Annabelle Gruner, MA, LPC Associate
(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 $160
Initial Consult, Parent Consult $185
Family Session $210
AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION:
Abuse (emotional / physical / sexual / neglect)
Adjustment to change & transition
Anger management / Irritability
Anxiety / Excessive worry / Perfectionism
Attachment concerns / RAD - Reactive Attachment Disorder
Behavioral issues / School behavior
Bullying / Discrimination / Racism
Conflict resolution / Communication
Coping skills for big emotions
Cultural Identity within Oppressive Social Systems
Depression
Friendship / Peer relationships
Health at every size
Identity Development
Intimate Relationships
LGBTQIA2S+
Neurodivergence
Neurodivergence: Developmental Disability
Neurodivergence: ADHD - Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Neurodivergence: Autism
Neurodivergence: Intellectual Disability
Self-esteem
Self-harm / NSSI - Non-Suicidal Self Injury
Sibling conflict / Sibling rivalry
Social Skills
Spirituality / Existentialism
Stress management
Trauma & Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (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