Our Therapists
Robin Landers
Founder
Robin is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who runs a thriving private practice in Austin, Tx. She has over 20 years’ experience working with individuals and couples, adolescents and adults. Robin began her career in mental health directly after undergraduate school, where she received her BA in psychology and went on to receive her Masters in Social Work. Prior to opening her private practice, Robin worked with adolescents in the juvenile justice system as an individual and group psychotherapist. She is a certified EMDR therapist in Austin and registered with EMDRIA, an EMDR consultant who facilitates EMDR basic trainings, MAPS trained in MDMA assisted therapy, and is trained in Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy and Systems Centered Therapy.
Wendy Byrd
Founder
Wendy Byrd, LMFT, LPC is a distinguished psychotherapist, educator, and certified EMDR therapist, consultant, and EMDRIA Approved Trainer based in Austin, Texas. She brings extensive expertise in innovative therapeutic approaches, including Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP), EMDR, and as a certified IMAGO relationship couples counselor. She has been featured on Good Morning America and in Newsweek, speaking to the transformative potential of these cutting-edge therapeutic modalities. In recognition of her contributions to the field, she was awarded the 2024 Outstanding Service to EMDRIA Award.
Having established her private practice in 2007, Wendy has evolved her work to become the co-founder of Connected Heart Therapy, where she continues her dedication to holistic therapeutic approaches and professional education. Her expertise in KAP is grounded in a deep understanding of trauma, healing, and the profound potential for personal transformation. As an EMDRIA Approved Trainer and KAP educator, she has dedicated herself to advancing the field by training and mentoring other mental health professionals in both EMDR and KAP protocols.
Throughout her career, Wendy has demonstrated leadership in the mental health community through her service on both local and national professional associations’ boards. She has presented at national conferences, particularly noted for her innovative work in integrating various therapeutic modalities, including her approach to incorporating EMDR into couples therapy. Her background includes significant experience working with complex trauma, having previously specialized in adolescent and child therapy in residential treatment settings.
Jillian DiPaola
MSW, LCSW
Jillian DiPaola is a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in complex trauma and dysfunction. She brings a deeply personal touch to her work as a therapist which is driven by her passion for understanding the complexities of the human experience. With extensive experience working in school systems, psychiatric hospitals, and private practice, Jillian has dedicated her career to helping people navigate trauma, dysfunction, and the challenges that impact their lives, careers, and relationships. Her work with teens, families, and adults has given her a unique perspective on the emotional and psychological difficulties that people face across different stages of life.**
Jillian’s approach to therapy is rooted in compassion, insight, and collaboration. She believes in meeting her clients where they are, and her sessions focus on psychoeducation, self-exploration, and helping individuals unlearn and relearn behaviors that no longer serve them. Through her “roots-up” approach, Jillian helps clients better understand themselves and their internal processes, fostering lasting growth. Her clients can expect not only valuable insight but also a warm, nonjudgmental environment where compassion and understanding are both modeled and practiced.
With a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Dance from Texas Tech University, and an M.A. in Professional Counseling with honors from Texas State University, Jillian has continuously sought to deepen her understanding of trauma and recovery. Certified in the Cloud & Townsend Growth Model and having completed numerous trauma recovery programs, she blends both evidence-based practices and a personal passion for healing into her work.
When she’s not in session, Jillian finds joy in the performing arts as a dancer and singer, teaching and performing in her spare time. Helping others remains her life’s work, and she considers it a true honor to walk with her clients on their journey toward healing and self-discovery.
Chris Fatherree
LCSW
A seasoned professional, Chris Fatherree is highly knowledgeable and well regarded as an LCSW serving the city of Austin and its surrounding areas. While Chris has been a practicing therapist for 4 years, she has over 20 years experience in the Mental Health Field. With warmth, collaboration, and openness, Chris works alongside adults of all ages to attain therapeutic goals specific to their needs.
Chris has worked with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, bipolar, and psychosis and is prepared to support your growth and healing journey as work to overcome these difficulties. She has additional experience treating crises and addictions, lending her to offer a safe welcome space for these challenges as well.
Her thoughtfulness and curiosity allows each individual to feel seen and supported. With approaches ranging from Motivational Interviewing, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Sand Tray and Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Chris is here to support each human as they need.
