Meet the Owner
Christine Alcenius (Chris, she/her) is the Sole Proprietor of Expanding Minds Therapy, PLLC. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with Supervisor designation in the state of Texas (License #52059).
Chris grew up in rural Michigan where she graduated from Hanover-Horton High School. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work at Hope College in Holland Michigan in 2006, and a Master’s Degree in Social Work at the University of Texas at Austin in 2007. She worked in Child Welfare for a short time, and Hospice for many years prior to starting her full time therapy practice in 2022.
Chris currently lives in Hutto, Texas with her young son. When she’s not working or parenting, she enjoys doing yoga, crafting, nature walks, thrift store shopping, and learning to care for plants. She identifies as pansexual, politically progressive/liberal, and a religious “none.” She believes that the personal is political, she is committed to promoting social/racial justice, and dismantling systems of oppression.
Chris utilizes an eclectic approach to therapy which is warm, supportive, encouraging, compassion-focused, and client centered. She draws from many theoretical frameworks and therapeutic modalities to meet the unique needs of her clients including:
Click on links to learn more (opens in a new tab)
Chris specializes in working with people who are struggling with:
Anxiety and Depression
Low self-esteem, poor self-image
Finding meaning and purpose in life
Life Transitions and Changes
Relationship Challenges
LGBTQ+ Issues
Gender Identity and Sexuality
Polyamory and Consensual Non-Monogamy
Chronic Pain and Illness
Palliative Care and End of Life Issues
Grief and Loss
Questioning or Leaving Their Faith/Religion
Religious Abuse and Trauma
“Rather than particular techniques, the far greater predictors of positive outcomes are therapeutic relationships, or counselor qualities in therapeutic relationships that capitalize on clients’ internal strengths.”
“We know from experience and the growing body of supportive literature […] that the therapeutic relationship a counselor forms with each client can be the most powerful tool for helping clients change.”