BREATHE
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BREATHE Counseling & Consulting is on the third floor of the historic Old Masonic Lodge Building, right in the heart of Georgetown Square. Our space blends the charm of this iconic downtown landmark with a warm, welcoming environment for healing and growth.
BREATHE is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing trauma-informed, accessible mental health care for individuals, couples, and families across Texas. We know healing happens Boldly, Softly, Together through compassion, community, connection, and collaboration. We believe that everyone deserves support, no matter their story or circumstance.
What We Do
At BREATHE, we provide compassionate, evidence-based therapy for anyone seeking support. We help individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges, whether it’s mental health concerns like anxiety, depression, trauma, or addiction, relationship struggles, sleep or pain issues, or the everyday stress and transitions of life.
Even if you don’t have the words for what you’re feeling, we’re here to help you suffer less, process your experiences, and move toward healing. Our clinicians use proven approaches, including EMDR, parts work, and trauma-informed strategies, all tailored to meet you where you are and support your growth.
Who We Serve
We welcome clients of all backgrounds, ages, and identities, both in person on the Georgetown Square and virtually throughout Texas. Whether you’re seeking deep trauma work or simply a safe place to process life and someone to listen, we meet you with compassion and care.
What Matters to Us
compassion
You’re met with empathy, respect, and care that is truly tailored to your goals, your pace, and where you are right now.
community
Our groups and events foster belonging, resilience, and shared experience. Creating a sense of belonging is central to our mission.
connection
We believe people heal best when they feel connected — to themselves, to their support system, and to their community.
collaboration
Therapy is a partnership. We walk with you and partner with local practitioners, wellness providers, and community organizations.
Our Team
Vienna Michaelsen, MA, LPC
Founder, Executive Director, Licensed Professional Counselor, EMDRIA Certified Therapist™
Hi, I'm V!
Vienna is a Licensed Professional Counselor and EMDR therapist (EMDRIA Certified Therapist™) passionate about helping people find lasting freedom from trauma, addiction, and the patterns that keep them feeling stuck. Her work centers on restoring connection—to self, to others, and to the deeper identity we were each created for.
With extensive training in trauma-focused care, Vienna integrates EMDR, parts work, and holistic practices to support deep, sustainable healing. She believes that true transformation happens when people feel safe enough to be seen, known, and fully themselves again.
Outside of her work, Vienna homeschools her two children, bakes lots of bread, and finds peace in simple rhythms of faith, family, and creativity. She is married to her husband, Daniel, and together they share a passion for community, authenticity, and living from a place of freedom.
Daniel Michaelsen
Board Member
Coach & Peer Support Leader
Hello, I'm Daniel.
Daniel is a dedicated firefighter based in Central Texas and a passionate advocate for the mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being of first responders. With years of frontline experience, Daniel leads peer support and small groups designed to build connection, resilience, and purpose within the first responder community. He is especially devoted to mentoring those pursuing a career in fire service, guiding them with honesty, integrity, and heart.
Outside of his professional and community roles, Daniel enjoys playing music, traveling with his family, and spending time outdoors… Most often on the frisbee golf course. He is married to his wife, Vienna, and together they have two children. Daniel’s commitment to service, mentorship, and authentic connection embodies BREATHE’s mission to create spaces for healing, growth, and grounded support.
Jessie Potter
Board Member
Founder & Artist, Chaos Into Beauty
Hey, I'm Jess!
Jessie Potter is a self-taught acrylic abstract artist based in Austin, Texas, and the founder of Chaos Into Beauty (est. 2022). Her work uses vibrant layers and scripture-inspired messages to guide emotional and spiritual healing, capturing resilience and hope in times of struggle.
Through her art, she creates spaces for reflection and transformation, aligning deeply with BREATHE’s mission of holistic, trauma-informed care. Jessie is married to her loving husband Chris, and they have three children. She draws on her personal healing journey through faith and creativity to support others on their path toward wholeness.
Caitlin Lee, MA, LPC-A
Supervised by Brittany Whalen, LPC-S, LMFT-S
Hi, I'm Caitlin.
Caitlin is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate dedicated to providing accessible, compassionate care for clients of all ages. She connects naturally with adolescents and young adults, offering a warm, relatable presence and a focus on self-esteem, self-care, and personal autonomy.
She believes the relationship you have with yourself shapes everything else, and she supports clients in strengthening that foundation. Her approach creates a safe, judgment-free space where clients can show up authentically and explore their experiences with confidence.
Caitlin is honored to walk alongside clients in their healing journey and aims to make therapy feel welcoming, supportive, and empowering.
Crystal Ellis
Graduate Intern
Hey Counselor Crystal.
Crystal Ellis is a graduate student in counseling with nearly a decade of professional experience facilitating expressive, client-centered workshops and trainings. She co-founded the Conflict and Peace Symposium in Austin, TX, demonstrating a commitment to integrating creativity, dialogue, and innovation into mental health practice. Currently, she is completing her counseling internship at a local domestic violence shelter and is in the process of completing IRB training to advance research in expressive and nature-based interventions for trauma work. With a strong academic record, she brings both scholarship and applied experience to her work. She previously presented at the American Counseling Association Conference on Reminiscence Therapy, highlighting her engagement in advancing evidence-based, culturally responsive approaches to counseling.