and focus on what matters most to you.
Outside of the therapy room, I’m a proud mother of six and grandmother who enjoys traveling, baking, playing American Mahjong, shopping, and spending time with family and friends. I believe these experiences help me bring warmth, authenticity, and real-world perspective to the work I do with my clients.
Written by Katherine Girling
Read Katherine's articles on mental health, therapy, and wellbeing — practical guidance drawn from real work with Austin clients.