Annabelle Gruner, MA, LPC Associate

Written By Maggie Gentry

(She/Her/Hers)

Currently under the clinical supervision of Jaclyn N. Sepp, MA, LPC-S, RPT-S™, NCC, RYT® 200

3-8 Years | 9-12 Years | 13-18 Years | 18+ | Family | Couples

Annabelle is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate supervised by Jaclyn Sepp, MA, LPC-S, RPT-S™, NCC, RYT® 200, and is currently working towards her Registered Play Therapist™ (RPT™) credential. She earned both her Master of Arts in Counseling and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Spanish from St. Edward’s University, a CACREP-accredited program. Annabelle has experience working with young children, adolescents, adults, families, and couples in diverse community settings— including schools, clinics, jails, and family support centers. She is committed to creating an inclusive and culturally affirming space for her clients as they navigate complex life experiences and trauma.

Annabelle believes that play is the natural language of children and is a vital tool for connection within the therapeutic process. With a child-centered, strengths-based approach to play therapy, she fosters a warm, inviting, and non-judgmental space where children feel empowered to explore their emotions and take risks. She prioritizes collaboration with caregivers to extend the benefits of therapy beyond the playroom.

In addition to her work with young children, Annabelle is passionate about supporting teens and tweens. As a former mental health counseling intern at a high-needs high school, she brings experience and insight into building strong, trust-based therapeutic relationships rooted in compassion, curiosity, collaboration, and cultural responsiveness.

Outside of her professional work, Annabelle enjoys spending time with animals— especially her cat— crocheting, and tending to her many houseplants. A longtime Austinite (since 2008), she also loves exploring the city's vibrant artistic and creative scene with her loved ones.

ANNABELLE IS PARTICULARLY WELL-SUITED TO SUPPORT FAMILIES: 

  • Who are interested in trauma-informed, expressive therapeutic techniques, such as sandtray, play therapy, bibliotherapy, and art therapy, that support developmentally appropriate communication of needs and desires.

  • Who value a therapist who is LGBTQIA2-S+ and gender-affirming, and deeply committed to inclusivity for marginalized communities and neurodiverse individuals.

  • With teens and tweens who are navigating identity exploration, healing after trauma, self-esteem challenges, depression, anxiety, life transitions, and peer relationships.

ANNABELLE WORKS AT OUR BERKMAN AND SPICEWOOD OFFICE LOCATIONS AND OFFERS VIRTUAL SESSIONS. ALL SESSIONS ARE 45 MINUTES UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED. HER RATES ARE THE FOLLOWING:

  • Individual Session $155

  • Initial Consult, Parent Consult $180

  • Family Session $205

AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION:

ADHD
Adoption
Anger Management
Anxiety
Autism
Behavioral Issues
Coping Skills
Depression
Developmental Disorders
Divorce
Domestic Abuse/Violence
Drug Abuse
Emotional Disturbance
Family Conflict
Grief
Learning Disabilities

Parenting
Peer Relationships
Racial Identity
Relationship Issues
School Issues
Self Esteem
Self-Harming
Sexual Abuse
Sleep or Insomnia
Spirituality
Stress
Substance Abuse
Suicidal Ideation
Teen Violence
Transgender
Trauma and PTSD

ANNABELLE’S FAVORITES:

Favorite board game: Yahtzee
Favorite ice cream flavor: Chocolate chip cookie dough
Favorite animal: Red pandas, cats, seals, and sea otters (it's impossible to choose just one!)
Favorite children’s book: The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
Favorite color: Pink
Favorite place in Austin: Bouldin Creek Cafe
Favorite holiday: Valentine’s Day
I feel happiest when: I’m laughing with my loved ones
If I had a superpower it would be: Invisibility
Place I feel most safe/calm/comfortable: In bed with my cat, Casper

Maggie Gentry
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