Meet Tiffany.

Hi! I’m Tiffany Lepa (she/her), and I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor. Like many therapists, my interest in mental health started at a young age, witnessing the impact that mental health struggles and generational trauma had on my own family of origin. As an avid reader and writer, and what others describe as a “great listener,” I’ve also always loved hearing other people’s stories. Mix those experiences together and you get me, a therapist.

Before becoming a therapist, I graduated from a social justice-focused Master’s program in teaching at the University of Texas. My years working in education profoundly shaped my understanding of mental health as a collective struggle rather than an individual issue. I recognize that oppressive systems and institutions play a huge role in our mental, emotional, physical, and overall well-being; therefore, my work extends beyond client sessions to include advocacy, self-reflection, and learning. I am committed to challenging weight stigma, fatphobia, racism, ableism, identity-based discrimination, and mental health care inequality in all its forms. I am LGBTQIA2S+ affirming and am dedicated to providing compassionate identity-affirming care and connecting clients to community resources. 

In addition to my degrees and professional training, I believe that life itself is one of the greatest teachers. My lived experiences with disordered eating, body image struggles, depression, complex trauma, PMDD, and burnout have undoubtedly informed my approach to therapy and shaped my areas of specialization. Having been both a client and a provider, I’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of therapy, and that is part of what fuels my drive to help others heal, grow, and find their voices.

Outside of sessions, you'll find me grabbing coffee or tea with friends, staying home with my partner and our cat, trying to keep up with my reading goals, Facetiming long-distance friends, feeding my backyard critters, hiking, doing something crafty, or exploring new cities.

What therapy is like
with me.

I have 4+ years of mental health experience supporting teens, adults, and couples on a variety of issues including but not limited to anxiety, depression, trauma, gender identity and sexuality, disordered eating, body image concerns, grief, substance use, interpersonal conflict, life transitions, codependency, and burnout.

My clients and colleagues would describe my demeanor as warm, curious, calm, laidback, and humorous. I am not a “blank slate” therapist. Clients often note that my facial expressions and reactions feel authentic and affirming! My approach is collaborative, and I aim to provide a non-judgmental space where you can really feel seen. I challenge clients in a direct but gentle way and combine genuine listening, validation, and curiosity with psychoeducational resources to ensure that clients have the tools needed to transform both inside and outside of sessions. 

Practicing from a person-centered narrative approach, I believe that all clients have the power to re-author their stories. For this reason, I prioritize what clients bring to the room — their experiences, culture, interpersonal systems, community, and strengths. I believe all clients have the inner strength to grow but sometimes get “stuck” in prior narratives that no longer serve them. I work to help clients challenge these narratives and re-write ones that align with their values and showcase their strengths so that they may live more authentically. I am also passionate about Health at Every Size® and challenging diet culture so clients can foster a strong mind-body connection and cultivate a more positive relationship with food, movement, and their bodies.

In a society where mental health struggles are often stigmatized or misunderstood, reaching out for help is undoubtedly scary. It takes a lot of strength and bravery to seek support, and I am so glad that you are here and am ready to meet you where you are! I believe the therapeutic relationship is one-of-a-kind, and I would be happy to be part of your journey.

FUN FACTS

I have a cat, Walley, who I absolutely adore, and who is a senior kitty!  

I love animals, especially wildlife, and opossums are my favorite.  

My favorite TV shows are Twin Peaks, Dark, Black Mirror, and Schitt’s Creek. 

Prior to becoming a therapist, I taught high school English as a Second Language. 

I was born in Iowa but grew up in Oklahoma.

I love reading, especially memoirs.

My favorite place is the Pacific Northwest.

You’ll likely see me with at least two beverages and a notebook in session.

My Values

  • Authenticity

  • Curiosity

  • Respect

  • Compassion

  • Collaboration

  • Autonomy

Credentials, Education + Training

Credentials
Licensed Professional Counselor (TX License #88907)
National Certified Counselor
Member of Central Texas Eating Disorder Specialists (CTEDS)

Education
M.A. in Professional Counseling | Texas State University, 2022
M.Ed. in Curriculum + Instruction | University of Texas, 2015
B.A. in English Writing, Minor in Spanish | University of Oklahoma, 2013

Training + Continuing Education
- Completed Level 1 Gottman Training for Couples | Gottman Institute
- Completed EMDR Basic Training | EMDR Consulting
- Health at Every Size Aligned
- Trans+ Affirming Letter Writing 101: The Basics | The Juniper Center
- Introduction to Dialectical Behavior Therapy | Chelsea Fielder-Jenks, LPC-S, CEDS 
- Mental Health First Aid | Integral Care 
- Crisis Support | Crisis Text Line 
- Introduction to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) and Early Trauma 
- Skills for Psychological Recovery (SPR) | The National Child Traumatic Stress Network