I’m Dr. Lauren David, and I’m a licensed psychologist and owner of Empower Therapy ATX. I provide both individual and couples therapy, as well as psychological evaluations for the purpose of gender affirming surgeries.

As a therapist, I strive to be warm and welcoming, and to create an atmosphere of safety and trust. I believe that the magic happens when my clients are able to be completely themselves with me and we’ve developed a strong and secure relationship together. To help create this safe environment, I continually engage in efforts to increase my cultural competence so that I can provide culturally responsive and affirming therapy for people with diverse and intersecting identities.

My theoretical approach to change is relational and integrative, pulling from many theories of psychotherapy. With the therapeutic relationship as the foundation, I incorporate mindfulness and self-compassion as overarching philosophies of wellness. I work flexibly with my clients to meet their needs, bringing in elements of cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal, feminist, and psychodynamic therapies as appropriate. I also consider how multiple systems of oppression and structural inequalities impact my clients’ concerns and inform their cultural context.

I have a PhD in Counseling Psychology from Auburn University in Auburn, AL. I have several years of experience working in college mental health centers, and have been in private practice in Austin since early 2019. I am licensed to practice psychology in Texas and any PSYPACT authorized state, and continually engage in education aimed at increasing my therapeutic and cultural competence, as well as ability to be an effective social justice advocate and ally.